UPDATE: Jul. 31, 2023, 2:36 p.m. EDT This guide has been updated with new products, sizing tips, and recommendations from experienced roller skaters.
You may have noticed that roller skating became a hugely popular hobby during the pandemic. It provided a relatively safe way to stay active and get out of the house. However, unlike a lot of pandemic hobbies, interest in roller skating is still growing. You can thank social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, which have shown people that roller skating is possible even for beginners — you just have to be willing to persevere through some of the inevitable falls that come with the learning curve. 59mm Skateboard Wheels
To get started, all you need are the best roller skates for beginners and a good attitude. (A couple of friends who are also interested in roller skating with you doesn't hurt either.)
Mashable recently updated its guide to the best roller skates for all types of folks, and we also wanted to update this guide to the best roller skates for beginners. So, we tapped roller skating experts and social media stars Patsy Paredes (@PatsyParedess), Ashley “She She” Madison (@Sk8bloomer), Melody Olivera (@melodyskatess), and Dee and Coco of (@Rollerbadddies). These skaters helped us break down the differences between quad and inline skates, indoor versus outdoor skates, and skate sizing.
Thanks to their tips and product recommendations, we've found the best beginner's skates.
Roller skating is a fun way to get exercise that doesn't feel like exercise. “It’s a great form of cardio that uses your full body but has a low impact on your joints. It helps tone your muscles and can help with posture, balance, and coordination,” explains Olivera.
Aside from being a form of exercise, roller skating is just straight-up fun. “It’s good for your soul and it’s fun," says Madison. "If you’re looking for a self-paced and exciting activity look no further than roller skating!”
You can explore cute parks in your area, check out skate parks, learn tricks, and really make it your own. And even though you are a beginner, you might fall in love with roller skating. Soon, you might be plugged into the roller skating community, building your own skates, and doing all sorts of fancy tricks. Plus, you can get create great content for TikTok, regardless of your skill level.
You can also find community through skating, both in-person and online. You might run into other people roller skating at local spots, and you can always turn to Reddit where there is both a rollerskating subreddit and rollerblading subreddit.
Quad skates are usually the best option for beginners. Quad skates are what you'd traditionally picture when you think of roller skates. They have four wheels (hence, quad) that sit in two rows of two. Paredes notes that the wheels’ rectangular placement helps with balance, which is typically beneficial for beginners who are still getting used to the feeling of standing on skates. “Typical beginner quad skates are designed for smooth surfaces such as indoor rinks,” adds Dee and Coco.
They're also better for dancing, tricks, and roller derby for when you get more experienced. To brake on quad skates, you put your weight on the front of your foot and lean forward onto a toe stop. Quad skates are more customizable than inline skates—you can swap out the trucks, wheels, and toe stops to create a roller skate that works best with your feet and skills.
Inline skates are more commonly known as rollerblades, and they have a single row of wheels down the middle of the skate. Inline skates are easier to maneuver quickly around obstacles and are better for speed. They have similar vibes to ice skates but are chunkier (and with wheels, obvi). The brakes on rollerblades are in the back and usually only appear on the right skate, so it is a little tricky to stop if you're new to the practice. (One of our writers has been rollerblading for more than a year and still brakes by grabbing onto poles or ramming into fences, but you may fare better.)
Inline skates are also better for skating long distances, at higher speeds, and for roller hockey, according to Madison. Standing still on a pair of rollerblades takes some skill, but you'll be moving and grooving most of the time anyway, so don't be put off by that. Beginners can still get the hang of inline skates pretty easily.
“Generally speaking, inline skates are designed for the outdoors, which make it easier to go over debris and rough terrain than quads,” says Dee and Coco.
Whichever type of roller skate you pick, we recommend that beginners wear protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet. You might feel confident — a little cocky even — that you're going to be a pro right off the bat, but trips and falls happen.
When shopping for the best roller skates for beginners, keep the following factors in mind:
Ankle support: The best beginner's skates should have good ankle support. “It’s important to look for a sturdy skate that will hold your weight and support your feet and ankles comfortably,” explains Madison. A new hobby that gives you blisters is likely not one you'll be excited to continue.
Comfort: Comfort is key when it comes to roller skates for beginners. “Filter your search to pairs labeled as 'recreational,' which are designed for casual fitness skaters,” recommends Dee and Coco.
