The best roller skates for kids: the ultimate guide to skating safely

So your little ones can have fun safely!

An image of a little girl roller skating

by Isabel Martins |
Updated on

Roller skating can be an excellent way for your children (both toddlers and tweens) to pass the time and stay active. Whether your favourite fitness centre isn't fully open, or you just want your kids to get some sunshine and fresh air, roller skating is an excellent way to have fun.

It's a brilliant exercise and helps them to develop coordination and balance skills, plus feel a sense of achievement from learning a new skill.

However, as great as roller skating can be, you want to ensure your kids are safe and secure. There are a few ways to ensure this, including purchasing helmets, knee pads, wrist guards and even elbow pads. In fact, most roller skating injuries occur when protective gear isn't worn.

We've included a wide range of products, so whether you're looking for something with a different aesthetic or you just want a great pair of roller skates, you'll be sure to find it here. Our roundup includes both inline and quad skates, so you can choose the ideal roller skates for your children.

The best roller skates for kids in 2022

Best inline skates

Ideal for children just starting skating, they're excellent for both indoor and outdoor use. We love that these skates are adjustable up to three sizes, so they can expand as your child's feet grow. They were designed with safety in mind, so they are impeccably sturdy and feature a buckling system that supports the ankle. They're also extremely comfortable as they have a foam insole, and are available in two different colours.

Specs:

Wheels: Rubber

Brake: Yes

Maximum weight: 60kg

Sizes: UK child's 10 - UK size 3

Best for design

Ideal for older kids, and those looking for some ultra-stylish roller skates. These quad skates are comfortable, sleek and can be used year-round, both inside and outside. They're also very ergonomic and ensure the foot sits comfortably, featuring a synthetic upper and a padded fleece lining.

Specs:

Wheels: PU casted

Brake: Yes

Maximum weight: 61kg

Sizes: UK size 1 - 7

Recommended

Impala is a reputable roller skating brand. Known for its funky designs and retro aesthetics, its skates are ideal for more experienced teens or tweens. These skates are on the more expensive side of roller skates too, so are best for older children as they won't grow out of them as quickly, and might have longer attention spans.

Specs:

Wheels: PVC

Brake: Yes

Maximum weight: 99kg

Sizes: UK size 3 - 7

Recommended

These Sfr Inline Skates are ideal for children just starting out skating, they're adjustable up to four sizes so they're perfect for growing kids. They're fairly sturdy due to the hard plastic outer case, allowing your kids to feel stable and safe. We also love that the breathable inner boot is soft, allowing for maximum comfort.

Specs:

Wheels: PVC

Brakes: Yes

Maximum weight: 62kg

Sizes: UK child's size 11 - 1 / UK child's size 1 - 4

Best value kids roller skates

Another excellent product, this pair of inline skates is brilliantly suited for children of all ages. Safety is a top priority with these skates, as is shown by the brake on the right foot, which is made from a material that doesn't wear out easily, allowing the brakes to keep working efficiently and effectively. These skates additionally feature a 3-in-1 fastening system, which ensures your child's feet are fastened and stable.

Specs:

Wheels: PVC

Brakes: Yes

Maximum Weight: N/A

Sizes: S/M/L

Best roller skates for toddlers

These adorable mermaid quad roller skates are both cute and safe. Similar to previous products, the boot can be adjusted up to four sizes, so is ideal for your child's growing feet. The wheels light up too, adding to the mermaid aesthetic.

Specs:

Wheels: PVC

Brakes: Yes

Maximum weight: N/A

Sizes: UK child's 9 - 12 / UK child's size 12 - UK size 2 / UK size 2 - 5

Recommended
Xootz Kids Quad Skates
Price: £49.62

An all-around brilliant pair of skates, these quad skates have an outer casing made from polypropylene plastic. This is a sturdy and heavy-duty material, meaning that if any falls happen, all the impact will be absorbed by the boot rather than the child's foot. It additionally has cushioned ankle support, allowing your child to be as comfortable as possible.

Specs:

Wheels: PVC

Brake: Yes

Maximum weight: 60kg

Sizes: UK child's 9 - 12 / UK child's 13 - UK size 3

As previously mentioned, it's super important that your child has all the protective gear necessary to prevent injuries from occurring. With that in mind, we've also rounded up the best protective gear for roller skating below:

The best protective gear for skating

Editor's pick

With an air vent cooling system, an adjustable dial, and featuring EPS inner Impact Absorbing Liner, there is no doubt that this is one of the best helmets for children. The impact liner ensures that any damage is absorbed by the helmet, and not by the child's head. A superb product.

Recommended

This helmet is ideal for toddlers and small children. Boasting a sturdy outer case, as well as antibacterial padding, there's very little it's not suited for. It's also made from very breathable material and its lightweight design allows your child to be comfortable while wearing it.

Recommended

Available in both pink and blue, this protective pack comes with everything your child needs when roller skating. It includes knee pads, elbow pads and wrist pads.

Recommended

Ideal for toddlers and children, this protective gear set includes knee pads, wrist guards, and elbow pads, all of which are made from sturdy PVC.

Best wrist guards

This set of wrist guards is ideal for older children and tweens. It has an ultra ergonomic design, due to the contoured palm protection and flexible material. The straps are adjustable and the hand palm has an EVA foam cushion which absorbs all of the shocks from impacts.

Recommended

Another full set of protective gear, featuring elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads, it contains everything your child needs to go roller skating.

What size roller skates should I get for my child?

Unfortunately, not all roller skate manufacturers use the same sizing, and not all of them will be accurate to your shoe size. We recommend making sure to check each brand's specific sizing guide before purchasing.

The team at Impala skates explains that “As a general rule, the foot should not move around in the skate." So just ensure your child has their laces securely fastened and tightened, and that their feet don't move around in the skates. Having a tightly fastened boot will also help with balance and stability.

How do I help my kids roller skate?

When you first see your children skate, you may be inclined to hold both of their arms. It's an automatic reflex, but this isn't the best idea. Instead, take them somewhere with a handrail and let them walk slowly, holding the rail in one hand.

Are rubber or plastic wheels better?

We recommend rubber wheels as rubber provides good traction. This stops your child from slipping when they push off, as well as helping them brake effectively. Additionally, plastic wears out much faster than rubber and will not be as effective if they go over any cracks in the pavement or little stones.

Tips for kids roller skating

Get protected: Rolling around on a pair of skates will inevitably lead to a few falls here and there, which is why getting the right safety gear is important. This includes a helmet, wrist guards, as well as knee and elbow pads.

Consider lessons: Unless you're an avid roller skater yourself, we recommend leaving it to the professionals to teach your child the basics. There are lots of local skate rinks that will hold classes for all ages.

Remember to praise them: Positive reinforcement is key to your child's improvement, so make sure to cheer them on and encourage them to get back up no matter how many times they fall.

Always keep an eye on them: No matter how good your little one might be getting, it's always important to watch them at all times, particularly when skating outdoors.

Start indoors: Carpets and linoleum are a great place for your child to start skating and can help them find their feet. Be wary of wooden or laminate floors, though, as these can get scratched easily.

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Isabel Martins is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology.

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