With summer around the corner, you might be looking to get your kids some fun new toys to keep them busy. Roller skates for kids are excellent for teaching balance and developing gross motor skills. While a great outdoor activity, you can also use roller skates indoors at roller rinks, making them a value-for-money purchase.
Roller Derby Trac Star
The boot itself is comfortably padded, providing a snug, secure fit. The Trac Star features cam-lever buckles, making it easy for kids to get it on and off themselves without needing any help to tie shoelaces.
Types of Roller Skates for Kids
There are two main roller skates for kids – quad skates and inline skates. Within both types, adjustable variants are also available. Let’s take a closer look at the two types:
Quad Skates
The classic quad style of skates is the skates your see at indoor roller rinks. They resemble tennis shoes with four wheels, two in the front and two at the back. This style of skates provides the best balance and stability and is a great starting point for all beginner skaters.
Inline Skates
Inline skates are slightly more advanced and require good balance to use. Using inline skates is similar to ice skating, just minus the ice. Inline skates typically feature 4-5 wheels in a straight line down the shoe’s sole, each wheel behind the one in front of it. Inline skates are better suited for older children and teens or kids already comfortable skating.
How Roller Skates Should Fit
Selecting the right size roller skates for kids can be tricky. A snug fit is safest, but many children find this uncomfortable and often painful. With kids growing so quickly, you might be tempted to buy a pair of skates a few sizes bigger so that they get good use out of them. However, it is recommended that you purchase the same size as your child’s regular shoes or one shoe size bigger. But not more than that. Most manufacturers match their sizing to the popular shoe brands to help the customer find the best fit.
A few sizing tips:
A Word On Safety
A roller skate that is too large for your child’s feet will cause blisters from constant friction caused by their feet moving around and rubbing the inside of their skate. Additionally, skates that are too big can cause children to fall or twist their ankles. If you opt to size up, use one pair of thick socks rather than two regular socks to lessen the gap and secure your child’s foot until they grow into the boot. Wearing two pairs of socks creates extra moisture and can also cause blisters.
Never compromise the safety of your children to save a few dollars. Instead, adjustable skates that can grow with your child’s foot size if your budget is tight.
The Best Quad Roller Skates for Kids
The number one thing we are sticklers about is quality. When selecting the products for our list we considered many factors. We looked at the products our competition was recommending, we looked at the number of Amazon reviews and the Amazon ratings. We believe that these numbers can provide us insight into whether the product is relevant, and loved by its users.
This is a continuously updated article, which means we have the opportunity to look at our database and the information it has gathered since the publish date to determine which products our readers love. This database helps us determine which products to keep, add or remove.
1. Roller Derby Trac Star
J12 to 6
Chassis:
Trucks with Cushions
Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate
Versions Available:
Girls or Boys
The Roller Derby Trac Star is ideal for beginner to intermediate roller skaters. The chassis is lightweight, with a reinforced polymer frame and toe brakes on either skate. It features a push-button to adjust the boot up to 4 shoe sizes. The boot itself is comfortably padded, providing a snug, secure fit. The Trac Star features cam-lever buckles, making it easy for kids to get it on and off themselves without needing any help to tie shoelaces!
Moving along to the wheels and bearings, the Roller Derby Trac Star comes with 54mm urethane wheels, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The G-Force 608ZB carbon bearings ensure a smooth glide. The Trac Star is available in pink with mint trim or blue with pink and white trim. Alternatively, a boy’s option is also available: a black with red trim option or a blue with orange trim.
Reasons to Buy the Trac Star
2. Roller Derby Fun Roll
J7 to 2
Chassis:
Plastic Tractor-Style
Skill Level:
Beginner
Versions Available:
Girls or Boys
The Fun Roll, a Roller Derby variant, is a vibrant and fun-looking roller skate for the beginner skater. Designed specifically with junior beginner skaters in mind, the Fun Roll caters to a low center of gravity and a wide stance.
Like the previous option, the Roller Derby Trac Star, this model is size adjustable, expanding by five shoe sizes. The chassis of the Fun Roll features a polymer plastic frame with brakes positioned at the heel of the boot rather than the toe; this helps beginner skaters from falling backward.
