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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Roller skating outdoors is one of my favorite parts of summer. I’ve been skating non-stop since 1989, and I’ve worked in the industry for most of that time. Over the years, I’ve become an expert on all things roller skating and love sharing my passion and knowledge with others. I see people asking on Facebook and Reddit every day about the best roller skates for beginners, so I created a guide highlighting some of the best skates from the most trusted brands. If you are getting into skating for the first time, skated as a child, and are looking to get back into it as an adult, or are looking for skates for your teenager, a relative, or a friend, this guide is for you. If you want skates for younger children and toddlers, I have also created a Parents Guide to the Best Kids Roller Skates.
Our Picks for the Best Roller Skates for Beginners
This guide features some of the most popular roller skates among beginners based on discussions with shop and roller rink owners. We’ve included skates at multiple price points for indoor skating, such as speed, derby, and dance-specific skates, as well as recreational skates for skating outdoors on trails and in the streets. For each skate, we’ve broken down what they are best for, what sizes they are available in, their width, and their MSRP.
Best Indoor Roller Skates for Beginners
Indoor roller skates come with harder wheels than outdoor skates. These harder wheels, generally over 88A, are faster and more maneuverable on the smooth surfaces found at roller rinks. In contrast, outdoor skates have softer wheels that absorb vibrations and impact when skating over rough surfaces, cracks, and bumps of sidewalks and streets. Remember that even though the skates we label as indoor skates can also be skated outdoors if you buy a second set of softer wheels, which you would switch out depending on if you’re skating indoors or outdoors. This is the same case for outdoor skates, so you would buy harder wheels for them to use for skating at a roller rink.
Sure-Grip Rock GT-50
Best For: Speed, Derby | Size: 1-15 | Width: Wide | Price: $155.00-$179.99
The Sure-Grip GT-50 is a low-cut entry-level speed skate for beginners designed for skating fast around the rink. They can also be used if you want to try out Roller Derby. However, if you start taking it seriously, you will want to upgrade to a more advanced derby-specific skate. If you plan on skating outdoors, you must buy a second set of softer aftermarket wheels, as the stock 95A wheels are too hard and will not absorb bumps and cracks on rough surfaces, making your ride less than ideal and probably not much fun. The boot is made of vinyl and comes mounted with nylon plates and 62mm wheels with ABEC 5 bearings inside them. The toe stops can be adjusted and replaced when they wear out, a feature not always found on beginner roller skates. Remember that although most people find these skates comfortable out of the box, as a low-cut boot, they offer less ankle support, making them more challenging for someone with weak ankles.
Riedell R3
Best For: Derby, Recreational | Size: 1-14 | Width: Narrow | Price: $165.00
The Riedell R3 is a great all-around indoor skate that can be used for speeding around the rink or as an entry-level derby skate. If you plan to take derby seriously, you will eventually want to upgrade to a stronger plate, allowing for better power transfer when skating. The low-cut boot is made from vinyl, and with padding at all the right places, they are just as comfortable as sneakers. The R3 comes complete with 62mm 95A Radar Cayman wheels and ABEC 5 bearings.
Riedell Boost
Best For: Dance | Size: 4-13 | Width: Medium | Price: $185.00
The Riedell Boost is an excellent beginner roller skate for dance enthusiasts who want to take their moves to the roller ink. Be aware that for these skates to be suitable for dance, they do not come with a toe brake, as they can get in the way. Instead, they have jam plugs, which eliminate the brake and are there to protect wooden rink floors from getting scratched. If you want a toe brake, you can purchase many aftermarket options. The Boost has 57mm 96A Sonar wheels and a nylon Powerdyne thrust plate.
Jackson VIP
Best For: Derby, Recreational | Size: 5-13 | Width: Medium | Price: $199.95
The Jackson VIP is a great beginner roller derby skate that makes an excellent choice for those who want to start playing. It is also an affordable derby-specific upgrade option from the GT-50 and R3 discussed above. They feature premium parts like the reinforced nylon Pilot Viper plate, Atom 60mm 91A wheels, and Bionic ABEC-7 bearings. These components offer more durability and a more stable experience than lower-model skates. The microfiber boots are also a step up from the vinyl options, are more durable, and offer more comfort.
