The Best Inline Skates for Kids of 2024

For the Best Inline Skates for Kids buyers’ guide, we go through the best quality skates on the market for kids from brands we trust.

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The Best Kid’s Inline Skates

I’ve been part of the inline skating world since 1995, and many of my closest friends have either worked in the industry or been sponsored skaters. Now that we’re in our 40s, we’ve all passed our passion for skating on to our own kids, who are just as hooked as we are. Every skate featured in this guide is what our kids use, and they come from the most trusted brands in the industry, so you know you’re getting the best for your child.

As summer fades and the crisp fall air sets in, there’s no better time to keep your kids moving with inline skating! Just because the warm, sunny days are behind us doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Inline skating offers an incredible way for children to stay active while enjoying the outdoors, building confidence and coordination as they glide through the season. It’s not only a fantastic way to burn off energy, but it also adds a sense of adventure to those beautiful autumn afternoons. Trust me, as both a seasoned skater and parent, inline skating is a perfect way to keep the excitement going as the seasons change—and a great head start on holiday shopping.

Skates have come a long way since the ’90s, and today’s options for kids are a game-changer. Adjustable skates now grow with your child, offering a long-lasting, budget-friendly solution without sacrificing quality or performance. In this guide, I’ve consulted with my industry friends—some of the best skaters and experts around—to handpick the top skates from the most reliable brands. These selections ensure your kids get the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and style. So, whether you’re buying your child’s first pair of skates or looking for an upgrade, these picks will have them skating with joy and confidence, ready for both fall adventures and holiday excitement.

Rollerblade Microblade Soft Boot Inline Skates

Our Top Inline Skate Choices for Kids

Our top picks for kids’ inline skates come from trusted brands and cover three main skating styles: recreational, urban, and aggressive. Each type offers unique features, whether your child is enjoying a leisurely ride around the neighborhood or tackling the skate park. We’ve chosen skates that stand out in each category to help you find the best match for your child’s interests.

Most of these skates are adjustable, expanding 4-5 sizes to grow with your child, making them a great long-term investment. This feature allows them to be used for years and passed down to younger siblings or friends when outgrown. Adjustable sizing also takes the guesswork out of shopping, ensuring your child has fun, comfortable skating sessions at any skill level.

K2 Raider

Best For: Recreational | Sizes: Y11 – 8 | Price: $89.95 – $139.95

The K2 Raider inline skates are a great choice for kids, thanks to their soft boot design that makes them both comfortable and easy to use, especially for recreational skating. Along with the K2 Marlee, these are the flagship kids’ skates from K2, a brand that’s known for producing some of the best recreational skates on the market. I have plenty of friends who’ve chosen the Raider to introduce their kids to the fun of inline skating.

These skates are built with a breathable lining to keep feet cool, and their adjustable design allows them to grow with your child by up to five sizes—so you get more use out of them. They come in three size options: Y11-2 (with 70mm wheels) and 1-5 or 4-8 (with 72mm wheels), and they’re equipped with ABEC 3 bearings for a smooth, enjoyable ride. Although they’re marketed for boys, the fit is the same as the girls’ Marlee skates, so they’re essentially unisex, letting kids pick whichever colors they prefer.

Four model options: Choose from the Raider base model ($89.95) or upgrade to the Raider Pro ($109.95) with a Speed Lacing System for a snug, secure fit. For extra fun, the Raider Beam ($129.95) features LED lights in the tongue and toes with three light patterns for visibility and entertainment. The top-tier Raider BOA model ($139.95) includes the BOA Turn-Dial Speed Lacing system, offering quick, easy adjustments with minimal effort. For more information, check out our comprehensive K2 Raider Review.

K2 Marlee

Best For: Recreational | Sizes: Y11 – 8 | Price: $89.95 – $139.95

The K2 Marlee inline skates are an excellent option for kids starting their skating journey. When my niece started, we put her in the Marlee skates, which she absolutely loved. Now, she’s much older and skating in adult-size skates, but her early experiences with the Marlee made her fall in love with skating. Seeing how that simple start has turned into a passion for fitness and marathon skating is amazing.

