Oct 3, 2020 7:00 AM

The Best Roller Skates and Accessories—No Rink Required

Recently jumped on the skating craze? If you're confused about what gear to get, our recommendations on skates, helmets, and more can help.

Pandemic-inspired hobbies have run the gamut from baking to electric biking. Fueled by cooped-up folks itching to get outside, roller skating is another that's been trending for quite some time this year. If you're fresh on the scene and don't know where to start, these are the best roller skates we've tested and other necessary gear. Veteran roller? Don't worry, we have recommendations for you too.

Just keep in mind that roller skates are in short supply due to their popularity. You may have better luck purchasing them through your local roller rink if our picks are out of stock. As the weather turns colder, demand will die down, so it'll be easier to snag them. Also, you don't need a big, open space to practice skating. Your hallway or kitchen floor can work just as well as a garage, parking lot, or public park.

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Inline vs. Quad Skates
Your Questions, Answered
We focused mostly on quad skates in this guide, but we'll be testing and adding inline skates too. What's the difference? Inline skates have four or five wheels arranged in a straight line, while quad skates have four wheels arranged in a box shape. Inlines have brakes at the heel and quad skates use toe stops to brake at the front. Inline skates tend to offer better ankle support and more speed, but quad skates are better for overall stability. Inlines are generally easier for beginners to learn with, but quad skates are both highly customizable and better for artistic movements like strutting or spinning.
At the end of the day, which type of skates you go with largely comes down to personal preference. If there's a way for you to rent or test skates out locally before buying, try a range of inlines and quads to see what you prefer (but please, wear a mask).
Photograph: Impala
Best Overall
Impala Quad Skate
I (Lydia Horne) have been skating for years, and I felt like an ’80s Brooke Shields sailing through Central Park in the Impala Quad Skates. They're a great pick for hitting the roller rink; novice skaters will enjoy the ankle support and big gummy toe stop. Impala packs a lot of boot here, but you get an uber-comfy interior and well-padded sides. Fair warning, I went half a size up from my normal shoe size, and it's a good fit. Being a quad skate, I felt like I had to take wider turns and come to more gradual stops than inline skates. But take heart: The Impalas are lightweight enough to practice crossovers and spins, neither of which I mastered, but I did manage my first strut.
As a newcomer, I (Louryn Strampe) have been using thinner skate boots since I joined the fad in April 2020. Impala's quad skates felt awkward at first. The boot is heavier and more rigid than some other skates I've tried. Once you get used to the heft, you'll appreciate the stability around the ankle; it's great for beginners. If you find that you want these skates to be more flexible for better artistic movements, try taking them to your local roller rink and ask the folks there to adjust your mounting plate. Another plus for the Impalas? They're gorgeous. I tested the holographic rose gold pair and felt like Princess Peach's badass older sister.
$95 at Impala
Photograph: Suregrip
Another Great Option
Sure-Grip Boardwalk
Sure-Grip's Boardwalk skates are another beginner-friendly option, especially for outdoor skaters. The wheels are big and bouncy, they can conquer minor obstacles like gravel or twigs without causing a crash, and they smoothly transition to indoor use. Since the suede upper is thin, you can lace these skates really tightly. That thinness also makes for a shorter break-in period. They're lightweight and won't hamper your ability to complete transitions, turn-around toe stops, or crossovers. Simply put, I love 'em. Unfortunately, they're the most expensive skates in this guide. And my only gripe is the gummy bolt-on toe stops, which seem to be eroding quickly. —Louryn Strampe
$220 at Derby Warehouse

Photograph: Riedell
Best for Control
Riedell Dart Pixel
I’ve been a longtime fan of Riedell's skates. Their LT429 Hard Candy skates were my first pair ever. The company makes versatile skates that are good for indoor rink or outdoor skating (just change the wheels). The Dart Pixels are technically speed skates, meaning they have a lower top boot, allowing for more flexibility than your classic hightops. This pair fits like a sneaker. The vinyl boot narrows at the toe and offers some cushiony side padding. Your degree of control is far greater—I felt comfortable doing tight turns and fast stops—but these might not be perfect for newbies seeking ankle stability. Kudos to Riedell for making a speed skate that's actually attractive. The Dart Pixels come in Black-Red and Purple-Pink, complete with color matching wheels. —Lydia Horne
$129 at Amazon
$129 at Riedell
Photograph: Bont
Best for Newcomers
Bont Prostar
Bont’s Prostar skates are designed for derby rookies. They come with all the bells and whistles to up your skate game: A fiberglass base, rubber toe protection, and a microfiber boot. Bont also tosses in a thermoplastic heel, which means you can stick these kicks in the oven and mold the boots for a custom fit. This is a boon for folks with varying ankle sizes on both legs, as well as a way to reduce pesky blisters for hardcore jammers.
The skates I tried out had a softer wheel (92a) intended for a slippery floor. Skating around a local basketball court, I felt a bit inert, unable to push off the edges of Bont’s wide boot. I can see how these Prostars would rule the rink given enough momentum, but they're definitely not the pair for shooting choreographed TikTok skate videos on the street. —Lydia Horne
$180 at Amazon
$189 at Bont
Photograph: Derby Laces
Best Laces
Derby Laces Gold Spark
I usually put style ahead of practicality, but these laces prove you can have both. Intended for derby players, the strong metallic fibers mean no-budge tying and greater durability. A great way to customize an otherwise boring pair of skates, the Spark series comes in a few different glittery tones. —Lydia Horne
Honorable Mention: I like my laces tight. I swapped my Boardwalks' default laces for these waxed derby laces, and they're awesome. Cheap, bright, and available in a gazillion colors, the light wax coating helps them stay tight as you zoom around. It's kind of a pain when you first put your skates on, particularly in warm weather when the wax can feel sticky, but the lack of loosening over time is worth it. —Louryn Strampe
$6 at Amazon
$9 at Derby Laces

