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The best roller skates of 2025, tested and reviewed
Don’t get rolled by sub-par boots and wheels — grab these picks for every skating need.
The best roller skates aren’t just about looking cool (though that’s definitely a bonus); they’re your ticket to endless good times. Whether you’re rolling through the neighborhood chasing your kids, living out your retro dreams at the roller rink or aspiring to be the next big Roller Derby star, you’ll need the right set of wheels to support your skating journey. And while it might be tempting to grab the first cute pair you see online, picking the right skates matters more than you’d think.
“If you’ve never skated before, you could get a very inexpensive pair of skates, but that may hinder you from actually learning to skate,” says roller skating instructor Dirty Deborah Harry, founder of Dirty School of Skate. “If you spend a little bit more money and get a fully functioning skate, you’ll have a much better chance at having a good skating experience.”
Does that mean you need to buy the fanciest, priciest roller skates around? No. Instead, carefully consider what kind of skating you’ll be doing — and where you’ll be skating. After all, skates that are perfect for Roller Derby are not ideal for learning how to jam skate. And if you’re planning on skating outdoors, “the region you live in matters too,” says Jamison Fort, founder of Skate N Learn.
Before making your choice, talk to people in your local skating community, especially professionals, to get recommendations. Taking a class? Your instructor can offer valuable insights on which skates fit your needs. Once you’re ready to try some on, check out a specialty shop that’ll offer a wide selection or a nearby roller rink, which may sell high-quality brands. But remember: Function over style! As award-winning skater and SAG stuntman Joshua Batsmoke Smith puts it, “When new skaters get into lessons, they wonder why they’re not able to do certain movements. It’s because the boot is not allowing them to.” Ready to explore some beginner-friendly options? Let’s roll into our top picks for the best roller skates.
Best overall roller skates
Moxi Skates
Sizing: 4-13 | Wheel diameter/hardness: 65mm/78A | Number of colors: 8, some are limited edition | Toe stop: Off set PowerDyne adjustable toe stop | Plate material: PowerDyne nylon | Boot material: Suede | Closure system: Laces
Let’s just say you can tell that Moxi Skates were created in collaboration with professional skater Michelle “Estro Jen” Steilen! High-top suede Moxi Lolly skates feature a heel that gives you extra stability while also looking super stylish.
Nearly everyone we spoke to raved about their soft, comfortable feel and wide range of color options. What stood out the most, though, was the comfort: Testers adored how the skates immediately mold to your feet, with no need for a break-in period. “They are good quality and joyful. They feel like slippers. They’re just so comfy,” says Lucy Croysdill, a roller skating instructor and co-founder of Rolla Skate Club.
In our testing, we found Moxi Lollys cozy and immediately easy to like. The suede is soft and moldable, but not super padded. That lack of padding, however, might be a drawback for those who need more ankle support.
The skates come with an adjustable toe stop, a light nylon plate (though some skaters prefer to upgrade to a metal plate) and Moxi’s famous gummy outdoor wheels. These skates are A-plus for general outdoor skating and dancing. For indoor use and light ramp skating, you may want to switch to harder wheels. Keep in mind that at $369, these skates are an investment.
- No break-in time needed
- Wide range of colors
- Handmade in the USA
- Adjustable toe stop
- Lacks ankle support
- Not vegan-friendly
- High price point
More roller skates we like for 2025
Sure-Grip
Sizing: 4-12 | Wheel diameter/hardness: 57mm/82A | Number of colors: 3 | Toe stop: Adjustable rubber toe stop| Plate material: Nylon plate with aluminum trucks | Boot material: Suede | Closure system: Laces
Meet another crowd favorite: The Sure-Grip Boardwalk Plus, which shares high-top suede styling and a heel with our No. 1 pick, the Moxi Lolly, makes both of these skates excellent choices for beginners. That cute heel isn’t just for looks. Unlike flat boots, which can leave some skaters feeling off-kilter and prone to falling backward, these offer more balance.