These recreational soft boot skates feature a breathable lining to keep feet cool and an adjustable design that grows with your child by up to five sizes, ensuring they last through growth spurts. They come in three size options—Y11-2 (70mm wheels) and 1-5 or 4-8 (72mm wheels)—and are equipped with ABEC 3 bearings for a smooth ride. Although marketed for girls, the Marlee has the exact fit as the boys’ Raider skates, so kids can choose whichever colors they love.

Four model choices: Select from the Marlee base model ($89.95), the Marlee Pro ($109.95) with speed lacing for a secure fit, the Marlee Beam ($129.95) featuring fun LED lights, or the Marlee BOA ($139.95) with the BOA Turn-Dial speed lacing system for extra convenience and easy adjustments. For more information, check out our comprehensive K2 Marlee Review.

Rollerblade Microblade

Best For: Recreational | Sizes: 2 – 8 | Price: $109.00 – $119.00

As someone who’s skated many Rollerblade skate models over the past 30 years, I was easily convinced by my friends—who both work for and are sponsored by Rollerblade—to get my son the Rollerblade Microblade for his first pair of skates. Having started with the Zetrablade myself in the 90s, I already trusted the brand. The Microblade skates are size adjustable, which means I don’t have to worry about replacing them as his feet grow, and they offer the same level of quality and comfort I’ve come to expect from Rollerblade. Watching him develop his own passion for skating—something that’s been a big part of my life—has been really rewarding.

The quality and comfort of the Microblade skates made it easy for him to enjoy every moment, and they’ve held up well. One feature I really appreciate is that they come with 4x72mm wheels and SG3 bearings, but you can easily upgrade them to 3x80mm wheels if your child is ready for more speed as their skills improve. They’re a great option for a kid’s first pair of skates or even as an upgrade from some of the cheaper options you might find online.

Multiple color options: The Microblade offers a variety of color choices marketed towards boys and girls, but all skates have the same unisex fit. This gives kids more flexibility to pick colors that match their personal style. For more information, check out our Rollerblade Microblade Review.

Bont Scoot

Best For: Urban, Recreational | Sizes: 9C – 2 | Price: $129.99

The Bont Scoot is an excellent choice for kids looking to get into urban inline skating, whether they’re beginners or ready for a hard boot upgrade. If you’re unfamiliar with Bont, they’re a legendary brand in the roller skate and inline speed skating world known for their high-quality skates. My friend Laura, a retired competitive speed skater, has been a die-hard Bont fan since her roller skating days and then later transitioned to their inline skates. Naturally, she was drawn to Bont skates when her son wanted to start inline skating.

Like all Bont skates, they’re designed with a natural foot shape for a superior fit, which really makes a difference in comfort and control. The sleek shell provides excellent ankle support, balance, and control, making it great for learning new skills or improving existing ones. With high-quality materials, great padding, and features like durable aluminum frames, 85A wheels, and ABEC 7 bearings, they offer comfort, performance, and durability to help kids skate longer and better.

Custom fit for better durability: The Bont Scoot is the only children’s skate in our guide that doesn’t offer adjustable sizes. Instead, it’s made with separate molds, providing a better fit and increased durability. Available in Bont sizes 9C-10C, 11C-12C, 13C-13.5C, and 1-2. Sizes 9C-12C come with Elemental 80mm 85A wheels, while sizes 13C-2 feature Elemental 84mm 85A wheels for a smooth ride.

Rollerblade Apex

Best For: Urban, Recreational | Sizes: Y12 – 7.5 | Price: $139.00

Urban skating is one of my absolute favorite styles—it’s all about exploring the city on skates, weaving through streets, hopping curbs, and making the most of the environment. I grew up doing this kind of skating, so having my son join me now is like a dream come true. For this type of skating, you need something more solid than your typical kids’ soft boot skates.

