Discover the Best Beginner Roller Skates of 2024! Our guide features top picks for every budget from the most trusted brands.
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A Guide to Beginner Roller Skates
Roller skating is an absolute blast! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of rolling down the streets with the wind in your face, cruising and spinning around the rink, or tackling obstacles at the skatepark. I’ve spent my life on skates and have been lucky to work with some of the top skaters over the past 30 years. Through this, I’ve learned a lot about the best roller skates for different types of skating. Now, I want to share my expert knowledge to help you make an informed choice when buying your first pair of roller skates.
Choosing the right beginner roller skates can be a daunting task, given the wide array of options available. To ease your decision-making process, I’ve meticulously curated a list of high-quality skates from reputable brands. What’s more, this article is regularly updated to ensure you have the most recent and relevant information at your fingertips. If you’re purchasing skates for children, the models listed here are suitable for teens and adults. For options tailored for toddlers and younger children, refer to our trusted Best Roller Skates for Kids Guide.
Our Picks for the Best Roller Skates for Beginners
Let’s explore our top choices for the best beginner roller skates. We feature our favorite skates across various price ranges and disciplines and categorize them by indoor and outdoor roller skates.
Import Safety Recommendations: Beginner roller skaters should prioritize safety gear. To assist you in finding the best equipment, we have created a guide for the best helmets and a guide for the best safety pads, including knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, to prevent injuries during falls. Additionally, having tools like a bearing press and a skate tool is essential for maintaining your skates.
Best Indoor Roller Skates for Beginners
When selecting indoor roller skates, it’s crucial to understand the key difference between indoor and outdoor skates: the hardness of the wheels, measured by durometer. Generally, derby and speed skates feature harder wheels (over 88A), which are better suited for smooth indoor surfaces like rink floors. In contrast, most recreational skates come with softer outdoor wheels designed to absorb the rougher textures of sidewalks and streets.
The good news is that all the outdoor skates we recommend further down this list can also be used for indoor skating by purchasing aftermarket wheels. With an extra set of wheels, you can easily switch between harder wheels for indoor skating and softer ones for outdoor use, ensuring versatility and optimal performance in any environment.
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Sure-Grip Rock GT-50
The Sure-Grip GT-50 roller skates are a great choice for beginners, especially for those interested in speed skating or roller derby. Similar to the Riedell R3, these low-cut skates are ideal for rink skating and feature 62mm Sure-Grip Swirl wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and durable ROCK nylon plates. The vegan-friendly vinyl boots provide a snug, cushioned fit with a precise lacing system. A key feature is the adjustable, removable toe stops for customizing your setup. While they lack high ankle support, they are comfortable right out of the box. For outdoor use, upgrading to wheels suited for rough surfaces is recommended. ($155.00 to $179.99)
Riedell R3
The Riedell R3 is a great option for beginner indoor skaters, offering strong performance at an affordable price. Made from durable vinyl with a lightweight PowerDyne Thrust Plate, these skates are as comfortable as sneakers with added padding. While perfect for beginners, serious roller derby skaters may want to upgrade to a stronger plate over time. Equipped with 62mm 95A Radar Cayman wheels and ABEC 5 bearings, they’re ideal for indoor use. For outdoor skating, swapping to softer wheels is recommended for a smoother ride. ($165.00)
Bont ProStar Prodigy
The Bont Prostar Prodigy is a low-profile roller skate that offers excellent agility, comfort, and support, ideal for beginners in derby, outdoor, or park skating. These skates can be heat-molded in just 10 minutes for a custom fit. Built on a sturdy fiberglass base with a Microfiber lining and memory foam cushioning, they feature a roomy toe box and a removable rubber toe bumper for added protection. Budget-friendly yet high-quality, the Prodigy plate is lightweight and reinforced with fiberglass, paired with Ballistic 60mm 92A wheels and ABEC 5 bearings for a smooth, responsive ride. ($199.00 to $209.00)
