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The 12 Best Roller Skates for Every Style and Skill Level

Our top picks are sturdy, supportive, and versatile enough to take anywhere

A collage of roller skates we recommend on a colorful background

Verywell Fit / Brian Kopinski

Roller skating isn’t just a fun hobby—it’s also a great way to work up a sweat. Hitting the pavement or the rink uses plenty of different leg muscles, increases your heart rate, boosts your circulation, and more, Corey Lewis, CPT, a fitness, health, and wellness coach, says.

From park skating to roller dancing, it’s easy to find a style of roller skating you love. The next step is finding skates. Great roller skates are durable, comfortable, and supportive. Start by looking for skates in your budget that fit well. You can always upgrade to more expensive parts or skates once you’ve gained some experience.

To find the best roller skates, we asked Lewis for his expert opinion on which features to look for in skates for different levels and styles. Then, we researched dozens of roller skates from top brands, prioritizing stylish pairs with good support that are easy to wear. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this story for accuracy and how to shop for supportive skates.

Best Women’s Overall

Sure-Grip Roller Skates

Sure-Grip Malibu Roller Skates

Sure-Grip

Pros
  • Hybrid wheels

  • Supportive vinyl shell

  • Good for beginner and intermediate skaters

Cons
  • May need to be broken in

  • No padding

Sure-Grip’s Malibu Roller Skates earned our top spot because they can be worn inside or out by skaters of all different skill levels. These skates are lifestyle skates, meaning they’re made for recreational use (not a specific sport). They also boast a classic design that’s great for beginners or intermediate skaters. 

Their thick, vinyl shells are sturdy, and the Malibu’s high-cut shape offers plenty of ankle support. But they may feel stiff, so it may take more time to break them in. And unlike other entry-level options on our list, these skates have no interior padding, which may feel uncomfortable for some. (Beginners may want to offset the lack of padding by wearing plush socks.)

We love that these skates are built with hybrid wheels. Hybrid wheels are hard enough for indoor skating and soft enough for outdoor skating, making them a must-have for skaters who enjoy both. Or, if you’re just starting out, the flexibility of these skates allows you to decide which style you prefer. These versatile features set Sure-Grip’s Malibu Skates apart, making them one of the most well-rounded pairs on our list.

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Women’s 2 to 11, Men’s 1 to 12 | Shell Material: Vinyl | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Padded: No | Wheels: Hybrid

Best Men’s Overall

Roller Derby Elite Roller Skates

Roller Derby Elite DriftR Roller Skates

Amazon

Pros
  • Hybrid wheels

  • Good ankle stability

  • Mold to your feet over time

Cons
  • May run narrow

Roller Derby’s Elite DriftR Roller Skates are just as versatile as our top women’s pick. But because they have softer suede shells and padded boots, they don’t take as long to break in. Like our other top pick, these are recreational roller skates, so they’re not sport-specific. 

This pair’s thick, suede shells offer sturdy support, while the high-top boots help stabilize your ankles. As you break in these skates, they mold to your feet, providing a flexible, customizable fit we love. Plus, the skates are lined with interior padding, so they’ll feel more comfortable, as you break them in.

The skates also feature hybrid wheels, so they offer a smooth roll indoors and a shock-absorbing ride outside. That said, some wearers have found that they run narrow, so you may want to order a size up from your usual (especially if you have wide feet). 

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s 3 to 12, Women’s 5 to 13 | Shell Material: Suede | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Padded: Yes | Wheels: Hybrid

Best Budget

Roller Derby Roller Skates

Roller Derby Roller Star 600 Women's Roller Skates

Amazon

Pros
  • Hybrid wheels

  • Stylish color combinations

  • Lined with soft padding

Cons
  • Not ideal for intermediate or expert skaters

  • May not be as durable

You don’t have to splurge to score a solid pair of stylish roller skates. Roller Derby’s Roller Star 600 Roller Skates can take you anywhere—and they cost half as much as our top overall picks. 

We love that these recreational roller skates feature sturdy, synthetic boots with great support. They’re designed to cradle your heels and stabilize your ankles, and they’re lined with plush padding to keep you comfortable and prevent blisters. We also like that these skates are equipped with versatile hybrid wheels, for indoor or outdoor skating sessions. 

