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
- High quality brushed suede boot with real suede lining and deluxe comfort padding
- Good ankle support, perfect for beginning and intermediate skaters
- High-end Quality Aluminum chassis with PU cushions with precision turning
- Kemistry Glide 65mm all-purpose wheels are large and grippy - great for indoor or outdoor use; loaded with Bevo Silver-5 Race Rated chrome bearings are built for speed
- Carlin fits true to Women's shoe sizes; DriftR (black skates with black wheels) fits true to Men's shoe sizes.
- ULTRA DURABLE: The R3 quad skates are man-made using a vinyl material for strong skate boots. The skates have a high-impact PowerDyne Thrust nylon plate with strong metal trucks for optimal support
- COMFORTABLE FIT: These adjustable roller skates have an easy lace system, padded tongue, and a Velcro cinch strap that allow for easy adjustments and provide a comfortable precision fit. Check the size chart before making your purchase
- SMOOTH, LONG LASTING RIDE: Roller skates women and men can depend on for a smooth ride, with ABEC-5 ball bearings for long-term use. These polished, chromed steel ball bearings minimize friction to give you the best ride - perfect for any skater
- DESIGNED WITH SAFETY IN MIND: The boot has a low, yet precision fit to maximize ankle support, and the Velcro cinch strap helps secure the foot while skating. A long-lasting, PowerDyne Adjustable Black toe stopper provides easy braking control
- QUALITY FOR ANY USE: These indoor roller skates come with Sonar Cayman wheels (62mm high x 43mm wide, rated 95A hardness) that have a quality roll with the right amount of grip. This is not a children's product and is not designed or intended for use by children 12 years of age or younger
- 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
- 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.
- Deluxe speed profile boot with PU foam to provide better cushioning and enables a snug fit
- Amq Pro frame Chassis for better strength and stability
- Quick Dry lining enables better breathability and provides comfort during longer hours of wearing
- Highly durable, rubber compound 5/8 fixed toe stop that is long lasting and grips well on surfaces
- 58mm x 40mm sturdy urethane wheels and bevo Silver - 5 race rated (chrome) speed bearings provide a smooth, stable and fast roll
- 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
- Men's U.S. shoe sizes
- BOOT Soft boot design with ventilated toecap, carrying loops, and brake on right skate. Comfort memory foam padding and locking cam lever buckles
- FRAME Aluminum Tri-Coil frames
- BEARINGS Bevo Gold 7 Race rated bearings
- WHEELS 80mm Elite Speed wheels
- SIZING True to women's U.S. shoe sizes
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.