UPDATE: Aug. 1, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT This guide has been updated with new products, expert recommendations, and new information on how to choose roller skates.
Roller skating experienced a major uptick in interest during the pandemic as people searched for a hobby that would both occupy their time and keep them healthy. In fact, so many people were looking for skates that the most popular brands went completely out of stock or experienced major backorder delays.
Skating is a relatively safe and fun way to get outside and move. Roller skating posts exploded on TikTok and Instagram in 2021, which drew new people into the existing roller skating community. And while classic roller skates were difficult to pin down during the earlier days of the pandemic, they're now easy to find for sale online if you're looking to join the craze (or grab a new pair after wearing down your OG pair of pandemic skates).
To learn more about the best roller skates, the types of wheels needed for indoor and outdoor skating, and the differences between quad and inline skates, we chatted with roller skating experts, coaches, and content creators Macarena Carrascosa (@heymacarena_coaching), Vanna Curtis (@gnarvanna), Linda Cheung (@SkatewithLinda) and Ali Heiss (@alikatskates). These skating experts helped us pick the best roller skates for beginners, experienced roller derby competitors, and anyone else that wants to discover this awesome hobby.
What is the difference between quad skates and inline skates?
There are two main categories of roller skates: quad skates and inline skates. The two types of roller skates look different and each is better for different aspects of skating.
Quad roller skates are the ones with four wheels, two on each side of your foot, and a toe stop. They’re the ones you'd typically rent at a skating rink — they’re roller derby skates, or the classic skates you probably wore as a kid. They’re the best roller skates for beginners because they provide better balance, thanks to the two-by-two wheel arrangement, and more grip. Additionally, “they offer more lateral stability,” adds Curtis.
Quad roller skates have a toe stopper, which means you lean your foot forward to brake or slow down your skating, a comforting feature for someone brand-new to skating. You can also use the toe stopper to help with turns, tricks, and dancing. Quad skates are also more customizable as the trucks, wheels, and toe stops are more easily replaceable. If you want to get really fun with it, you can swap out your wheels with some that light up.
Inline skates are commonly called rollerblades and they look more like hockey skates. While these skates also have four wheels (and in some cases three), they “have frames under the boot, and all the wheels are in a straight line from the front to back,” says Curtis. “They offer more forward-to-backward stability and often have a back break.”
Inline skates are easier for people who also ice skate because the wheel configuration is similar to the ice skating blade. They resemble the feeling of being on ice skates, but ya know, on solid ground.
Inline skates are better for speed and nimble maneuvering because of the straight-line wheel configuration. If you want to skate fast or go long distances, inline skates are the better option. And just because they are a little tougher to balance on if you're standing still, don't be put off by rollerblades if you're a beginner. They're honestly pretty easy to get the hang of.
Inline skates have a backstop instead of a toe stop — usually only on the right skate — so you have to lift your toes up and put weight on your heel to slow down or stop. This makes it a bit harder to stop on rollerblades than quad skates. While you can't swap out many parts of inline skates, you can replace the wheels if they wear down or you want something more flashy.
No matter which kind of skates you buy, make sure to wear protective gear like knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet.
What kind of wheels do I need for indoor vs. outdoor skating?
Depending on whether you want to skate inside or outside, you’ll want to pay attention to the durometer — or hardness — of your skates’ wheels. The average durometer ratings for skate wheels range between 72A and 102A. The lower the number, the softer the roller skate wheel is.
When looking for roller skates for outdoor use, search for skates with softer wheels. “Outdoor wheels tend to be softer and grippier which rolls over debris quite easily,” says Carrascosa.
They’ll also absorb more shock. For example, urethane wheels make good choices for outdoor skating since they’re built to last and have a good grip. “For rough terrain (think boardwalks and bike paths) something big and soft will set you up for success,” adds Curtis.
But if the surface is smooth – like indoors at a roller rink – harder wheels with a higher durometer will allow you to go faster. “Indoor wheels tend to be harder so that you can spin and slip easier, but then there are lots of different floors. It really depends on the kind of floor you are skating on and the kind of wheel that will be nicer for you,” says Carrascosa.
Anything around 78A to 82A will be suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in case you’re not sure where you’re going to be skating.
Can you use outdoor roller skates at an indoor skating rink?
