What Are Roller Skates?

Roller skates, also known as quad skates, are often regarded as the original skates. They feature four wheels - two at the front and two at the back - which provide excellent stability both while skating and standing still. Roller skates are ideal for beginners and are highly versatile. They are fun, great for dancing, and offer a completely different riding experience compared to inline skates.

There is a wide variety of skates available on the market. They come in designs suitable for both indoor and outdoor skating and can feature either a hard or a soft boot.

What Type of Roller Skates Should I Get?

There are numerous styles of roller skates to match the various disciplines of roller skating. Choosing the right roller skate depends on the type of skating you intend to do, whether it is disco, jamming, or outdoor workouts. Many boots are suitable for skaters of all levels.

What differentiates roller skates from other types of skates is the variety of designs and styles. Some people prefer the retro look of roller skates that evoke the disco vibe of the 1970s, while some adult roller skates have a lower boot for greater flexibility and freedom of movement.

Roller skate wheels come in a range of different sizes to accommodate your skating style. Wheels for indoor roller skating are typically smaller compared to those designed for outdoor use.

How Should Roller Skates Fit?

Roller skates should fit snugly but still allow your feet some movement and let you wiggle your toes. To get the most out of your boot, it should feel comfortable and not cause any pain or discomfort. Keep in mind that all boots will have a break-in period and will fit differently depending on the brand, so be sure to check the individual skate’s size chart.

If you want to know more, check out our guide on Buying Roller Skates.