Roller skating has always been a popular pastime. From the roller discos of the 60s and 70s to the 80s and 90s, when inlines became the latest trend, and even the 00s to now. A huge community has been happily cruising on four wheels, jamming out, practising their tricks, dropping into bowls and looking seriously cool while wearing some fabulous roller skates.
The first recorded use of roller skates was in 1743 (have fun in that Wikipedia hole) and with each new generation came a 'resurgence' of roller skating, but in fact, it never went away. Isn't that awesome?
As we entered 2020, the pandemic took away normality and people started looking for a way to fill their time. Thus, a whole new generation got geared up and ready to find out what all the fuss was about with roller skates.
You only have to look at TikTok and Instagram to know that EVERYONE wants to be a roller skater in 2022. And while that's amazing, if you're serious about it, you need to get the right gear. This ensures you don't fall flat on your face, or lose interest and end up wasting your well-earned cash.
As someone who also took up roller skating in 2020 (#pandemicrollersunite), I'd recommend doing as much research as you can before you commit. There's a lot to take in, but if you respect the history of the sport, immerse yourself in the online community, learn what you need to know for your style of skating and don't just splash out on the first pair of roller skates you see, I guarantee you'll fall in love with it, too. {#h-as-someone-who-also-took-up-roller-skating-in-2020-pandemicrollersunite-i-d-recommend-doing-as-much-research-as-you-can-before-you-commit-there-s-a-lot-to-take-in-but-if-you-respect-the-history-of-the-sport-immerse-yourself-in-the-online-community-learn-what-you-need-to-know-for-your-style-of-skating-and-don-t-just-splash-out-on-the-first-pair-of-skates-you-see-i-guarantee-you-ll-fall-in-love-with-it-too}
Keep reading for our full guide on everything you need to know about roller skating if you're just starting out.
The best roller skates for women 2022
To help you choose the perfect outdoor skates for you, we've rounded up some of the best-rated brands on the market for beginners, pros, and everyone in-between.
The best roller skates for women
1. Impala Roller Skates - Wavy Check
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PETA-approved vegan and enhanced for ultimate comfort, Impala Roller Skates are a top pick among roller skates both beginner and advanced. Available in a wide variety of colours and amazing prints (HELLO leopard print) and at an affordable price point for high-quality roller skates, you can't go wrong if you pick Impala.
Details: PVC Upper, heel and sole. Metal speed lace eyelets. Aluminium alloy trucks and baseplate. 58mm 82A durometer nylon core urethane wheels. ABEC 7 bearings. PU brake stopper. PETA-approved vegan product.
Tried and tested by Commercial Content Writer, Angelica Daujotas, @angedaujotas: "Putting the Impala roller skates to the test, I immediately found them much more comfortable from the get-go than any other skates I have tried. Keep in mind that with any roller skates, there will be slight discomfort as you break them in, with the Impala skate it only took around six wears to break in comfortably (thick socks are advised for this stage.) I really enjoyed the smoothness of the ride on these skates, the urethane wheels do a great job of minimising jumps on uneven surfaces. Of course, I can't not mention the stunning colourway of the Wavy Check skates. Perfect for any season, these skates give me winter and summer vibes at the same time if that's even possible."
2. Impala Roller Skates
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Impala's 70s inspired skates are a great skate for a beginner, as they aren't too pricey but are of great quality. They come in a range of colours and sizes, are made from vegan materials and are comfortable.
Details: PVC Upper, heel and sole. Metal speed lace eyelets. Aluminium alloy trucks and baseplate. 58mm 82A nylon core urethane wheels. ABEC 7 bearings. PETA-approved vegan product.
3. Moxi Beach Bunny- Watermelon
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Moxi skates are easily one of the most popular skate brands out there - it seems that everyone has got a pair. While they are brilliant, smooth and look awesome, they are also expensive. Moxi Beach Bunny skates are made from drum-dyed vinyl, with an aluminium plate and they come with 78a glittery outdoor wheels. Check the sizing carefully before ordering.
Details: Drum-dyed vinyl high cut boot. Ergonomically designed collar and added ankle support for extra comfort. High rebound outdoor glitter wheels (58mm/78a). Made from animal-friendly materials. Matching drum-dyed vinyl toe caps. Custom Moxi Dri-Lexu2122 lining. PVC unit outsole and heel. Bright polyester laces are pre-fitted. Marvel aluminium plate. 58mm 78a. Moxi Beach Bunny wheels. ABEC 5 bearings. Adjustable toe stop.
4. Rio Roller Script Roller Skates
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The Rio Roller Script are sturdy, vegan-friendly, and great to look at. They're a brilliant beginner boot (I started on these) and they fit your usual shoe size, which makes it easy to get your perfect size. Rio Roller also has a range of trainer-style skates, if the artistic kind isn't your bag and it's supreme comfort you're looking for.