The Rollerblade Apex is perfect for young skaters who want to take on the city. These premium hard boot skates are built tough with a sturdy aluminum frame for better power transfer. With solid wheels and quality bearings, the Apex can handle the demands of urban skating with ease.

These skates aren’t just for city cruising—they’re awesome for neighborhood rides, hitting trails, or zipping around at the roller rink. Essentially, the Apex is like the kids’ version of the Rollerblade Twister XT, which is the high-performance skate I use. It’s an excellent option for kids who want a serious, multi-purpose skate, and it comes in both black and white versions, so there’s something for everyone.

Optimized for growing skaters: The Rollerblade Apex is available in 3 adjustable size ranges: Y12-1, 2-5, and 5.5-7.5. Each size is optimized for performance, with the Y12-1 featuring a 207mm frame and 60mm 80A wheels, size 2-5 with a 219mm frame and 72mm 80A wheels, and size 5.5-7.5 with a 231mm frame and 76mm 80A wheels, ensuring a smooth and tailored skating experience for each size.

K2 SK8 Hero BOA

Best For: Recreational | Sizes: 1-8 | Price: $49.95 – 159.95

The K2 SK8 Hero BOA is a premium adjustable soft boot inline skate for kids, designed for comfort and performance. K2 has been making these skates for years, updating them annually. Last November, my son and I took a trip to Detroit, Michigan, and stopped by Modern Surf and Skate Skatepark so I could skate there. My son didn’t bring his skates, but an employee was kind enough to let him borrow a pair of these. Even though they weren’t his usual skates, he had a blast skating around the park. He found them super comfortable and liked how snug and secure they felt.

One of the standout features of these skates is the aluminum frame, which provides great power transfer, and the 76mm wheels with ABEC 5 bearings, which offer a smooth, fast ride—even on rougher surfaces. A big bonus for both kids and parents is the BOA turn-dial lacing system. It makes putting the skates on and taking them off quick and easy, which is a huge help when you’re in a hurry.

K2 Charm BOA

Best For: Recreational | Sizes: 1-8 | Price: $159.99

If you’re looking for the perfect skates for your daughter, the K2 Charm BOA is a fantastic choice. My friend Jon’s child started with these, and they couldn’t have been more perfect for her. The soft boot design makes them super comfortable, and the BOA turn-dial lacing system is a game-changer—no more messing around with laces! Whether her dad was adjusting them or she did it herself, it was quick and easy.

Her dad really loved the K2 Charm’s aluminum frames because they gave her great power transfer, helping her keep up with him on long skates. The 76mm wheels with ABEC 5 bearings also made the ride smooth and comfortable, which was perfect for all their adventures together. These skates also adjust up to five sizes, which is a huge bonus when kids are growing like weeds.

Razors Genesys Junior

Best For: Aggressive | Sizes: 3-6 | Price: $179.00

The Razors Genesys Junior is a size-adjustable aggressive skate built for kids eager to dive into tricks, grinds, and jumps. Its durable construction and beginner-friendly features make it a standout choice for parents and skaters alike. For Freddie Elliott, the Genesys Junior created a special bonding experience with his son. “Watching my child skate the Genesys Junior has been an amazing experience,” he shared. Billy Dossey also praised the skates for being approachable and fun for his daughter, saying, “These skates made getting into aggressive skating easy. The generous soul plates and good backside grooves really helped her feel confident.”

With adjustable sizing from sizes 3 to 6, the Genesys Junior grows with your child. Zach Smith noted that the skates work exceptionally well for girls due to their longer compatibility with men’s sizing, though boys may outgrow them faster. The adjustable system is simple to use, with Billy calling it “super easy,” though he mentioned the UFS bolt locking mechanism requires proper setup to avoid size shifts. The skates feature replaceable soulplates, a Ground Control Junior UFS frame, and a shock-absorbing liner to support performance and safety during jumps.

