Roller skates: how to choose size and wheels and buy well
Which type of skates you need
Fitness skates for rides and workouts have 3–5 wheels and a comfortable boot. Aggressive skates for the skatepark and tricks have a rigid frame. Quads, with two pairs of wheels, are popular for a retro style and for rinks. Speed skates have a long frame. Adjustable kids’ skates change with the size of the foot. Say the type and your level, otherwise the offers will be too different. For everyday rides in the city, most people take fitness skates with a ventilated boot and a heel brake. For the park and tricks you need a stronger frame and smaller wheels.
Size and wheels
Choose the size by the length of the insole, and for adjustable skates give the range, say 35–38 (EU). Do not buy more than one size up for a child to “grow into”: a big difference spoils control. Wheels are measured in millimetres, for example 80 mm: bigger ones are faster, smaller ones turn more easily. Hardness matters too, since soft wheels are more comfortable on rough roads and hard ones last longer. Bearings affect the glide as well, so ask the seller about their quality.
Protection is not optional
Beginners, especially children, need a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. Many sellers offer skates together with protection, and such a set can work out cheaper than buying separately. Ask exactly what is in the set and whether the protection sizes fit. The helmet should sit snugly and not slide onto the forehead, and the strap should fasten under the chin.
What to put in your request
- type of skates — fitness, aggressive, quad, speed, adjustable kids’;
- size — a number, or a range for adjustable ones;
- model, for example Rollerblade Zetrablade;
- level and age — beginner, child, adult;
- wheels — diameter, hardness;
- what is in the set — helmet, protection, bag;
- condition, budget, delivery city.
Example: “Looking for new adjustable skates, size 35–38, for an 8-year-old girl, 80 mm wheels, with a helmet and pads included. Courier delivery to Toronto, budget up to $98.”
How to compare offers
On BlaBlaPrice you write one request, and sellers reply in the chat with a price, sizes and delivery. The platform shows the offer that is best on the merits first, and you can see reviews next to each seller. Sellers can see where they stand among the others, so they compete on terms. Your phone number stays hidden.
Offers and sales are usually the best before the cooler season and during festival sales, so it pays to look early. Compare by size, wheels and set, not by price alone. For used skates, check the condition of the wheels, how the bearings spin and how the boot fits. For other sports, there are ice skates and skis and snowboards. The details of how it works are on the “How it works” page.