With this well-rounded feature set, these skates tick a lot of boxes. But they’re best for beginners, not intermediate or expert skaters. They also have plastic elements (like plates and toe stops) where other picks on our list have metal and rubber, so they may not be as durable. Still, for the price, we think these are a great value if you’re just getting into roller skating. 

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Women’s 5 to 10 | Shell Material: Synthetic | Level: Beginner | Padded: Yes | Wheels: Hybrid

Best for Beginners

Impala Quad Skates

Impala Quad Skates

Amazon

Pros
  • Waterproof

  • Wide range of fun colors

  • High-quality construction

Cons
  • May need to be broken in

  • Limited men’s size range

Our top recommendation for beginners are Impala’s Quad Skates. We love that these comfortable, supportive recreational skates have hybrid wheels, for a smooth ride in the rink or at the park. Like many entry-level options, they feature sturdy PVC shells to help stabilize your feet and high-cut boots to support your ankles. These deslgin elements can prevent injuries when you’re just starting out. 

Although these skates may take a while to break in, they’re have soft padding along the collar and tongue to prevent chafing. Impala’s Quad Skates are also built with durable parts, including metal trucks and high-precision bearings. And their PVC shells aren’t just durable—they’re fully waterproof, too. 

We love the wide range of fun colors, which includes bright solid colors, patterns from top designers like Cynthia Rowley and Karl Lagerfeld, and fun holographics. While these are more expensive than our Best Budget pick, we think their superior construction and modern design make them worth the investment for beginners who plan on skating for years to come. Just note that they come in a limited range of men’s sizes. 

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s 3 to 9, Women’s 2 to 11 | Shell Material: PVC | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Padded: Yes | Wheels: Hybrid

Pros
  • Soft suede shell breaks in easily

  • Responsive wheels absorb shock well

  • Padding around the ankles

Cons
  • Not for indoor skating

  • Only one color option

As you gain experience skating, you won’t need as much support as when you first started. Instead, you can upgrade to a pair like Moxi’s Panther Skates that let you try tougher stunts. While entry-level skates are stiffer and sturdy, these are soft and flexible. 

Made with abrasion-resistant suede, we like that Moxi’s Panther Skates break in fast and mold to your feet. Although they’re comfortable, they don’t skimp on support: Their classic high-top boots cradle your feet, and the heel is reinforced with sturdy PVC. The skates are also padded at the ankles, for extra cushioning you where you need it most.

While most of our top picks are hybrid skates, these are strictly outdoor skates. This makes them less versatile than some of our other favorites. It’s also worth noting that they only come in black, with leopard print accents. 

That said, the wheels are soft and responsive—giving you the shock absorption you need to skate outdoors and the rebound you need to try park skating. Plus, we like that these skates bridge the gap between casual outdoor skating and intermediate park skating, letting you try new things without giving up what you already love.

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s 1 to 10 | Shell Material: Suede | Level: Intermediate | Padded: Yes | Wheels: Outdoor

Pigeon Custom Shoe Skates

Pigeon Custom Shoe Skates

Pigeon Roller Skate Shop

Pros
  • Turn your favorite sneakers into skates

  • Dozens of options to choose from

  • Great value

Cons
  • Customization options can feel overwhelming

  • Best for recreational skating

The more you skate, the better you’ll understand how you like to skate—and how you like your skates to feel. Once you reach this stage, you’re better off with a pair of skates you can customize, like Pigeon’s Custom Shoe Skates.

Pigeon lets you build your skates from top to bottom, starting with a pair of shoes you love. Use the Vans Sk8-Hi Sneakers that Pigeon has in-house, or send in new shoes of your own. Then, customize your parts: You can pick from eight plate options, six toe stops, 12 different bearings, and 25 wheels. Pigeon offers five kinds of wheels in a range of colors, including soft outdoor wheels, hard indoor wheels, and hybrid wheels. 