Key parts: Ensuring you purchase high-quality skates is key, especially when it comes to your first pair. “Make sure that the skates you get have adjustable toe stops and wheels, in case you need to replace a part,” says Paredes.
Although you want to be able to afford your roller skates, it’s better to save up for a higher-quality pair of skates than to put your money towards a cheaper pair, as you may risk injury or find that the skates break too quickly. Stay away from plastic plates. “A skate with a plastic plate is more affordable but it will NOT give you the support that you need,” says Madison.
It is also important to ensure your skates have a break. “Not all skates are sold with one, so be sure to check the product details,” says Dee and Coco.
The biggest difference between indoor and outdoor skates are the wheels. It might sound a little complicated for beginners who don't care about all the nitty-gritty technicalities of roller skating (at least, not yet), but the wheel hardness determines how well skates ride on different surfaces.
Wheel hardness is measured by the wheel's durometer, “Typically, you will want harder and smaller wheels for indoor surfaces like hardwood floors at the roller rink,” says Olivera. “If you are skating outside, you want a larger, gummier wheel with more grip to help absorb the shock of uneven surfaces with different textures. Wheel hardness ranges from 68A to 100A; a good hybrid hardness for indoor and outdoor would be 78A."
If you do use your skates outside and want to use them at an indoor rink, check to make sure the rink allows outdoor skates. Some rinks don't because there might be debris or rocks in your wheels, which could scratch up the flooring.
All of our roller skating aficionados agree that sizing varies from brand to brand. Roller skate sizing is usually the same as your regular shoe sizing. Make sure you look for the brand's sizing chart, which will likely be on the skate's product listing page. Often, sizing is only listed in men's or women's, even if the skate is otherwise unisex.
In terms of fit, Dee and Coco recommend trying on skates while wearing socks and ensuring that the ones you purchase aren’t too tight. You want to be able to wear your skates for a relatively long time, so balancing comfort with a secure fit is key.
However, if you are buying a pair of roller skates online, it is important to note that “there are certain skate companies that only offer men sizes, and there are some skates that may feel tighter due to the material,” explains Paredes.
“I highly recommend first measuring your foot. Put your foot on a piece of paper and trace it. Measure from the toe to the heel to get the length and from the widest part to get your width. Compare sizes on their sizing chart & read the reviews to see if that skate will be a good fit for you,” adds Madison.
Whether you want to skate in a roller rink or your local boardwalk, we've got you covered. These are the best roller skates for beginners in 2023.
Yeah, you're a beginner now, but eventually you'll become pretty good at skating (we're manifesting for you) and won't want to be wearing a cheap pair of skates. If you know you're in it for the long haul, invest in a high-quality pair of skates now. The Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Skates are a durable pair with a suede boot that conforms to your foot over time. Confusingly, a Men's 5 is the same as a Women's 6, so we recommend checking the sizing chart and measuring your foot to ensure a good fit. The wheels are a bit small, but they're still okay for skating outside.
Do you want to try out roller skating but don't want to spend $100 to $200? Then we recommend trying these basic Skate Gear quad roller skates, which are the best roller skates for beginners on a budget. They also come in sizes for kids and adults. You can buy these skates via Amazon Prime, and they have everything you need to start skating quickly. We've linked to the classic black version of these skates, but you can also choose white, pink, and patterned skates, although the more colorful designs are probably best for kids.
These indoor/outdoor skates provide enough stability and durability to get started on this hobby, but they aren't made from the most premium materials. If you're interested in more colorful and aesthetic roller skates, check out Impala Skate instead. For beginners willing to spend a bit more, check out the Sure-Grip skates featured above.
Quad skates aren't for everyone; if you're more of an inline skate person, this pair from Rollerblade (extremely fitting brand name) is great for beginners and more experienced skaters. We've linked to the men's version of these rollerblades, but the Women's Zetrablade Inline Skates are also available at Amazon.
They're very well-cushioned to keep your ankle in place without any uncomfortable pokes or jabs. They also secure onto your foot really well with laces, a strap, and a plastic buckle. Your ankles will be stiff as a board in these puppies. “They are comfortable soft shell inline skates that are designed for beginners and novice skaters and are sold with a heel brake,” say Dee and Coco, who started their roller skating journey wearing these inline skates for beginners.
