These are the USD Shadow. They cost around $250 boot only. These are the re-released version of the original Xsjado from the early 2000s. They feature a large soul and negative area, and are adjustable to fit all different foot lengths.

These are the Them 908 boots. They retail for around $165 US. The 908 is the first boot from Them Goods, the company started by skating legend Jon Julio. They’re sold boot only so you can pick which frames, wheels and bearings you want.

These are the Rollerblade New Jack Team. They retail for around $200 US. They’re based on the Rollerblade TRS Access shell, Rollerblade’s first UFS boot. They come with Blank frames and 58mm wheels with ABEC 5 bearings.

These are my first raised heel skates in a long time. The soul plate is higher in the back to allow for a flat UFS mounting area. With skates like the Razors Shift or the Seba CJ, the boot is already flat. This allows for the addition of a shock absorber in the heel, typically making a more comfortable ride.

The Seba CJ Skates are some of the most expensive on the market. With a carbon fiber boot and integrated liner with memory foam, they're some of the most technically advanced skates I've seen. I skated them for a few months with different frame and wheel setups to see if they're worth your money.

What makes the USD Aeon unique is that the frame and boot are a single piece design. Unlike most other aggressive skates the Aeons don't support UFS, the frame mounting system standard.