Rollerblading is a trend that became widely popular in the 1980s as people were looking for a modern take on rollerskating but without losing any of the fun or fitness. As the activity gained even more attention it became more than just a trend, and today there are many people still enjoying all of the benefits of having their own pair of inline skates.
Rollerblading is a great way to stay fit but it’s also a lot of fun, which is why it’s remained such a popular hobby in this day and age. Whether you’re an absolute beginner, wanting to get your kids involved, or just need a new pair of inline skates for your favorite activity, there are hundreds of options out there that can quickly get overwhelming.
This buying guide was created to make the shopping process a little easier and we’ve got all of the information you need to find the best rollerblades to suit your needs. No matter your age, gender, skill level, or where you plan on skating, you’ll find some great recommendations for rollerblades as well as the answers to questions people commonly have when choosing skates.
Rollerblading can be a wonderful source of fun and fitness, but only when you’re working with the right equipment. This buying guide can point you in the right direction of the perfect pair of rollerblades for you so that you can start reaping the benefits and getting into this globally adored pastime.
Our Picks for the Best Rollerblades For Beginners
A quick look at your options for a new pair of rollerblades will show you just how big the market is and when it comes to finding your next set the search alone can be overwhelming. There are all kinds of skates out there, from professional sports skates to beginner or child-friendly ones, so you have to be able to narrow down your search.
Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you and gone through countless reviews to find the best rollerblades for kids and adults in varying prices and styles. Without any confusing features or confusing lingo to get through, you’ll be able to choose from the top-rated skates on the market to suit your budget and needs.
Last update on 2020-09-03 PST - Details
Best Rollerblades For Beginners Our Picks for the Best Rollerblades For Beginners1. Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT Rollerblades - best rollerblades2. Roller Derby V-Tech 500 Skates - best roller blades3. Dongchuan Inline Skates - best inline skates for kids4. BlianAilunhua Inline Skates - best rollerblades for girlsThe Features to Look For When Choosing RollerbladesChoosing the Right Rollerblades for YouFun and Fitness in One With RollerbladingWhat is the Best Rollerblades For Beginners? Keep reading to find out!
1. Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT Rollerblades - best rollerblades
- IDEAL FOR NEW SKATERS - Novice skate for women at an ideal price: comfort, control and stability
- SUPPORTIVE SHELL - Rollerblade design provides extra foot support and balance
- COMFORT LINER - Padded liner ensures a snug fit with an easy closure system: buckles, lace and strap
- COMPOSITE FRAME - Durable frame design increases stability
- BLADERUNNER WHEELS - 80mm wheels with ABEC 7 bearings for moderate speed with less effort
Last update on 2020-09-03 PST - Details
When you’re in the market for a new pair of skates, you want a brand that specializes in exactly that. Bladerunner creates everything from inline skates and rollerblades to ice skates, so you can put your trust in them that they know what they're doing. Their Advantage Pro XT Rollerblades are our top pick for the best rollerblades for women, but there’s nothing stopping men from enjoying them as well.
With 80mm wheels that have been perfectly balanced with the ABEC-7 bearings, you’ll get a very smooth ride no matter the surface you’re on. They come in a cool grey and blue color that suits most styles, and you’ll be able to choose from women’s US sizes ranging from 5 – 10. The larger the size the higher the price, but this is a pretty standard system for rollerblades.
These were designed as an entry level skate and although the price might seem a little higher than others we’ve reviewed, you’ll notice an immediate difference. The favorite features that reviewers had were the smoothness of the wheels which made it easy to learn the basics of skating. You’ll get a unique center of gravity not found in other beginner skates that will keep you upright and feeling steady at all times.
On the downside, these did take a few weeks of regular use just to wear them in. people commented that the skates were quite stiff at first and they wondered if they’d ever be flexible enough to skate comfortably in, but as long as you’re committed to breaking them in, you’ll be rewarded greatly. For the price though, it was a bit off-putting to have to work so hard just to get them to a comfortable place.