Details: Vegan friendly, figure style skate with PVC leather construction. PU cast 82A. Rio Coaster wheels with Rio's exclusive design to prevent axles protruding and damaging flooring. Nylon fibre chassis. Exclusive Rio Roller frame and trucks on custom shaped PU cast bushings. ABEC 7 bearings.
5. SureGrip Stardust Roller Skates
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SureGrip is a trusted brand in the skating world, with lots of different types of boots on offer. The Stardust look great, are smooth and comfortable, although they can take a little bit of time to bed in.
Details: Vinyl boot. Wood composite sole. Black ROCK plate. Contrasting colour eyelets and laces. Adjustable colour-matched toe stop and cushions. 62mm indoor/outdoor wheels. ABEC 3 bearings.
6. Moonlight Roller - Mirror Ball
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Moonlight Roller is a relatively new brand in terms of boots, only launching in 2020, but skaters have been loving the boots so far. In a selection of incredible colours and styles, these boots are comfortable, look brilliant and are high quality. They are, however, expensive. The Moon Boot is measured in US Men's sizes, so make sure to check the EU sizing guide carefully. Moonlight has recommended that if you're an 'even' number EU size, get a size down.
Details: 100% genuine suede upper. Tongue stabilizer. 82" laces. Adjustable PU toe stop. Custom printed padded lining. Cushioned insole. Painted aluminium-alloy eyelets. ABEC-7 bearings. Aluminum-alloy plate. 58mm 82A urethane wheels with an internal hub.
7. Rookie Bubblegum Skates
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Rookie skates are affordable and they were one of the first UK brands of roller skates. They're supportive, affordable and
suited to smoother surfaces, making them a good beginner skate. If you want to skate outdoors, it's advisable to switch your wheels to outdoor ones.
Details: Nylon chassis, nylon trucks. 58mm 82A wheels. ABEC 7 bearings. Vegan-friendly.
8. Impala Women's Lightspeed Inline Skate
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Looking for a pair of inline skates? Impala's offering is great for beginners and they come in a wonderful array of colourways. Great for ankle support, these also come with an optional back brake, which can be easier to get used to than a front toe stop.
Details: Durable plastic outer boot with comfortable, breathable, padded boot liner. 70mm 84a durometer wheels (also fits 72mm wheels). ABEC 7 bearings. PETA-approved vegan product.
What are the benefits of roller skating?
Fitness
First and foremost, roller skating is a brilliant form of exercise, helping you to burn up to 600 calories an hour. It's a complete aerobic workout, involving all of the body's muscles, raising your heart rate and keeping you fit.
Skating is similar to jogging in terms of the health benefits, but it has less impact on your joints. It's specifically great for your quads, glutes and abs, helping you build your strength as well as fitness levels. If you hate running (like me), it's a great way to stay fit.
It's fun
If you ever skated as a kid, you'll know how much fun skating can be. Most of the time, it doesn't even feel like exercise. Learning new tricks, becoming more confident and cruising around in a pair of great looking skates - what's not to like?
What's more, it's a great social exercise, so if you find a group of like-minded skaters or encourage your friends to get involved, it's something you can all do together.
It's a challenge
If being challenged and conquering your fear gives you a buzz, you'll love roller skating. It does take guts to venture out onto a street, but if you practise often, you'll quickly pick up techniques to get better and feel the satisfaction of learning something new.
It can be a form of therapy
People who love running or going to the gym often say that the mental benefits are just as good as the physical ones, and roller skating is no different. It clears your mind, releases endorphins and gets your blood pumping.
You can do it anywhere
One of the best things about roller skating is that you can do it anywhere. On a basketball court, on a path near your house, at a rink, on holiday or even in your kitchen. All you need is a pair of boots, some protective gear and you're good to go.
What size roller skates should I get?
It's important to note that not all roller skate manufacturers use the same sizing, and not all of them relate to your shoe size. Make sure to check each brand's specific sizing guide before purchasing. Otherwise, you may end up having to send them back.
Also, bear in mind that your skates will bed in over time, so if they feel a bit tight at first, don't worry too much. If they feel really tight though, you may need to size up. Make sure to only try your skates indoors while deciding if they're the right size, or you may not be able to return them.
What roller skating wheels do I need?
Your wheels can make a huge difference to your overall skating experience. Even if you can't afford top-of-the-range skates yet, you can invest in some great wheels to level up your skates.
Durometer rating
The durometer rating relates to the hardness of the wheel. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Roller skate wheels are generally between 78A and 100A on the scale.
Hard wheels are perfect for roller derby or skating on polished floors. Softer wheels will allow you to glide over rocks and sticks easily while outdoors.
