As we continue to spend more time outdoors, skating will remain a popular way to not only have fun but stay fit. The skating community continues to grow and that’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Whether you’re taking on roller skating as a new hobby or looking to upgrade your old pair, look no further than our definitive guide to the best roller skates for both women and men. Beginners we’ve got you covered with expert advice and our top tips to get you skating confident - with a little help from us and some expert roller skaters, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
We spoke to the team at Impala Skates to get all your burning questions answered. From what you need in your kit as a beginner, to tips and tricks for improving your skills, we’ve found out everything you need to ride like a pro.
Plus, you can shop our hand-selected top picks below, for the best roller skates whatever your experience, as well as the best protective gear to take out with you.
What does a beginner need in their kit to get started on their roller-skating journey?
The team at Impala Skates explain, “To get started on your skating journey, you will need a correctly fitting pair of skates, protective gear and comfortable socks.”
Roller skating is a fun and rewarding sport, but you’ve got to ensure you’re staying safe, especially if you’re a beginner. Impala recommends using “protective gear – a helmet, wrist guards, elbow guards and knee guards, to keep you safe as you learn.”
To ensure a smooth and safe ride every time, you’ll want to check your skates regularly, ensuring they’re all good to go and ready to skate, you’ll have a better ride.
So, here’s what to do before you head out:
• Check toe stops, wheels and trucks – “If they are too loose, tighten them with the appropriate tool. You can use a skate tool, or if you don’t have one, a screwdriver and spanner will do.”
• Correctly fasten your laces – “Ensure your skates are not loose around your foot - if you notice any movement of your feet in the skates, you should adjust the laces.”
• Get your protective gear on – The whole lot, helmet, wrist guards, elbow guards and knee guards, and “don’t put too much pressure on yourself, falling is a natural part of learning!”
• Now have fun – “Express yourself with what you wear, the music you listen to and the attitude you bring to it… Don’t take it too seriously, whatever your skill level – skating is a fun, inclusive and welcoming community that is encouraging of everyone.”
Inline or quad skates as a beginner?
As a beginner to roller skating and with so much on offer it can be hard to know what route to go down when it comes to the type of skates you buy.
Impala says it all comes down to personal preference but, “inline skates are a little easier to balance on at first… and if you’re unsure which to pick, head to your local rink and give them both a try.”
The best roller skates for 2022
Best roller skates for women
1 of 7Impala Women's Lightspeed Inline Skate
Best inline skates for beginners Following Impala's recommendation of starting with inline skates, our first pick is these gorgeous sky blue skates. Durable, breathable and comfortable, the Impala inline skates are our top pick for beginners. They're great for ankle support and come with an optional back brake, which can be easier to get used to than a front toe stop.**Details:**Durable plastic outer boot with a comfortable, breathable, padded boot liner70mm 84a durometer wheels (also fits 72mm wheels)ABEC 7 bearingsPETA-approved vegan product
2 of 7Impala Roller Skates - Wavy Check
Best quad skates for beginnersPETA-approved vegan and enhanced for ultimate comfort, the Impala Quad Skates are a top pick among roller skates both beginner and advanced. Available in a wide variety of colours and amazing prints, and at an affordable price point for high-quality roller skates, you can't go wrong if you pick Impala.Details:PVC Upper, heel and soleMetal speed lace eyeletsAluminium alloy trucks and baseplate58mm 82A durometer nylon core urethane wheelsABEC 7 bearingsPU brake stopperPETA-approved vegan productTried and tested by Commercial Content Writer, Angelica Daujotas:"Putting the Impala roller skates to the test, I immediately found them much more comfortable from the get-go than any other skates I have tried. Keep in mind that with any roller skates, there will be slight discomfort as you break them in, with the Impala skate it only took around six wears to break in comfortably (thick socks are advised for this stage.)"I really enjoyed the smoothness of the ride on these skates, the urethane wheels do a great job of minimising jumps on uneven surfaces. Of course, I can't not mention the stunning colourway of the Wavy Check skates. Perfect for any season, these skates give me winter and summer vibes at the same time, if that's even possible."
