Kid's Roller Skates: Find the Best Fit for Your Child

Many people discover a love for roller skating at an early age. Believe it or not, children as young as five or six can already build the coordination and skills needed to start skating with confidence. 

Just like adults, young skaters are often drawn to different styles like outdoor skating, artistic skating, or rhythm skating. No matter which path your child chooses, they’ll need safe, durable, and reliable equipment to begin their journey the right way. That’s where we come in.

When Can Kids Start Roller Skating? Age Guidelines and Benefits

The typical starting age for roller skating is around five or six years old. Some kids may be ready slightly earlier, depending on their balance, coordination, and interest. At this stage, children learn motor skills quickly, making skating an excellent way to build confidence and agility.

Roller skating provides many benefits beyond just fun:

• Physical fitness: Skating develops balance, coordination, and muscle strength.

• Confidence building: Learning to skate helps kids trust their bodies and abilities.

• Social opportunities: Many kids enjoy skating with friends or joining community skating events.

• Family bonding: Skating is an activity parents and children can enjoy together.

If your child shows curiosity and excitement about trying roller skating, that’s often the best sign they’re ready to get started.

Types of Kids Roller Skates: Finding the Right Style

Before purchasing your child’s first pair of skates, it’s important to understand the different options available. Each style of skate is designed with a specific use and skill level in mind.

Quad Skates vs Inline Skates for Kids: What’s the Difference?

• Quad skates (the traditional two-by-two wheel design) are the best starting point for most kids. They provide more stability, making it easier for beginners to balance.

• Inline skates (wheels arranged in a straight line) are typically recommended for slightly older children or those who already have strong balance skills. They allow for faster skating but require more control.
  
  

Expert tip: For most young beginners, kids quad skates are the safer and more comfortable choice.

Recreational vs Specialized Kids Roller Skates

Recreational skates:

• Good for casual skating, indoors/outdoors

• Best for beginners exploring different styles
  
  

Specialized skates:

• Built for speed, derby, or artistic skating

• Suited for kids with experience who want a specific path

  
  

Expert tip: Roller derby skates are better suited for kids who already have some experience and want to commit to a particular style.

Adjustable Kids Roller Skates: Pros and Cons

Some kids’ roller skates come with adjustable sizing, allowing the boot to expand as your child’s foot grows.

• Pros: Cost-effective, lasts longer through growth spurts, great for beginners.

• Cons: May not provide the same snug, performance-level fit as fixed-size skates.
  

Adjustable skates are a good option for very young skaters who are just starting out. However, as children progress, investing in a properly fitted pair will provide better comfort and support.

Kids Roller Skates Size Guide: How to Get the Perfect Fit

Finding the right size skate is one of the most important steps in setting your child up for success.

How to Measure Feet

• Have your child stand evenly on both feet

• Measure heel-to-toe length with a ruler or tape

• Compare both feet (size them to the larger one)

Sizing Tips

In most cases, children’s roller skates are sized to match their regular shoe size. However, skate boots are designed to feel snugger than street shoes. That snug fit helps with control and prevents blisters caused by shifting inside the boot.

• Roller skates usually match street shoe size, but feel snugger

• If your child is a half-size, go up a size

• Between sizes? Size up slightly, but avoid loose fit

What to Do If Your Child Is Between Sizes

If your child falls between two sizes, it’s generally safer to size up. A slightly larger boot allows room for growth, but it should never feel loose or require thick socks to fill space. Loose skates can be unsafe because they don’t provide the ankle support kids need.

Expert tip: Check out Riedell’s sizing charts and guides for accurate measurements.

Finding The Best Skate For Your Child

The comfort and performance of your kid’s skates can play a huge role in encouraging them to stick with roller skating. Unfortunately, many young skaters have been deterred from their new hobby due to improper equipment that’s irritating or painful to skate with. 

Consequently, it’s very important to find skates that fit appropriately and mesh well with your kid’s preferred skating style. To help get you started, here’s a quick and simple guide you can use to find the right roller skates for your child.

Safety Features Every Parent Should Look For

When it comes to your child’s safety, the right pair of skates makes all the difference. 

Here are the key features to look for:

• Strong ankle support: Prevents twisting and injuries.

• Quality wheels and bearings: Smooth, stable performance reduces accidents.

• Secure closures: Laces, straps, or buckles should keep the foot firmly in place.

• Durable boots: Sturdy materials protect the foot and hold up to active use.

• Brakes or toe stops: Essential for beginners to learn how to stop safely.

In addition, don’t forget protective gear: helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. These can make the difference between a small tumble and a serious injury.

Finally, it’s also important to check your skates before taking them out for that first spin. Make sure the wheels roll smoothly and the toe stop is securely tightened. Check for any loose parts that could fall or break, leading to a serious injury. 

Trying on the Skates

We recommend having your child try on their skates before making a final purchase. While it’s possible to skip this step, it’s the best way to make sure the skates fit correctly and meet your child’s specific needs. 

During this trial process, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

• New skates may feel snug at first. They’ll break in with use.

• Avoid “fixing” fit with thick socks.

• Proper fit means secure, not loose.

  
  

Matching Skates to Your Child’s Skating Style

Different skating styles involve a range of unique maneuvers and performance expectations, which is why top-quality skates utilize specific boot designs, bearings, wheels, and other components to meet these demands. 

To guarantee that the skates you purchase align with your child’s performance needs, you’ll need to determine which field of skating they’re most interested in.

• Recreational – versatile, good for beginners exploring

• Rhythm and Dance – precision and smooth turns

• Speed – lightweight, fast wheels

• Derby – strong build for contact and durability

Expert tip: When in doubt, start with recreational! Kids can always branch out later.

Best Riedell Kids Roller Skates by Category