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8 Stylish Roller Skates for Every Skill Level
These will make working out fun again.
Byrdie
TL;DR
Our favorite roller skates are Moxi Skates’ Beach Bunny Roller Skates because they’re cute, comfortable, versatile, and make exercise fun and easy. We also love Roller Derby’s Candi Grl Roller Skates for beginners and think they’re perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Roller skating has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, in part because it’s a low-key but highly effective workout that’s a blast to do with friends. “Roller [skating] is a fun, total-body outdoor activity,” says Shayra Brown, an N.A.S.M.-certified personal trainer with Blink Fitness. She adds that you can expect to engage your legs as you skate, your core as you balance, and your upper body as you propel yourself forward.
Before you go out and buy your skates, though, consider what kind of skating you’re going to be doing. If you plan on hitting up a skating rink, look for harder, smaller wheels thatwill provide speed and control.
Outdoor skaters, on the other hand, should look for larger, softer wheels to provide better grip and more smoothness on uneven terrain. New to skating? A high-top design will help with stability, while skaters with more experience might want to consider a low-cut pair for maximum maneuverability.
To help you land on the best roller skates for your needs, we conducted hours of research, evaluating each option on style, comfort, and control. After consulting with Brown and considering dozens of popular options, we landed on these 8 top-rated skates.
Top Picks
Moxi Beach Bunny Roller Skates at Amazon$129
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Roller Derby Candi Grl Sabina Roller Skates at Amazon$90$38
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Moonlight Roller at Pigeonskates.com
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Riedell Solaris Pro Skate Set at Derbywarehouse.com
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Impala Quad Roller Skates at Amazon$82
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C7skates Forget Me Not Roller Skates at Amazon$60
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Riedell Dart Speed Skates at Riedellskates.com
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Chicago Skate Leather-Lined Roller Skates at Amazon$100
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Best Overall
Moxi Beach Bunny Roller Skates
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Attractive color combinations
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Convenient bolt-on toe-stops aid in safety
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Cool retro look
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Boots run large, so you may need to size down
Size: 4 to 10 (women’s) | Wheel Type: MDI outdoor | Material: Metal, vinyl, PVC | Closure Type: Lace-up
Moxi Skates is a best-in-class brand, loved by experts and recreational skaters alike. Its Beach Bunny Roller Skates are comfortable and versatile—not to mention incredibly cute. The skates are crafted from vegan-friendly vinyl, and they come equipped with soft, grippy wheels, which promise to make outdoor rides feel smooth and comfortable.
They’re available in five vibrant colorways, including turquoise with hot pink laces, sunshine yellow with peach laces, and—our fave—retro peach with purple laces. Remember to pay attention to the Moxi size chart, as you may need to size down for a good fit.
Who It’s For
If you’re a regular skater and don’t mind investing a bit more money for a really pretty, comfy pair, these retro skates will earn you all the compliments.
Best for Beginners
Roller Derby Candi Grl Sabina Roller Skates
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Fits true to size
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For all ages and skill levels
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Lightweight but high impact build
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Narrow fit
Size: 3 to 10 (women’s) | Wheel Type: Roller derby | Material: Polyurethane, synthetic leather | Closure Type: Lace-up
Beginner skaters love Roller Derby’s Candi Grl Roller Skates—they keep you secure as you get used to the skating action. The high-top style provides good ankle support while ample padding keeps you comfortable as you skate. Plus, the wheels are designed to glide smoothly on indoor and outdoor terrain, so you don’t have to commit to one style of skating right off the bat.
The skates come in a range of different shades—both pastel and vibrant—so you can easily find a pair you’ll look forward to wearing.
Who It’s For
Both comfortable and versatile, these boots will get skating newbies off to a smooth start.
Best for Rhythm Skating
Moonlight Roller
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Cushioned insole for comfort
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Customizable printed padded lining
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Bolt-on toe-stops for safety and convenience
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Cool lilac color on upper and print on toe-stops
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Aluminum base plate can scuff easily
Size: 4 to 12 (men’s) | Wheel Type: Hybrid | Material: Suede, aluminum alloy, urethane | Closure Type: Lace-up
Moonlight Roller is a Black-owned business, known for its signature Moon Boot skates. Fans of the Moon Boots love them for their quality, versatility (they can be worn indoors or outdoors), and style—there’s no denying these are some of the coolest skates around. A high-top cut and smaller wheels allow for more support and better control, making the Moon Boot a good choice for rhythm skating (AKA dance-inspired skating).
Who It’s For
If you practice a rhythmic skating style, these Moon Boot skates will enable your most creative moves yet.
Best for Advanced Skaters
Riedell Solaris Pro Skate Set
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Follows the natural contours of your feet
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Constructed to improve durability, fit, and feel
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Places toes in more natural position for balance
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Not suitable for novice skaters
Size: 3.5 to 13 (men’s) | Wheel Type: Quick-rolling derby | Material: Microfiber, aluminum, urethane | Closure Type: Lace-up
Skating pros: When you’re ready to upgrade your skating setup, Riedell has you covered. The brand’s Solaris Pro Skate Set comes with a set of low-cut skating boots pluslightweight aluminum plates, smooth bearings, and quick-rolling derby wheels.
Since the skate boasts a low cut, it promises to be lightweight and comfortable—but still sturdy enough to skate in. The skates’ hardware will give you everything you need to pick up speed, stop smoothly, and navigate turns with the strongest skaters out there.
