Roller Skates Buying Guide

Are you thinking of starting roller skating, or are you on the lookout for a new pair of roller skates?

This guide will help you find the perfect roller skates for your needs. Whether you’re searching for roller skates for the skatepark, roller dancing, rhythm skating, or cruising as a workout, we’ll walk you through all the essential details to consider before making your purchase.

What Size Roller Skates Should I Get?

To find the perfect size for your roller skates, start by measuring the length of your feet. Then, refer to the size guide provided on the product page of the skates you're interested in. As a general rule, it's often recommended to go one size up from your regular shoe size. However, sizing can vary by brand and model, so always double-check with the specific size chart.

For the best fit, ensure that your skates are comfortable—neither too tight nor too loose. A snug fit is crucial for proper control while skating. Remember, you can slightly adjust the fit of your roller skates with the laces: if you have wider feet, loosening the laces can help accommodate your foot shape. Conversely, tighten the laces for a narrower fit, or consider adding an insole or thicker socks to stabilize your feet inside the roller skate boots.

Which Roller Skate Boot Type Should I Choose?

Choosing the right roller skate boots is crucial for comfort and performance. The best roller skates for you will be the ones that feel most comfortable, and the type of boot you select plays a significant role in this. If you're buying roller skates online and can't try them on beforehand, consider the following features to make the best choice:

  • Padding: Look for skates with a good amount of padding around the ankle. A well-cushioned boot with a firm tongue (the strip under the laces) will allow you to skate longer with greater comfort.
  • Stiffness: The stiffness of the boot is important based on your skating style. A harder boot is ideal for the skatepark or long-distance skating as it offers better ankle protection, improved power transfer, and reduced fatigue. If you prefer dancing or slalom skating, a slightly softer boot will provide a greater range of motion. On SkatePro, you can find the stiffness details in the product specifications.
  • Cut: The cut of the boot matters too. High- or mid-cut boots are best for aggressive skating or long-distance skating, as they provide more ankle support and protection. For disciplines like jam skating, a low-cut boot is more suitable. However, many jam skaters choose a high-cut roller skate boot and undo the top loops of the lacing to increase ankle mobility.
  • Heel: Roller skates come with either a high heel, similar to artistic skating boots, or a low heel, resembling sneakers. Which is better? It depends on your preference. High heels may reduce the risk of falling backward, while low heels offer a natural foot position and lower center of gravity, improving balance. Many roller skaters base their decision on aesthetics, which is a key element in roller skating. Trust your instincts, or try both styles to see which suits you best.

Roller Skate Plates and Trucks

Roller skate plates and trucks are the essential hardware beneath your roller skate boots. The plate is the base that attaches directly to the boot, while the trucks are the metal axles connected to the plate that hold the wheels in place. Together, they determine how your skates move and respond.

In our extensive collection of roller skates, you will find models with plates of these materials:

  • Nylon Plates: These are lightweight and ideal for beginners. They offer ease of movement, but may be less durable compared to other materials. If you are a beginner, nylon plates are sufficient. But be sure to check the weight limits in the product details.
  • Aluminum Plates: Known for their strength and durability, they are heavier but provide superior performance for advanced skaters or those with a heavier build. They offer greater stability and durability.
  • Fiberglass Plates: These offer a balanced combination of weight and strength. Lighter than aluminum but more durable than nylon, fiberglass roller skate plates are a great choice for skaters looking for performance without added weight.

When it comes to roller skate trucks, beginners generally don’t need to focus too much on this component. Roller skates for beginners come with standard trucks, while aggressive roller skates designed for the skatepark feature larger trucks for improved performance.

Choosing Roller Skates with the Right Wheels

The wheels on your roller skates are crucial in determining how your skates will perform on different surfaces. When choosing roller skates, consider where and how you plan to use them:

  • Outdoor Skating (Soft Wheels): For cruising outdoors, choose roller skates with soft wheels, typically with a durometer rating between 78A and 82A. These wheels offer better grip and shock absorption, making them ideal for rough surfaces. A wheel diameter between 58 mm and 65 mm is recommended—larger wheels provide more speed and handle cracks in the pavement better, while smaller wheels are easier to control, making them suitable for beginners.
  • Aggressive Skating (Hard Wheels): For roller skaters who prefer aggressive or park skating, choose harder wheels with a durometer between 95A and 100A. These wheels are more durable and have a smaller diameter, around 56 mm, providing better control for tricks and quick maneuvers.
  • Roller Dance/Jam Skating (Medium-Hard Wheels): Jam skaters and roller dancers often prefer medium-hard wheels, with a durometer typically between 80A and 85A. These wheels strike a balance between grip and speed, but it’s important to adjust based on the surface you’ll be dancing on, such as smoother indoor rinks or rougher outdoor surfaces.