This aside, you’ll really feel the support that these skates offer when you put them on. There’s padding on the tongue and liner so you don’t even need to wear bulky socks to avoid blisters. It has a supportive shell that is integrated with the frame which helps keep your position upright, and this is a major bonus for people learning to skate.
As one of the more costly pair of skates for beginners, that doesn’t mean the Bladerunner Advantage Pro XTs aren’t worth every cent. These are definitely our pick for the best rollerblades for women and if you’re able to fit the sizing, men would appreciate them well. They have a triple closure, comfortable padding, and smooth gliding wheels, so there’s plenty to brag about with these as your first pair of inline skates.
2. Roller Derby V-Tech 500 Skates - best roller blades
- Soft boot support system with triple cam-lever buckle, push button adjustment system, and comfort fi
- Reinforced Polymer Frame
- 76mm Urethane Speed Formula wheel
- ABEC 7 bearing
Last update on 2020-09-03 PST - Details
When you’re in the market for new inline skates but don’t want to spend your entire savings, the Roller Derby V- Tech 500 Skates are the best choice. Although marketed as women’s skates, the sizing is totally adjustable and can even suit kids, teenagers, and men, so they’re pretty versatile in who they can fit.
The Roller Derby V-Tech 500 Inline Skates are made for women’s adult sizes from 7 to 10, but they also fit unisex sizes of 6 to 9. Because you can fully adjust their sizing, everyone from kids and adults will find a perfect fit, and there’s no need to look too hard to find the right one. There’s a simple push button you can use to make adjustments and get a secure and tight fit for your foot every time.
The best thing about these skates was how comfortable they were, especially for a cheaper pair. There’s a foam padded lining and supportive boot to keep you nice and snug, and they’re some of the more lightweight skates around. This is great for beginners especially still trying to learn how to balance without the bulky weight of rollerblades holding them back.
There are a few minor negatives to note though, most importantly the stopper of the skate. Some people found it made things a little awkward as they were trying to break. Others were pretty happy with what they got for the price, so you can expect a basic but effective pair of inline skates when you choose the Roller Derby V-Tech 500s.
Other notable features include the urethane wheels which mean you can use them safely indoors and outdoors. They come in 76mm size which is a little smaller than most, but this also makes them ideal for children or adults with smaller feet. They run quite smoothly and do a good job on most surfaces, but to get the best use out of them they’re better suited to an indoor skating arena.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want something reliable and comfortable to learn on, the Roller Derby V-Tech 500 Inline Skates are a good choice. They’re made predominantly for women but have enough size flexibility for men and children to enjoy them as well, so the whole family can get great value for money with their first pair of skates.
3. Dongchuan Inline Skates - best inline skates for kids
If you’re hoping to get the entire family involved in rollerblading but want to make sure you all have the same skates, Dongchuan has the solution. Their adjustable inline skates are designed for men, women, and children with three adjustable sizes that can suit everyone.
The adult's sizes range from 5-8, youth and teens from 2-5, and junior sizes from 12J-2 for the smallest members of the family. They might not be the best men’s rollerblades for those with larger feet, but most people should find these a comfortable fit. You’re able to adjust the size further as well, so even if your kids are still growing they’ll be able to wear their Dongchuan Inline Skates without having to move up a size.
The kid's version of these skates come with a cool flashing light feature on the wheels so they’re perfect for getting your children interested in the fun of skating. The adults and youth sizes come in a range of colors as well so you can pick something to suit your personal taste, and every member of the family can have their own pair of unique inline skates to stand out from the rest.
What customers loved most about these skates was how securely they fit. In addition to being able to adjust the size to your exact needs, you also get triple protection with Velcro, lace, and a buckle up closure. You’ll be firmly secure inside the skate so you can focus all of your attention on learning how to rollerblade, and never get the feeling that your foot is going to slip out.