Antik Skyhawk
The Antik Skyhawk indoor roller skates are ideal for beginner and intermediate skaters in roller derby, casual skating, and dance. Designed for comfort and protection, the durable microfiber boot features an abrasion-resistant toe cap and shock-absorbing foam heel. They come with a lightweight PowerDyne Thrust Plate and a 15° kingpin angle for agility, along with high-quality urethane cushions. The Sonar Aura wheels provide a great balance of grip and slide, and ABEC-5 bearings ensure smooth performance. With a Gumball Toe Stop for strong stopping power, these skates are perfect for those building their skills. ($239.00)
Sure-Grip Rebel Avanti
The Sure-Grip Rebel Avanti is a high-performance, low-cut leather skate ideal for beginners interested in derby or outdoor trail skating (with the right wheels). It features a durable, lightweight Avanti aluminum plate with a 10-degree steel kingpin and a stylish, sneaker-inspired Rebel leather boot. Equipped with 62mm 92A Fugitive wheels and ABEC 7 bearings, these skates provide a fast, smooth ride. With minimal break-in time, the Sure-Grip Rebel Avanti offers comfort and stability right out of the box, making it a great choice for those starting their skating journey. ($275.00)
Outdoor Roller Skates Under $200
In our selection of the best beginner roller skates under $200, we chose ten skates that offer excellent value and quality. These skates are perfect for those seeking a durable, safe, and long-lasting product without spending too much. Our top picks in this range include the Chaya Vintage with its mid-cut cuff, the Riedell Orbit with its newly reduced price, and the Riedell Crew, known for its vibrant colors and leather boot.
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Moxi Rainbow Rider
The Moxi Rainbow Rider is a vibrant, high-top quad skate ideal for beginners and casual outdoor skaters. It offers an affordable entry into the Moxi lineup with a durable vinyl boot and cushioned liner for support. While less breathable than suede, its PVC sole is durable and water-resistant, making it practical for various conditions. Equipped with a sturdy aluminum plate, 58mm 82A wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and an adjustable toe stop, it provides a stable, smooth ride. Though not suitable for skate parks or advanced tricks, it’s perfect for outdoor or rink skating. Upgrading the wheels can enhance performance on different surfaces. ($89.00 to $109.00)
Chaya Melrose Deluxe
The Chaya Melrose Deluxe is a great choice for beginners, offering high-quality, vegan-friendly high-top skates at an affordable price. The durable vinyl boot with internal padding provides excellent ankle support. Mounted on a Galaxy Evo aluminum plate with an adjustable toe stop, these skates allow for a customizable experience. They feature 62mm 78A wheels and ABEC 7 bearings for a smooth and comfortable ride. Stylish and sturdy, they glide easily right out of the box, making them perfect for beginners seeking quality skates. ($89.47 to $149.95)
Chaya Vintage
The Chaya Vintage roller skates are a great choice for beginners, offering a stylish retro design and practical features at an affordable price. With a mid-cut, sneaker-like fit made from vegan-friendly PU-nubuck leather, they’re both comfortable and ethical. Equipped with a lightweight aluminum plate, 59x38mm 78A wheels, and ABEC 7 bearings, these skates provide a smooth ride for outdoor cruising or dance moves. For easy adjustments, the Chaya Pocket Skate Tool is useful for tuning trucks and toe stops. Durable and comfortable, they are built to last for all your skating adventures. ($98.97 to $149.95)
Moxi Beach Bunny
The Moxi Beach Bunny roller skates are a popular choice for beginners, offering a durable, vegan-friendly design with a stylish pastel-colored PVC boot. Lined with moisture-wicking Dri-Lex material, they ensure comfort while skating. These skates feature a PowerDyne Marvel aluminum plate, adjustable toe stop, and 10-degree kingpin for solid performance. With 58mm 78A wheels and ABEC 3 bearings, they provide a smooth ride, ideal for boardwalks or rinks. They come packaged in a stylish box with a skate key for easy adjustments, making them a fashionable and practical choice for new skaters. ($119.00)