The cost varies depending on which parts you select, but each pair starts at $140, which is lower than some of our other top picks. With so many choices to make, the customization process may feel overwhelming—but we think the process is well worth the results. Just note that these skates are better for advanced recreational skating. If you’re an athlete, we recommend purchasing roller skates that are tailored to your sport. 

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Any | Shell Material: Depends on the shoe | Level: Intermediate, advanced | Padded: Depends on the shoe | Wheels: Hybrid, indoor, or outdoor

Best for Outdoors

Moxi Outdoor Complete

Moxi Lolly Outdoor Complete

Amazon

Pros
  • Soft suede shell breaks in easily

  • Wide, soft wheels

  • Durable

Cons
  • Expensive

  • May not be padded enough for some

Moxi’s Lolly Outdoor Skates are comfortable and supportive, offering a smooth ride on all kinds of outdoor surfaces. They’re our top pick in this category because while other skates are made from stiff materials, these are made with soft suede that breaks in easily and molds to your feet over time. 

This custom fit is ideal for intermediate skaters because it promotes ankle mobility. But because these skates are high-cut and lightly padded, they’re still supportive enough for most beginners to wear, too. 

These skates’ large, extra-soft wheels are easy to balance on. We also love that they absorb shock, smoothing out bumps in the road. And they’re built with other durable, high-quality parts, including nylon plates, adjustable toe stops, and carbon steel bearings. 

The only problem? The skates are expensive and have limited padding. Even so, we think they’re a great investment if you love to skate on sidewalks, pavement, or at the park. 

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s 4 to 13 | Shell Material: Suede | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Padded: No | Wheels: Outdoor

Best for Wide Feet

Sure-Grip Outdoor Skates

Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Skates

Amazon

Pros
  • Best for Wide Feet

  • Soft suede shell breaks in easily

  • Wheels absorb shock well

Cons
  • Not meant for indoor skating

Like most roller skates, Sure-Grip’s Boardwalk Outdoor Skates don’t come in designated wide sizes. But the soft suede exterior molds to your feet as you break them in, giving wide feet a personalized fit. We also like that these skates have roomy, round toe boxes and don’t sacrifice any interior space for additional padding. 

These versatile outdoor skates are built for recreational skating. Their soft shells are comfortable, their high-cut boots are supportive, and their shock-absorbing wheels are great for outdoor skating. 

While we wish they had hybrid wheels for both indoor and outdoor skating, we like that Sure-Grip’s Boardwalk Skates come in a range of bright, fun colors. If you want recreational roller skates that comfortably fit wide feet, these are our top pick. 

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s 5 to 13, Women’s 6 to 12 | Shell Material: Suede | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Padded: No | Wheels: Outdoor

Best for Roller Derby

Riedell Roller Skate

Riedell Vendetta Roller Skate

Pigeon

Pros
  • Comfortable leather shell

  • Moisture-wicking liner

  • Comes in half sizes and two widths

Cons
  • Expensive

Roller derby is a fast-paced contact sport. To win, you’ll need tight-fitting skates that can withstand wear and tear and pick up speed—like Riedell’s Vendetta Roller Derby Skate.

Their leather shells are durable and comfortable, molding to your feet as you break them in. And their low-cut boots give you the range of motion you need for roller derby. The skates are also cushioned with padding and lined with moisture-wicking fabric, to prevent sweat from building up as you race.

Built with durable fiberglass-reinforced plates, smooth precision bearings, and adjustable rubber toe stops, these skates also come with customizable indoor wheels. You can even choose from a range of sizes (including half sizes), as well as two different widths. And we like that they’re finished with thoughtful details, like a webbed tongue that stays in place and a strap that keeps your laces tied. 

Although these skates are more expensive than most of our other top picks, we think they’re worth every penny if you’re looking for high-performance roller derby skates. For a premium upgrade with a sleeker silhouette, we also recommend Riedell’s Blue Streak RS Roller Skates, which were designed and tested by roller derby skaters.

