UPDATE: Jul. 31, 2023, 2:36 p.m. EDT This guide has been updated with new products, sizing tips, and recommendations from experienced roller skaters.
You may have noticed that roller skating became a hugely popular hobby during the pandemic. It provided a relatively safe way to stay active and get out of the house. However, unlike a lot of pandemic hobbies, interest in roller skating is still growing. You can thank social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, which have shown people that roller skating is possible even for beginners — you just have to be willing to persevere through some of the inevitable falls that come with the learning curve.
To get started, all you need are the best roller skates for beginners and a good attitude. (A couple of friends who are also interested in roller skating with you doesn't hurt either.)
Mashable recently updated its guide to the best roller skates for all types of folks, and we also wanted to update this guide to the best roller skates for beginners. So, we tapped roller skating experts and social media stars Patsy Paredes (@PatsyParedess), Ashley “She She” Madison (@Sk8bloomer), Melody Olivera (@melodyskatess), and Dee and Coco of (@Rollerbadddies). These skaters helped us break down the differences between quad and inline skates, indoor versus outdoor skates, and skate sizing.
Thanks to their tips and product recommendations, we've found the best beginner's skates.
Why you should get roller skates
Roller skating is a fun way to get exercise that doesn't feel like exercise. “It’s a great form of cardio that uses your full body but has a low impact on your joints. It helps tone your muscles and can help with posture, balance, and coordination,” explains Olivera.
Aside from being a form of exercise, roller skating is just straight-up fun. “It’s good for your soul and it’s fun," says Madison. "If you’re looking for a self-paced and exciting activity look no further than roller skating!”
You can explore cute parks in your area, check out skate parks, learn tricks, and really make it your own. And even though you are a beginner, you might fall in love with roller skating. Soon, you might be plugged into the roller skating community, building your own skates, and doing all sorts of fancy tricks. Plus, you can get create great content for TikTok, regardless of your skill level.
You can also find community through skating, both in-person and online. You might run into other people roller skating at local spots, and you can always turn to Reddit where there is both a rollerskating subreddit and rollerblading subreddit.
Quad skates vs. inline skates
Quad skates are usually the best option for beginners. Quad skates are what you'd traditionally picture when you think of roller skates. They have four wheels (hence, quad) that sit in two rows of two. Paredes notes that the wheels’ rectangular placement helps with balance, which is typically beneficial for beginners who are still getting used to the feeling of standing on skates. “Typical beginner quad skates are designed for smooth surfaces such as indoor rinks,” adds Dee and Coco.
They're also better for dancing, tricks, and roller derby for when you get more experienced. To brake on quad skates, you put your weight on the front of your foot and lean forward onto a toe stop. Quad skates are more customizable than inline skates—you can swap out the trucks, wheels, and toe stops to create a roller skate that works best with your feet and skills.
Inline skates are more commonly known as rollerblades, and they have a single row of wheels down the middle of the skate. Inline skates are easier to maneuver quickly around obstacles and are better for speed. They have similar vibes to ice skates but are chunkier (and with wheels, obvi). The brakes on rollerblades are in the back and usually only appear on the right skate, so it is a little tricky to stop if you're new to the practice. (One of our writers has been rollerblading for more than a year and still brakes by grabbing onto poles or ramming into fences, but you may fare better.)
Inline skates are also better for skating long distances, at higher speeds, and for roller hockey, according to Madison. Standing still on a pair of rollerblades takes some skill, but you'll be moving and grooving most of the time anyway, so don't be put off by that. Beginners can still get the hang of inline skates pretty easily.
“Generally speaking, inline skates are designed for the outdoors, which make it easier to go over debris and rough terrain than quads,” says Dee and Coco.
Whichever type of roller skate you pick, we recommend that beginners wear protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet. You might feel confident — a little cocky even — that you're going to be a pro right off the bat, but trips and falls happen.
What is important to consider when looking for your first pair of skates?
When shopping for the best roller skates for beginners, keep the following factors in mind:
Ankle support: The best beginner's skates should have good ankle support. “It’s important to look for a sturdy skate that will hold your weight and support your feet and ankles comfortably,” explains Madison. A new hobby that gives you blisters is likely not one you'll be excited to continue.
Comfort: Comfort is key when it comes to roller skates for beginners. “Filter your search to pairs labeled as 'recreational,' which are designed for casual fitness skaters,” recommends Dee and Coco.
Key parts: Ensuring you purchase high-quality skates is key, especially when it comes to your first pair. “Make sure that the skates you get have adjustable toe stops and wheels, in case you need to replace a part,” says Paredes.
Although you want to be able to afford your roller skates, it’s better to save up for a higher-quality pair of skates than to put your money towards a cheaper pair, as you may risk injury or find that the skates break too quickly. Stay away from plastic plates. “A skate with a plastic plate is more affordable but it will NOT give you the support that you need,” says Madison.
It is also important to ensure your skates have a break. “Not all skates are sold with one, so be sure to check the product details,” says Dee and Coco.
Indoor skates vs. outdoor skates
The biggest difference between indoor and outdoor skates are the wheels. It might sound a little complicated for beginners who don't care about all the nitty-gritty technicalities of roller skating (at least, not yet), but the wheel hardness determines how well skates ride on different surfaces.
Wheel hardness is measured by the wheel's durometer, “Typically, you will want harder and smaller wheels for indoor surfaces like hardwood floors at the roller rink,” says Olivera. “If you are skating outside, you want a larger, gummier wheel with more grip to help absorb the shock of uneven surfaces with different textures. Wheel hardness ranges from 68A to 100A; a good hybrid hardness for indoor and outdoor would be 78A."
If you do use your skates outside and want to use them at an indoor rink, check to make sure the rink allows outdoor skates. Some rinks don't because there might be debris or rocks in your wheels, which could scratch up the flooring.
What size roller skates should you get?
All of our roller skating aficionados agree that sizing varies from brand to brand. Roller skate sizing is usually the same as your regular shoe sizing. Make sure you look for the brand's sizing chart, which will likely be on the skate's product listing page. Often, sizing is only listed in men's or women's, even if the skate is otherwise unisex.
In terms of fit, Dee and Coco recommend trying on skates while wearing socks and ensuring that the ones you purchase aren’t too tight. You want to be able to wear your skates for a relatively long time, so balancing comfort with a secure fit is key.
However, if you are buying a pair of roller skates online, it is important to note that “there are certain skate companies that only offer men sizes, and there are some skates that may feel tighter due to the material,” explains Paredes.
“I highly recommend first measuring your foot. Put your foot on a piece of paper and trace it. Measure from the toe to the heel to get the length and from the widest part to get your width. Compare sizes on their sizing chart & read the reviews to see if that skate will be a good fit for you,” adds Madison.
Whether you want to skate in a roller rink or your local boardwalk, we've got you covered. These are the best roller skates for beginners in 2023.