Depending on what's drawing you to skating, you might want your first pair of skates to be stunners. Impala Skate is the best for skates with fun designs and eye-catching colors. And they're actually good skates too — not just all flash. The skates have a structured boot and padded collar and tongue to give you ankle support without being too rigid or uncomfortable. They're also made from PETA-approved vegan materials if you're trying to be more conscious in your apparel choices. Olivera recommends these quad skates for beginner skaters.
Not only do we love the fun and TikTok-friendly designs on these retro roller skates, but they were also our top pick for the best roller skates overall in 2023. You can also find some of Imala Skate's most popular products for sale via Amazon.
The C7skates don't have as many fun patterns as Impala skates, but they do come in a few colors that channel retro vibes. The skate's boot is made from vegan leather and has thick padding around the ankle for structured support. The wheels are meant for indoor and outdoor use, but some reviewers said that the wheels are a bit small and not the best at going over bumps. So, you're probably better off wearing these skates inside or on smooth surfaces outside. You can also always replace the wheels if you want something bigger and better suited for rough terrain. Olivera, one of the skating experts we consulted for this guide, also recommends these roller skates for beginners.
If you want to comfortably and safely skate indoors and outdoors without having to change your skates, consider adding the Roller Derby Cruze XR Hightop Women's Roller Skates to your cart. “They come with hybrid wheels which can be used indoors and outdoors,” says Madison.
The polyurethane wheels are made to comfortably glide in roller rinks and sidewalks. They are also lightweight (weighing 5.65 pounds) so your feet won’t feel like you have weights on them when trying to skate. Also, their toe stops are adjustable, so you can easily replace them if necessary.
Keep in mind not all roller rinks will let you wear outdoor skates. That being said, thanks to their versatility and low cost, they're some of the best roller skates for beginners.
If you’re willing to save up for a pair of high-quality leather roller skates that will provide your feet (and ankles) with lots of support when skating outdoors, the Moxi Lolly skates will be worth the wait. These attractive skates come in a few different fun colors, but in addition to the stylish vibes, they're also the best roller skates for ankle support.
“They are suede which forms to your foot and breaks in quickly. They fit true to size also (check the sizing chart because the sizes are different from regular shoe sizes). The high boot provides great ankle support, and the skate comes with soft 'gummy' wheels that are perfect for outdoors. The bearings give a great smooth roll and the cushions offer amazing support for maneuvering. Definitely worth the investment!” says Madison.
If you're an absolute beginner (as in, you've never skated a day in your life) and aren't sure you'll actually like skating, this is a good starter pair of roller skates for adults. You don't want to invest too much money in something you might not enjoy, so this budget-friendly pair is good for testing the waters. The XUDREZ skates are available in blue, white, and pink with the option to have light-up wheels or standard wheels. The tongue is not padded like more expensive pairs, so make sure to tie the laces tightly to get that much-needed ankle support.
To select the best roller skates for beginners, we started with some careful online research. We then added any skates that were specifically recommended by our skating sources. From there, we narrowed down our selection based on factors such as:
Best bang for the buck: Cost is especially important for beginners, so we looked for roller skates that offered a good range of features without a high price tag.
Wheels: We took note of various wheels and how well they work on various sources (taking into account whether the skates were designed for indoor use, outdoor use, or both).
Safety: When shopping for a pair of skates for a new roller skater, safety is critical. We asked our experts about skates that provide lots of ankle support and are equipped with cushions, brakes (even if they are adjustable), and laces that are able to be tied tightly.
Cool Factor: We took into account whether or not the skates had any cool features such as adjustable parts or vibrant colors.
Miller Kern is a New York City-based Deputy Reviews Editor at Mashable, where she writes and edits reviews of tech products including headphones, skincare devices, laptops, sex toys, e-readers, robot vacuums, and more. She has five years of experience writing buying guides, gift guides, and deals, and covering shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday. Miller can tell you which products are actually worth your money. She also explores trends in the shopping sphere, such as dupes and viral TikTok moments.
Jenna Clark is a freelance writer who covers commerce, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Insider, The Daily Beast, Well+Good, and Taste of Home. When not reviewing the latest products or traveling, you'll likely find her at a theme park or watching the latest Broadway show.
78a Skateboard Wheels You can follow her on Instagram @JennaElizClark and Twitter @JennaElizClark