The Roller Derby Fun Roll boot is also comfortably padded, providing a snug, supportive fit. Like the Trac Star, this model also features cam-lever buckles that effortlessly get them on and take them off.
As for wheels and bearings, the Roller Derby Fun Roll features essential urethane wheels suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The Fun Roll features the same G-Force 608ZB carbon bearings to ensure a smooth glide.
Roller Derby Fun Roll comes in two design options: a vibrant pink with yellow and white trim and a fun emoji print. Alternatively, a black with yellow and blue trim and an action comic print are also available. There are two size options: either a small, which fits shoe sizes 7-11, or medium, suitable for sizes 11-2.
Read Our Full Review of the Roller Derby Fun Roll.
Reasons to Buy the Fun Roll
3. Roller Derby Candi Girl Carlin Quad
3 to 11
Chassis:
Metal Trucks
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced
Versions Available:
Girls
The Candi Girl Carlin is a premium, high-quality roller skate. It features a beautiful brushed suede boot on an aluminum chassis with metal trucks and padded lining with classic laces to ensure a perfect fit. These roller skates are better suited to the intermediate or older skater with already mastered basic skills.
Featuring large 66mm x 38mm Candi Girl Outdoor Wheels, the Candi Girl Carlin is perfect for outdoor use and provides grip on paved surfaces. The design offers the skater great control in turning and maneuvering, while the Bevo Silver-5 race-rated chrome bearings are made for speed.
The Roller Derby Candi Girl Carlin is available in four different color combinations: Seafoam, Raspberry, Periwinkle, and Royal Blue. These are not size-adjustable skates, but the lace-up design allows for a snug fit if you decide to size up one.
Reasons to Buy the Candi Girl
4. Roller Derby Firestar
J12 to 4
Chassis:
Torsion Beam
Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate
Versions Available:
Girls or Boys
The Firestar from Roller Derby moves away from the typical boot design and leans more towards a sneaker look. While still being comfortable to wear and features a padded ankle collar. It is a lace-up skate with a single power strap for quick adjusting.
The Torsion Beam chassis is lightweight and patented. It provides excellent control when turning, striding, and maneuvering on the rink and the sidewalk. They positioned the non-marking toe-brake on the front of each skate.
Roller Derby’s Firestar features 54mm urethane wheels with smooth-rolling G-Force 608ZB carbon bearings. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Firestar is available in sizes J12 up to size 4, in either a black monochrome print or a variety of brightly colored options, including Pink Camo, Purple/Black/Mint, White/Mint, and White/Pink.
Reasons to Buy the Firestar
5. Chicago Rink Roller Skates
J10 to 4
Chassis:
Adjustable Trucks
Skill Level:
Beginner
Versions Available:
Girls or Boys
The Chicago Rink Roller Skate is the classic traditional style quad skate. It features a vinyl lace-up boot with a padded ankle and velcro power straps for quick on-the-go fit adjusting. As the name suggests, they designed these skates for indoor use but are suitable for outdoors. They’re great for beginner to intermediate skaters.
The Rink Roller Skate is lightweight, featuring a nylon chassis with a double-action adjustable truck and toe-brake. The oversized wheels are high impact, measuring 60mm each, with 608Z semi-precision bearings.
Available in sizes from J10 through to 4, the Chicago Rink Roller Skate is available in a white vinyl boot with baby pink wheels and a plain black boot with cherry red wheels.
Reasons to Buy the Chicago Rink
6. Chicago Sidewalk Roller Skates
J12 to 5
Chassis:
Adjustable Trucks
Skill Level:
Beginner
Versions Available:
Girls or Boys
Another skate that breaks the mold of traditional design, the Chicago Sidewalk Roller Skate, is still a high-top boot but looks more like a sneaker. It is comfortable to wear and a popular choice for the rink and outdoor skating.
The chassis is high-impact and double adjustable. It’s lightweight and features premium oversized urethane wheels with semi-precision bearings. They designed the Sidewalk for gliding.
Moving on to laces, the Chicago Sidewalk Roller Skate features three lace-up loops and a Velcro strap for extra security. You’ll find a toe stop on the front of the boot while they padded the ankle cuff for comfort.
The Chicago Sidewalk Roller Skate is available in sizes J12 to size 5. It’s available in either a white or pink color scheme with teal trimmings and a black, red, and blue color combo.
