Finding the best roller skates 2022 might be challenging due to the different available choices online. In fact, Roller skating gained a huge rise in popularity during the early 70s, people roaming the streets or racing in rinks was a very common sight back then. Still to this day, it remains an effective and fun way of commuting for kids and adults alike. The only difference is they’re more secure, comfortable, and fun to ride around nowadays, as different companies constantly try to improve their products to live up to riders’ high expectations and standards.
There are countless brands when it comes to rollerblades, and they all differ in terms of quality, value, and performance. Hence, it’s a bit of a pickle to choose which one is best for you, especially if you’re a beginner and you don’t know what you should go for. So, to help you determine the perfect roller skate for your needs, we did the research for you and picked several products that stand out amongst the variety of options available in today’s market and listed them below. Tag along, and hopefully we’ll help you find the right fit for you.
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Best Roller Skates 2022
1. Riedell Dart R3: Premium Choice & best for 2022
These fashionable roller skates from Riedell are the best roller skate in 2022 combine both vintage and modern design that ensures the safety and high-level performances.
The Riedell Dart R3 boasts a quad-roller construction that is equipped with chromed and polish steel ABEC-5 ball bearing giving you a smooth riding experience. It comes with four different color choices (aqua, pink, purple, and black) which appeals to most types of riders.
The 62mm wheels are made of 93A polyurethane which makes them very solid and durable while providing superb traction, hence drastically improving the quality of your ride. Furthermore, the R3 are designed to give you the maximum comfort and ease-of-use thanks to the easy-lace system as well as an adjustable Velcro strap that makes adjustments a breeze. The vinyl plate promotes air-flow, durability, and stability. However, some customers claim that it will gradually detach from the skate after months of use.
The R3 are made with safety in mind, as the lower ankle placement and snug fit coupled with Velcro strap will firmly and securely keep your feet in place while riding. Also, they have a toe stop that is very intuitive and easy to use.
Specifications:
- 4 different colors
- 62 mm wheels
- ABEC-5 bearing
- Adjustable straps
- Suitable for indoor, outdoor, speed, derby
Pros
- Cool design
- Excellent wheels
- Great adjustability
- Very safe and secure
Cons
- The vinyl plate might detach from the skate after a while
2. Ancheer Inline: The best inline skates
the Ancheer is the best inline & a stylish rollerblade. With vibrant colors and outstanding build quality, it was designed to please the most nitpicky young riders.
Starting off with the construction, it is light and sturdy and made with polyester fabric mesh which gives it extra comfort and breathability and helps reduce sweat smell exponentially. What’s more, it can be full adjusted to perfectly fit any foot size and tightly wrap around your feed, therefore it eliminates any risk of accidental injuries. It comes with two colors: blue for boys and pink for girls.
Moving on to wheels, they’re sized at around 70-80mm and feature bright and flashy LED lights. This adds to the overall attractiveness of the design, especially when riding at night.
As far as safety goes, it has ABEC-7 bearing system and an all-aluminum safety bracket. It gives you plenty of option of closure, whether you’re into laces, ratchet buckles, or Velcro straps, they all feel secure once fastened. Last up, it has an interchangeable braking system and can be used on the left or the right according to riders’ preference.
Specifications:
- 70mm wheels with LED lights
- ABEC-7 bearing
- Buckles, Velcro straps, laces
- Right-left brakes
- Suitable for kids
Pros
- Attractive design with cool LED lights
- Comfortable build
- Decent safety features
- 3 types of closure
Cons
- Some customers claim the roller doesn’t come with protective gear
3. Sure-Grip Rock GT-50:
If you’re looking to take your skating experience to a whole another level, look no further than the fashionable, athletic, and long-lasting Sure-Grip Rock GT-50.
The aesthetic and athletic looking GT-50 comes in three different color patterns; grey, black, or white. It is made with high-quality synthetic leather giving it a fashionable yet sporty look that is very pleasing on the eye. Moreover, not only do they look good, but they’re very comfortable and fit nicely on the feet.
The higher cut of the boot will provide excellent support and control, while the solid nylon plate will allow you to put up with the intensity of skating for hours on end. Regarding the wheels, the Rock GT-50 wheels are 62mm and have their own swirl design which enhances its aesthetics even further. The only downside is that they’re not as durable as some of its other competitors.
Sure-Grip included a split vinyl toe box with a strap adjustment that will offer more usability and flexibility, along with a rubber toe brake that is very responsive and leaves no marks enabling you to stop on a dime and also help you start.