These skates also offer flexibility in wheel setups, with a flat 4x56mm configuration for beginners and an anti-rocker setup for advanced grinding. Parents appreciate the customization options, as Evan Foss shared: “My son loved being able to make them his own—changing frames, colors, and liners—just like adults do with their skates.” While ideal for beginners, some advanced skaters may notice flex in the adjustable shell, making this an excellent starter skate with room for progression.

USD Transformer

Best For: Aggressive | Sizes: 1.5-7 | Price: $189.95

The USD Transformer is a durable, size-adjustable aggressive skate designed with versatility in mind. Available in two size ranges (1.5–3.5 and 4.5–7), it’s ideal for kids as they grow. The UFS frame mount allows for easy upgrades and customizations, adding long-term value. Bob Lee explained how this feature excites his child: “My 6-year-old loves that his USD Transformer skates are UFS, and he already has big plans to put some of my old frames on his boots someday.”

The sturdy boot, supportive cuff, and built-in liners ensure comfort during high-impact tricks or recreational skating. Equipped with Kizer Junior UFS frames, an anti-rocker setup, and 57mm USD wheels with Wicked ABEC 5 bearings, the Transformer is built for speed, stability, and grinding. The 100A grind wheels further enhance its performance for aggressive skating. Parents like Lance Altmeyer have customized them with larger frames and wheels for kids who want to explore beyond the skatepark. “I recently put on some 100mm wheels and frames, and he loves the big wheels more. The UFS frame option is really nice,” Lance shared.

Evan Foss also appreciated the customization options: “My son loved being able to make them his own—changing frames, colors, and liners—just like we do with our skates as adults.” The USD Transformer’s flexibility, durability, and performance make it a great choice for kids who want to explore aggressive skating and beyond.

USD Glitch

Best For: Aggressive | Sizes: Y13-6 | Price: $197.99

The USD Glitch is a newer addition to the market, designed to adjust across four sizes and grow with your child. Starting at size Y13, it’s perfect for smaller kids just beginning their aggressive skating journey. Parents like Bob Lee praised the Glitch for accommodating little feet, saying, “Size was a big factor since they still have tiny feet, and I didn’t see other models that went that small.” Adjusting the Glitch skates is simple, with Joshua G. sharing, “The size adjustment is very easy and intuitive.”

The Glitch offers excellent fit and comfort. Jerud Miller noted, “My son has had issues with other skates not fitting right or having pressure points, but with the Glitch, there have been none! Him having a better-fitting skate does the same thing to him as it does us—improved his skating.” Its one-piece soulplate and frame design provide a low center of gravity, enhancing balance and control. While the frame isn’t UFS-compatible, the built-in design ensures stability for grinds and tricks.

With features like a flat wheel setup in either 58mm or 61mm, 90a hardness for skateparks, and a secure four-point closure system, the Glitch is built for performance and ease of use. Aggressive inline instructor Assia Zaharieva recommends it for beginners, saying, “The flat frame gives kids better stability, which is more important than learning tricks at first.” The USD Glitch’s thoughtful design, comfort, and performance make it a top pick for kids starting aggressive skating.

Recommended Accessories

Inline skating is a lot of fun, but like any new activity, kids might take a few tumbles as they learn. That’s why having the right safety gear to protect them from bumps and bruises is important. A helmet and safety pads are essential for ensuring your child stays safe and avoids unnecessary injuries. I’ve shared some recommendations below, and we also have detailed guides with more options for the best helmets and safety pads, including knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards for kids.

Skate Helmet

The Triple Eight Lil 8 Helmet is an excellent helmet for beginners at a great price. This helmet is dual-certified for safety and uses a high-impact EPS Foam Liner for maximum protection against big falls and multiple collisions.

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Spofine Protective Gear Bundle

The Spofine Protective Gear Bundle includes a set of knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet. Available in four different colors, Spofine offers sizes for kids, teenagers, and adults. Hook and loop closure allows easy entry, and the slow absorbent foam and hard caps protect the knees and elbows. A rigid plastic brace protects wrists from impact, while the helmet protects the body’s most precious commodity.

