12 Best Roller Skates for Skaters of All Levels
You may be a beginner, but you'll feel like a pro indoor or outdoors.
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Roller skating is a fun summer date idea that can turn into a long-term hobby or even a Halloween costume (80s Roller Skate Barbie, anyone?). It's also an entertaining way to travel and a fun form of exercise to do by yourself or with others.
To find the best roller skates of 2023, we researched top-performing models from popular brands that our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute informally tested in their daily life.
Our top picks:
While we have not tested every roller skate in this shopping guide, we spoke with experts to gain insight into the particular shoe category and relied on consumer ratings to round up the best roller skates for indoor and outdoor skating, whether you're at a beginner, intermediate or advanced level. When updating our list, we looked for products that had positive online reviews and included design features like foam padding, mesh lining and more.
Read on to learn more about what to consider when selecting roller skates, and after you add a pair to your shopping cart, check out our round-up of the best skateboards for the sk8r teen in your life.
If you want a comfortable pair of skates that will form to your foot while you cruise outdoors, we recommend the Lolly skates from Moxi. Though they run on the more expensive side (a couple hundred dollars) for roller skates, they're a great fit for beginner adults thanks to strong ankle support and padding as well as larger wheels to help you maintain control over rougher terrains. According to Moxi's customer service manager, Missy Mayhem, "The wheels are soft and perfect for impact absorption" and enable you to skate on a range of surfaces outdoors.
Offered in several colors such as Clementine, Pineapple, Lilac and more, these suede leather boots are guaranteed to look as good as they feel. But before you head outside, make sure you use a suede protector to keep the boots in prime condition. Also keep in mind that if you want to take these indoors, you'll need to purchase an additional set of wheels like the Radar Riva indoor wheels.
Wheel type: 65mm x 35mm/78A | Boot material: Suede leather |
Plate: Nylon | Toe stop: Adjustable
Chicago Skates Classic Roller Skates
Great for a beginner, these quad-style roller skates are best suited for smoothly paved streets or roller rinks. Many who purchased this affordable pair share that they're built to last. "I’m a beginner skater and had originally bought another (much more expensive) pair elsewhere," one shopper shared. "These skates knock the other ones out of the water and for a fraction of the price." Chicago Skates also offers the same pair in men's sizing with a black boot and blue wheels. Just make sure to pay attention to the US sizing schema, which is slightly different, and pick whichever color suits you!
Wheel type: 60mm/88A | Boot material: Vinyl | Plate: Aluminum | Toe stop: Adjustable
Crazy Skates Size Adjustable Inline Skates
Our favorite feature of these inline skates is the adjustability that lets you switch between four sizes built into each small, medium and large shoe. Plus, you can choose from five colors, ranging from teal glitter (pictured) to pink. Kids will have fun deciding which color suits their style and parents will appreciate not having to buy a new pair of skates each time their kiddo goes up a shoe size. The solid urethane wheels are great for indoor and outdoor use. A mesh liner designed for breathability and a durable boot frame for support work together to give kids a stable, smooth ride. We also like that Crazy Skates provides informational videos on how to adjust the skates' size as well as tips for finding the right fit.
Wheel type: Urethane | Boot material: Nylon | Plate: Not listed | Toe stop: No
Roller skates can have unique design features for comfort and support, but sometimes a classic-looking skate with all of the basics will do just the job. Although this simple pair is on the more expensive side (roughly $40 more than our best value pick), customers leave positive five-star reviews praising the look and feel of the skates. The soft padding inside means you may want to size up to avoid the skates feeling too snug, but you'll appreciate the extra support. A fiberglass plate and smooth-sloping heel will keep you stable as you take the skates outside. The wheels spin on strong bearings so you can tackle rougher surfaces too.
