What Makes An Outstanding Roller Skate?
Even the best skaters can’t excel without the right equipment. This raises the pivotal question: How should you determine which roller skate is the “right” choice? There are a variety of factors you need to consider before choosing a specific roller skate, especially if you’re skating competitively.
Many new skaters get caught up in minor details like aesthetics, compelling them to pick up skates that look incredible but aren’t tailored to their performance needs. Other athletes might prioritize one factor too highly above the others, leading them to build skates that are an uneven match.
In other words, to find the perfect roller skate for you, it’s essential to consider each of its components and how they interact with each other. After all, a great roller skate is much more than the sum of its parts.
Roller skates encompass far more than the four aspects we’ll be listing below. Even still, these features are a superb launching point when going through the process of building your own skates.
Boots
Roller skate boots play an important part in ensuring proper fit and comfort for roller skaters. These boots come in two different heights: high top and low cut. High-top skate boots are taller and offer superior ankle support. They’re a great choice for rhythm, dance, and outdoor skating.
Low-cut skate boots are shorter, allowing the ankle to move more freely. They’re an excellent option for jam skating, speed skating, and roller derby.
Boot Type | Features | Best For |
High-top | Taller design, superior ankle support | Rhythm skating, dance, outdoor skating |
Low-cut | Shorter design, more ankle mobility | Jam skating, speed skating, roller derby |
For more information on the different boots at your disposal, be sure to check out our Roller Skate Boot page.
Plates
A roller skate’s plate acts as the frame that its boot rests on. These plates can be built with aluminum or composite materials. They also feature different designs that affect performance and ease of use.
Type | Features | Best For |
Aluminum | Strong, durable, stable | Competitive and experienced skaters |
Composite | Lightweight, easier to control | Beginners, casual skaters |
For example, Riedell’s PowerDyne plates offer outstanding stability, clamping power, and durability. Our PowerDyne plates are lighter, stronger, more resilient, and more efficient than any other plates in existence.
Wheels
Roller skate wheels are where the rubber meets the road. The hardness, size, and material of the wheels have a huge impact on how your skates perform.
Softer wheels offer more grip and shock absorption, while harder wheels provide higher speeds for indoor rinks.
The wheel also depends on your skating style. Derby skaters prefer harder wheels for pivoting on smooth surfaces. On the other hand, rhythm skaters often prefer a balance of grip and glide, so they go for mid-range wheels.
Skating Style | Wheel Hardness (Durometer) | Wheel Size | Best For |
Outdoor skating | 78A–85A (soft) | Larger | Grip, shock absorption, rolling over rough surfaces |
Indoor/rink | 88A–101A (hard) | Smaller | Speed, smooth surfaces, less resistance |
Derby | 88A–95A | Medium | Quick pivots, agility, lateral moves |
Speed skating | 95A–101A (very hard) | Medium–large | Maximum velocity, minimal resistance |
Artistic/Rhythm | 85A–92A | Medium | Balance of grip & glide, flow & technical moves |
For example, Riedell carries wheel options for every level and budget. Radar wheels use premium urethane formulas for top performance. Sonar wheels deliver reliable performance at a more affordable price.
Bearings
Bearings enable roller skates to spin and turn on the axles of their wheels. These small parts have a big impact on speed and smoothness. Choosing the right bearings is key for a fast, long roll, especially in derby, speed, or other competitive skating.
Riedell Bearings At-A-Glance
Type | Features | Performance Level | Best For |
KwiK Zenith | Entry-level upgrade; smoother roll and longer life than standard ABEC-5 | Beginner / Recreational | Skaters wanting a reliable, affordable bearing that outperforms basic options |
KwiK Swiss Nitride | Precision-milled Swiss steel balls; smoother, faster, and more durable than Zenith | Advanced / Competitive | Skaters looking for premium performance and durability without going full ceramic |
KwiK Ceramic | Top-of-the-line; ceramic balls for the smoothest, longest roll and highest durability | Elite / Professional | Competitive or serious skaters who want the fastest, smoothest ride and are willing to invest |
To guarantee longevity and outstanding performance for our skates, Riedell manufactures KwiK bearings. Our Kwik Ceramic products, for example, pair a ceramic Titanium Nitride coating with the advanced characteristics of ceramic balls. So, they have enhanced durability and optimized maximum roll.
How to Choose the Right Adult Skates for Your Foot Size
A proper fit can make or break your skating experience. Ill-fitting skates can cause discomfort, blisters, or instability, while well-fitted skates give you control and confidence.
Measure Both Feet: Since feet are rarely the same size, always size for your larger foot.
Consider Width: Some brands, like Riedell, offer different widths to accommodate narrow or wide feet.
Socks Matter: Try skates on with the type of socks you plan to wear when skating.
Use a sizing guide: Riedell, for example, provides sizing charts for our skates so you get skates that fit you best.
Expert tip: As a general rule of thumb, skates should fit more snugly than regular shoes, with a snug but comfortable feel.
Why Choose Adult Roller Skates Over Kids' Skates?
