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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Soft boot design with comfort memory foam padding and locking cam lever buckles
- Aluminum Tri-Coil
- 80mm Elite Speed wheels
- Bevo Gold 7 Race rated bearing
- In Men'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
- DURABLE & SAFE PERFORMANCE: Built tough for all surfaces, these roller skates for women and men feature a sturdy frame and reliable 60mm PU wheels that handle indoor rinks and outdoor pavement with ease. Enjoy smooth, stable skating and confident control—no matter where your adventure starts.
- STABLE HIGH-CUT, LACE-UP SKATES: Built for confident performance, the durable high-top boots offer solid ankle support and a secure lace-up system with speed hooks for a locked-in fit. Underneath, an adjustable aluminum plate with double trucks, a jump bar, and toe stop delivers smooth turns, quick stops, and total control.
- COMFORT & SUPPORT: Experience long-lasting comfort with a interior lining that keeps feet cozy and secure—even during extended skating sessions. These quad roller skates for women and men feature reinforced stitching and an ankle-support design for a snug fit that helps prevent soreness and fatigue. The breathable lining promotes airflow to keep feet cool and dry, while the durable construction ensures reliable comfort with every ride.
- CLASSIC STYLE WITH BOLD COLORS: Available in eye-catching multicolor options — Black and White — these quad roller skates for kids bring timeless style with a fun, modern twist. The bold contrasting colors make them stand out while the classic four-wheel design offers balance and control. These fashionable roller skates make every ride a colorful, confident adventure indoors or outdoors.
- TRUSTED BRAND FOR OVER 100 YEARS: Chicago Skates has been a leader in roller skating innovation since 1905, earning the trust of generations. Known for performance, safety, and durability, Chicago Skates continue to deliver fun and confidence for young skaters at every level—whether in the rink or on the street.
- 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
- 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
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.