Guide to Buying Roller Skates

Are you considering taking up roller skating for the first time, or maybe you're seeking a new set of roller skates?

This guide is designed to assist you in selecting the ideal roller skates that meet your requirements. Regardless of whether you're looking for roller skates for the skatepark, dance skating, rhythm skating, or just want to cruise as part of your exercise routine, we'll cover all the key information to keep in mind before you make your purchase.

How Do I Choose the Right Size Roller Skates?

To determine the appropriate size for your roller skates, begin by measuring your foot length. Use the size guide available on the product page for the specific skates you’re interested in. Generally, it's advised to select a size larger than your typical shoe size. Since sizes can differ based on the brand and model, always verify with the specific size chart.

For optimal comfort, ensure your skates fit well—neither overly tight nor too loose. A snug fit is vital for maintaining control while skating. If needed, you can adjust the roller skates with the laces: loosening them can help accommodate wider feet, while tightening will provide a narrower fit. Adding an insole or wearing thicker socks can also help stabilize your feet within the roller skate boots.

How to Select Your Roller skate Boot Type?

Selecting the correct roller skate boots greatly influences both comfort and performance. The best choice will be the boots that feel most comfortable, with the type of boot you select playing a vital role. If purchasing roller skates online and trying them on in advance isn't possible, consider these features to guide your decision:

  • Padding: Choose skates with ample padding around the ankle. A well-cushioned boot with a firm tongue (the strip beneath the laces) enhances comfort, enabling longer skating sessions.
  • Stiffness: The boot's stiffness matters according to how you skate. A sturdy boot is suitable for skatepark activities or long-distance skating, offering better ankle protection and reduced fatigue. For dance or slalom skating, slightly softer boots will provide more freedom of movement. You can find the stiffness specifications for each product on SkatePro.
  • Cut: The boot's cut is another consideration. High- or mid-cut boots suit aggressive or long-distance skating by providing additional ankle support. For styles like jam skating, a low-cut boot is preferred. However, many jam skaters opt for a high-cut boot and leave the top lacing open to enhance ankle flexibility.
  • Heel: High heels, typical of artistic skating boots, or low heels, which resemble sneakers, are available. High heels might decrease backward falls, while low heels provide a natural foot position and improved balance. Appearance also plays a large role in the decision for many—go with your gut, or try both to determine the best fit.

Exploring Roller skate Plates and Trucks

Plates and trucks are fundamental components beneath your roller skate boots. The plate is the base attached to the boot, and the trucks are metal axles that connect to the plate to hold the wheels. Together, they influence how your skates move and react.

Within our wide assortment of roller skates, you’ll discover models featuring plates made from these materials:

  • Nylon Plates: Ideal for novices due to their lightweight nature. They offer ease of movement, although they may lack durability compared to others. For beginners, nylon plates work well, but be sure to review the weight limitations in the product specifics.
  • Aluminum Plates: These are known for their strength and durability, being heavier but providing enhanced performance for experienced skaters or those with a heavier build. They deliver superior stability.
  • Fiberglass Plates: A balance of weight and strength is offered by these plates. Lighter than aluminum yet more durable than nylon, fiberglass plates are a superb choice for those seeking performance without extra weight.

Regarding trucks, beginners don't need to overly worry about this part. Beginner roller skates typically include standard trucks, while aggressive skates intended for skateparks come with larger trucks for heightened performance.

Choosing Roller Skates with Appropriate Wheels

The wheels greatly affect how roller skates perform across different surfaces. Reflect on where and how you'll use them when selecting your roller skates:

  • Outdoor Skating (Soft Wheels): If you plan to skate outdoors, opt for soft wheels, generally with a durometer of 78A to 82A. Such wheels provide grip and absorb shocks, great for uneven terrains. A wheel diameter of 58 mm to 65 mm is suggested—larger wheels speed up and handle pavement cracks better, while smaller wheels are easier to manage, suiting beginners.
  • Aggressive Skating (Hard Wheels): For individuals into aggressive or park skating, choose wheels with a durometer between 95A and 100A. These hard wheels, smaller in diameter at about 56 mm, offer durability and control for tricks and quick movements.
  • Roller Dance/Jam Skating (Medium-Hard Wheels): Jam skaters and roller dancers frequently favour wheels between 80A and 85A. These provide a mix of grip and speed; remember, adjust according to the surface you’ll be dancing on, like indoor rinks or rougher outdoor areas.