Bont ProStar Prodigy
Best For: Derby, Recreational | Size: 3-12.5 | Width: Medium | Price: $209.00
The Bont Prostar Prodigy is a low-cut roller skate that provides excellent agility, comfort, and support, ideal for beginners in speed skating and derby. They are also great for trail skating if you buy another set of softer outdoor wheels. What sets these skates apart from the other skates we discussed so far is that they can be heat-molded in just 10 minutes for a custom fit. Bont built the Prostar on a sturdy fiberglass base with a microfiber lining, memory foam cushioning, and a nice and roomy toe box. It boasts a lightweight Prodigy plate reinforced with fiberglass, with Ballistic 60mm 92A wheels and ABEC 5 bearings. The Bont Prostar Prodigy is a high-quality skate at an affordable price.
Antik Skyhawk
Best For: Derby, Dance, Recreational | Size: 4-12 | Width: Medium | Price: $239.00
For skaters looking for more ankle support, the mid-cut Antik Skyhawk is a cool-looking quality skate that beginner and intermediate skaters can use for derby, dance, or casual skating around the rink. The boot is made from durable microfiber with an abrasion-resistant toe cap to withstand the punishment that roller derby will put them through. The Skyhawk is known for its comfort thanks to the cushioning and shock-absorbing foam in the heel. They come with a lightweight PowerDyne Thrust Plate, 59mm Sonar Aura wheels with ABEC 5 bearings, and a Gumball toe stop.
Sure-Grip Rebel Avanti
Best For: Derby, Recreational | Size: 4-14 | Width: Medium to Wide | Price: $275.00
The Sure-Grip Rebel Avanti is a high-performance, low-cut leather skate ideal for beginners interested in derby or outdoor trail skating (with aftermarket outdoor wheels). They are very popular skates for derby, known for their comfort straight out of the box with minimal break-in time. They feature a durable, lightweight Avanti aluminum plate and a stylish, sneaker-inspired Rebel leather boot. The 62mm 92A wheels with ABEC 7 bearings will give you enough speed and agility to hold your own during a derby match or just for having a blast skating around the rink.
Outdoor Beginner Roller Skates Under $200
It’s hard to find decent outdoor roller skates under $100, even though the Moxi Rainbow Rider can be found for as low as $89. So, for this section, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best outdoor roller skates for beginners for under $200. My top picks in this range include the Chaya Vintage, the Riedell Orbit, and the Riedell Crew.
Moxi Rainbow Rider
Best For: Recreational | Size: 1-10 | Width: Wide | Price: $89.00 to $109.00
The Moxi Rainbow Rider is a solid choice for beginners looking for decent recreational roller skates that are affordable and comfortable. We love the pretty rainbow design that makes them stand out from other skates in this guide. The boot is vinyl and offers a comfortable fit for most people. Underneath the boot, you will find a die-cast aluminum plate and 58mm 82A wheels with ABEC 5 bearings. The Rainbow Rider is not designed for aggressive skating or skateparks. Still, it is a solid skate at an excellent price for beginners to have a great time while learning the basics of rollerskating.
Chaya Melrose Deluxe
Best For: Recreational, Dance | Size: 5-9 | Width: Medium | Price: $89.97 to $149.95
With its retro vibe, the Chaya Melrose Deluxe is a real eye-catcher and a very popular skate for outdoor cruising, light dancing, and recreational skating. They feature a comfortable and supportive high-cut vinyl boot with a padded interior. Below the boot, you’ll find an aluminum plate and 62mm 78A wheels with ABEC 7 bearings. The Melrose deluxe is a great skate for casual skaters looking for an affordable skate that looks and performs well outdoors!
Moxi Beach Bunny
Best For: Recreational | Size: 1-10 | Width: Narrow | Price: $119.00
The adorable Moxi Beach Bunny is among the most popular beginner roller skates for outdoor recreational skating. They are ideal for skating on the boardwalk and down trails and even perform well for some light skatepark and bowl cruising. The pastel-colored drum-dyed vinyl boots are lined with moisture-wicking Dri-Lex material, a padded tongue, and extra ankle padding to ensure maximum comfort and support. They feature a PowerDyne Marvel aluminum plate, adjustable toe stop, 58mm 78A wheels, and ABEC 3 bearings.