Wheel type: 61mm/78A | Boot material: Synthetic leather | Plate: Plastic | Toe stop: Non-adjustable
Roller Derby Elite Candi GRL South Beach Inline Skates
Our Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour recently tried these brightly colored skates (available in four fun colors) and found the pair to be super comfortable. As a newbie, Seymour appreciated the foam padding in the tongue as it made her shins feel supported. The brand also has helpful videos that explain how to install the optional rear brake. These skates are a cute but less expensive option for beginner skaters that want to feel supported as they cruise around their neighborhood or on a track. A 4.7-star rating on Amazon suggests other customers are just as happy with this pair, saying that the skates have a smooth ride and are good quality.
Wheel type: 72mm | Boot material: Polymer plastic | Plate: Not listed | Toe stop: None, optional rear brake
Jackson Ultima Vista Viper Nylon Outdoor Skate
Jackson is a popular brand for figure skaters, and these skates have earned an impressive 4.8-star rating on Amazon. Memory foam ankle padding adds extra comfort while a flex notch is designed for greater ankle flexibility, which is ideal for wide feet. We appreciate the breathable mesh tongue and a rolled collar to avoid irritation in the calf and heel areas. A customer who wore Jackson figure skates tried out this pair and left a five-star review saying, "I'm so in love with these skates!" Say less.
Wheel type: 62mm/78A | Boot material: Suede | Plate: Nylon | Toe stop: Adjustable
We love these hybrid roller skates because of their fun colors and retro design that makes us want to dance the night away at a roller disco. And, more importantly, we also love the plates and trucks, which are built from high-quality aluminum, and the wheels, which are suitable for indoor rink skating as well as outdoor use. It's the perfect pair for someone just getting started and who wants to use their skates everywhere without spending a fortune.
Wheel type: 58mm/82A | Boot material: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) upper, heel and sole | Plate: Aluminum alloy | Toe stop: Non-adjustable
This beautiful pair of roller skates is a joy to show off as you cruise along a boardwalk, in the park or at your local rink. "They come with a hybrid wheel, designed to take on smooth surfaces and still give you speed and are soft enough to get you through the roughness of most common asphalt surfaces," says Moxi's Mayhem. The stiffer high-cut boot makes it great for beginners who need ankle support, and the aluminum plates and metal trucks mean your skates will last a while. The boots are made from durable, structured vinyl material that'll require some breaking in, though they come in a bunch of cheerful colors to match your style.
Wheel type: 58mm x 33mm/78A | Boot material: Vinyl | Plate: Aluminum | Toe stop: Adjustable
Sure-Grip's gender-neutral skates come equipped with sturdy bearings and wheels designed to handle more versatile terrain than plain asphalt. The suede finish makes these tall boots much more firm and responsive to your shins' commands when in use. "The boot is pretty stiff but will relax in time, I'm sure," one skater shared. "I have not experienced any discomfort with extended wear and feel like they will also work as I become more advanced. If you are looking for a quality skate that you can use as a beginner through advanced, these might be for you!"
Wheel type: 65mm/78A | Boot material: Suede leather | Plate: Nylon | Toe stop: Adjustable
C SEVEN Roller Skates
These vintage-inspired skates are designed to offer ankle and shin support with a lace-up front and flexible wheel support. As a derby skate, this pair allows you to go fast and react to tight turns when necessary. "As a returning retirement skater — I haven't skated since the late 1970s — I'm delighted with these skates," one reviewer said. "Not too expensive in case I don’t like it but sturdy enough for outdoor skating."
Wheel type: 58mm/83A | Boot material: PVC | Plate: Aluminum |
Toe stop: Adjustable
If you want to dance in your roller skates, consider a low-cut skate that focuses on comfort and flexibility. The front laces ensure that your feet are snug and tight as you push along, making this a good choice for indoor (and outdoor) skaters who don't need as much ankle support. While the cut is ideal for dancing, we wish that the toe stop were adjustable. Still, the skates have 60mm high-rebound urethane wheels so dancers can better control their movement and speed. The skates have a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with numerous five-star reviews saying the purchase is well worth it.