Photograph: Bell
Best Helmet
Bell Local Helmet
Heavy is the head that wears the dorky bike helmet. Bell’s Local series is shaped in a classic skateboard style but can be worn by bikers and skaters of all breeds. The helmet is tricked out with a suspended dial in the back to adjust the size for different noggins, and there are a whopping 10 vents to air things out; the inside padding doesn’t get gross no matter how far you’re going. With a thick rounded top, the Local looks more like a casing (à la motorcycle helmet) than something athletic. I felt more astronaut, less roller girl. But more importantly, I felt safe. —Lydia Horne
$45 at Amazon
$55 at Bell
Photograph: Triple Eight
Best Protective Gear
Triple Eight Saver Series
Padding, like helmets, should be mandatory. Maybe, maybe elbow pads can be foregone, but I never skate without knee pads and wrist guards (and you shouldn't either)! I love Triple Eight's Saver Series. It's not too expensive. I've taken many a spill on gravel, grass, and rogue acorns. My kneepads are pitted and my wrist guards are scuffed, but I have yet to shatter a kneecap or fracture my wrist. Wear your gear, people! (And remember to fall safely). I also use and love the Triple Eight Sweatsaver Helmet. It keeps my melon protected when I inevitably fall, and it comes in matching colorways. —Louryn Strampe
$29 at Amazon
$40 at Triple Eight
Photograph: Volcanic
Best Light-Up Wheels
Volcanic Dazzle Wheels
The world of skate wheels is seemingly endless. There are options for indoor or outdoor use, artistic skating, derby skating, speed skating, and more. One everyone should have in their arsenal is a set of light-up wheels. Volcanic makes several kinds, but its Dazzle is my favorite. They're easy to swap out. Once on, all you have to do is roll, and like magic, the internal magnet-and-copper structure powers the LEDs. As long as a wheel is spinning, it'll light up. The wheels are firm and a bit on the small side, but hey, you look like a freaking superhero. Once the pandemic ends and I can visit my local rink, you can bet the Dazzle wheels are coming with me. —Louryn Strampe
$48 at Volcanic

Photograph: Amazon
More Great Accessories
Duffels, Fanny Packs, Speakers, and More
There's a bevy of additional gear that, while not necessary, is nice to have. Here are some other items you may want to consider.
Use whatever's around to help you carry your skates and gear from place to place. An old backpack will work just fine. But if you're looking for some other options, the Baboon Go Bag is one of our favorite duffles. We also like the Patagonia Black Hole.
For essentials like your wallet, keys, and phone, bring a fanny pack. We've rounded up our favorites here.
You can wear headphones and skate, but you want to be able to hear cars and other people. I, Louryn, skate with the JBL Clip 3. The built-in carabiner lets me attach it to my belt bag and zoom while listening to Poolside FM—and I can still hear passing cars. The Tribit Stormbox Micro is another good carabiner-equipped wireless speaker.
A skate leash is an investment you won't regret, especially if you switch skating locations a lot. It wrangles your rollers so you can carry them one-handed or thread them through the handle of your duffle bag. There are several options on Etsy too.
At some point you'll need a skate tool. You'll use it to swap out non-adjustable toe stops and change out your wheels. I, Louryn, like this option, but skate tools are all largely similar.
Finally, if you're working up a sweat and dealing with some discomfort, anti-chafe products can be a huge help. I like Hiki's Anti-Chafe Stick. It's unscented, melts down quickly, and doesn't leave residue behind.

Louryn Strampe is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED covering a little bit of everything. She especially loves discounts, video games … and discounted video games. She previously wrote for Future PLC and Rakuten. She currently resides in northern Illinois with two fluffy cats.

Writer and Reviewer

Lydia Horne is the Editorial business manager at WIRED, where she oversees the rights, permissions, and budget for WIRED.com. Lydia also writes for the website, fact-checks, and project manages editorial initiatives. Lydia has her bachelor's degree in English and Italian from the University of Vermont.

Editorial Business Manager

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