Four-wheeled roller skates were invented in 1863. Early skates, like those pictured here, clamped onto the skater's shoes and were held fast with leather straps. Further refinements to wheels, bearings and toe stops soon helped launch the first of many roller skating crazes.
Creator: Era Products
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society
Dates: 1950–1955
Identifer: accession 1990.187.1.A,B
