Roller skating has been a favorite pastime for decades. It is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're smoothly rollin’ down the boardwalk or showing off your moves at the rink, finding the right pair of roller skates can make all the difference. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one for you? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to choose the best roller skates for you. Here are our top tips for choosing the perfect pair of roller skates.
1. Think About What Kind of Skating You Want to do. Determine Your Style.
The first step in choosing the best roller skates for you is to determine your skating style. There are various types of roller skating such as artistic skating, jam skating, speed skating, and recreational skating. Each style may require a different type of skate, so it's important to choose a pair that's designed for your specific style and needs. Are you a speed demon or a trickster? Do you want to glide smoothly or dance on wheels? Knowing what kind of skating you want to do will help you choose the right pair of skates. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of roller skates and skating styles.
Types of Roller Skates:
Jam skates - Jam skates are designed for dancing and freestyle skating. They have a lower cut boot for greater flexibility. These skates can be fitted with toe stops or jam plugs.
Artistic skates - Artistic skates are designed for artistic or figure skating. They have a higher cut boot for better ankle support and a toe stop for more control.
Speed skates - Speed skates are designed for high-speed skating. They typically feature low cut boots and have a longer frame and larger wheels for better speed and control.
Recreational skates - Recreational skates are designed for casual skating and come in a variety of styles and colors.
Roller derby - Roller derby skates are designed for the fast-paced, contact sport of roller derby. They have a low-cut boot for greater mobility and a durable build for protection.
Rhythm skating - Rhythm skates are designed for rhythm and jam skating. They have a high-cut boot for greater ankle support and a smaller toe stop for more control.
2. Consider Your Skill Level.
Are you a beginner or a pro? Your skill level will affect the type of skates you should buy. Beginners may require skates with more stability and support, while experienced skaters may prefer a more flexible and responsive pair of skates. If you're just starting out, look for skates with a higher boot that provides more support, however there are plenty of low cut boot skates for beginners if you prefer this style of skates. As you progress in your skill, you may consider switching to higher quality skates. This might mean looking for skates with leather boots, or higher quality plates such as light weight aircraft grade aluminum or magnesium plates, or adding high performance speed wheels.
3. Look For a Good Fit.
The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable or in pain while skating. Make sure you choose skates that fit well and provide the right amount of support. Your roller skates should fit snugly but not be too tight, and there should be no slipping in the heel or toes. If you’re buying skates online you will not be able to try on the skates before you make a purchase. To remedy that problem, take measurements of your foot and compare them to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. Don't forget to wear the socks you plan to wear while skating to get an accurate fit. Sizing charts are also available to aid in picking the best size, and online retailers such as rhinorollerskates.com will gladly replace any skate purchased if they don't fit. Keep in mind that many skates come in men’s shoe sizes, so it’s recommended for women to go one size lower than their regular shoe size for the best fit.
4. Think About the Wheels.
Wheels come in different sizes and hardness levels These are the two main factors to consider when choosing wheels. Harder wheels are better for smooth surfaces, while softer wheels are better for rougher terrain. Wheel size is typically measured in millimeters and usually range from 54mm to 110mm. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride and are better for outdoor skating, while smaller wheels are better for indoor skating and maneuvers. Durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel. Lower durometer numbers indicate softer wheels, which are better for outdoor skating, while higher numbers indicate harder wheels, which are better for indoor rink skating. Outdoor skate wheels usually range from 78A to 84A. Indoor wheels may range between 90A to 101A. Many wheels will have durometer numbers somewhere in the middle of the range. These may be intended for both indoor and outdoor use (usually between 85A and 88A). Indoor/outdoor wheels are sometimes referred to as hybrid wheels.Think about where you plan to skate and choose the right wheels for the job. Remember, softer wheels are better for outdoor skating and harder wheels are better suited for indoor skating. Here’s a tip for beginners, you may consider outdoor wheels for indoor rink use because these wheels have more grip and are not as slick and fast as indoor wheels. Another trick for beginners is to tighten the nuts on the wheels ever so slightly to slow down the skates.
5. Consider the Price.
Roller skates can range from affordable to downright expensive. Prices can range widely depending on the features and quality of the skates. Think about how much you're willing to spend and choose skates that fit within your budget. Remember, the most expensive skates aren't always the best. However, keep in mind that cheaper skates may be suitable for beginners or occasional skaters, but they may not be as durable or provide as much support as more expensive skates. If you're a more experienced skater or plan to skate frequently, investing in a higher-quality pair of skates may be worth the extra cost.
Roller skating can be a fun and exhilarating activity, but it's important to have the right pair of skates. By determining your skating style, choosing the right skate type, finding the perfect fit, selecting the right boot material, and considering the wheel type, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable skating experience. Remember to take your time and choose the skates that best fit your needs and budget. But, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by all the different styles ,it's really about personal preference. It all comes down to a simple factor, just choose a style you like and have fun rollin' !