Riedell Orbit
Best For: Recreational | Size: 4-11 | Width: Medium to Wide | Price: $119.00
The Riedell Orbit is a well-made, affordable outdoor roller skate ideal for beginners pursuing recreational skating, such as on trails or urban skating. Its colorful PVC boot has plenty of padding and a soft footbed, providing comfortable and excellent ankle support. They come with a durable Marvel die-cast aluminum plate, 57mm 85A Sonar Zen wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and an adjustable toe stopper. The Orbit is one of our favorite skates on our list and has long been a popular choice for skaters on a budget.
Chaya Vintage
Best For: Recreational | Size: 5-12 | Width: Wide | Price: $149.95
The Chaya Vintage roller skates are popular with beginners for their retro look and comfort. The synthetic mid-cut boot has ergonomic padding that provides plenty of ankle support and a snug fit, making it a great choice for recreational skating and dance. They feature a durable aluminum plate and smooth-rolling 59mm 78A wheels with ABEC 9 bearings.
Jackson Finesse
Best For: Recreational | Size: 4-10 | Width: Medium to wide | Price: $159.95
The Jackson Finesse is an affordable beginner skate that performs similarly to more expensive, higher-end skate models further down our list. The vegan-friendly vinyl boot has plush memory foam padding and an antibacterial lining that is comfortable and provides excellent ankle support. They include a durable nylon Pilot Viper Zytel plate with Atom Pulse Lite 62mm 78A wheels and Bionic ABEC 7 bearings, which make them perfect for outdoor recreational skating. With the addition of some harder aftermarket wheels, they also are a great skate for the roller rink.
VNLA Parfait
Best For: Recreational | Size: 6-11 | Width: Wide | Price: $159.99
The VNLA Parfait roller skates offer beginners the perfect blend of softness and sturdy ankle support, whether skating on a trail or at a skatepark. The plush interior is comfortable and has plenty of room for wide feet. It even comes with contour insoles that can be added to give those with narrower feet a more snug fit. The Parfait is one of the lighter skates on this list, allowing you to skate for hours without fatigue. They come with 58mm 78A wheels with ABEC 7 bearings, perfect for absorbing the shock of rough surfaces.
Sure-Grip Fame Motion
Best For: Dance, Recreational | Size: 1-13 | Width: Wide | Price: $179.00
The Sure-Grip Fame Motion is an outdoor cruising version of the legendary Sure-Grip Fame artistic dance skate. You can’t go wrong with a simple black skate. The boot is eco-friendly and vegan-friendly PVC with plush interior padding, providing a snug and comfortable fit. Under the boot is a Rock nylon plate, 62mm 78A wheels, and ABEC 5 bearings. The toe stop is adjustable on all but the largest sizes. The Fame Motion roller skates are suitable for beginner and experienced skaters alike.
Moxi Panther
Best For: Park & Bowls, Recreational | Size: 1-10 | Width: Narrow | Price: $189.00
The Moxi Panther is an affordable yet elegant skate perfect for recreational and park skating beginners. They combine the durable, abrasion-resistant suede from Moxi’s premium Jack boots with the recreational plates and 58mm 78A wheels found on the Beach Bunny and Jungle lines. The black suede boot features a moisture-wicking Dri-lex microfiber liner with leopard print to cool your feet. While padding, a cushioned tongue, and contoured collar provide excellent comfort and ankle support. The leopard print laces are a nice compliment to the liner.
Riedell Crew
Best For: Park & Bowls, Recreational | Size: 4-11 | Width: Medium to Wide | Price: $199.00
The Riedell Crew is a stylish and lightweight update to Riedell’s classic 120 leather boot, ideal for recreational, park, and dance skating. This beginner skate comes in three vibrant boot colors, and the lace colors match the toe stops, which really makes them pop. It features a snug, high-top leather boot with a cushioned footbed and moisture-wicking Dri-Lex lining that is comfortable while providing excellent ankle support. The boot comes mounted with a Powerdyne Thrust nylon plate, 62mm 85A wheels and ABEC 5 bearings.