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s 3 to 13 | Shell Material: Leather | Level: Intermediate, advanced | Padded: Yes | Wheels: Indoor

Best for Park Skating

Moxi Custom Jack 2

Moxi Custom Jack 2

Moxi Skates

Pros
  • Supportive

  • Completely customizable

  • Mold to your feet over time

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Customization options can feel overwhelming

Park skating is all about tackling jumps, flips, and other high-impact tricks. If this is your preferred style, you need supportive, durable skates—and Moxi’s Custom Jack 2 is our top recommendation. 

This customizable pair starts with Moxi’s Jack 2 boots, which are classic high-top boots that offer lots of padding and ankle support. They’re suede, but they’re reinforced to feel thick and sturdy, rather than flexible and soft like many of our other top suede picks. And they mold to your feet after about 20 hours of wear, according to the brand. 

Once you’ve chosen your favorite size and style of boot, you can customize your set-up. Mix and match trucks, bearings, toe stops, wheels, plates, and toe caps to create a one-of-a-kind skate. 

The price starts at $499, which is on the higher end. Building your own skates from the ground up can also be a little overwhelming for some. But we think a custom build is worth the cost for serious park skaters. These skates are supportive, comfortable, and built for performance—plus, you get full control over the parts. 

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s 3 to 13 | Shell Material: Suede | Level: Intermediate, advanced | Padded: Yes | Wheels: Outdoor or hybrid

Best for Commuting

Roller Derby Elite Sneaker Roller Skates

Roller Derby Elite Glidr Sneaker Roller Skates

Amazon

Pros
  • Look and feel like sneakers

  • Lined with soft padding

  • Shock-absorbing outdoor wheels

Cons
  • Limited size range

Commuters need roller skates that are comfortable, durable, and easy to maneuver. Roller Derby’s Glidr Sneaker Roller Skates are our favorite because they look and feel like sneakers.

Despite their unique look, they do everything great roller skates should. The high-top boots support your ankles, the sturdy shells withstand wear and tear, and the padded interiors cushion your feet. Plus, these skates break in faster than classic roller skates and are ventilated to keep you cool and comfortable on long trips to the office.

Like other outdoor roller skates, these skates are built with shock-absorbing wheels that offer a smooth ride on sidewalks, streets, and trails. They’re also made with durable parts, including nylon plates, aluminum trucks, and adjustable toe stops. But they come in a more limited range of men’s sizes, compared to other skates on our list.

We love that these roller skates are easy to wear with everyday clothes. You can easily lace them up, so they won’t add extra steps to your morning routine. If you’re someone who wouldn’t think twice about walking to work in sneakers and you love to skate, why not skate to work in these?

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s 4 to 10 | Shell Material: Synthetic | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Padded: Yes | Wheels: Outdoor

Best for Roller Dance

Chaya Dance Roller Skate

Chaya Melrose Supreme Classic Dance Roller Skate

Amazon

Pros
  • Part lifestyle skate, part dance skate

  • Great wheels for cruising

  • Lined with soft padding

Cons
  • Not tailored to one dance style

  • Wheels might need an upgrade

Most roller dance skates on the market are tailored to one specific style of roller dancing. This can make choosing a skate challenging, especially if you are just getting started. For this reason, we like Chaya’s Classic Dance Skates. This versatile pair can double as lifestyle skates, meaning you can take them cruising on the sidewalk after practicing in the rink. 

These skates have traditional, high-cut boots that feel sturdy and supportive. And unlike many dance boots, they’re lined with plush padding—a detail that makes them great for beginners and recreational skaters. The skates also boast reinforced composite plates, precision bearings, and rubber-blend toe stops.

Chaya’s Classic Dance Skates has soft wheels that absorb shock well. But they may be too soft for certain styles of roller dance. And even though the wheels are small and maneuverable, if you plan to do a lot of roller dancing, you may want to upgrade to a harder set. 

Likewise, if you’re a seasoned roller dancer, you might want to look for skates that are tailored to your favorite style. But if you’re a recreational skater who wants to try roller dance and still skate outdoors, these are our top pick.