The Plus is similar to the popular Sure-Grip Boardwalk Skates but comes with more cushion (including a rolled collar) than the original. Plus, their larger lace hooks and stabilizer do a great job keeping your laces in place.
The included wheels are ideal for outdoor use, whether cruising on a rough or smooth surface, but if you’re more likely to use them inside, there’s a version for that too. While these skates fit true to size, they are slightly narrow, so consider sizing up.
- No break-in time needed
- Supportive padding
- Adjustable toe strap
- Limited color choices
- Not vegan-friendly
Moxi Skates
Sizing: 1-10 | Wheel diameter/hardness: 58mm/78A | Number of colors: 6 | Toe stop: PowerDyne adjustable | Plate material: Marvel aluminum | Boot material: Vinyl | Closure system: Laces
While our experts advise against choosing skates based solely on their looks, don’t worry: Moxi Beach Bunny Roller Skates — available in five vibrant color combos with glittery wheels — offer the ideal mix of aesthetic appeal and thoughtful design, making them a fab choice for beginners. Best of all, with a starting price of $129, they’re reasonably affordable too.
They come equipped with a moisture-wicking liner, an aluminum plate and 58 millimeter high-rebound outdoor wheels. The adjustable toe stop can be moved forward for quicker access or backward for more freedom of movement. You can also swap it out for a jam plug if that’s more your speed.
Compared to the Lolly, these high-top vinyl boots are stiffer and offer more ankle support. While they include padding throughout the boot and tongue, the cushioning is less plush than the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Plus.
- Wide range of colors
- Supportive
- Adjustable toe stop
- High-rebound wheels
- Vegan-friendly
- Needs to be broken in
- Stiff construction
Riedell Skates
Sizing: 4-11 | Wheel diameter/hardness: 62mm/85A | Number of colors: 3 | Toe stop: Adjustable | Plate material: PowerDyne Thrust nylon | Boot material: Leather | Closure system: Laces
Riedell Crew roller skates are a fantastic option for an affordable leather ride. They come equipped with adjustable toe stops and a durable nylon plate, ideal for entry-level skaters.
While the Crew lacks a cushioned rolled top edge at the ankle, the boot feels firm and supportive, with plenty of cushioning, including a soft, padded tongue. But the real stars here are their Sonar Zen 62 millimeter outdoor wheels.
“This type of big, soft wheel rolls over grass, rocks, gravel and outdoor debris easily, just like big, soft mountain bike tires,” says Harry. “If you use hard indoor wheels outdoors, they’re going to catch on small pebbles and cause you to fall.”
In our testing, the Crew skates handled cracks and outdoor debris smoothly. No falls here!
Better yet, the Sonar Zen wheels have an 85A hardness, making them versatile hybrid wheels perfect for both outdoor and indoor skating.
Before choosing the Crew, consider this: Leather roller skates tend to take longer to break in than suede — especially those coated in polyurethane like these. Additionally, leather skates don’t hold their shape as well as vinyl. Though the Crew is based on Riedell’s 120 boot, it’s got a slightly narrower width, worth noting if you have wide feet.
- Padded for comfort
- Adjustable toe strap
- Versatile hybrid wheels
- Limited color choices
- Runs slightly narrow
- Not vegan-friendly
Angel: Sizing: 4-13 | Wheel diameter/hardness: 57mm/96A | Number of colors: 2 | Toe stop: Adjustable for Angel/Jam plug for boost | Plate material: PowerDyne Thrust nylon | Boot material: Soft vinyl | Closure system: Laces
Want to channel your inner figure skater on wheels? That’s artistic roller skating in a nutshell. While there are multiple categories within artistic roller skating, each requiring different skate characteristics, we’ll focus on what most recreational skaters need — and that’s flexibility, according to Francesca Gold, a world-class competitive roller skater and teacher.
Enter: The Riedell 111 — available in Angel and Boost models — both spot-on entry-level options. The Boost comes with a jam plug, while the Angel has an adjustable toe stop. Got wider feet? The Boost comes in a wider D-width, whereas the Angel keeps things narrower. Both models feature ABEC-5 bearings, a PowerDyne Thrust Nylon plate (upgradeable to a metal plate) and Sonar Riva wheels.
