The temperatures are warming up which means it’s time to whip out the roller skates. Roller skating is a freeing activity that gets your body moving. You can do it indoors or out with your whole family – including your kids. Plus, most average roller skates cost in the $50 to $150 range. While that isn’t necessarily cheap, it’s an investment that will last way beyond one summer. So, it’s important to find the proper roller skates to fit how you plan to roll.
What Are the Different Types of Roller Skates?
There are six main categories of roller skates, according to a Roller Skate Nation post. There are indoor skates, outdoor skates, speed skates, kids skates, roller derby skates, and inline skates (aka roller blades). Indoor skates typically have narrow wheels for easy turning and maneuvering around the rink. Outdoor skates have softer wheels than indoor skates in order to handle the not so smooth surfaces outside. Kids skates are durable shoes made to not go as fast for a safer roller skating experience.
Then, speed skates have a lower cut boot and specially designed bearings (the part makes the wheels spin) to help you move faster with less restriction than the average skate. And, roller derby skates are built for the sport of roller derby. They have the speed of a speed skate with more durability and control than the average roller skate.
- Best Beginner Skates: Roller Derby Roller Star 600 Women’s Roller Skates
- Best Indoor Skates: VNLA Parfait Indoor Roller Skates
- Best Kid Skates: Rollr Grl Ella Indoor Outdoor Adjustable Skates
- Best Outdoor Skates: Impala Rollerskates Quad Skate
- Best Retractable Roller Skates: KOFUBOKE Unisex 2-in-1 Retractable Wheels Roller Skates
- Best Roller Derby Speed Skates: Riedell 265 Sunlite Fugitive Indoor Speed Skates
Best Beginner Skates
Roller Derby Roller Star 600 Women’s Roller Skates
Roller Derby’s Roller Star 600 Women’s Roller Skates are a beginner friendly roller skate that can be worn indoors or outside. These skates don’t have a block heel – like most indoor outdoor skates. There’s also a cushioned sole for added comfort. Plus, these skates have reinforced heel support.
Best Indoor Skates
VNLA Parfait Indoor Roller Skates
VNLA’s Parfait Indoor Roller Skates are designed with jam and rhythm skaters in mind. Jam and rhythm skating involves executing dance moves, and occasionally, flips and tricks. So, as you’re going around the indoor rink, know that these skates will glide as smoothly as you do.
Best Kid Skates
Rollr Grl Ella Indoor Outdoor Adjustable Skates
Rollr Grl’s Ella Indoor Outdoor Adjustable Skates are a set of kids skates that feature unicorns, donuts, and even cat-icorns (a cat and unicorn hybrid). Plus, these shoes grow with your kid so you don’t have to buy new skates every year. Shop them in adjustable two sizes: small and medium. The small covers sizes 12J to 2 while the medium spans 3 to 6.
Best Outdoor Skates
Impala Rollerskates Quad Skate
Impala’s Rollerskates Quad Skate are a cushioned pair of outdoor roller skates that can also be worn indoors. These durable roller skates feature ample cushioning around the ankle and on the tongue of the boot. With that added comfort you won’t want to rip these skates off after an hour.
Best Retractable Roller Skates
KOFUBOKE Unisex 2-in-1 Retractable Wheels Roller Skates
KOFUBOKE’s Unisex 2-in-1 Retractable Wheels Roller Skates let you choose when you skate, without needing to bring a backup pair of shoes. These retractable roller skates hide the skates in the middle of the shoe when you’re walking. Then, when you want to skate, you use the rear lock to flip the skates out and lock them into place.
Best Roller Derby Speed Skates
Riedell 265 Sunlite Fugitive Indoor Speed Skates
If you know your way around a roller rink and crave more speed, try the Riedell 265 Sunlite Fugitive Indoor Speed Skates. These roller skates are handcrafted in the US with a full grain leather upper. And, they’re more lightweight than the average roller skate. Plus, they have a nylon insert that prevents too much flexing when you’re dashing around the rink.
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