Reasons to Buy the Chicago Sidewalk
6. C SEVEN Roller Skates
1 to 5
Chassis:
Wide-Suspension Trucks
Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate
Versions Available:
Unisex
Sporting a retro-style boot, the C SEVEN Roller Skates for kids is an excellent choice for those looking for that classic skate look. The chassis comprises wide-suspension trucks with 54x32mm 95A urethane wheels. The flexible and comfortable faux leather high-top boot features a lace-up design with extra support in the ankle area.
They designed the C SEVEN skates for indoor use, with the ABEC 6 carbon bearings ensuring a smooth glide. The wheels also feature two steel shields to protect them from dust build-up.
The C SEVEN Roller Skates for kids design is very minimalistic but still fun. Opt for a white boot with a pop of color to the wheels and laces or an elegant black theme.
Reasons to Buy the C Seven
The Best Inline Roller Skates for Kids
1. PAPAISON Adjustable Inline Skates
J11 to 7.5
Chassis:
Aluminium Alloy
Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate
Versions Available:
Unisex
These PAPAISON inline skates are excellent size adjustable all-rounder skates. The frame comprises a sturdy reinforced aluminum alloy with wear-resistance 82A polyurethane wheels. All eight wheels illuminate, powering themselves through motion, so you never need to worry about replacing the batteries!
The wheels also feature ABEC-7 bearings made from high-quality carbon steel, providing an excellent smooth ride. The PAPAISON skates are available in a purple and black design or white and black. The skates come with a pair of skate socks that provide extra protection and comfort when skating. The socks offer anti-friction support and arch support. The socks are breathable and comfortable to wear.
Reasons to Buy the PAPAISON
2. High Bounce Adjustable Inline Skates
J12 to 12
Chassis:
Nylon
Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate
Versions Available:
Boys or Girls
The small J12 to 12-sized High Bounce skates are a great pair for beginners or intermediates. Their design includes long-lasting nylon to extend the life of the skate. High Bounce has designed these shoes with kids in mind. Instead of laces, the boots have clip-in buckles that allow you to adjust the width of the shoe.
These shoes feature a carry loop on the back of the shoe which helps your child to carry both skates in one hand easily. With the loop, the skate has smooth gel wheels that provide a smooth ride and ABEC 5 and 7 bearings.
Please note that these skates run small, so buy a size or two bigger when purchasing a pair for your child.
Reasons to Buy the High Bounce
What are the benefits of roller skating?
Roller skating is a wonderful cardio workout for your children. It provides an opportunity to blend fun and exercise into one activity.
How to Buy Roller Skates for Kids
The Size of the Shoe
When selecting a size, you want a shoe of the skate to have a snug fit while not squashing your child’s toes. Your child’s toes should barely be touching the front of the shoes, and there needs to be about a pencil space between your child’s heel and the back of the shoes. If you’d like to buy a size up, it’s recommended to stick to your child’s actual shoe size or one size bigger—no more than that.
If your goal is to buy a pair that will last a few years, consider purchasing a size adjustable roller skate. These are the skates where the skate itself is extendable length-wise to accommodate those growing feet, such as the Roller Derby Trac Star.
The Brand
Some brands are known for their roller skates, like Roller Derby. Brands that focus on a specific niche tend to be more thoughtful and practical in their product designs. They have expert knowledge of the products and understand the customers’ issues and success using their products.
The Chassis Design and Type
A chassis is the base frame of the roller skate. It provides the strength needed to support the weight of all the shoe’s components and the riders. The chassis is essentially a significant component of the safety system of the roller skate; it keeps the shoe rigid and stable.
There are three main chassis you’ll find with quad roller skates for kids: tractor, truck, and torsion beam.
The tractor chassis sits low on its four wheels. The two front wheels are much smaller than the two large rear wheels, like a tractor the chassis was named after. It’s kind of like having training wheels but for roller skates. The truck chassis sits higher up on its wheels and has the traditional wheel arrangement—even-sized wheels on a chassis that carries weight across the chassis evenly. The torsion beam chassis has four wheels mounted onto a single axis suspended by springs. This design acts as a shock system that makes the ride smooth on rough terrain.