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Skate Bag

The Peyorom Skate Bag is a great low-cost bag for transporting and storing skates and gear. It is made of a robust and durable Oxford fabric that is waterproof and tear-resistant. In addition, the material is easy to clean. The skate bags have three pockets for storing skates and gear.

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Our Experts and Contributors

– Jan Welch, Editorial Directer Big Wheel Blading, Owner of Dream Urethane
– Assia Zaharieva, Aggressive Inline Skating Instructor
– Joshua G, Inline Skater and Parent
– Bob Lee, Inline Skater and Parent
– Freddie Elliott, Inline Skater and Parent
– Billy Dossey, Inline Skater and Parent
– Zach Smith, Organizer of the Oklahoma Showdown
– Evan Foss, Inline Skater and Parent

10 Things to Consider for Kid’s Inline Skates

Choosing the right inline skates for your child can make a big difference in their skating experience. It’s important to pick skates that match your child’s skill level, where they’ll be skating, and how they want to use them. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the best skates for your child:

1. Skill Level: Beginners with weak ankles should start with hard boot skates for better support, while those with stronger ankles might prefer the comfort and easier learning with soft boot skates. Advanced skaters can stick with hard boot skates for more speed and control.
2. Skate Type: Decide if you want recreational skates for casual, fun rides or urban/aggressive skates for tricks and more advanced skating. Recreational skates are softer and comfortable, while urban/aggressive skates have harder boots for more support.
3. Where They’ll Skate: Soft boot skates are great for smooth indoor surfaces or paved trails. Hard boot skates also work excellently on these surfaces but have the added advantage of performing much better on rough outdoor areas like sidewalks and roads, making them a great all-around choice.
4. Child’s Fitness Level: Active kids who play sports may prefer hard boot skates, especially if they have experience with activities like ice skating or skateboarding.
5. Size and Adjustability: Look for skates that offer adjustable sizing, so they can grow with your child. This ensures they last longer and provide a better fit as your child’s feet grow.
6. Quality and Durability: Invest in a reputable brand with quality materials. It might be tempting to buy cheaper skates, but they often lack support, comfort, and durability, making them less enjoyable and safe for your child.
7. Stick to Trusted Brands: When buying inline skates for kids, avoid budget brands like Papaison, Kuxuan, and 2PM Sports, as they often lack comfort, durability, and safety, which can make skating less enjoyable and even discourage your child from continuing. Instead, invest in trusted brands like K2, Rollerblade, Powerslide, Bont, Flying Eagle FR, USD, and Razors. These brands offer safer, more comfortable skates that provide a better skating experience, ensuring fun and lasting memories.
8. Frame Material: Soft boot skates usually have plastic frames, making them lighter and easier for kids to handle. However, some soft boot models, like the K2 Charm BOA and K2 Sk8 Hero BOA, come with aluminum frames. Most hard boot skates, except aggressive models, also have aluminum frames, which are more durable and offer better performance.
9. Wheel Size and Type: Smaller wheels (70-80mm) are great for beginners as they provide more stability, while larger wheels are better for speed. Softer wheels offer better grip, while harder wheels are more durable for outdoor use.
10. Lacing System: Consider the lacing system that works best for your child. Traditional laces offer a secure fit, while speed lacing systems like BOA dials are quicker and easier for kids to adjust themselves.

By keeping these points in mind, you can find skates that will keep your child safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy their skating adventures!

K2 Raider and K2 Marlee Soft Boot Skates

Deep Dive: Soft Boot vs. Hard Boot

Choosing the best inline skates for your child involves understanding the different types available and matching them to your child’s skating level and interests. This guide will examine the two main kinds of inline skates for kids: Soft Boots and Hard Boots.

Soft boot Inline Skates

Thanks to their soft, flexible shell, soft boot inline skates are comfy, lightweight, and adjust easily to fit a child’s foot. They’re great for kids new to skating who want a fun, carefree experience while learning new skills. Soft boot skates work best on smooth surfaces like roller rinks, well-paved paths, or even right in front of your house, as long as the road is smooth. Typically, soft boot skates have four wheels on a composite plastic frame. Beginners should steer clear of three-wheel skates with larger wheels, as they sit higher off the ground and are more challenging to learn on.