A great wheel hardness for outdoor skating is a 78A, but anywhere from 78A - 84A should be fine, depending on your preference. Softer wheels will help you to feel more solid while skating. However, they do require a bit more power to get you going (which is great for the thighs, I might add). Hybrid wheels (like 82A/84A) can be used indoors and outdoors.
Wheels are pretty personal, so you'll need to get out there and try some before figuring out what works for you. Many pairs of roller skates on sale today come with hybrid wheels that can be used for indoor and outdoor (82A). The best thing you can do is test them out and see how you feel, then go softer if you need to.
Wheel sizes
The wheel size refers to the diameter of the wheel. Which size you need depends on your style of skating.
Smaller wheels are typically used for dance or artistic skating, as they're easy to manoeuvre. In comparison, outdoor and indoor skating are better suited to a slightly larger wheel for traction and stability.
62mm - 70mm diameter wheels are great for outdoor skating. Make sure to check that the larger wheels won't touch your toe stopper or plates.
The width of the wheel also comes into play here, ranging from 31mm - 44mm. Narrow wheels are light and good for dancing but don't offer a lot of grip. Really wide wheels provide excellent grip, but are heavier and give you less movement.
Most outdoor skate wheels will be between 33mm and 42mm. Always check your current size before purchasing new wheels to ensure they'll fit.
Wheel bearings
Your wheel bearings, while small, are mighty, and having bad bearings can seriously affect your ride. If your wheels feel notchy or not as smooth, look into your bearings.
Most manufacturers have an ABEC rating on their bearings, such as ABEC 7 or ABEC 9. The higher the rating, the better the tolerance. Some bearing manufacturers choose not to use the ABEC rating, for example, Swiss bearings. But it doesn't mean they aren't as good.
It's best to check the reviews on each product when it's time for you to get new bearings. As long as you clean them regularly, they should last you a good while.
Do I need protective gear?
In a word: yes. Not only will having a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads keep you safe, but it'll also give you more confidence if you do happen to take a tumble.
As you become more advanced, you may feel safe enough to go without a helmet or elbow pads. But as with any sport, especially if you're skating on the streets, it's always wise to protect your bones.
On the hunt for protective gear? Here are our top picks:
SkateHut Matt Protection Helmet for Skating
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Protects your head, looks cute and won't break the bank? We're sold.
Core Protection Helmet
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In a classic black design, this helmet comes with adjustable pads to find your perfect fit.
Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads - Checker
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These checkered knee pads provide full-coverage, without restricting movement,
Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads
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If you're looking for something with a little more flexibility, these soft knee pads provide good protection and are comfortable to wear.
Everwell Protective Protective Gear Set
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This set from Everwell has everything you need to get started.
CTHOPER Impact Wrist Guards
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It's natural to put your hands out before you fall, which is why wrist guards are a must. These are simple, comfortable and will keep you protected.
Related: The best gym leggings to buy
I'm ready - now what?
Research
First off, watch as many skating tutorials as you can. Immerse yourself in the online community and soak it all up like a sponge. Find some brilliant influencers, track down some roller skaters also starting their journey, dig yourself a big ol' YouTube hole and settle in. You've got some learnin' to do.
Stretch
As with any exercise, warming up your muscles is key to avoiding injury. Make sure to stretch before you start skating, as well as afterwards. The last thing you want is to pull a muscle, so you can't go out on your new roller skates.
Find a space to practise
Basketball courts, car parks, smooth paths and sports halls are all great places to find your feet. You can also start on a smooth floor in your home (beware of marking the floors, though). With softer wheels, you'll be able to tackle most road surfaces, but avoid any gravel-laden roads as these will NOT be a fun ride.
Practise falling
This sounds silly, but it could be the difference between a quick fall and a serious injury. Discovering the best ways to fall will help you to feel safe while in your roller skates, as well as ensure you don't end up face-first on the pavement.
There are some great tutorials on YouTube to get you going. You should also practise standing up, sitting down, getting up from the floor, etc, so you can tackle most eventualities.
Practise stopping
The scariest thing about roller skating is not being able to stop, so learning stops should be high on your list. The plough stop is a good one for beginners, as is the T-stop.
Practise transitions
Once you feel comfortable on your skates, you can start learning some transitions to make everything smoother. These will help you turn, change from forward skating to backward skating and stop quickly with both toe stops, if you need to.
Cleaning
Your roller skates will need cleaning from time to time, especially if you skate outdoors. As you skate, debris can get stuck in your bearings, which will cause friction, making your skates less effective.
Every couple of months is a good time frame to clean your roller skates, including the plates, bearings, wheels, and the boot itself. Grab yourself a skate tool to do this with. This is a great guide to get you started.
Go at your own pace
It can be easy to look at other people's progress and feel like you aren't 'getting it' as quickly as you should be, but everyone learns differently and some people have more time to practise than others.
Go at a pace that's comfortable for you and keep practising - you'll soon feel confident, look awesome and become stronger. Happy skating!