3 of 7Moxi Beach Bunny
Best roller skates for a smooth ride Moxi skates are easily one of the most popular skate brands out there - it seems that everyone has got a pair. While they are brilliant, smooth and look awesome, they are also expensive. Moxi Beach Bunny skates are made from drum-dyed vinyl, with an aluminium plate and they come with 78a glittery outdoor wheels. Check the sizing carefully before ordering.**Details:**Drum-dyed vinyl high cut bootErgonomically designed collar and added ankle support for extra comfortHigh rebound outdoor glitter wheels (58mm/78a)Made from animal -friendly materialsMatching drum-dyed vinyl toe capsCustom Moxi Dri-Lex™ liningPVC unit outsole and heelBright polyester laces pre-fittedMarvel aluminium plate58mm 78a Moxi Beach Bunny wheelsABEC 5 bearingsAdjustable toe stop
4 of 7FR W 80 Inline Skates
Best inline skates for free-riders Whether you're strapping on your skates for the first time or for the first time in years, skaters will love the FR W 80 skates which feature the premium FR liner, 3D EVA footbed and wider boot opening. The FR W 80 skates feature an FK buckle fastening at the ankle and a double strap fastening across the top of your foot for a secure hold. **Details:**Lined with premium removable FR liner with orthomove insoleBlack X2R Rocker-able 243mm frame 80mm/85a Street Kings WheelsTwincam MW7 Freeride bearings
5 of 7Rio Roller Script
Best affordable roller skates The Rio Roller Script are sturdy, vegan-friendly, and are great to look at. They're a brilliant beginner boot and they fit your usual shoe size, which makes it easy to get your perfect size. Rio Roller also has a range of trainer-style skates, if the artistic kind isn't your bag and its supreme comfort you're looking for.**Details:**Vegan friendly, figure style skate with PVC leather constructionPU cast 82A Rio Coaster wheels with Rio's exclusive design to prevent axles protruding and damaging flooringNylon fibre chassisExclusive Rio Roller frame and trucks on custom shaped PU cast bushingsABEC 7 bearings
6 of 7Suregrip Blue Glitter Stardust Quad Skates
Best roller skates for rough terrain SureGrip is a trusted brand in the skating world, with lots of different types of boots on offer. The Stardust look great, are smooth and comfortable, although they can take a little bit of time to bed in. After a bit of wear, the skate will take you from the streets to the wood and all surfaces in between with great comfort, style and performance.**Details:**Vinyl bootWood composite soleBlack ROCK plateContrasting colour eyelets and lacesAdjustable colour-matched toe stop and cushions62mm indoor/outdoor wheelsABEC 3 bearings
7 of 7Moonlight Roller - Mirror Ball
Best hybrid roller skates Moonlight Roller is a relatively new brand in terms of boots, only launching in 2020, but skaters have been loving the boots so far. In a selection of incredible colours and styles, these boots are comfortable, look brilliant and are high quality. They are, however, expensive. The Moon Boot is measured is US Men's sizes, so make sure to check the EU sizing guide carefully. Moonlight has recommended that if you're an 'even' number EU size, to get a size down.Details:100% genuine suede upperTongue stabilizer82" lacesAdjustable PU toe stopCustom printed padded liningCushioned insolePainted aluminium-alloy eyeletsABEC-7 bearingsAluminum-alloy plate58mm 82A urethane wheels with internal hub
Best roller skates for men
1 of 4Chicago Skates Men's Classic Roller Skates
Best affordable roller skates This iconic Roller Rink Skate from Chicago is strategically designed for gliding and is also a popular choice for all-around rink and social skating for decades. The roller skate features a controlled high top for optimum safety as well as high-quality laces for maximum protection, leaving your foot comfortable and secure. Complete with an aluminium base plate with adjustable truck provides easy turning and control as well as wheels suitable for indoor and outdoor skating.**Details:**Aluminium chassis with jump barDouble action adjustable aluminium trucksSemi-precision speed bearingsUrethane wheels Eyelet/speed hook lacing system that allows you to adjust the fit as you go