Some negative reviews of these skates mentioned that they felt a little lightweight, and this is probably due to the aluminum casing. Other rollerblades are more durable and will likely last longer, so keep in mind these are just for fun. While they’re perfectly fine for casual skating if you’re after something durable to last for years, you’ll need to spend a little more.
For a cheaper pair of skates and one that will suit every member of your family, the Dongchuan Inline Skates are a great choice. They’re pretty lightweight and better designed for casual skaters and comfortable enough to keep you strapped in, so if you want to save some money but still need a reliable pair of rollerblades to learn in, they’ll do you just fine.
4. BlianAilunhua Inline Skates - best rollerblades for girls
- 4 Sizes Adjustable Inline Skates - Kids can ride on these skates for a long time for you’ll be able to increase the boot up to four sizes. Three size available: Small for little kid(10-13); Medium for big kids(1-4); Large for youth & young adult(4-7), Check the image of our size chart for specific length of the boot.
- 8 Wheels Illuminating Inline Skates - Gain confidence in our stylish design in Violet/Magenta. With the coolest light up wheels, make your little girl a real shining star. Wheels are designed as self-generated power system, no battery needed!
- High-end Features Roller - Enjoy a smooth, quiet and confident ride on the reinforced aluminium frame, 82A polyurethane wheels and high quality ABEC-7 bearings. Premium performance and special light up bonus, totally worth the price!
- Triple Closure for Kids - Includes Cam lever buckles, 45 degree strap and laces. An easy system to get in and out of the skate quickly and nicely, even your daughter can do by herself!
- Sincere Service - Order with confidence due to our 100% dedicated customer and product experience. Every question or problem will be answered and solved nicely and promptly. Check other 2pm Sports skates with flashing wheels, including same style skates for boys in Azure.
Last update on 2020-09-03 PST - Details
If you’re torn between a budget pair of skates and something more premium, you could settle for the middle ground with the reasonably priced BlianAilunhua Inline Skates. These are mid-range adults skates that are suitable for beginners but have enough durability and support to make it an absolute dream as you learn how to rollerblade.
The sizes of these skates range from 7-10 in men’s and women’s 8-11 so as long as you fall within this category you’ll get a perfect fit. There’s an adjustable screw that lets you tighten or loosen the fit even more and gives you a snugness that’s super important as you’re learning how to rollerblade.
What customers loved most about these inline skates from Blian is the adjustability. Not only can you adjust the sizing for a perfect fit, but you can even switch the side that the break is on. There’s a triple closure system as well so you can tighten up the fit with Velcro, lace, and unique buckle closure, giving you more protection than most skates in this price range.
On the downside, some reviewers didn’t find these rollerblades that comfortable. Most people had to use a thicker sock to give them some extra padding as the rollerblade itself didn’t offer enough. Keep this in mind if you’re trying to avoid blisters or plan on skating for more than 30 minutes at a time because the skate alone won’t provide you with the right level of comfort.
Although the liner wasn’t that soft, it was removable and machine washable which was a nice bonus. It has a PP plus fiber aluminum bracket which makes it pretty lightweight and won’t weigh you down as some other heavier materials do. This can cause a flimsy feeling effect on the boot and it’s something you might not appreciate because of the higher price range, but it has no impact on the quality of the skate.
The BlianAilunhua Adult Inline Skates are a little more expensive but they have high-quality parts like the ABEC-7 bearings and PU wheels, both working together for a very smooth ride. You’ll be able to learn and practice indoors and outdoors with ease, and because you can adjust them to suit your perfectly, they’ll be a better fit than most standard rollerblades you’ve ever tried.
The Features to Look For When Choosing Rollerblades
Shopping for inline skates can be daunting with the number of features and specifications that you have to consider. If you’re completely new to the sport then it can be even harder to narrow down to the pair you actually need, so we’ve tried to make things a bit easier. These are some features you’re likely to see when shopping for rollerblades and what they’ll end up meaning for the final product.