Riedell Orbit
The Riedell Orbit is a vibrant and affordable outdoor skate, ideal for beginners. Based on the popular Riedell 111 boot, it offers excellent ankle support, with internal cushioning and a soft footbed for comfort despite the stiff PVC boot. Skaters often see quick improvement with these skates. They feature a durable Marvel die-cast aluminum plate, 57mm 85A Sonar Zen wheels, and ABEC 5 bearings for smooth, stable performance. The adjustable toe stopper adds agility, making these skates great for rinks, trails, or city streets. ($119.00)
VNLA Parfait
The VNLA Parfait is a stylish high-top skate, perfect for beginners, similar in design to the Moxi Beach Bunnies. Its padded microfiber boot with a durable tongue ensures comfort, while the lightweight aluminum plate and adjustable rubber toe stops add durability. Equipped with 58mm 78A wheels and ABEC 7 bearings, it provides a smooth ride. Offering a balance of comfort, quality, and mid-tier pricing, the VNLA Parfait is a great option for beginners seeking both style and performance. ($159.99)
Jackson Finesse
The Jackson Finesse is a beginner-friendly vegan vinyl skate, ideal for both outdoor and rink skating. It offers plush memory foam padding around the ankle and an antibacterial lining for comfort. Paired with a durable nylon Pilot Viper Zytel Plate, these skates feature high-quality Atom Pulse Lite 62mm 78A wheels and Bionic ABEC 7 bearings for a smooth ride. Despite being affordable, the Jackson Finesse provides performance similar to higher-end models, with excellent ankle support, making it a top choice for novice skaters. ($143.97 to $159.95)
Sure-Grip Fame
The Sure-Grip Fame is a durable and comfortable skate, ideal for beginners interested in dance, rink skating, or outdoor rides. With plush interior padding and a snug fit, it offers immediate comfort and agility. Made from eco-friendly PVC, the Fame boot sits on a strong ROCK nylon plate, perfect for beginners. Its 65mm 78A wheels and ABEC 5 bearings provide a smooth ride on outdoor surfaces, making the Sure-Grip Fame a top choice for novice skaters seeking comfort and performance. ($165.00 to $179.00)
Moxi Panther
The Moxi Panther is an affordable yet elegant skate, combining durable, abrasion-resistant suede from Moxi’s premium Jack boots with hardware from the Beach Bunny and Jungle lines. It’s Moxi’s most budget-friendly suede option, ideal for beginners and park skaters. With a moisture-controlling Dri-lex liner, cushioned tongue, and contoured collar, it provides excellent comfort and ankle support. Equipped with Moxi Classic 58mm 78A wheels and ABEC 5 bearings, the Panther offers a smooth, stable ride, making it a great choice for novice skaters. ($189.00)
Riedell Crew
The Riedell Crew is a stylish update to the classic 120 boot, featuring vibrant colors and a snug high-top leather design for excellent ankle support and comfort. With a cushioned footbed and moisture-wicking lining, these skates keep feet dry and comfortable, making them ideal for recreational, park, and dance skating. Lightweight and versatile, they’re perfect for beginners. The soft leather boot is paired with a Powerdyne Thrust nylon plate, and the 62mm 85A outdoor wheels and ABEC 5 bearings provide a smooth, enjoyable ride. ($199.00)
Jackson Vista
The Jackson Vista skates offer a stylish and affordable option for outdoor recreational skating. With lightweight nylon plates and a true-to-size fit, they are designed for enhanced performance. The high-top microfiber suede boots provide comfort and flexibility, featuring memory foam padding around the ankles for added support and a foam-backed tongue to prevent lace bite. Perfect for beginners, these skates are ready to use right out of the box. The adjustable toe stopper adds convenience, while the Atom Pulse 62mm 78A wheels and ABEC 7 bearings ensure a smooth glide. Mounted on a Viper Nylon Plate, they help beginners improve their skills quickly. ($199.00 to $219.97)
Outdoor Roller Skates Over $200
The quality of beginner roller skates significantly improves in the over $200 range, thanks to superior components. In this price bracket, most boots are made from suede, with the exception of the black vegan-friendly Chuffed Wanderer model. Our top pick in this category is the Sure-Grip Boardwalk, offering a similar experience to the higher-priced Moxi Lolly at a more affordable price. However, if you want skates to start exploring skateparks, the Bont Parkstar or Chuffed Wanderer are excellent choices.
