The 24-year-old Matthias years was improving every year in skating and had the chance to join the speed skating world championships in France. As fate would have it, he had another big opportunity come his way that forced him to make the biggest decision of his life. During the same time as the World Championships, he got the chance to introduce POWERSLIDE at ISPO in Munich, the world’s premier sporting goods trade show. With a heavy heart, he stopped his professional skating career and embarked on the successful journey of living his dream. It’s important to note that at the ISPO trade show Tom Peterson, owner of Hyper, promised to support POWERSLIDE and aid in its success with a generous brand selection and payment terms.

Together with his friend, Stefan Göhl, Matthias founded POWERSLIDE, driven by the goal of bringing the joy of rolling to people around the world through high-quality, innovative skates and parts that allow skaters to push their limits, have fun and redefine what’s possible on inline skates.

As a new company with few sales and no sales network, the business started slowly when, in the summer of 1995, things started happening - new products, new people and increased sales. The company was growing from zero to 4 million German marks in one year. Powerslide was distributing some of the best-known brands around, including Senate, 976, Boneless and Pro-Tec, Wicked and Square Wheels and many others.

While developing and growing its brands, POWERSLIDE was still focused on creating innovative new products and expanding its product portfolio. Hypno skates were the first Blade & Walk skates - a completely new skate concept featuring a walkable skate shoe, allowing skaters to put on or remove their skates in seconds. 

Hockey is a great introduction to the world of skating so it was an easy decision to take over Mission hockey skates’ distribution from the Naegele family (the former owners of Rollerblade).

This was the year inline skating’s popularity began to drop and there were signs of tough times ahead. Powerslide had to innovate, think outside the box and develop new products for different types of skating. Feline was our first attempt at offering inline skates specifically designed for women. Up to this point, inline skates were unisex models relying on a male last for both genders. Feline skates were engineered for female feet, which tend to be not only smaller but also anatomically different than male feet. While the concept and marketing of Feline were fantastic, unfortunately, the fit of the skates wasn’t right, and the brand failed in the end – lesson learned! 

Powerslide joined forces with Salomon and 50/50 to develop a uniform assembly standard for aggressive inline skates. The Universal Frame System (UFS) is still the industry standard for aggressive skates today. Under the brand label Kizer, Powerslide brought the first aftermarket UFS frames to the market, which could be mounted onto USD boots, as well as onto Salomon boots.

USD continued to grow and was the leading aggressive skate company, offering high-quality, innovative skates that had never been seen before. The all-new Psirus skate model was developed alongside Kizer frames. This was the start of what became a completely new company. 

Just as USD focused on offering capable, innovative skates, Kizer focused on developing frames that meet and exceed the need of aggressive and urban skating. Kizer remains an industry-leading frame company.

Grinding was popular in 2000, whether you were on skates or even shoes. USD launched their sneaker line, which was the base for what became the popular Sifika and Epic shoe brands. Protective gear up to this point tended to be the same color with similar designs. We focused on offering new designs and styles while offering bright colors never seen on protective gear before. This was the year that we released the first race-focused protective gear and the now common Kevlar sleeve.

POWERSLIDE left its comfort zone with the creation of CHOKE - an all-new skateboarding brand. For the first time ever, we expanded into the world of skateboarding - an industry with a completely different market, established brands and lots of new competitors. The “war” between boarders and skaters was fully ignited at the time, but we accepted the challenge.

With our experience as a distributor for Bont, Ultimate and Verducci, we broke established traditions and developed our first POWERSLIDE inline race skate collection. The revolution started with the R2, the skate that won the first world championship. POWERSLIDE developed a host of inline race products, like the first brake for race/marathon skates, as well as the first adjustable speed skate for kids. This was also the year POWERSLIDE introduced the X-Slot Mounting System, which allows skaters to adjust their frames forward and back or side to side to augment their individual skating style.

Now commonly known as urban inline skating, POWERSLIDE entered the world of freeskating in 2004 with the goal of bringing more excitement into inline skating, especially in fitness skating, which had lost some popularity over the years. 