Tractor Chassis
Truck Chassis
Torsion Beam Chassis
Type
There are various types of skates, ranging in use and terrains. The two kinds of roller skates for kids on this list are inline skates and quad skates. Both types are for indoor or road use. Inline skates consist of four wheels in a straight line behind each other from head to toe. Quad skates are comprised of four wheels placed like the wheels of a car, two in the front and two at the back.
Your Child’s Skill Level
The type of roller skate you will purchase depends on your child’s skill level. Quad skates are generally for beginners, those new to skating and don’t have the needed balance skills. Inline skates are more for the intermediates, those who have roller skated before or have good balance.
Indoor or Outdoor
Skating indoors or outdoors is a choice based on preference. It’s important to consider your child’s skill level, awareness of their surroundings, and how brave they are. Skating on tar or paved roads could require more balance because of the uneven surface, surface texture, and potholes. For their safety, your child should be aware of their surroundings when roller skating on the road. They need to be mindful of any oncoming vehicles.
Roller Skating Safety Checklist
Here’s what we suggest:
JBM Roller Skating Helmet
These JBL helmets are impact-resistant, providing the essential protection your child needs. They’re made of solid and durable PVC & PC EPS foam that helps absorb the impact during a fall. Each size features adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit in small, medium, and large. They come in various fun colors and are suitable for boys and girls.
Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set
The Triple Eight protective pad set consists of:
- 2 x knee pads,
- 2 x elbow pads,
- 2 x wrist guards
They made the knee and elbow pads with high-quality fabric, EVA foam padding, and full-coverage polycarbonate caps. The wrist guards are high-density, impact-resistant ABS splits and 4-way stretch nylon mesh. Thanks to the sleeveless design, the pads are easy to get on or remove.
How to Make a PVC Roller Skate Trainer (DIY)
Almost everyone rides a bicycle with training wheels until they learn how to balance correctly; roller skating is not too different. A PVC roller skate trainer will help your child get the hang of the movement first so that they can progress on to learning the balancing next. It’s a great place to start for really young kids or those who are a little unsteady on their feet.
What you’ll need:
Hardware:
Tools:
3 Way Elbow
4 Way Tee
90 Degree Elbow
Caster Fitting
Caster Wheels
PVC Tee
Step 1:
Using either a PVC cutter, handsaw, or miter saw – cut the PVC pipe into 7 x 24″ sections.
Step 2:
Join two 24″ PVC pipes into the left and right sides of the 1-1/4″ 4-Way Tee.
Step 3:
Insert the 1-1/4″ Standard PVC Tee’s on the ends of the PVC pipes to create a base frame.
Step 4:
Connect the caster wheels to the caster fitting inserts.
Step 5:
Connect the assembled caster wheels to the base frame.
Step 6:
Join two 24″ PVC pipes to the 3-Way Elbow.
Step 7:
Insert the 90 Degree Elbows on the ends of the PVC pipes to create the handlebars.
Step 8:
Connect the handlebars and base frame to the renaming three 24″ PVC pipes.
Step 9:
To secure all the connection points and prevent the frame from coming loose, either drill holes and secure them with screws or use PVC cement to hold the parts in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Special Gear Should I Purchase?
Safety gear is the most important; make sure your child has a correctly fitted helmet, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards. A PVC roller skate trainer is a handy piece of gear for fresh beginners. It helps kids learn the basics motions of how to skate while aiding their balance. Once they get the hang of the footwork, they can move on to trying without the trainer. It’s sort of like training wheels on a bike; they’re easy to make yourself.
What is a Good Age to Start Roller Skating?
Around four to five years old. Most kids will be interested in roller skating and have some of the essential abilities required (like balance).
Which Roller Skates are Best for Beginners?
Quad skates are best for beginners. They are easier to maintain balance and learn the basics of skating.
Should my Child Roller Skate Indoors or Outdoors?
This will largely depend on whether you have the ideal outdoor skating conditions for your child to skate on. Both indoor and outdoor roller skating is fine but has separate skates for each. Using roller skates designed for indoor use will wear the wheels down and prevent them from providing the grip needed for indoor roller skating.
Roller Derby Trac Star
The boot itself is comfortably padded, providing a snug, secure fit. The Trac Star features cam-lever buckles, making it easy for kids to get it on and off themselves without needing any help to tie shoelaces.