Specifications:
- 3 color patterns ( white, grey, black)
- Synthetic leather
- 62 mm GT-50 swirl wheels
- ABEC-5 bearings
- Non-marking rubber brakes
Pros
- Eye-catching athletic design
- Good support and comfort
- Excellent non-marking brakes
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- The wheels aren’t so durable
4. Chicago Women’s Classic: Best roller skates for women
Elegant, comfortable, and durable, these classic rollerblades will have you moving like the wind and give you the smoothest ride possible.
Right off the bat, the elegant feminine quad skate design will draw the attention of ladies; with a bright white boot, brown heel, and bright pink wheels and toe stopper. It features a high top athletic style which looks amazing and also helps support the ankles.
There is more to the Chicago Women’s classic than just looks, as it has a durable aluminum chassis that is equipped with adjustable double action trucks and jump bars. The 62mm premium polyurethane wheels are fitted with 608Z semi-precision ABEC-5 speed bearing that will help you achieve high speeds while keeping your ride slick and smooth. On the flip side, the bearings are irremovable which is disappointing in case you need to change them.
These roller skates also come with customizable lacing and speed hooks, making them easy and quick to wear. On top of that, they have reliable large front brakes that are ideal for both quick starting and sudden stops.
Specifications:
- Man Made
- Classic Quad Skate
- 62mm wheels
- 608Z semi-precision speed bearing
- Suitable for women
Pros
- Beautiful and solid construction
- Comfortable and stable
- Decent wheels and brakes
- Adjustable
Cons
- Bearings can’t be detached from the wheels
5. Chicago Men’s Classic Roller Skates for Men
Just like its Women counterpart, the Chicago Men’s Classic not only look great, but they also perform just as well.
The Chicago Men’s Classic will give you a classy and premium vibe as they look wonderful with a matt black boot, black laces, and silver heels paired with bright blue wheels.
The high top rink pattern combined with the athletic style boot will provide a great deal of stability and a solid foundation to ride on. In addition to that, it has extra cushioning on the ankle area leading to you having a significantly tighter and more supportive fit. They’re also equipped with eyelets and speed hooks for that much need security.
To top it all off, the Chicago Men’s has an adjustable aluminum base plate along with adjustable trucks, which means you’ll have more choices and flexibility with your roller skate. Last but not least, the polyurethane wheels are sized at around 60mm with 608Z semi-precision bearings. However, some reviewers find the bearings are as smooth when turning, especially when taking sharp turns.
Specifications:
- High top rink design
- 60mm polyurethane wheels
- 608Z semi-precision bearings
- Eyelets & Speed Hooks
- Suitable for men
Pros
- Sleek and neat high top design
- Adjustable base plate
- Secure
- Comfortable
Cons
- Lackluster bearings
6. VNLA Tuxedo Jam Skates:
If you’re in the hunt for a pair of skate that is going to deliver great performance and withstand the test of time, you just can’t go wrong with the VNLA Tuxedo.
The premium build of this skate features a black and white fully stitched and sturdy Vanilla boot combined with a nylon plate and micro-adjustable upgraded aluminum trucks. What’s more, the low cut style is crafted with high-quality leather which will last you for years to come.
When it comes to the wheels, the 62mm Backspin wheels are designed to handle rink and indoors skating, and you can also order another set of wheels to jam outside as you please. Moreover, the combination of ABEC-9 bearings and premium aluminum trucks makes the Tuxedo extremely versatile and maneuverable allowing you to turn quickly and skate fast with no restrictions.
As for the toe stops, the Jam Plug stops are very responsive and low profile, which means that they will not hinder your ability to perform cool tricks. Lastly, they come with the No-break in time feature that enables you to strap them on in no time and start conquering the rinks and streets as quickly as possible.
Specifications:
- Durable leather boots
- 62mm wheels
- Jam Plug toe stops
- ABEC-9 bearings
- Aluminum trucks
Pros
- Great skating performance
- Low-profile toe stops
- Interchangeable wheels
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Expensive
7. Roller Derby Trac Star: Best Roller Skates for Kids
Next up on our list is the Trac Star from Derby and it’s the best rollerblade for kids, they’re mainly made for kids but their quality and performance is pretty much unrivaled.
These rollerblades have a fun and futuristic design which is very appealing to kids; they come in a variety of pattern colors suitable for both boys and girls alike. They have a molded shell with easy to use buckles with no lacing involved. The interior of the boot has an extra-padded and washable liner that offers decent support to the ankle and feet.