The downside of soft boot skates is that they don’t provide much lateral ankle support, unlike hard boots. If your child has weak ankles, they might experience too much side-to-side movement in soft boots, making skating less enjoyable and potentially painful. Hard boot skates, in contrast, keep the ankle and leg more upright, allowing only forward and backward movement, unlike soft boots which allow flexing in all directions.

Hard boot Inline Skates

Rigid and durable, hard boot skates offer kids extra control and support. They’re a good fit for kids who already know how to skate, ski, or ice skate or are generally athletic and quickly pick up new skills. At the same time, they are also a better option for kids with weak ankles who need extra support. Hard boot skates come with metal frames, and the shell is more robust, providing better protection and stability and holding up well against impacts and falls. Hard boot skates are perfect for kids who want to do more than just skate straight—they’re ideal for jumping, skating backward, doing crossovers, and exploring. They also open up more opportunities for advanced moves in disciplines like slalom or urban skating.

The downside of hard boot skates is that they tend to be more expensive because they are made with higher-quality components. They can also be less comfortable out of the box than soft boot skates and may require a break-in period. If your child finds them uncomfortable at first, they’ll need to wear them several times. However, they become just as comfortable as soft boot skates once broken in.

Rollerblade Apex Hard Boot Skates

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQ section to find out how to determine the correct size and ensure a proper fit for your child’s skates. You’ll also learn about the health benefits of skating for your child. Rest assured, your kids will be getting plenty of exercise while out having fun on their skates!

What age can kids start inline skating?

Kids can typically start inline skating as early as 3 to 4 years old, depending on their balance and coordination. Many brands offer adjustable skates designed specifically for younger children, making it easy to start them early. Always ensure they wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.

How do you measure inline skates for kids?

To measure inline skates for kids, start by measuring the length of their foot from heel to toe in centimeters or inches. Compare this measurement with the skate size chart provided by the manufacturer. Make sure the skates fit snugly but comfortably, leaving enough room for growth, especially if the skates are adjustable. A properly fitted skate ensures better control and reduces the risk of blisters or discomfort.

What is recreational inline skating?

Recreational inline skating is designed for casual, easy-going skating, ideal for kids and beginners. It focuses on comfort and stability, often featuring soft boots and wheels sized between 70-80mm. It’s great for leisurely rides in the neighborhood, on trails, or at roller rinks, making it a fun and relaxing way for kids to stay active.

What is urban inline skating?

Urban inline skating is focused on navigating city environments, involving quick turns, jumps, and even tackling obstacles like curbs. Skates designed for this style often have durable hard boots, shock-absorbing features, and a wheel setup that balances speed and maneuverability. It’s perfect for adventurous skaters who want to explore urban landscapes with agility and control.

What is aggressive inline skating, and why do kids enjoy it?

Aggressive inline skating involves tricks like jumps, grinds, and slides in skate parks or urban settings. Kids love it for the challenge and thrill it offers, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills, show off tricks, and have fun with friends. It also encourages creativity and boosts confidence, making it an exciting and rewarding sport.

What are UFS frames?

UFS (Universal Frame System) frames are standardized frames used in aggressive inline skates, allowing easy swapping or upgrading of frames across different brands. This system ensures compatibility, giving skaters flexibility to customize their skates with different frame setups

What is BOA speed lacing?

BOA speed lacing is a quick and easy lacing system that uses a dial to tighten or loosen skates. Instead of traditional laces, the BOA system provides a secure fit with minimal effort, making it perfect for kids to adjust their skates on the go without having to tie laces.

What are the health benefits of inline skating?

Inline skating provides many health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, balance, and coordination. It strengthens leg muscles, tones the core, and enhances endurance. Skating is also a low-impact activity, reducing stress on the joints while still offering an effective full-body