Jackson Vista
Best For: Recreational | Size: 4-10 | Width: Medium to Wide | Price: $199.00
The Jackson Vista are stylish and comfortable roller skates for skaters of all levels. Its high-top microfiber suede boot with memory foam padding relieves pressure points while providing excellent ankle support during long days of skating. Meanwhile, the foam-backed tongue reduces lace bites and other forefoot discomfort. The Vista has a lightweight Viper nylon plate, adjustable toe stopper, Atom Pulse 62mm 78A wheels, and ABEC 7 bearings.
Outdoor Beginner Roller Skates Over $200
The skates we picked in the over $200 range feature better components and materials. Most of the skates in this price range are made with suede leather. My favorite is the Sure-Grip Boardwalk.
Sure-Grip Boardwalk
Best For: Recreational | Size: 4-15 | Width: Wide | Price: $189.00-$229.00
The Sure-Grip Boardwalk is my top pick for the best outdoor roller skates for beginners interested in recreational skating. The Boardwalk just looks amazing and will turn heads everywhere you roll. They also use quality components, making them extremely durable skates. With a similar look, components, and overall experience, the Sure-Grip Boardwalk is a budget-friendly alternative to the Moxi Lolly. The nylon Rock plate with adjustable toe stops provides enhanced stability thanks to its 10-degree angle. They come with 57mm 82A wheels with ABEC 3 bearings. Sure-Grip stitched the boot of the Boardwalk to the sole, meaning they also work well for us at the skatepark and in bowls for beginner to intermediate skaters.
Chuffed Wanderer
Best For: Park & Bowls, Recreational | Size: 4-10 | Width: Medium to Wide | Price: $279.97
The Chuffed Wander look similar to the Boardwalk roller skates above, coming in lovely, eye-catching colorways. They are truly beautiful skates, and great attention is paid to their construction. The boot is made of suede leather, with the exception of the black skate, which uses a vegan-friendly microfiber instead. The inside of the boots have plenty of foam padding and a cushioned insole and tongue to keep you comfortable, provide excellent ankle support, and support the impact of rough road conditions or when doing jumps. They come with 58mm 82A wheels with ABEC 7 bearings mounted to aluminum plates and trucks.
Moxi Lolly
Best For: Recreational | Size: 4-13 | Width: Narrow | Price: $299.00-$369.00
With their retro look, the Moxi Lolly is one of the most popular outdoor roller skate models for skaters of all levels. These beautiful skates are perfect for recreational skating on trails, streets, and skateparks and when changing to harder wheels at the rink. The boot provides a comfortable and snug fit thanks to its foam-backed suede, which feels even better once the leather breaks in and molds to your feet. Under the boot, you’ll find a lightweight and sturdy Powerdyne Nylon Thrust Plate, Moxi Gummy 65mm 78A wheels, and ABEC 5 bearings. To finish off the classic retro aesthetic, Moxi has packaged the Lolly inside an adorable vintage-style suitcase that includes tools and instructions.
Bont Parkstar
Best For: Park & Bowls, Recreational | Size: 3-12.5 | Width: Wide | Price: $309.00
The Bont ParkStar is a high-quality mid-cut skate designed for skateparks and recreational skating. Its durable boot is handmade with suede reinforced with fiberglass, and the memory foam lining is heat-moldable to give you the maximum ankle support and comfort needed for more aggressive park skating. They have an anatomical forefront shape and a roomy toe box to accommodate wider feet for added comfort. The aluminum trucks with a 20-degree kingpin angle allow you to take sharp turns and remain stable and in control at high speeds. Its trucks are compatible with the Discotrux wide axle housing and any slide block that fits 20-degree trucks. They come with Street Flow 58mm 89A wheels and ABEC 5 bearings. The replaceable rubber protective toe caps protect the front of your boots from wear and scuffs.
Chaya Kismet Barbiepatin
Best For: Park & Bowls | Size: 5-12 (36-47 EU) | Width: Medium | Price: $349.99
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.
Recommended Accessories
Roller skating is very popular and is super fun, but it can also be dangerous. The chances of falling are high, especially for beginners. Sadly, I’ve had many friends over the years suffering from injuries and TBIs that could have been prevented by pads and a helmet. There is a lot of safety gear out there, especially when searching online, but finding the best to keep you safe can be confusing. To help you find the best gear to keep you safe and skating another day, I’ve created guides for the best helmets and safety pads, including wristguards and knee, elbow, and hip pads. All the pads and helmets I recommend are backed by safety certifications for biking and skating. Wearing pads keeps you safe and gives beginners more confidence to try and learn new things.