2 of 4Rio Roller Skates Mayhem II Complete Quad Skates
Best roller skate for beginners Looking like a pair of mid-cut trainers, these skates will be a tonne of fun for both rookies and experienced skaters. The comfortable upper is made in a vegan-friendly material in this makeover of a derby-styled classic.**Details:**PU cast 82A wheelsThe chassis is made out of hi-impact polypropylene which is lightweight and abrasion-resistantPre-installed with smooth running ABEC7 bearingsVegan-friendly, semi-soft quad skatePU Cast Stopper with Easily Replaceable BoltsHigh-quality heel support and anatomically correct insoles with additional cushioning
3 of 4AIR X-PRO 80 Mens Recreational Inline Skate
Best roller skate for recreational skaters The SFR Air X-Pro 80 is the latest edition to SFR's fixed-size inline skate collection. This skate comes with a minimal yet modern design which really makes for a stylish and subtle inline skate. With its ergonomically shaped upper and comfortable breathable liner, the skate not only feels great but also provides excellent ankle support.Details: CNC Two-Piece Aluminium Chassis80 x 24mm 82A PU Cast WheelsABEC-5 BearingsUltra-comfort liningLightweight and breathable upperTPR stopper
4 of 4Suregrip Isis Avenger Roller Derby Skates
Best roller skate for derby The NEW ISIS boot from Sure-Grip is made for derby. Made from 100 per cent genuine leather uppers with a full leather stitched sole, with added additional counters and a reinforced toe for more durability. The newly designed power strap conforms to your foot giving you the flexibility to adjust when needed and with new wide toe box and new narrow heel cup, the ISIS gives you the flexibility and comfort to move your feet when needed.**Details:**Avenger DA45 aluminium plateSure-Grip rollout wheels 59mm 89AQUBE 8-ball bearingsCarrera toe-stopSuper cushions
Do I need protective gear to skate?
In one word: Yes.
Impala highly recommends using protective gear – a helmet, wrist guards, elbow guards and knee guards, to keep you safe as you learn.
Check out their amazing protective gear 101 guide here:
On the hunt for protective gear? Here are our top picks:
2 of 6Brainsaver Helmet - Purple Gloss
3 of 6Impala Adult Protective Pack
What size roller skates should I get?
It's important to note that not all roller skate manufacturers use the same sizing, and not all of them relate to your shoe size. Make sure to check each brand's specific sizing guide before purchasing, otherwise, you may end up having to send them back.
Impala says, “As a general rule, your foot should not move around in the skate. Make sure your laces are fastened securely and done all the way to the top, this will help keep you stable as you learn.”
If you’re still unsure, you can visit a local skate store for guidance on the right size for you.
What should a beginner know before they bring their skates outside?
When you’re out on skates the rules still apply, “If you’re skating out and about, always observe road rules, stay alert and avoid high-traffic areas.
“When you are learning - start on carpet or grass, somewhere you can practise the basics. Remember to always bend your knees, this will keep you stable and balanced. And most importantly, don’t compare your progress to anyone else - roller skating is all about having fun and everyone learns at their own pace.”
Tips and tricks to improve your skating skills
“If you’re a beginner or trying new tricks, always wear protective gear and warm up before you really push it, to keep you safe from injury.
“Getting lessons from a professional is always a good idea - you can do outdoor classes, one on one sessions, or head to your local skate rink that offers lessons.”
You can also check out Impala’s Trick Tips videos on Instagram, where they break it down and make it super simple to follow along.
What to read next
Angelica Daujotas is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media, where she reviews products for sites like What's The Best, Yours, Mother&Baby, Closer and more.
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