It’s a fairly short list, but there were a couple of good things that came out of the 2020 pandemic: 1) We got to bond with our dogs, and 2) Roller skating made a comeback — and has continued to grow every year since.
The History of Roller Skates
Even though it’s only just now witnessing a TikTok-driven revival, roller skating has been around since the early 1700s. That’s when Belgian inventor John Joseph Merlin famously debuted a pair of roller skates at a party. Legend has it Merlin made his grand entrance by rolling into the event while playing the violin, then immediately crashing into a mirror — so wear a helmet, y’all!
Roller skating rose to popularity during the 20th century when drive-in waitresses would skate food out to diners. The practice peaked in the ‘70s and ‘80s thanks to the marriage of disco and roller skating. During this time period, over 4,000 roller discos were in operation.
After dipping somewhat in popularity since its heyday, the roller skate made a triumphant return during the pandemic, offering a reasonably safe, socially distanced activity for staying active and getting out of the house. Roller skating’s comeback was fueled by TikTok, where users started posting videos of themselves coasting around neighborhoods, showing off fancy tricks in their driveways and sharing tips.
How Much Do Roller Skates Cost?
The cost of roller skates depends on the brand, quality, style, and whether they are intended for recreational or professional use. A basic pair of roller skates for casual use, usually featuring synthetic materials and basic components, can range anywhere from $50 to $150.
If you’re looking for a higher-quality pair that has better performance and durability, you can expect to pay between $150 to $300 and sometimes even more. But, if you’re searching for professional-grade roller skates for competitive skating, those range from $300 to $800 or more, depending on the brand and specs.
Best Outdoor Roller Skate
Moxi Lolly Skates
Lauded as some of the finest wheels around, Moxi Roller Skates are a compelling choice if you can swing the relatively steep price. Designed as an outdoor skate, these colorful Lollies come with 78A, 65-millimeter wheels. The high-top boots have sturdy suede in a huge range of vibrant shades: Poppy Red, Clementine and Taffy. If you’re ordering women’s roller skates, order one to one and a half sizes down for your usual size. So, for example, if you typically wear a size 7.5 in women’s shoes, order a size five skate. You can also download the manufacturer’s sizing guide.
Best Vegan Leather Roller Skate
Impala Quad Skates
Impala Roller Skates are a solid, reputable and affordable pick. The wheels are slightly harder and smaller than the Moxi Roller Skates, with a durometer rating of 82A and a diameter of 58 millimeters. Like the Moxis, the Impala quad skates are suitable for outdoors. The high-top boots are made from PETA-approved vegan leather. Size selection is based on women’s sizes; to convert to men’s roller skates, go up two full sizes.
Best Affordable Roller Skate
Lenexa Supreme Skates
At a more wallet-friendly $59.99, the Roller Skate Nation Lenexa Supreme skate is totally versatile as an indoor and outdoor option. This beginner skate has 58-millimeter outdoor wheels at 82A hardness. Its faux leather construction has a padded terry cloth interior, including a padded tongue. It also comes with an extra pair of laces, so you can choose between white or pink — or both.
Best Hybrid Roller Skate
C7 Roller Skates
The C7 Roller Skate has a vintage-y vibe and is designed for both indoors and outdoors, with 83A, 58-millimeter polyurethane wheels. This skate has aluminum plates and a sturdy faux leather lace-up boot that comes in a slew of really pretty colors and designs.
Best Indoor Roller Skate
Riedell Orbit Skates
With a durometer of around 85A, a 57-millimeter diameter and a solid aluminum plate, the wheels on the Riedell Orbit skates are suitable for outdoor use. The boot has a sturdy synthetic vinyl construction and comes in several bold shades, including Orchid, Ultraviolet and Lagoon.
Best Beginner Roller Skate
Moxi Beach Bunny Skate
With 58-millimeter wheels and a 78A durometer, these skates are a solid choice for beginners who want to skate outdoors. The Beach Bunny has drum-dyed vinyl uppers and a moisture-wicking Dri-Lex liner. Plus, they’re available in some super pretty colors: Blue Sky, Watermelon, Peach Blanket, Strawberry Lemonade and Periwinkle Sunset.
Things To Consider When You Shop for Roller Skates
Whether you’re shopping for your first-ever pair of skates or a replacement for your old ones, here are the most important qualities to look for:
- Wheels: Roller skate wheels typically come with a durometer rating between 70A and 100A. The durometer rating essentially tells you how hard the wheels are: the higher the number, the harder the wheel. Smaller, harder wheels are recommended for indoor skating, while larger, softer ones are best for outdoor skating.
- Boot: The cut and material of the boot-like section of your skates will affect the amount of support and longevity offered. As a general rule of thumb, a high-top boot will provide greater ankle support, while low-top boots give you more flexibility and speed. Similarly, leather and suede boots last longer but are more expensive than synthetic materials like vinyl.
- Plates: The bottom part of your skates, plates can be made from metal or nylon. Metal is heavier and sturdier, while nylon is lighter and less expensive.
- Size: It’s a good idea to read the product size guide before purchasing a specific pair of skates. In our experience, however, roller skates often follow American men’s sizing — so if you’re looking for women’s sizing, look for skates that are a step down from your usual shoe size.
The Case for Roller-Skating
It’s easy to understand roller skating’s astronomic surge in popularity. Roller-skating is a beginner-friendly, low-impact way to get in an awesome cardio workout. Besides being great exercise, roller skating is just so dang fun: It’s one of those workouts that doesn’t even feel like a workout. Oh, and did we mention — skates come in a variety of colors, patterns and styles and look ridiculously hip, even when you’re flailing around in them?
The post Everything You Need To Know Before Buying Your First Pair of Roller Skates appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.