You've been renting skates at the roller rink, or borrowing skates from friends, and now you're finally ready to invest in your own pair of roller skates. Here are the most important factors to consider for your first pair of skates!
Choose Your Boot Style (Heel Or Flat)
Heeled roller skates, sometimes called high-top skates, look like a classic boot with a raised heel of about 2 inches. These boots are often taller with more ankle support. They’re popular with beginners because the heel shifts your center of gravity forward, which helps prevent you from falling backward and injuring your head and tailbone.
Flat roller skates, sometimes referred to as low-top skates, have a mostly flat sole, with a slightly raised heel that is hidden within the boot. These boots are often lighter weight, and they are lower cut around the ankles. They allow for a greater range of motion, and can be more comfortable for people with wider feet because there is less pressure on the ball of the foot.
Heeled Roller Skate |
Flat/Low Heel Roller Skate |
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A high top, heeled boot is a safe choice for many beginners. Heeled boots are versatile and can be used for indoor dance style skating, outdoor recreational skating, and the skate park. If you plan to explore roller derby or speed skating, or if you have wide feet, you should consider a flat boot. Most roller derby leagues will not allow high top roller skates.
Boot Material (Synthetic, Leather, or Suede)
Budget friendly skates are usually made with synthetic vinyl material. These boots can be very stiff and don't stretch very much over time. Higher quality skates are made from leather or suede. They will soften and mold to your foot over time, which means you'll have better control over your skates and your feet will be more comfortable.
Leather or suede skates are a bit more expensive than synthetic skates, but if you have room in your budget they are worth the investment. Leather or suede skates tend to last longer because the boot is stitched to the sole. Vinyl boots may be kept in place with glue which can separate over time.
Plate Material (Nylon or Aluminum)
It is a common misconception that metal/aluminum plates are always better than nylon plates. There are cheap aluminum plates that are prone to cracking, and good quality nylon plates that are reinforced and less likely to crack. In general a good quality nylon plate is better than a low quality aluminum plate.
A nylon/plastic plate is usually fine for a beginner skater, but skates that use plastic trucks are never good quality. These skates should only be used by children.
Adjustable toe stops
Wheels (Indoor or Outdoor)
Our Favorite Roller Skates for Beginners
Sure-Grip Boardwalk Plus