“Boots and plates can be both worn inside and outside. It’s the wheels that you’re going to want to change,” explains Carrascosa. It also depends on the rink — some have different policies and rules. That’s why it’s best, if you do use your skates outside and at an indoor rink, to check to make sure they allow outdoor skates. Some rinks do not because your softer wheels might contain debris that could scratch up their flooring.
If you do decide to wear outdoor roller skates at an indoor skating rink, you may notice that “soft wheels tend to feel grippy at a roller rink, and make certain moves more difficult,” explains Curtis.
Is roller skate sizing the same as shoe sizing?
There is no definitive answer to this question as sizing varies by roller skate brand. “Some roller skates only come in men's shoe sizes or women's shoe sizes,’ says Cheung. “I've come to learn that depending on the brand you may also have to size up/down (this can depend on having wider/narrow feet, if you prefer them tight or like a little extra room, etc). I would highly recommend either trying on the roller skates in person or doing your research online before purchasing a pair to see if others recommend sizing up/down for particular roller skates.”
Be sure to check sizing charts for specific pairs of roller skates because not all are true to size.
Whether you opt for quad roller skates or inline skates, you want them to have a tight fit because if they're too loose, you could be left vulnerable to a rolled ankle. If your roller skates are loose, wear multiple pairs of thick socks to fill them out. Regardless of how they fit, we recommend wearing taller socks to avoid any uncomfortable rubbing on your ankles if you have roller skates with a high-top boot, at least as you break the skates in.
While some roller skates might only display either women's or men's sizing, just check a size conversion chart to see if there's a pair that will actually fit your feet.
How to choose the best roller skates
When picking out roller skates, there's a lot to consider. To help you get started, we put together this beginner's guide to choosing the best roller skates using input from skating coaches and experts.
Wheels: You’ll want to pay attention to the wheels. According to Curtis, most wheels (for quad skates) are made out of polyurethane. However, “you can also get very slick fiberglass wheels for the rink. They’re a lot of fun on a smooth surface.” Furthermore, some wheels are better for roller rinks while others are better for outdoor skating. Cheung notes that you’ll also want to pay attention to wheel size and durometer. “You'll have to figure out the type of wheels that you prefer,” says Cheung. Smaller wheels have more agility, while larger wheels are better for longer distances, making them good for outdoor skating.
Plates: Plates are what the boot of your roller skate attaches to. They can be made of lighter material, like nylon, or more durable material, like metal. Metal tends to be heavier, though, which might make it not as good of a choice for beginners. “45-degree plates will give you extra agility, but may feel more unstable in the beginning,” says Curtis.
Toe tops: Some skates have adjustable toe tops while others do not. “Make sure that the toe stops are the correct size,” explains Cheung. The advantage of adjustable ones is that they allow you to set them how you want if you’re working on different skills, like dance (for which Curtis recommends taking them out).
Boot height: High cuff boots offer more ankle support, which makes them ideal if you’re worried about spraining your ankle or want extra ankle stability. However, lower-cut boots are better choices for people who want to dance or do tricks.
Material: Vinyl is a popular material for rollerblades, but it might wear out faster or be stiffer than leather or suede. Skate material will influence how stiff the skates are.
Fit: You want to make sure your boot fits securely on your foot because if there’s too much room, it increases the chances that you could hurt yourself or roll your ankle. There should be “no room for your foot to slide around inside,” says Curtis.
Roller Derby Skates: Even before the pandemic roller skate revival, the roller derby community was still going strong. If you're looking for roller skates you can wear during competition, then you'll want to consider roller derby skates, which typically have more padding and a strap that provides a more secure fit. Check to see if your team or league has guidance on the best derby skates for competition.
Roller skates have never been more beautiful
Now that you know about wheel types and fit, don't forget to consider the vibes, aka the aesthetic. Roller skate brands are working hard to meet TikTok-inspired demand, and it's never been easier to find colorful and stylish roller skates with bold patterns. From inline skates inspired by Ryan Gosling's rollerblades from the Barbie movie to retro-inspired skates with stylish ombre coloring, you'll want to find skates that suit your style.
In particular, companies like Impala Skate and Moxi Skates are known for their bright and beautiful retro roller skates, which favor fun patterns, primary colors, and pastels. Of course, if you'd prefer black leather skates without a hint of chic, you can find unisex and men's roller skates like that, too.
To help you find the best roller skates for women, men, kids, and all types of skaters, we've gathered the top skates for you below, including recommendations from our skating experts.
