It is a misconception that you have to have a ton of money to get started in roller derby. While it is true that the sport can definitely be expensive, it is possible to find quality roller derby skates on a budget. In fact, we’ve rounded up our favorite roller derby skates for under $200.
So, what are the best roller derby skates for beginners? Here’s what to look for when shopping for roller derby skates.
Our Editor’s Best Roller Derby Skates Reviews
- Outgrow no more! Adjust up to 4 sizes at the push of a button. Medium adjusts from size 12J to 2; Large adjusts from size 3 to 6.
- Perfect for young skaters! Comfort and support with no laces to tie
- Real trucks for controlled turning and the best quad skating experience
- Smooth ride indoors and outdoors! 54mm Urethane wheels have the right grip and bounce for the rink or pavement
- High quality components and time-tested performance from America’s Skate Company, Roller Derby
- SIZING Outgrow no more! Adjust up to 4 sizes at the twist of a lever. Small (7J-11J) or Medium (11J-2)
- DESIGN Learn to skate with the rugged and fun "tractor skate" design
- COMFORT Strong and supportive boot with extra-cushy padded liner for comfort and control
- SAFETY Low center of gravity for more balance and safety means more skating and less falling
- WHEELS Indoor/outdoor wheels made of quality urethane. Grippy and smooth on most surfaces
- SIZING: Regular U.S. children's shoe size
- CLOSURE: Sport shoe design with power strap & lace closure boot
- CHASSIS: Lightweight torsion beam frame
- WHEELS: 54mm Urethane wheels
- BEARINGS: 608Z Excellerator bearings
- EZ Twist Knob adjusts up to 4 full sizes (Small 12J to 2) or (Medium 3 to 6)
- Hightop boot design with great ankle support and comfortable padded lining
- High impact chassis with PU Cushions for shock absorption and controlled turning
- Fast and smooth rolling Silver-5 Speed Rated (carbon) bearings
- Urethane 54mm X 32mm indoor or outdoor wheels for rink or pavement
- 2 SKATES IN 1! Switch between Quads and inline skates for the best of both worlds
- GET GOING: Comfy, supportive boots are great for beginners
- SMOOTH ROLLING: Roller Derby skates feature grippy indoor/outdoor urethane wheels loaded with speedy silver-5 bearings
- THE REAL DEAL: Quads have real trucks for control; Inline skates have non-marking brake on right skate
- OUTGROW NO MORE! Adjustable sizing for growing feet: Medium fits shoe sizes 3 to 6. Small fits shoe sizes 12 to 2.
- 2 SKATES IN 1! Switch between Quads and inline skates for the best of both worlds
- GET GOING: Comfy, supportive boots are great for beginners
- SMOOTH ROLLING: Roller Derby skates feature grippy indoor/outdoor urethane wheels loaded with speedy silver-5 bearings
- THE REAL DEAL: Quads have real trucks for control; Inline skates have non-marking brake on right skate
- OUTGROW NO MORE! Adjustable sizing for growing feet: Medium fits shoe sizes 3 to 6. Small fits shoe sizes 12 to 2.
- Package Included: Our package comes with 1 pair of classic double-row roller skates. Please note that the shoe size is a bit small, so if you have wider or fatter feet, buy a bigger one.
- Excellent Quality: Our sturdy four-wheel roller skates are made of high quality microfiber leather, providing safe and reliable skating performance. With a support column in the front, you can apply the brakes timely.
- Outstanding design: Our premium wheels can shine when scrolling, no battery needed, the shiny wheels will make you stand out at the skating rink. With ergonomic high-top shoes and breathable fabric inside, you can totally feel the comfort during the skating.
- Perfect for Beginners: Our double-row roller skates are safer and more stable than straight-line ones, especially suitable for beginners or people who want to learn roller skating easily.
- Suitable Gift: Our roller skates are simple and elegant, making them a great gift for both women and men. Suitable for indoor and outdoor skating.
- Soft boot design with comfort memory foam padding and locking cam lever buckles
- Aluminum Tri-Coil frames
- 80mm Elite Speed wheels and Bevo Gold 7 Race rated bearing
- Ventilated toecap, carrying loops, and brake on right skate
- In women's U.S. shoe sizes
- Freestyle comfort fit boot with padded lining, reinforced heel support, and lace closure
- RTX Pro Chassis has real trucks and cushions for precision turning
- 56mm Urethane wheels work on multiple surfaces
- Smooth rolling G-Force 608ZB (carbon) bearings
- Women's U.S. shoe sizes
- Classic freestyle composite boot with modern felt lining for great fit and ankle support
- RD Cruze aluminum Chassis is lightweight, strong, and maneuverable; adjustable toe stop on both skates
- 60mm x 32mm high quality polyurethane wheels are perfect for the rink and also do well on sidewalks
- Silver-5 speed rated (carbon) bearings
- Cruze White fits true to Women's shoe sizes (Conversion: Womens 7 = Mens 6)
Best Roller Derby Skates Buying Guide
Before choosing the best roller derby skates you should consider following options:
1. Fit: Roller derby skates are different from hockey skates. Hockey skates are built for speed and are designed for a forward-facing position.
Roller derby skates are designed for maneuverability and stopping power. They have a larger boot and are designed for a backward-facing position.
It is important to find a pair of skates that fits your foot, regardless of size. Never attempt to squeeze your foot into a pair of skates that is too small.
The right-sized skate will feel comfortable. There should be a small amount of space between your toe and the end of the skate.
2. Materials: Most roller derby skates are made of a hard plastic, called polyurethane. Skates made of polyurethane are lightweight and provide a smooth roll.
Others are made of leather and have a more traditional look. Leather skates tend to be heavier, but they provide more support.
3. Durability: The right pair of skates will last you at least two seasons. You will want a pair that is well-constructed and has a supportive frame.
4. Cost: Generally, the more expensive the pair of skates, the higher quality. However, there are some inexpensive options available.
5. Customer Reviews: Reading reviews of the product you are considering will give you an idea of the quality and durability of the skates.
If you are shopping online, be sure to read reviews from multiple sources. There is a chance that some of the reviews are written by family members or friends of the company selling the skates.
6. Special Features: Some roller derby skates offer special features that may appeal to you. Some skates are designed for specific types of rollers. For example, there are skates designed for indoor and outdoor use.
There are also skates with raised wheels, or what is called a block wheel. These skates have a higher center of gravity and are designed for advanced skaters.
What else you should know about roller derby skates
1. What kind of skates do roller derby skaters use?
Roller derby skaters usually use quad skates, which have four wheels arranged in two sets of two.
2. How do roller derby skaters lace their skates?
Roller derby skaters lace their skates in a criss-cross pattern, starting at the toe and working their way up to the ankle.
3. How do roller derby skaters sharpen their skates?
Roller derby skaters sharpen their skates with a hand-held grinder.
4. What kind of wheels do roller derby skaters use?
Roller derby skaters use quad roller skates.
5. How do roller derby skaters clean their skates?
Roller derby skaters clean their skates by taking them off and wiping them down with a cloth.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best roller derby skates. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best roller derby skates will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.