Who It’s For
These low-cut skates allow for more speed and maneuverability, making them ideal for advanced skaters.
Best Style
Impala Quad Roller Skates
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Bold pops of color and classic ’70s style
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Many different sizes and colors/designs
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Ample cushioning for comfort
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Vegan-friendly
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Not as sturdy as other skates on the list
Size: Various | Wheel Type: Roller derby | Material: Nylon, aluminum, synthetic leather, polyurethane | Closure Type: Lace-up
Who doesn’t want to be cute and stylish when they’re out skating, am I right? Impala’s Roller Skates are comfortable, versatile, beginner-friendly, and super adorable. They are crafted from vegan-friendly synthetic leather, and because they’re cushioned with ample padding, they should give you that snug, comfortable fit that makes skating a breeze.
We love that they come in a variety of patterns from pastel fade to leopard. The skates also come equipped with versatile indoor/outdoor wheels, so you can take them just about anywhere. It’s worth noting that these skates may be prone to breaking, so we’d keep to occasional use.
Who It’s For
Style-conscious skaters will love these impalas. Pick up a pair in a classic pastel shade or snag the fun floral pattern created by fashion designer Cynthia Rowley.
Best Vegan
C7skates Forget Me Not Roller Skates
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Fun vintage look and feel
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Many colors and designs
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Plenty of ankle support for beginners
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Plush, padded interior
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Could be more durable
Size: 5 to 11 (women’s) | Wheel Type: Outdoor | Material: Aluminum, synthetic leather, polyurethane | Closure Type: Lace-up
Looking for a pair of vegan-friendly roller skates that are comfortable enough to take everywhere? C7Skates has your back. The brand’s Premium Roller Skates are crafted from vegan-friendly PVC, with a plush, padded interior that will keep your feet comfortable every time you take them out for a spin. The wheels are designed to enable speed while providing plenty of grip on indoor or outdoor surfaces.
Depending on where you look, you can find these skates in anarray of pretty colors—including vibrant yellows, pastel peaches, bright aquas, and more. Our only criticism is that they could be more durable.
Who It’s For
If you’re opposed to all animal products, these vegan leather skates—which don’t compromise ethics for style—will suit you perfectly.
Best for Speed
Riedell Dart Speed Skates
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Velcro cinch strap makes adjusting simple and safe
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Adjustable toe stop gives greater braking control
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Ball bearings minimize friction
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Don’t hold up to serious use
Size: 1 -14 (youth) | Wheel Type: Speed | Material: Nylon, polyurethane | Closure Type: Lace-up
The name says it all with these nimble skates. Lightweight and low-cut, Riedell Skates’ Dart Speed Skates promise effortless maneuverability and control, and, thanks to their massive wheels they can pick up serious speed, too. While they don’t come in the most interesting colors and patterns, these skates make up for it in comfort.
Laces and a velcro strip at the top keep your foot firmly in place, even when you’re whizzing around the roller rink. However, they’re not for serious use, like roller derby skating.
Who It’s For
These streamlined, fuss-free skates are made for more advanced skaters who want to pick up speed.
Best for Rink Skating
Chicago Skate Leather-Lined Roller Skates
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Traditional high-top profile supports your ankles
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Creates great gliding
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Wheels hold up against wear and tear
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Don’t come in half sizes
Size: 5 to 10 (women’s) | Wheel Type: High-impact | Material: PVC, urethane, leather | Closure Type: Lace-up
Indoor skates look a lot like outdoor skates, but they tend to have much harder wheels. Think about it: Indoor skates are designed to pick up speed on slick surfaces, whereas outdoor skates need to be pliable enough to handle textured sidewalks with ease.
If you’re looking for a pair of go-to skates to take to your neighborhood rink, the hard wheels on Chicago’s Leather-Lined Roller Skates promise a smooth and speedy ride. Plus, the crisp white skates are lightweight and low-cut, with a lace-up design that makes it easy to get a snug, supportive fit.
Who It’s For
Indoor skaters will appreciate this pair, which is designed specifically for gliding around a roller rink. Just be aware that they don’t come in half sizes.
What to Look for in Roller Skates
- Comfort: Anyone who’s paid a visit to the roller rink knows that roller skates can get a little uncomfortable. If you’re planning to spend much time in yours, it’s worth it to look for a pair that’s padded enough to keep you comfortable.
- Control: Many roller skates are designed to be beginner-friendly, but some are crafted with more advanced skaters in mind. And since skating can be a little tough to pick up, you’ll want to start with a pair that keeps you in control. Go for sturdier materials and bulkier silhouettes. If it looks more like a boot than a low-top sneaker, it’ll likely give you a little more control.
- Style: Look—we’re not saying you should buy a pair of roller skates just because they’re cute. But we are saying that style is a reasonable thing to consider, especially when it comes to something you’re planning to wear pretty frequently. Thankfully, there are enough roller skates out there that you don’t have to choose between form and function. So you should be able to find a pair of roller skates that fits right, feels comfortable, and looks great. Don’t forget the rest of your roller skating outfit when you go for a spin.
Meet Our Experts
Additional guidance was provided by:
- Corey Lewis, C.P.T., CEO and founder of 1AND1 Life
- Shayra Brown, an N.A.S.M.-certified personal trainer with Blink Fitness
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdiecontributor Esme Benjamin worked on this article, ensuring every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list of the best roller skates to make exercise fun and easy. Esme has worked as a wellness editor and is a certified yoga instructor.
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-roller-skates-5188401