If the wheels you adore aren't quite right, feel free to swap them for a different set, available separately. Have a look at our video guide:

for straightforward instructions. Many skaters maintain multiple sets of wheels to adapt to varied skating environments. This versatility allows you to achieve the best performance in any scenario! Seek out the wheels you need in our category:

Grasping the Importance of Roller skate Bearings

Bearings are often rated on the ABEC scale when purchasing skates, ranging from ABEC 1 to ABEC 9. This scale gauges the precision of the bearing’s manufacture—the higher the number, the more precise the bearing. Generally, higher precision equals smoother rolling; however, the bearing's overall quality impacts speed the most.

Ensuring smooth rolling depends on proper bearing upkeep. Follow these tips:

  • Steer Clear of Moisture: Avoid storing skates in humid areas, as it can lead to bearing rust or degradation.
  • Dry After Use on Wet Surfaces: If skating in the rain or near fountains, dry your bearings post-skating.
  • Routine Cleaning and Lubrication: Clean and lubricate your bearings periodically for optimal performance. View our video guide:

With care, your bearings will last longer and deliver a smoother skate. If you find a need for replacements, visit our category:

Roller skate Toe Stops & Jam Plugs

For roller skate toe stops, there are bull-eye and adjustable varieties. Both are fine for newcomers, but adjustable toe stops are preferable for those at an intermediate or advanced level.

  • Bull-Eye Toe Stops: Non-adjustable, these limit customization, yet suit beginners well despite fewer personalization options.
  • Adjustable Toe Stops: These deliver height customization, which is advantageous when altering wheel diameter or modifying skating styles. View our video guide to learn more about adjustment:

Note that bull-eye stops can't be replaced with adjustable ones. To replace worn stops or update your skates with a new colour, venture into our category:

Jam plugs are preferred by roller dancers and jam skaters instead of toe stops. These small rubber components enhance movement during pivots without the bulk of traditional stops. While they don't facilitate braking, jam plugs protect the plate and aid fluidity in motion.

Roller skate Grind Blocks for Aggressive Moves

Grind blocks, also termed slide blocks or sliders, are essential for aggressive skaters wanting to grind on rails and copings. If skatepark visits or street skating adventures are in your plans, skates with grind blocks are a smart choice.

First-time grind block users may find an initial rigidity, yet adaptation occurs quickly, revealing the benefits of grinding. Those who like roller skates with blocks but don’t plan to utilize them can remove the blocks easily.

Protective Gear for Roller Skating

The use of protective gear is crucial for all skaters, more so if you're learning, skate in urban areas, or engage in aggressive skating. Key gear includes a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. These not only provide safety but also confidence to learn and conquer new challenges.

Alongside acquiring your new roller skates, consider purchasing your protective gear at the same time. We offer all necessary items at SkatePro:

Explore our package deals for further convenience:

You can include roller skates, protective gear, and a skate bag in one complete package!

Why Consider Buying Roller Skates?

Also referred to as quad skates, roller skates have a classic retro appearance but are anything but dull! If you're undecided about getting a pair, consider the myriad opportunities they offer—performing tricks, achieving a fantastic workout, having a great time at the rink with friends, or mastering impressive dance moves.

Furthermore, roller skates, with their wider baseplates, provide greater lateral stability than inline skates, which is why novices tend to gravitate towards them. Those with more experience also gain from this enhanced control, using it to test their boundaries and execute more intricate moves.

Lastly, roller skates come in a range of colours, designs, and sizes, making them ideal for all and an excellent way to showcase your individuality!

Interested in the advantages of roller skating? Make sure to explore our guide:

Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always available to assist:

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