Brake assemblies for in-line roller skates utilize a brake pad and a support member having portions extending forward of the front wheel. The brake support may fasten to the forward portion of the skate side rail by two bolts substituted for two of the skate's wheel bolts. Tabs or a groove, and a screw secure the replaceable brake pad to the forward portion of the brake support. The pad extends around the front of the front wheel and also at least partially around to the side of the front wheel on the brake support surface. The brake support member may be formed as an integral part of the side rail extending forward of the front wheel. These arrangements allow the skater to brake safely by tipping the foot downwardly or by dragging the foot to the side.