Rollerblade

The Rollerblade® brand, a trailblazer in the inline skating industry, is part of the Tecnica Group under Nordica, headquartered in Giavera del Montello, Treviso, Italy. Initially founded in Minneapolis by Scott Olson, Brennan Olson, and Christopher Middlebrook as Ole’s Innovative Sports, the company has undergone several ownership changes, including transitions through Nordica, the Benetton Group, and ultimately Tecnica, to become Rollerblade, Inc. This brand played a pivotal role in transforming inline skates from a niche training tool for ice-speed skaters to a mainstream sporting and recreational activity.

During its formative years, Rollerblade, Inc. stood as the singular manufacturer of inline skates with a global distribution network, a distinction that allowed it to command a vast segment of the market. Particularly in North America, Rollerblade® enjoyed near-total market dominance, a feat achieved through robust advertising initiatives and the exclusive sponsorship of inline-skating-only events. This strategic approach not only cemented Rollerblade®’s position as a market leader but also significantly contributed to the popularization and growth of inline skating worldwide, making the brand synonymous with the sport itself.