S1 Lifer Helmet
Price: $79.99 – $89.99
The S1 Lifer Helmet is a multi-impact skate helmet with a traditional fit that sits low on your head. It is made of high-impact EPS Foam for maximum protection against big falls and multiple collisions. The circular vents keep your head cool by allowing air to flow. The liners are removable and can be washed or replaced.
| Related: The 15 Best Skate Helmets |
Triple 8 Saver Series Pad Set
Price: $19.99 – $44.99
If you want excellent pads at a great price, consider the Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set with Kneesavers, Elbowsavers, and Wristsavers. The elbow and knee pads used EVA foam padding and polycarbonate caps, and the wrist guards used molded ABC Splints for maximum protection. They are available in multiple colors and sizes. Triple 8 has been a well-regarded brand protecting extreme sports athletes for decades.
Ennui Wristguards
Price: $24.95
The Ennui Street Wrist Guard features a large slider plate on the palm and an ultra-stiff splint on the back to provide excellent support. Its lining is made of neoprene and CoolMax fabric to increase comfort, while three velcro straps secure them to your wrist.
Ennui Knee Gaskets
Price: $64.95
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.
Powerdyne Y3 Skate Tool
Price: $15.00
The Powerdyne Y3 is one of the best skate tools 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 or backpack while skating.
Bont Bearing Press
Price: $59.99
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.
How to Choose the Right Size Roller Skates
Using the Mondopoint System and Wall Method for a Perfect Fit
The Mondopoint system is the most accurate and reliable method for finding your exact skate size by measuring your foot in centimeters. A difference of a few millimeters can significantly affect how your skates fit. So, an accurate measurement is key to the perfect fit.
How to Measure YourFoot
Wear the socks you plan to skate in to be as accurate as possible. 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.
All skates are sized differently by brand, so using your standard shoe size might not get you a skate that actually fits properly. Instead, compare your mondo foot measurement with the brand’s sizing chart. Many online stores include recommendations on whether to size up or down based on the specific skates fit.
Difference Between Aluminum and Nylon Plates
One of the most important components of roller skates is the plates. They mount the bottom of the boot and have the trucks and wheels attached to them. They hold everything, including the wheels, bearings, axles, and sometimes the toe stops. Plates are the primary component that affects the stability and performance of roller skates.
There are two types of plates found on the skates we discussed in this guide: aluminum and nylon. They both come with their distinct advantages and considerations. Most of the skates in this guide can be upgraded. This means that if you buy skates with nylon plates, you can upgrade them to metal plates. In the following sections, I will review each plate type’s specifics to help you understand what type is best for you.
Aluminum Plates
Aluminum plates are strong, durable, and can take a beating without bending or breaking. Metal is rigid, giving skaters more control and power in their stride. This is especially true for speed, park, and derby skaters, who put a lot more strain and stress on their plates.
Nylon Plates
Nylon plates are lighter than aluminum plates. They make a noticeable difference in the overall weight of skates. They are also more flexible than rigid metal frames. Nylon plates are suitable for beginners or those mainly skating for fun and 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 look similar to regular athletic shoes ending below the ankle. They are used for speed and roller derby skates because they allow the ankles to be more flexible for quick and agile skating. On the other hand, high-top boots sit above the ankle, are more stable, and provide better ankle support for park and recreational skaters.
Understanding Wheel Size and Durometer
Wheel Size
Smaller wheels (54-59mm) are ideal for artistic (dance) and indoor skating. They accelerate well, are agile, and perform great for precise movements and tight turns. Larger wheels (60mm+) are found on outdoor skates, making skating over rough surfaces, cracks, and bumps much easier.
Wheel Durometer
Softer wheels (78-87A) are ideal for outdoor skating. They grip rough surfaces well and absorb shock for a more enjoyable skate. Harder wheels (88A+) are preferred for indoor skating. They 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 is the differences between ABEC 5, 7, and 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 enough 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 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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