And we didn’t stop there: 2004 also saw the release of adjustable skates for aggressive inline skating. With the USD Transformer, parents could purchase skates that could be used for multiple seasons and even shared between siblings with different sizes of feet. POWERSLIDE introduced the world’s first width-adjustable brake with Universal Brake System technology (UBS) for inline skates. 

What quickly became the best wheels for aggressive and urban skating, Undercover Wheels came out in 2004, giving skaters high-quality, long-lasting wheels in a range of sizes and hardness.

POWERSLIDE entered the inline fitness market with Phuzion skates. Being more than just a collection of ordinary fitness skates, Phuzion skates were engineered from the beginning for performance and incorporated stunning designs and innovative solutions, including the X-slot mounting, height adjustable cuffs, Boa disc closure systems and our height adjustable brake system (HABS).

With the release of the XXX speed skating frame with unique X-Box construction, POWERSLIDE proved that it is possible to develop a lightweight, ultra-stiff frame to ensure maximum power transfer.

Last but certainly not least, the release of Pitch and Stride Control, which incorporate small plastic parts between the boot and frame help compensate for physical deformities such as knock knees and bow legs and improve individual performance.

WE LOVE TO SKATE – In 2009, we changed our slogan to express our passion and love for the sport and each product we develop.

With our Green line, POWERSLIDE created sustainable skates featuring frames made from bamboo and boot uppers made of hemp, using more recycled material for injection parts of the skates.

We also began incorporating basalt fibreglass in our speed skate shells in order to improve sustainability. We also invested in our aggressive skating portfolio, introducing new Deshi skates and also purchasing Xsjado (a Salomon-owned brand), including all patents.

To bring the unmatched experience of skating all year long for the first time, POWERSLIDE released Classic and Fitness ice skates for adults and children.

The skating world was introduced to Triskates (3-wheel skates) in 2010, and it’s never been the same. Skaters all over the planet have embraced the speed, agility and unmatched performance of inline Triskates - a term that didn’t exist until we unveiled the Phuzion 7 Open Air 3-wheel inline fitness skate. This was the start of a movement that culminated in 2015 with the release of 3x125mm inline skates.

With the introduction of the Heel Retention System (HRS), the skate shaft width can be adjusted to match individual preferences.

One focus in 2011 was the development of performance inline skates for kids. Designed with one-piece construction, POWERSLIDE created adjustable kids skates without overlapping parts to improve the comfort, look and performance of kids skates.

PLAYLIFE was brought to life as a brand featuring proven designs from Powerslide at lower price points.

POWERSLIDE developed roller skis with a novel Easy Mounting System, making it simple to mount cross-country bindings in minutes, without the need to drill holes in the frame.

The Virus – later called VI and finally V. entered the fitness market with a completely new concept. With asymmetrically and anatomically shaped shells, 360° ATOP disc lacing system, heat-moldable liner – the Virus was packed with innovations. The collection didn´t just cover fitness skates but also freeskates and POWERSLIDE’s first SUV off-road skate.

On the aggressive side of things, in 2012, USD made the impossible possible with the first carbon skate for aggressive skating.

Step in, step out, and have a blast commuting - in 2013, Doop was released so that anyone could “Make it a Doop Day!” Doop was the first urban commuter skate that allows you to use your regular footwear: you can skate to work, stop by your favorite shops or run errands virtually hassle-free.

The Powerhouse in Barcelona started to create the Powerblading movement merging freeskating and aggressive skating.

Following the successful launch of the USD carbon, a natural progression for USD was the carbon free boot, adding a mid-price skate with an incorporated liner to the collection.

In 2013, we also launched Ennui protective gear, offering high-end protective gear for all kinds of action sports like inline skating, skateboarding or scooter riding.

POWERSLIDE was the first company to offer Triskates and the ability to ride on up to 125mm wheels starting a whole new movement in inline skating.

In 2015, Bart Swings shattered the Berlin Marathon in a time of 56:48min on 3x125mm wheels!

With the introduction of Fothon, other LED inline skating wheels were put to shame by offering bright shining unique colors: they brought a completely new style into night skating sessions.