Size
The most important thing to consider is choosing the right size. Rollerblades are sized just like shoes, so you can find your standard shoe size and match them up usually for the right fit. They come in sizes for all ages from juniors and toddlers through to adults and are usually categorized by men’s and women’s sizes as well.
Material
There are many popular material choices for rollerblades, including the boot, liner, wheels, and other parts. Consider whether the parts are plastic or metal, what type of padding is offered, and what the wheels and bearings are made out of. Cheaper skates will usually feature less durable materials, but for beginners, there’s no need to purchase anything too expensive.
Type of inline skate
Think about where and how you’ll be using your skates because this will point you in the right direction to choose the type. Are you skating just for fun or will you be playing hockey, enjoying roller derby, using a ramp, skating outside, or doing something else? Consider their purpose before you start looking for the right pair and choose a multi-purpose skate if you’re new to this activity.
Comfort
The comfort of a boot is determined by the padding that’s been built into the design. The inner boot is the most important place to look for this, so make sure there’s some degree of padding offered in your rollerblade.
Adjustability
Most skates come with some type of adjustability so that you can fit them to your foot better. This could include the closure systems or an actual adjustment that changes the size. It’s best to shop for your exact shoe size but also choose a skate that allows for some adjustability, and this can be especially helpful when buying kids skates that they might outgrow faster.
Closures
You’ll get at least one option for a closure system on an inline skate, but many come with two or more. Some skaters have a preference for what feels most comfortable with popular choices being Velcro straps, buckle closures, and even traditional lace-ups. A rollerblade with all three options may take a little longer to get on and off, but it’ll keep your foot more firmly inside of the skate.
Brake system
A rollerblade usually comes with at least one brake somewhere on the design, and it could be as simple as a small rubber stopper. Some give the option to switch the brake to either side so you can choose what you’re most comfortable with.
Extras
Rollerblades can be as basic or advanced as you want, and there are plenty with extra features to choose from. Flashing lights for kids, different colors and designs, washable liners, extra padding, wheel and bearing upgrades, and more are all available depending on what you’re looking for in a skate.
Choosing the Right Rollerblades for You
Rollerblades aren’t a one size fits all type of product and before you can choose the right pair you need to make sure they’re actually right for you. Too many people attempt to learn how to inline skate and give up just because the skates they chose weren’t the right fit for them, making it appear harder than it really is to master.
The most important thing to think about when choosing rollerblades is whether they’re made for you. You’ll need the right shoe size, the right gender, and the right purpose, as there’s no need to buy professional sports skates when you’re an absolute beginner. Think about where you’ll be using them and let that lead you in the right direction.
Although there are slight differences between kids, men’s, and women’s skates, they’re basically the same thing with a very similar design. The only real difference is in the sizing but if you choose one that allows for adjustability then this won’t present a problem.
Finally, look for something that offers support. This can be in the liner, the construction of the shell, or how snugly they fit around your feet. When you’re learning how to rollerblade, having this added grip and comfort will make it easier to get the right position so that you can learn the basics of rollerblading without having to give your skates a second thought.
Fun and Fitness in One With Rollerblading
There aren’t many activities today that combine the same amount of fun and fitness as rollerblading, and getting started is as simple as choosing a pair of skates for yourself. Rollerblading is a modern but effective way to get active and with a quality set of rollerblades, you’ll be able to pick it up quickly and build on your skills from there.
The key to learning how to rollerblade is choosing the perfect fit for you, and we’re not just talking about the size. A good rollerblade should be adjustable and customizable to suit your needs and also be suited to where and how you want to use them. With a little research, you’ll get the perfect pair and will likely find that learning how to skate was easier than you could have imagined.
These days, rollerblades come in so many different styles and with prices to suit every budget. Whether you’re after a pair of entry-level skates or something for your children, there are some great options out there that can tick all of the boxes, so consider checking out our recommendations.