Wheel type: 60mm/85A | Boot material: Ballistic nylon boots with soft terrycloth lining | Plate: Aluminum | Toe stop: Non-adjustable
Who says you have to go indoors to sparkle on the dance floor? This glittery pair of roller skates can be used both indoors at your local rink and outdoors in the park, and it's guaranteed to catch everyone's eye. The boot is made from vinyl so it'll be a bit stiffer than other leather outdoor boots you'll find, but they're comfortable once you break them in, according to consumers. Several enthusiastic Amazon reviewers commented on just how much they love the glitter sparkles on these skates, setting them apart from the rest.
Wheel type: 62mm/78A | Boot material: Vinyl | Plate: Nylon |
Toe stop: Adjustable
How we chose the best roller skates
When selecting the best roller skates, we spoke with experts in the field to ensure each featured pair is equipped with the proper wheels, materials and construction for indoor or outdoor use to ensure safety, performance and ease of use. We also considered consumer feedback regarding the overall comfort of each pair of roller skates and factored in unique features such as hybrid wheels or catchy designs and colors.
What to look for when shopping for the best roller skates
Though it might be tempting to buy the first pair of beautiful roller skates you find online, vice president of the Roller Skating Association International (RSAI), Billy Thompson, says, “The first thing I tell people to do before buying roller skates is to go try them on! Find your local skating center or rink and work with a professional who can help you pick the correct skate for the type of skating you’re trying to do." If you prefer to shop online, make sure you're buying from a site with a friendly return policy.
If you're interested in outdoor roller skating, you need to find a pair of roller skates that are comfortable. “It’s the same as buying shoes,” says Thompson. “Do you prefer Velcro, lace-up or buckle boots? Vinyl, leather or suede? Where you skate affects this decision, but it also comes down to comfort and how the skate conforms to your foot.” Here are some buying tips so you can find the right roller skate for you.
✔️ Wheel rating: According to Mayhem, "Surfaces vary, so that is why you always want to consider what surfaces you are going to encounter to find the best wheel for your setup." Fortunately, roller skate wheels have a durometer rating that indicates which surface they’re best suited for. Harder wheels, which have a higher number rating, are ideal for indoor skating conditions since they have less grip and roll faster. They’re also what rhythm and dance skaters use so they’re able to glide and spin. Softer wheels, on the other hand, have a lower number rating and are perfect if you want to roller skate outdoors. Softer wheels grip the surface you’re skating on, even if it’s rough, and don’t roll quite as quickly. According to Thompson, outdoor wheels typically have an 80A or lower rating (oftentimes you’ll see 76A or 78A), whereas anything over 88A is considered an indoor wheel. There are also hybrid wheels ranging from 82A to 88A and these can be used both indoors and outdoors.
✔️ Wheel size: Not only is a wheel’s durometer rating important, but you need to consider the wheel’s size. Outdoor wheels are larger (62 mm and 65 mm), whereas indoor wheel sizes can be anything from 36 mm to 62 mm. Smaller wheels make spinning and moving easier, which is why you’ll frequently find these on dance skates, whereas larger wheels offer more control and require less effort while skating.
✔️ Boot cut: When shopping for roller skates, you’ll come across three popular boot cuts: low-, mid- and high-cut. Low-cut skates are referred to as speed skates or dance skates, and they’re cut like tennis shoes. High-cut skates go over the ankle, making them a great choice for older skaters or adult beginners thanks to increased ankle support. Mid-cut skates, which fall somewhere in between and are popular for roller derby since you get more control along with a tighter boot fit.
✔️ Boot material: When picking boots, you have the choice between soft or hard boots. This all comes down to preference. You’ll see hard shell boots more frequently on kids’ roller skates as well as outdoor and aerobic roller skates since they scuff less easily and are generally cheaper to make. Soft boots, on the other hand, are recreational and often come in vinyl, leather or suede. They'll likely be a more comfortable fit, but Thompson doesn’t recommend leather or suede for outdoor skating since your feet will sweat and outdoor elements can damage the material.