After taking the Angels for a spin at my local roller rink, I was impressed. They were comfortable from the start, and the made-for-dancing Riva wheels rolled smoothly.
Staying true to the brand’s figure skating heritage, you can choose from traditional white or black boots for rhythm and dance skating.
This upper is made of vinyl, so if you’re seeking a leather option, you might prefer Riedell’s Raven — with the Model 120 Award boot — priced around $274.
- Adjustable toe stop or jam plug
- Comfortable cushioning
- Good for dancing
- Wide-fit options
- Only available in black and white
Riedell Skates
Sizing: 1-14 | Wheel diameter/hardness: 58mm/88A or 92A | Number of colors: 1 | Toe stop: PowerDyne adjustable | Plate material: PowerDyne Thrust nylon | Boot material: Durable vinyl | Closure system: Laces with velcro strap
Roller Derby curious? The Riedell R3 Derby is a great entry-level option that won’t break the bank. These skates feature a durable vinyl boot, adjustable toe stops and leather toe caps that resist abrasion. The R3s come with Sonar wheels (available in 88A or 92A), which provide the ideal hardness needed for Roller Derby.
When I tested these skates, I found them comfortable straight out of the box, thanks to the soft cushioning. While the R3’s low-cut, sneaker-style boot allows for more ankle mobility, this comes with less ankle support, which isn’t right for everyone.
“If you’re new to Roller Derby and an inexperienced skater, I would have you in high-top boots first,” says Harry, who notes that lower-cut boots are A-OK for skaters who really know how to skate and have strong ankles.
The flatter, low-cut design can increase the risk of falling backward if you’re not used to this style.
The R3 comes with PowerDyne Thrust nylon plates. More aggressive skaters might want to upgrade to metal plates.
- Comfortable cushioning
- Adjustable toe strap
- Leather toe cap protects boot
- Breaks quickly
- Less stable for beginners
Types of roller skates
Just like choosing the right dance shoes or running sneakers, picking the best roller skate is all about matching them to your style. “Every part of the skate means something and helps you in different ways,” says Smith. “There are pros and cons to every detail of the boot.”
Your skating dreams and community play a big role too. Smith explains that skaters need to consider both their goals and their local skating culture — the boots you’ll see in Chicago’s skating scene, for example, often differ from what’s popular in California.
Ready to explore your options? Here’s what you need to know about different types of skates:
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High-top boots: These supportive skates cradle your ankles and feature a raised heel that helps keep you centered. Perfect for beginners, they offer the stability you need while learning the basics.
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Low-top boots: More like your favorite sneakers, these boots give your ankles room to move. While they offer less support than high-tops, experienced skaters love them for the extra mobility and freedom of movement.
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Roller Derby skates: Similar to speed skates, Roller Derby skates typically come in a sneaker-style design. However, if you’re just starting your derby journey, Harry suggests high-tops first. They’ll help protect your ankles while you master the basics.
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Inline skates: Unlike quad skates that have four wheels in a square pattern, inline skates place their wheels in a single row. Common types include fitness skates for exercise, aggressive skates for tricks, racing skates for speed and urban skates for city navigation. Like quad skates, each style uses specific wheels and bearings to match its purpose.
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Dance skates: These skates vary depending on the dance style. Potential skating styles include figure skating, rhythm skating, jam skating, JB-style skating and more.
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Speed skates: Made for velocity, these low-cut boots help you zoom around the track. You’ll see them frequently in Roller Derby, and they’re available in both traditional quad and inline styles.
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Artistic skates: Artistic skates are often heeled high-top boots. The wheels are typically more narrow to allow for more maneuverability. They traditionally come in black for men and white for women.
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Jam skates: There are two main skate styles for jam skating, a mix of dance and skating. Fort explains that traditionalists often prefer the classic high-top Riedell boots, while skaters who incorporate more breakdancing moves tend to gravitate toward low-top, speed-style skates. In addition to the brands mentioned, VNLA skates offers both styles and comes highly recommended by jam skating experts.