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Sure-Grip Boardwalk
The Sure-Grip Boardwalk skates offer a stylish, budget-friendly alternative to the Moxi Lolly skates, delivering a similar experience at a lower price. With a beach-inspired design, they combine visual appeal with durable functionality. The nylon rock plate with adjustable toe stops provides enhanced stability, thanks to its 10-degree angle, often outperforming other brands. Equipped with 57mm 82A outdoor wheels and ABEC 3 bearings, they ensure a smooth, comfortable ride. Perfect for beginners seeking style, performance, and affordability, these vibrant suede high-tops are not recommended for aggressive or derby skating. ($189.00 to $229.00)
Chuffed Wanderer
The Chuffed Wanderer roller skates offer a perfect blend of style and durability for all skill levels. Made from fine suede, they are great for street cruising, park spinning, or rink dancing. With cushioned lining, they provide immediate comfort with no long break-in period. Available in multiple colors, including a vegan-friendly microfiber option, these skates suit any style. Featuring a sturdy aluminum plate, adjustable toe stop, and 68mm 82A wheels with ABEC 7 bearings, they deliver a smooth, reliable ride. Designed for comfort and durability, the Chuffed Wanderer ensures a great skating experience for everyone. ($279.97)
Moxi Lolly
The Moxi Lolly roller skates offer a stylish and durable option for all skill levels, available in nine vibrant colors. Made from soft cowhide suede, they mold to your feet over time for a custom fit. Though priced higher, their superior comfort and long-lasting quality make them a great investment. Ideal for both rink and outdoor adventures, they feature a sturdy Powerdyne Nylon Thrust Plate, Moxi Gummy Outdoor Wheels, and ABEC 5 bearings, perfect for rhythm and jam skating. Packaged in a vintage-style suitcase with tools and instructions, they deliver a chic and elegant skating experience. ($299.00 to $369.00)
Bont Parkstar
The Bont Parkstar is a high-quality skate known for its comfort, lightweight feel, and stability, offering great ankle support for skatepark, trail, or rink use. Made from durable reinforced suede with internal padding, a 23mm raised heel, and a roomy toe box, these skates prioritize both comfort and performance. You can even heat-mold them for a custom fit in just 10 minutes. Built for skatepark durability, they include a replaceable rubber toe guard. The aluminum trucks with a 20-degree kingpin angle provide sharp turns and stability at high speeds. Equipped with Street Flow 58mm 89A wheels and ABEC 5 bearings, they deliver a smooth, fast ride. Available in various colors, they are perfect for skaters looking for long-lasting quality and versatility. ($309.00)
Chaya Kismet Barbiepatin
The Chaya Kismet Barbiepatin Black Skates are Barbara “Barbie” Luciana’s 4th pro-model with Chaya, designed for skatepark and street skating. These stylish boots feature a sleek black design with holographic details, made from durable real and nano-leather. With cozy padding and a raised heel, they offer comfort and improved balance on transitions and streets. Equipped with Chaya Shari plates, Chaya Diamond Slider Grind Blocks, and Chaya Park Pro Trucks, these skates are perfect for hooking onto coping, rails, and obstacles, making them ideal for park and street skaters.($349.99)
Recommended Accessories
Safety should always come first for roller skaters. To help you find the best safety gear, we’ve created comprehensive guides for the top helmets and the best safety pads, including knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, to protect against injuries during falls. Additionally, essential tools like a bearing press and a skate tool are crucial for maintaining your skates and ensuring a smooth, safe ride.