✔️ Trucks/plates: Before buying a pair of roller skates, make sure you find out what’s going on under the boot. The trucks and plates are underneath your boot, and they hold everything together. Most plates are either nylon or aluminum. Thompson suggests finding a roller skate that comes with a nylon plate and metal trucks. He suggests staying away from cheap plastic, which can bend and wear over time — and if you have some wiggle room in your budget, splurge for metal plates made from aluminum that will last longer.
✔️ Toe stop: A toe stop serves as your brake while roller skating, and there are two types of toe stops to choose from. Most skates in the $100 range come with a non-adjustable toe stop, whereas pricier skates include an adjustable toe stop, which moves up and down — useful if you’re dancing and performing spins that require you to be on your toes. Most rhythm, dance and freestyle skates have adjustable toe stops. For those interested in casually skating outdoors or at a rink, Thompson says a non-adjustable toe stop is more than enough to stay safe.
✔️ Accessories: When roller skating, the more pads the better. “Wrist guards for a beginner skater are a must-have, no matter your age,” says Thompson. “Ninety-five percent of injuries sustained while skating involve wrists or ankles.” In addition to wrist guards, you should also purchase elbow and knee pads as well as a helmet if you plan on skating outdoors.
✔️ Price: Roller skates can range in price from $50 to over $300, but we found that you can purchase a solid pair for somewhere between $70 and $130. As with all shoes, you can always splurge for more design features. But if you are new to rollerskating or it isn't an activity you spend a lot of time doing, there are more affordable skates on the market that will still check all of the boxes.
What kind of roller skates are best for outdoor use?
Look for a larger, softer wheel when shopping for outdoor roller skates since these offer more control and do a better job gripping rough surfaces. We recommend outdoor roller skates with wheels sized anywhere from 62 mm to 65 mm and ones that have a 76A or 78A rating, though anything lower than 80A will work. If you want roller skates that you can use both indoors and outdoors, you can get a pair of hybrid wheels that have a rating between 82A to 88A or, if you’re really serious, you can consider investing in boots with detachable wheels so you can switch between indoor and outdoor wheels whenever you want!
Which roller skates are best for beginners?
Thompson recommends novice skaters look for roller skates with wheels sized 57 mm to 62 mm and a high-cut boot that covers the ankle. But his number one piece of advice for beginner skaters is to buy skates that are comfortable and not just an impulse buy. “Look at reviews, longevity and the manufacturer warranty as well as the type of bearing and wheels," he says.
Is rollerblading good for fitness?
Stefani Sassos, MS, RD, CDN, a NASM-certified personal trainer and registered dietitian at the Good Housekeeping Institute, explains that outdoor roller skating — even simply pushing yourself gently around your neighborhood for a few miles — may improve your cardiovascular strength over time, which can help you build endurance elsewhere. Ultimately, "the best exercise is the kind that you enjoy and will continue to do consistently," says Sassos. Rollerblading can be a fun way to incorporate exercise into your workout routine, but its benefits correlate to how frequently you skate around.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
In his role as Health Editor, Zee Krstic worked hand in hand with analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to highlight consumer-facing input from leading health experts. He interweaved doctors' and healthcare providers' expertise into shopping guides to better educate readers. He also independently reviewed new products in the wellness space for Good Housekeeping, which he has done previously for Martha Stewart Living and Cooking Light.
Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski oversees product testing and covers everything from connected devices to appliances, health, home and fitness. With a B.A. from George Washington University and a Master's in communications from Sciences Po Paris, Olivia has several years of experience writing about tech and trends. She continues to stay on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best gadgets to hit the market.
Zee Krstic is a content strategy manager for Hearst Magazines, leading audience acquisition and affiliate revenue growth for Country Living, House Beautiful, ELLE Decor and VERANDA. He previously served as Health Editor for Good Housekeeping between 2019 and 2023, covering news, wellness trends and executing product reviews in conjunction with the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining Hearst, Zee fostered a background in women's lifestyle media with seven-plus years of digital editorial experience, including as a site-wide editor at Martha Stewart Living. Zee currently produces design and lifestyle service content as a contributor; he has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
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