Factors to consider when buying roller skates
Your skating experience, foot shape and skating style all help to determine which roller skates work best for you. Here’s what to consider:
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Skill level: For beginners, Fort recommends skates with more support and stiffer trucks (the metal components that connect the wheels to the frame) for added stability. While looser trucks offer more maneuverability, they can be less stable, making it harder to build essential skills.
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Intended use: Will you be skating indoors at a rink or outdoors on rougher terrain? Your intended use impacts the type of skates and setup that will work best for you. If you’ll be skating outside, you’re likely going to want larger, softer wheels that can roll over rocks, sticks and uneven surfaces more easily.
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Foot type and fit: Getting the right fit is crucial, especially if you have narrow or wide feet. “Sizing is definitely one of the things people struggle with,” says Croysdill. Your best bet? Check sizing charts carefully and buy from skate shops where staff can share real customer experiences.
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Budget: While budget matters, very cheap skates can be dangerous and slow your learning progress. Low-end skates focus on looks over function, Harry notes. For beginners, she recommends spending $150 to $175 to get skates that are both safe and comfortable.
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Personal style: Roller skates are highly customizable. “You can put your own personal style all over your skates,” says Croysdill, from boot height to plates (the metal or nylon frame that attaches the boots to the trucks and wheels), trucks, wheels and laces. Choose parts that match both your skating style and personal taste. What matters most is feeling confident in your setup.
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Wheel diameter, shape and hardness: Wheel diameter, measured in millimeters, shape (narrow or wide) and hardness all play a role in the type of skating you’re doing. Smaller wheels are geared to indoor skating, dancing and racing, while larger wheels tend to be better for outdoor skating and stability. Likewise, harder wheels lend themselves to speed and maneuverability, while softer wheels can take rough surfaces and debris in stride. Wheel durometer (hardness) is rated on a scale of 0-102A, with most skates falling between 68A and 102A. Outdoor wheels typically fall on the lower side of the scale, and indoor wheels usually range between 88A and 102A.
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Plate material: Plates — the skate platform that connects the boot to the wheels and trucks — typically come in nylon or metal. Nylon is less durable but more affordable, while metal plates are more durable but tend to cost more. Beginners who are skating recreationally can likely opt for nylon plates, but if you’re taking your skating more seriously, metal plates are the better option.
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Bearings and bearing ratings: Your skate’s wheels turn on their bearings, and the quality of the bearings makes a difference in overall performance. Most manufacturers (though not all) use bearings rated on the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) ratings scale. The higher the rating, the higher the bearings’ tolerance and performance. The scale ranges from 1 to 9 using only odd numbers. ABEC-5 is a typical rating for recreational skaters, while those who skate more competitively may prefer a higher rating.
How we chose
We evaluated each pair of roller skates against rigorous standards, focusing on these essential factors to come up with a list of the best roller skates:
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Experts: We interviewed five professional skaters across different styles and regions, learning which roller skates they recommend and avoid. For customer insights, we consulted Val Selvaggio, owner of Xanadu Skate Boutique in Santa Barbara, Calif., and manager of Skating Plus Roller Rink, who shared real-world feedback about skate performance.
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Quality and materials: We selected skates from established brands known for safety and reliability. Each model was evaluated for durability and performance, from boot materials and lining to wheels, bearings, plates and toe stops.
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Testing: We tested eight skate models through a combination of outdoor sessions and rink time. The Riedell Crew and Moxi Beach Bunnies were tested outdoors in multiple 30-minute sessions. The Angel skates underwent both home testing and rink trials. We also evaluated the Moxi Lolly, Sure-Grip Boardwalk Plus, Sure-Grip GT-50 and Riedell R3 at the rink, while the Impalas were tested in several hourlong outdoor sessions. Experienced skaters Kaycee Krieg Wysaski and Bryson Myers provided additional testing feedback, with Wysaski evaluating the Sure-Grip Stardust, Moxi Beach Bunnies and Impalas, and Myers assessing the Riedell 120 Juice.