Furthermore, they can be easily adjusted to four different sizes and fits thanks to an EZ push button. As far as the wheels go, they have 54mm wheels made from polyurethane that is equipped with G-Force 608ZB carbon bearings which will have the wheels flowing and rolling perfectly.
Concerning the brakes, the large integrated toe stops are very beginner-friendly and work well giving your kids confidence and safety throughout the learning process. Its only con is the fact that the adjustable straps are a slightly hard to use for kids and they may require adult help.
Specifications:
- High-profile and molded hard shell boots
- Two buckles with no laces
- Large integrated toe stops
- 54mm wheels
- G-Force 608Z carbon bearings
- Suitable for kids and beginners
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Kids’ best choice
- Adjustable and accommodates to kids growing feet
- Flashy and attractive construction
Cons
- Kids can have difficulties dealing with the adjustable straps on their own
8. Kandy Luscious Kids
Get the kids in on the fun with the comfortable and durable Kandy Luscious, as they’re some of the best roller skates for kids out there.
The most interesting thing about the Kandy Luscious is the fact that they feel like regular sneakers as they’re made of a breathable mesh fabric, PVC leather, and they have plenty of padding throughout. As a result, anyone who’s new to skating will feel very comfortable wearing these. They come in a plethora of colors schemes so there’s sure to be one in store for any kid.
The 58mm 82A polyurethane wheels along with the ABEC-7 bearings are designed to give you a smooth skating experience both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, they have an easy to lace system and putting them on has never been so simple. The only issue is that the shoe sizes run small, thus you may need to order a slightly bigger size than what usually fits your feet.
The high impact base, aluminum trucks, as well as the high and tight cut fit on the ankle will provide adequate support for you to ride safely. Not to mention the replaceable toe stoppers that ensure you can halt on the spot.
Specifications:
- Mesh fabric & PVC leather& extra padding
- 58mm wheels
- ABEC-7 bearings
- Replaceable brakes
- Suitable for kids, indoors, outdoors
Pros
- A variety of color patterns
- Built with high quality materials thus very comfortable and breathable
- Feel very natural like sneakers
- The toe stoppers can be replaced if needed
Cons
- Small sizes and you need to order a size up
9. Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT
The Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT from Rollerblade is an impressive inline skate roller that is modern looking, comfortable, and beginner-friendly.
To start off, the Bladerunner build is geared towards providing maximum stability and durability as it has a composite frame that is integrated with the shell for a lower center of gravity, therefore it is ideal for beginners. The lining is strategically shaped and placed pads to enhance your skating experience.
The closure system is very reliable and it consists of a buckle, power straps, and laces that will offer additional support and ensure that your feet comfortably fit inside. Subsequently, this will increase the security of the skates. Furthermore, it uses ample cushioning in both the tongue and liner to create to ensure feet are protected in every stride.
In terms of the wheels, they’re 80mm with 78A of hardness with ABEC-7 bearings allowing you to roll with impressive speeds and minimal efforts.
Specifications:
- Monocoque composite frame
- 80mm 78A wheels
- ABEC-7 bearings
- Closure: buckles, straps, and laces
- Suitable for Beginners
Pros
- Great for beginner
- Extremely comfortable and fit nicely
- Very secure closure system
- Modern design
Cons
- Slightly expensive
10. K2 Skate: Best outdoor rollerblades
We conclude our list with a bang, the K2 is everything a speed skating enthusiast wants in a roller skate and then some.
Construction and design wise, the K2 has a custom fit foam liner with a lot of cushiness and support needed for impressive performance. Moreover, the K2 Speed lace system is not only highly secure and safe, but it is super quick and intuitive as well. Getting the skates on and off will be a very fast process.
Most noticeably, it features a Vo2.2 frame that efficiently absorbs roads vibration and lowers the skater’s center of gravity for more balance. Besides that, its Vo2 stability cuffs create the perfect blend of flex and ankle support. Also, the 90mm 83A wheels will enable you to reach higher speeds with a smooth and fluid roll on all types of terrains and roads.
Another major selling point of the K2 is the Vortech ventilation system that makes the boots breathable and smell-free. Unfortunately, the K2 comes at a hefty price, but if you want long lasting quality you need to invest in it
Specifications:
- Speed lacing system
- 2 frame
- 90mm wheels
- ABEC-7 bearing
- Vortech ventilation system
- Suitable for men, outdoors, indoors
Pros
- Provides great support and comfort
- Breathable
- Large set of wheels
- Quick and easy to wear
Cons
- High price tag
Benefits of Buying a Rollerblades
People think that hoverboards trend took off the passion for rollerskates, in fact these will never die. If you’re on the fence of whether or whether not should you buy a pair of roller skates, we are going to remove any doubts you have and give you some of the benefits of buying a roller skate and how they can help you in a number of ways in your daily life.