S1 Lifer Helmet
The S1 Lifer Helmet is a professional-grade helmet using a high-impact EPS Foam Liner for maximum protection against big falls and multiple collisions. ($79.99 – $89.99)
| Related: The 15 Best Skate Helmets |
Triple 8 Saver Series Pad Set
If you want excellent pads at a great price, consider the Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set with Kneesavers, Elbowsavers, and Wristsavers. They are available in multiple colors and sizes. ($19.99 – $44.99)
| Related: Best Pads for Skating |
Wristguards
The Ennui Street Wrist Guard features a large slider plate on the palm and an ultra-stiff splint on the back to give top-notch support. The liner features a mixture of neoprene and CoolMax fabric to increase comfort, while three velcro straps keep everything in place. ($24.95)
Knee Gaskets
The Ennui Shock Sleeve Knee Gasket offers snug, lightweight protection for skaters looking to avoid the bulk of traditional knee pads. Made mostly of polyester with elastane strips to prevent slippage, these gaskets feature a web of “super foam” to cushion impacts and protect against road rash. They use MyFit SPC foam coated in thermoplastic rubber (TPR) for impact protection. While ideal for those wanting less restriction, skaters in higher-impact disciplines may prefer pads with more robust protection. ($64.95)
Skate Tool
The Powerdyne Y3 Skate Tool is a must-have for every skater, providing excellent leverage for changing wheels and tightening bolts. It features two socket sizes (1/2″ & 9/16″) and a 15/16″ wrench, perfect for adjusting axle lock nuts, kingpin lock nuts, and toe stops. Its compact design makes it easy to carry in your pocket while skating. ($15.00)
Bearing Press
The Bont Bearing Press is a MUST for every roller skater who frequently changes bearings. One end serves to press bearings into your skate wheels, while the opposite end allows for easy bearing removal. The poll is adjustable and works for 7mm & 8mm Bearings. ($59.99)
How to Choose the Right Size Roller Skates
Using the Mondopoint System and Wall Method for a Perfect Fit
To find the perfect fit for your roller skates, start by measuring your foot. Here’s a straightforward approach: use the Mondopoint system, which measures your foot in centimeters to determine your shoe size. This system is widely used for its accuracy in sizing different types of footwear. Slight differences in measurement, even a few millimeters, can affect how your skates fit, so precision is vital.
How to Measure YourFoot
Here’s how to do it: Wear the socks you’ll skate in to ensure accuracy. Stand with your heel against a wall on a piece of paper. Mark the longest part of your foot on the paper, from heel to toe, and then measure the distance in centimeters. This measurement is your Mondo shoe size. For a clear visual guide and detailed instructions on how to trace and measure your foot, look at this article, which provides step-by-step images.
When selecting roller skates, it’s crucial for beginner skaters not to rely solely on their standard shoe size due to variations in skate sizing across different brands. Instead, compare your mondo foot measurement with the size chart provided expressly for the skate model you’re interested in. Brands often include recommendations on whether to choose a size larger or smaller based on their fit.
It’s also wise to avoid general advice that suggests simply adjusting your shoe size to find your skate size. This approach can be inaccurate and result in poorly fitting skates. Read customer reviews to get a real sense of how a particular model fits. These often provide insights into whether the skates tend to run true to size, small or large, helping you make a more informed decision.
Difference Between Aluminum and Nylon Plates
Plates are one of the key components beginner skaters need to know about when deciding on roller skates, serving as the chassis or frame that connects the boot to the wheels and trucks. Essentially, the plate is what the boots are mounted on, and it holds all the other parts together, including the wheels, bearings, axles, and sometimes the toe stops. Plates are crucial for the structural integrity of the skate and play a significant role in how the skates perform under different conditions.
The two types of plates you’ll encounter in this guide, aluminum and nylon, come with distinct advantages and considerations. Understanding the differences between these plate types enables skaters to make informed decisions based on their skating style, experience level, and specific needs. Most of the skates featured here are designed for upgradability, reassuring that you can start with a skate that suits your budget and later enhance it with a metal frame. In the following sections, we delve into the specifics of each plate type, guiding you to choose the right one for your roller skating adventures.
