There are two main types of roller skates: quad skates and inline skates.
- Quad roller skates are traditional two-by-two style skates equipped with two wheels in front and two in the back. These skates offer great control and a stable feel, making them a good option for beginners and kids. They do tend to be slower than inline skates and do not offer as much ankle support.
- Inline roller skates feature a single line of wheels in the middle of the skate. Inline skates are built for speed and offer increased ankle support, making them the ideal choice for exercise and sports like roller hockey. Inline skates are often referred to as "roller blades," despite Rollerblade® being a specific brand of skates.
The four main components of your skate are the boot, the plate, the ball bearings and wheel itself.
Low-cut boots on your roller skates provide a lightweight feel for easier mobility. Look for a soft, foam ankle collar. Padded lining ensures you feel comfortable, lap after lap.
An ankle strap locks the ankle in for better support as you move. Your child can gain confidence in roller skates designed for beginners. These skates feature larger back wheels set wide apart, which creates a lower center of gravity for better balance and support.
The best-quality roller skate boots are designed with leather, though some synthetic and vinyl boots offer an optimal feel and support. Roller skate plates fasten together the wheels and the boot. This component of the skate is typically composed of aluminum or composite metal materials.
High-boot skates typically feature wheels that are more narrowly set. Expect urethane and composite wheels to be durable on a variety of skating surfaces.
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