Fitness & Exercising
Roller skating is definitely a great way to stay in shape and improve your heart rate, as it’s an efficient exercise to burn tons of calories and strengthen your cardiovascular system. But most importantly, you can do all that without damaging your joints because it is a low impact activity as opposed to running.
Improving Balance & Agility
Riding a skate is by no mean an easy task, as it requires you to work on your balance and coordination, but once you get the hang of it you’ll notice a huge improvement in that area and it will carry over to all other activities.
Great Commuting Option
Roller skates can serve as a transportation device, help you run your errands and make faster, longer, and more fun trips while still reaping the benefits of exercising.
Socializing
It is always a pleasant sight to see other skaters roaming the streets with you; you might share some of your favorite cool tricks or have a friendly race, or get the whole family skating together.
Having Fun
Last but certainly not least, it is a great way to have fun for various age groups from kids to adults, they can be used for dancing and disco, speed racing, or performing tricks. All of these fun activities will help you reduce everyday life stress and release endorphin which is basically the happiness hormone, hence a better overall quality of life.
What Should You Know Before Buying a Roller Skate?
There’s an abundance of roller skates available in the market today, many companies stepped up their game and produced a variety of awesome designs for all ages and genders. So it can be overwhelming to find the type of skate that matches your needs and taste, especially if it is your first time buying them. With that said, there are many key factors to consider when looking at the overall quality of a roller skate. In most cases, the price directly correlates to the quality of the skate, but it isn’t always the end be all. In the section below we are going to tell you what you need to know before buying your roller skates and help you get an idea about the type of skate that would suit your style and what you’re trying to do.
Wheels
There are two types of wheels soft and hard, the scale for measuring hardness is called a Durometer scale or an A scale. It goes from 0 to 100 and the closer the number to a 100 the harder the wheel.
- Soft wheels: they absorb roads’ shocks quite effectively and they provide good grip, however, they don’t last for long.
- Hard wheels: they offer a longer lifespan compared to soft wheels, but they have less shock absorption and grip.
Boots
- Hard boots: ideal for fitness and longer rides, they offer good protection and stability. Also, they give you the option to replace the liner when it is worn out.
- Soft boots: a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable construction. Perfect for dancing and disco.
Size
Choosing the size of the roller skate can be tricky at times, but it mostly depends on your personal preference and how you like fitting. For instance, if you’re looking for better performance and high speeds, a tight fit will do the job. Nevertheless, we recommend you check and read the sizing guide for the product and try them out at home before you go out and skate.
Plates & Trucks & Cushion
All roller skates come with a plate and trucks; the plate is the base and foundation of the skate and it is usually made of nylon for a lighter build, whereas the trucks are made of aluminum for more durability. As for the cushion, it determines how maneuverable and flexible the skate is. The softer the cushion the more agile the skate is, and the harder it is the more stable the skate is. So pick according to your preference.
Toe Stops
Toe stops are basically the brakes of the roller skates, but they also serve as a setting off tool to gain speed. They’re located on the front and you should replace them before they’re completely worn down, otherwise, it will be difficult to replace them.
Safety
Needless to say that safety should be on top of your priority list, and for that, we recommend that you always wear your protective gear prior to skating; a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, all of which are essential and must be included in your safety equipment.
Difference Types of Skates
There are namely 4 popular types of skates (Roller skates, Inline Skates, Aggressive skates, and Power skates). Each category was built to handle a certain style of skating.
Roller Skates
Also known as Quad skates, they have a short wheelbase and a 4×4 wheel formation, and they have a stopper on the front of the skate for braking and better acceleration from a dead stop. They’re the most stable and easy ones to use which makes them optimal for beginners.
Inline Skates
Inline skates are also called rollerblades, they’re perfect for those looking to use skates for leisure or fitness. They are built with lighter and more comfortable materials. They usually come with 80-90mm wheels and they come with a swappable brake.
Power blades
Similar to rollerblades but they have a short wheelbase for tight turning, as well as a tough solid boot usually covered with a hard shell. Power blades are best suited for people who want to do a few limited aggressive style skating tricks.
Aggressive Skates
These are the type of skates that are built to do tricks and stunts of the high level in a skate park. The wheels on those are smaller and they provide maximum ankle support and they’re designed to be ultra-durable and handle the toughest challenges you throw at them.