Aluminum Plates
Aluminum plates for roller skates are known for their strength and durability. These plates are made from metal, making them more rigid and sturdy than other materials. This rigidity provides skaters a stable foundation, enhancing precision and control during skating. Aluminum plates are especially popular among speed skaters, park skaters, and those engaging in roller derby because they can withstand the high-impact nature of these sports without bending or breaking.
Nylon Plates
Nylon plates are crafted from lightweight synthetic polymer, making them a popular choice for beginners and casual skaters. Their primary advantage is their weight; they are significantly lighter than aluminum plates, which can make a substantial difference in overall skate weight and ease of movement. Nylon plates offer enough resilience and flexibility for recreational skating and basic maneuvers, making them suitable for those who skate primarily for fun or fitness.
Note: You may see low-end skates with hard plastic plates while searching online. Avoid purchasing skates with plastic plates, as they are not considered safe or strong enough to support the weight of heavier skaters.
Low-Cut vs. High-Top Roller Skate Boots
The boots of beginner roller skates come in two main styles: low-cut and high-top. Low-cut boots, similar in design to regular athletic shoes, end below the ankle. They are ideal for roller derby and speed skating because they allow maximum ankle mobility, enabling quick and agile movements. On the other hand, high-top boots extend well above the ankle, sometimes up to the lower calf. These are great for outdoor recreational and park skating as they provide significant ankle support and stability, helping to properly align the foot and leg.
While the height of the boot can influence your skating style, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both low and high-top boots are suitable for learning to skate outdoors or at the rink, and many skaters don’t notice a significant difference in performance. High-top boots may offer an added sense of security for individuals with weaker ankles, though they won’t completely prevent ankle twists.
Note: Most high-top skates in this guide come with outdoor wheels, while low-cut skates generally have indoor wheels.
Understanding Wheel Size and Durometer
Wheel Size
Smaller wheels, typically between 54 mm and 59mm, are designed for quick acceleration and greater agility. They are perfect for artistic or indoor skating, where precise movements and tight turns are common. On the other hand, larger wheels, measuring 60mm and above, are better suited for outdoor skating. These wheels provide smoother rides over uneven surfaces and help maintain momentum, making them ideal for cruising on sidewalks and roads.
Wheel Durometer
Softer wheels fall between 78A and 85A on the durometer scale. These wheels are excellent for outdoor skating as they offer superior grip and can absorb shocks from rougher terrains, providing a more comfortable ride. Conversely, harder wheels, with a hardness rating of 88A and above, are preferred for indoor skating. Harder wheels have less grip, which reduces rolling resistance on smooth surfaces like indoor floors, allowing skaters to maintain higher speeds with less effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between ABEC 5, ABEC 7, and ABEC 9 bearings in roller skates?
ABEC ratings measure the precision and efficiency of bearings, with higher numbers indicating greater precision. For most beginners, ABEC 5 bearings offer adequate performance by balancing cost and quality. Those seeking a bit more speed will benefit from ABEC 7 bearings, which deliver smoother and faster performance. For advanced skating, ABEC 9 bearings are top-of-the-line in terms of precision and smoothness, though they might be more than what a beginner needs initially.
How does wheel width affect roller skate performance?
Wheel width impacts stability and speed. Narrower wheels are typically faster and more agile, making them good for sporty or aggressive skating styles. Wider wheels provide better stability and balance, which can be helpful for beginners who are still gaining confidence in skates. The choice of wheel width should align with your comfort level and intended skating activities.
What is the kingpin angle on roller skates, and why does it matter?
The kingpin angle in roller skates refers to the angle at which the kingpin (the bolt that holds the skate truck parts together) is set relative to the skate plate. This angle influences how the skates pivot and turn. A smaller angle results in a tighter, more responsive turning radius, which can be great for agility and tricks. A larger angle offers smoother, more gradual turns, which might be easier for beginners to manage. Choosing the right kingpin angle can enhance your control and overall skating experience.
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