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Reviews: We factored in reviews from various sources, including retailer websites, YouTube and Reddit, to gather more comprehensive feedback.
FAQs
How do I choose the right size roller skates?
Most brands use men’s sizing, so women typically need to go down one to two sizes. For the best fit, try on skates in person at roller rinks or specialty skate shops, where experts can measure your feet properly. Specialty stores can also customize your skates, letting you mix and match components like plates, wheels and toe stops to create your perfect setup. While online shopping is convenient, always check the manufacturer’s sizing guide and return policy.
What type of wheels are best for my skating style?
Wheel selection depends on your skill level, skating style and skating surface. “For beginners, wider and larger wheels provide better stability,” says Gold. Wheel hardness (durometer) ranges from 78A to 101A — softer wheels (78A) work best outdoors, hybrid wheels (85A) offer versatility, and harder wheels (89A to 101A) are ideal for indoor skating, speed skating, park skating and derby. Match your wheel hardness to your skating surface for optimal performance.
How do I maintain and clean my roller skates?
“If you’re skating outside, you’ll need to do a little bit more skate maintenance than if you’re skating indoors,” says Gold. Regular cleaning and maintenance practices include:
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Cleaning bearings every few months with mineral spirits.
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Wiping dirt off with a dry cloth only — avoid water.
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Removing hair and debris from axles.
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Regularly checking for loose or damaged parts.
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Keeping your adjustment tools handy.
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Never skating through water or leaving skates in hot cars.
What safety gear do I need for roller skating?
Newbies who are skating outdoors should always wear a helmet and wrist guards, says Harry, noting that knee pads are never a bad idea, either. “Falling is inevitable,” reminds Fort, so it’s smart to consider including elbow pads and padded shorts. Beginner or not, Croysdill requires everyone to wear a helmet, wrist guards and knee pads for their first class at Rolla Skate Club. “And that’s whatever age you are,” she says.
Other products we tested
Impala Quad Skate Black: While Impala offers affordable ($80 to $100), stylish skates with comfortable support, their budget models have limitations. Most notably, many lower-end models lack adjustable toe stops. These skates prioritize aesthetics and affordability over advanced features.
Chicago Women’s Roller Skates: Though affordable, experts advise against skates under $100 due to quality concerns. (These ring up at around $80.) For better quality from the same brand, consider the Chicago Skates Premium Lifestyle Leather and Suede Lined Quad Rink Roller Derby Skate ($400).
Sure-Grip GT 50: These entry-level derby skates offer a solid alternative to the Riedell R3 ($165). Both are reliable beginner options, with the GT-50 coming in at a slightly lower price point (starting at $155). Your choice between the two may simply come down to personal preference.
Sure-Grip Stardust: Unfortunately, these skates have a significant comfort issue. Our tester reported that the blunt back edge consistently rubbed against her ankle, making them uncomfortable for regular skating sessions.
Basics of Happy: These glitter high-top entry-level skates earned high praise from our tester, who ranked them as the most comfortable skates she’s ever worn. While they offer exceptional comfort at an accessible price point (on sale for $69), their limited availability makes them harder to find.
Riedell Juice: Our tester put these skates ($379) through intense testing, performing handstands, cartwheels and flips. “These skates enabled me to do anything and everything I could imagine,” he reports. Only the bearings showed wear from hard landings, while all other components held up well under aggressive use. That said, they’re expensive and may be more skate than needed for most beginners.
Meet our experts
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Dirty Deborah Harry, a roller skating instructor and founder of Dirty School of Skate
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Francesca Gold, a world-class level competitive figure skater and roller skate teacher
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Jamison Fort, founder of Skate N Learn, an educational platform for roller skating and one-fourth of It’s My Skate Night, a skate comedy and merchandise company
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Joshua Batsmoke Smith, an award-winning elite roller skater, performer, trainer and SAG stuntman
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Lucy Croysdill, a roller skating instructor, co-founder of Rolla Skate Club and founding board member of the Girls On Track Foundation
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.