One of the most common questions skaters ask is: “Are adult roller skates different from kids’ skates?” The answer is yes. While both types of skates may share the same basic four-wheel design, the differences are significant. Here’s how:
Durability & Strength: Adult roller skates are built with stronger plates, tougher materials, and higher weight tolerances to support a grown body.
Fit & Comfort: Kids’ skates are typically adjustable and designed for fast-growing feet, whereas adult skates are sized for stability and long-term use.
Performance: Adults often use skates for more specialized activities, so their equipment is built with performance in mind. That may include adult derby skates or skates geared toward artistic expression.
If you’re an adult skater, choosing adult skates over kids’ skates is not just about size. The right skate is about safety, comfort, and progression in your skating journey.
Adult Roller Skates by Style
Adult Roller Derby Skates
Designed for high-contact, competitive play, roller derby skates prioritize agility, stability, and durability. They often feature low-cut boots for ankle flexibility and reinforced plates that can handle quick turns and impacts. Riedell offers adult men’s derby skates as well as women’s.
Adult Speed Skating Boots
If your goal is raw speed, these skates are built for acceleration and long, powerful strides. They typically have a low-cut boot, lightweight plates, and wheels designed for maximum roll. Speed skates allow skaters to cover ground quickly without sacrificing stability.
Adult Rhythm & Dance Roller Skates
For skaters who love dance, rhythm, or precision movements, rhythm and dance roller skates are the go-to choice. Their high-top boots have strong ankle support, and wheels suited for smooth spins and jumps. These skates allow skaters to perform graceful routines and intricate footwork.
Adult Skate Types at a Glance
Skate Type | Boot Style | Plates | Wheels | Best For |
Roller Derby Skates | Low-cut for ankle flexibility | Reinforced, durable for impacts | Harder wheels for agility | High-contact, competitive play with quick turns & stability |
Speed Skates | Low-cut for powerful strides | Lightweight for efficiency | Very hard, roll-focused wheels | Acceleration, long strides, covering ground quickly |
Rhythm & Dance Skates | High-top for ankle support | Stable, responsive | Mid-range hardness for grip + glide | Dance, rhythm, precision moves, spins, and jumps |
Adult Roller Skates vs Inline Skates – Which Is Better?
This is a matter of preference and purpose:
Roller Skates (Quads): Offer better balance, an easier learning curve, and are great for dancing, rhythm skating, and roller derby.
Inline Skates: Provide higher speeds and more maneuverability for outdoor use, and are commonly used for fitness and hockey.
For beginners, quad roller skates are usually the more forgiving and versatile option.
FAQ About Adult Roller Skates
How much do quality adult roller skates cost?
The cost of adult roller skates can vary significantly depending on the style and components:
Entry-Level Skates: $100–$200. Great for beginners and casual skating.
Mid-Range Skates: $200–$400. Higher quality materials, better performance, and longer-lasting.
High-End Skates: $400+. Professional-grade skates built for competition, custom fit, and maximum durability.
Should I purchase a skate set or buy components individually?
Skate sets come complete with boots, plates, cushions, wheels, bearings, and everything else you’ll need to get rolling. Riedell also offers sets for every style of skating, making it easy for you to pick up high-quality equipment for your unique needs.
If you’re new to roller skating or interested in exploring a different style of skating, then skate sets are perfect tools for getting started. Our skate sets will save you money, too. There are built-in “package discounts” for each one.
With these, you’ll save money by purchasing the full set instead of buying its parts piecemeal.
As you become more experienced in your skating style, you’ll start to develop different preferences for components. You can always swap your set’s components out later once you have a better understanding of which ones suit you best.
Most companies offer built-in discounts on sets, making them more affordable than buying pieces individually, even if you're only getting the boot and plate without other components.
What size adult roller skates should I buy?
Generally, roller skates run similar to your everyday shoe size, though some models may fit slightly smaller.
Riedell recommends checking the brand’s size chart and, when in doubt, sizing up slightly for comfort. That goes for both adult recreational and professional skates.
Check out our roller skate sizing guides.
What are the best adult roller skates for beginners?
Beginners should look for skates that emphasize comfort and support. High-top boots with stable plates and medium-hard wheels are often best. Riedell’s entry-level models are excellent for those just starting out.
Find Your Signature Skates With Riedell Roller
Put simply, quality is key when it comes to roller skates. That’s why professional skaters and beginners alike trust Riedell when looking for roller skate equipment that delivers outstanding results.
At Riedell, we’ve spent 80 years creating the most effective and innovative roller skates the industry has to offer for men and women. Our roller skates consist of top-quality components, ensuring unrivaled performance, comfort, and longevity.
Riedell offers a wide selection of boots, wheels, plates, and bearings. This lets you build or choose skates that fit your needs, style, and budget. If you’re ready to glide, turn, spin, and cut with the best of them, then this is the perfect place for you.
Have questions? We're here to help
Interested in learning more about roller skates for adults? Or how Riedell can help you find or create a set to meet and exceed your skating aspirations? Then don’t hesitate to call or message us today. We would be more than happy to help you succeed in the exciting world of roller skating!