If the wheels on the roller skates you love don’t meet your needs, you can always swap them out for a different set, which can be purchased separately. Check out our video guide:

for easy instructions on how to do this at home. Many skaters keep multiple sets of wheels to switch out based on their skating environment. This flexibility allows you to get the best performance in any situation! To find the wheels you need, head over our category:

Understanding Roller Skate Bearings

When purchasing roller skates, you’ll often come across bearings classified on the ABEC scale, which ranges from ABEC 1 to ABEC 9. This scale measures the precision of the bearing’s construction—the higher the number, the more precise the bearing. In theory, higher precision means smoother rolling, but the overall quality of the bearing often plays a more significant role in how fast your wheels will spin.

To ensure smooth rolling, proper bearing maintenance is essential. Follow these tips:

  • Avoid Humidity: Never store your roller skates in humid environments, as moisture can cause bearings to rust or degrade.
  • Dry After Skating on Wet Surfaces: If you skate during or after rain, or near a splashing fountain, always dry your bearings afterward.
  • Regular Cleaning and Lubrication: Periodically clean and lubricate your bearings to keep them performing at their best. Check out our video guide:

With proper care, your roller skate bearings will last longer and provide a smoother skating experience. If you find that you need new bearings, you can find them in our category:

Roller Skate Toe Stops & Jam Plugs

Roller skate toe stops come in two main types: bull-eye and adjustable. While beginners will do fine with either, we recommend adjustable toe stops for intermediate and advanced skaters.

  • Bull-Eye Toe Stops: These are fixed and cannot be adjusted, which limits customization. They are perfectly suitable for beginners but offer fewer options for personalized fit and feel.
  • Adjustable Toe Stops: These allow you to set the toe stop height to your preference, providing greater flexibility, especially when changing wheel diameter or trying different skating styles. If you’d like to learn more about adjusting toe stops, check out our video guide:

It’s important to note that bull-eye toe stops cannot be swapped for adjustable ones. However, if you want to replace worn-out stops or simply customize your skates with a new color, visit our category:

For roller dancers and jam skaters, jam plugs are used instead of toe stops. These small rubber components are ideal for dance moves, as they provide a better base during pivots without the bulk of traditional toe stops. While jam plugs don’t allow for braking, they help protect the plate and are essential for fluid movements.

Roller Skate Grind Blocks for Aggressive Skating

Grind blocks, also known as slide blocks or sliders, are essential for aggressive skaters who want to grind or slide on rails and copings. If you're planning to visit the skatepark or try aggressive street skating, it's a good idea to choose roller skates equipped with grind blocks.

If it’s your first time using skates with grind blocks, you might notice the skates feel a bit more rigid. However, you’ll quickly adapt, and once you start grinding, you’ll appreciate the benefits of having blocks installed! If you like a pair of roller skates that come with grind blocks but don’t plan to grind or slide, don’t worry—you can easily remove the blocks.

Protective Gear for Roller Skating

Wearing protective gear is highly recommended for all roller skaters, but it’s especially important if you’re a beginner, skate in urban areas, or practice aggressive skating. Essential protective gear includes a roller skating helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. Not only do these products keep you safe, but being fully equipped will boost your confidence, helping you learn faster and push your limits.

When purchasing your new roller skates, it’s a great idea to grab your protective gear at the same time. At SkatePro, we offer everything you need:

For added convenience, check out our packages:

You can bundle roller skates, protective gear, and even a skate bag for a complete set!

Why Should I Buy Roller Skates?

Roller skates, also known as quad skates, are loved for their classic retro look, but they’re far from boring! If you’re still undecided about purchasing a pair, consider this: roller skates open up a world of possibilities, whether you want to perform tricks, get a great workout, have fun with friends at the rink, or learn impressive dance moves.

Moreover, thanks to their wide baseplate, roller skates offer more lateral stability compared to inline skates, making them a popular choice for beginners. Experienced skaters also benefit from this added control, using it to push their limits and perform more advanced moves.

Last but not least, roller skates are available in various colors, designs, and sizes, so they are suitable for everyone and are a great way to express yourself!

If you're curious about the benefits of roller skating, be sure to check out our guide:

Still unsure? Feel free to contact us—we’re always here to help:

SkatePro