Key Specs: 
Sizes:
Men’s EU 40 to 46 (US 7.5 to 12) | Shell Material: Synthetic | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Padded: Yes | Wheels: Outdoor

How We Selected the Best Roller Skates

To find the best roller skates, we first consulted Corey Lewis, CPT, fitness, health, and wellness coach and CEO of 1AND1. He helped us understand what makes roller skates great for different skating styles and skill levels. Then, we researched dozens of roller skates from the most trusted, popular brands. We assessed each pair based on comfort, support, quality, and overall value to come up with our final list of recommendations. 

What to Look For in Roller Skates

Fit

The key to scoring great roller skates is finding a pair that fits you correctly. You should feel comfortable when wearing your roller skates, Lewis says. They should feel snug and supportive, but not uncomfortably tight or painful. Check the manufacturer’s size charts as you shop, try them on in person, and return any pairs that don’t fit.

Support

When you start skating, you’ll need lots of support. Look for roller skates with high-cut boots made from stiff materials, like vinyl. (Sure-Grip’s Malibu Roller Skates are our top pick.) These skates cradle your feet and stabilize your ankles, helping you balance. But as you gain experience, you can graduate to less supportive options, like skates with soft suede shells or low-cut boots. These skates give you more room to move around, allowing you to skate more nimbly. For more advanced skaters, we recommend Moxi’s Panther Skates or Pigeon’s Custom Shoe Skates

Comfort

Roller skates take some getting used to, so start with a pair that’s well-cushioned, with thick padding. This padding will offset the stiff feel of your starter skates. Then, once you’re more experienced, you can upgrade to something softer and more flexible.

Quality

If you want your skates to last, check to see if they’re made from high-quality parts. Metal and nylon parts will last longer than plastic plates, while rubber toe stops offer more grip than plastic ones do. When it comes to bearings, each has an ABEC rating from 1 to 9. The higher the number, the better the bearings. Pay attention to how hard the wheels are, too. Outdoor wheels should be soft (under 82A), indoor wheels should be hard (over 88A), and hybrid wheels fall in between the two.

Price

Great skates don’t have to break the bank, especially if you’re new to skating. The picks on our list range from around $50 all the way up to $500. When determining your budget for roller skates, consider how frequently you expect to use your skates and which features are most important to you, Lewis says. If you’re an avid skater who wants quality parts, you should expect to spend more than a recreational skater who wants basic skates. And remember, you can always upgrade the parts on your skates over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How should roller skates fit?

    Roller skates should feel snug and supportive, but they shouldn’t squish or hurt your feet. While your longest toe may graze the boot, the skates shouldn’t make your toes curl. It's also a good idea to try the skates on while sitting down and standing up to make sure they fit correctly.

  • How do you stop on roller skates?

    There are many ways to stop on roller skates. But one beginner-friendly option is to drag your toe stop behind you. You should also check the ground for bumps or cracks before stopping, so you can keep your gaze up and avoid tripping. Looking down while stopping might throw off your balance.

  • What is the difference between roller skates and rollerblades?

    Roller skates have four wheels—two in the front and two in the back. Rollerblades, also called inline skates, have two to five wheels arranged in a single row. While roller skates provide more stability for beginners due to their broader wheelbase, rollerblades are more maneuverable due to their single line of wheels, Lewis explains. This makes rollerblades better for fast-paced skating, tricks, and jumps, he says.

  • Which roller skates are best for roller hockey and roller derby?

    Roller derby is a high-speed, contact sport. Great roller derby skates are fast, durable, and easy to move around in. Look for skates with fast-rolling wheels, sturdy shells, top-notch parts, and low-cut ankles. And don’t be afraid to splurge on skates, especially if you’ll use them a lot. Our favorite pair for roller derby are Riedell’s Vendetta Roller Derby Skate

    While roller hockey is also a fast-paced contact sport, it’s played on inline skates, not roller skates. Look for skates with high-speed wheels, durable shells, and high-quality parts. High-cut skates will also support your ankles while letting you stop and turn quickly.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Lindsey Lanquist is a contributing writer for Verywell Fit with seven years of health and fitness experience. When she’s roller skating, Lindsey prefers skates that are supportive, comfortable, and shock-absorbing. If she was purchasing new skates, she’d invest in a pair with hybrid wheels that can be worn indoors or out.