This was the year when an important milestone was reached, POWERSLIDE released the world’s first 2-in-1 frames, making it possible for skaters to ride three or four wheel setups on one frame.

To help improve comfort and eliminate pain from common regions or “pain points”, POWERSLIDE introduced the Pain Free Shell.

POWERSLIDE and CHAYA products both benefitted from the newly unveiled Flex Shell technology. This special construction of the plastic shell improves comfort without sacrificing performance.

To be the best you have to constantly grow, progress and innovate. With the release of Unity frames, POWERSLIDE introduced a whole new manufacturing process - aluminum-stamped frames are constructed of a single piece of aluminum.

In 2016, POWERSLIDE continued to develop brands, products and technologies. The Swell inline skate collection changed the look of fitness skates, being the first skates featuring Powerknit materials, combining fashion and performance in a top-notch Triskate.

With its single-body construction, the USD Aeon skates revolutionized the aggressive skate world by offering a super lightweight, non-UFS unibody skate.

The TRINITY 3-point mounting was created to improve skating, offering a low center of gravity, improved stability and superb control, especially for big-wheel skating. 2016 saw the introduction of Undercover Urban and FSK wheels. WICKED bearings were introduced also in 2016, giving skaters high-performance, long-lasting options for bearings.

POWERSLIDE celebrated its 25th anniversary! We are beyond proud to have and continue to make positive impacts on the world of inline skating.

In 2019, we made the strategic decision to go back to our roots and focus on inline skating and roller skating.

We also reached a new milestone in 2019, releasing Graphix wheels with LED wheel technology and the UBC bag concept that’s completely unique to the market.

With the release of the Onesie protectors, the common problem of improperly fitting protectors was solved. The knitted cotton protectors are stretchable in all directions and ensure a comfortable yet tight fit to eliminate slipping and movement. The material also absorbs sweat and provides skaters with a nice cooling effect while skating.

The famous pump system from the ‘90s returned in 2019, only this time being incorporated into the Aerofit padding technology that comes in Swell skates. With a few pumps, skaters can get the perfect fit.

On the roller skating side of things, CHAYA introduced the first asymmetrical grind block for roller skates allowing skaters to perform new tricks and redefine what’s possible on roller skates.

Always innovating, POWERSLIDE unveiled the patent-pending 3D Adapt Padding - a completely new design and manufacturing process for skates with incorporated liners. With this manufacturing process, the inner liners are produced with a PU cast in the mold, proving it’s possible to produce boots with multiple PU layers where the hardness of the individual layers can vary.

With the release of the Speed Control System (SCS), POWERSLIDE improved safety for inline skaters. SCS allows the two middle wheels’ speed to be reduced, giving young and newbie skaters more control while they are learning the basic skills. 

CHAYA introduced XTNDR trucks for roller skaters focused on tricks and skatepark skating. The truck can be easily adjusted to three different axle lengths.

A big milestone happened in 2021, Undercover introduced the first PU wheels with Ultra-High Rebound (UHR) urethane that’s fast, grippy and long-lasting, giving skaters an unmatched skating experience.

 Not to be outdone, CHAYA released Bubble Switch Sole (BSS) technology. The rubber cushion is embedded in the heel of the outsole and is fixed with a screw. With a ¼-turn of the screw, the cushion can be quickly and easily replaced and adjusted to meet skaters’ individual needs. The softer cushion offers more comfort while the harder option provides better power transfer.

The fun trend from the ‘90s has returned! EPIC grind shoes let anyone walk and grind seamlessly. Grind a ledge, hit a rail, and then walk away in style. 

POWERSLIDE released the Vario Mounting System in 2022, allowing people to mount both cross-country binding systems and off-road frames onto their hard boots.

In 2022, POWERSLIDE unveiled a new generation of urban frames, the Combat frame with HXG Rocker technology. This innovative technology allows skaters to rocker all wheels independently. The wheels can be set up individually in 6 different positions thanks to the hexagonal rocker spacer. What you get is superb agility, even with longer frames.