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Inline skates can be a confusing purchase if you haven't bought them before. Different types suit different uses, sizing doesn't always match your shoe size exactly, and the difference between a cheap pair and a proper beginner setup is more noticeable than most people expect. This guide helps you work out what you need from the range we stock at Skatewarehouse.
Inline skates, sometimes called rollerblades though that's a brand name, have a single row of wheels running along the base of the boot. They're used for recreational skating, fitness, commuting, and trick skating at skateparks.
They suit almost anyone: kids learning to skate for the first time, adults who want to get outside and move, and more experienced riders looking to do grinds, jumps, and tricks at a skatepark. The key is picking the right type for what you actually want to do.
The most common type. Comfortable boot, larger wheels (usually 76mm-100mm), smooth ride on paths, parks, and flat ground. If you want to skate outdoors for fun or fitness, this is where to start. Most beginner adult inline skates fall into this category.
Adjustable inline skates for children cover a range of four shoe sizes, so they grow with the foot. That makes them a sensible buy for younger skaters who are still growing. The boot is lighter and easier to control at low speeds. If you're buying inline skates for a child, adjustable kids skates are usually the right choice.
Built for skateparks and street skating. The boot is stiffer and more supportive, wheels are smaller (typically 55mm-60mm) to allow for grinding, and the frame has a flat section, called the soul plate, between the wheels for landing on rails and edges. These are not beginner skates. They suit riders who already have some skating experience and want to push into tricks and park skating.
Sizing is where a lot of buyers go wrong. Here's what to know.
Match to shoe size, but check the size chart. Most inline skates size close to your regular shoe size, but not always exactly. Some run slightly small, others are more generous. Always check the size chart for the specific skate.
Half sizes can be tricky. Many inline skates only come in full sizes. If you're between sizes, going up is usually better. A slightly larger boot can be managed with thicker socks or an insole. A boot that's too tight will be uncomfortable fast.
Wear the right socks. Sizing yourself up in thin trainer socks and then skating in thick sports socks will change the fit noticeably. Measure with the socks you'll actually skate in.
For kids, check the adjustable range. Make sure the lower end of the range fits your child's current shoe size snugly, with room to grow, but not so much that the skate can't be tightened down to fit properly right now.
The boot should feel firm, not painful. Your heel should sit back in the boot with minimal lift when you flex your knees. If your toes are pressing hard against the end, go up a size.
This comes up a lot, and the honest answer is: it depends what you want to do.
Inline skates are faster, better for distance, and suit skatepark or street use. They feel less stable at first but most people adapt quickly.
Quad roller skates have two sets of side-by-side wheels at the front and back of the boot, which gives a wider, more stable platform. Many beginners, especially younger children and adults returning to skating after a long gap, find quads easier to start on. They're also the natural choice for rink skating, rhythm skating, and roller derby.
Neither is objectively better. If the skatepark and tricks are the goal, inline is the direction to go. If you want to skate socially, dance, or just feel more stable learning the basics, it's worth looking at our quad roller skates range too.
Yes, especially at the start. Falling on inline skates is almost inevitable in the early sessions, and hard ground is unforgiving.
A helmet is the minimum. Wrist guards are the next priority. Wrist injuries are the most common in skating because it's instinctive to put your hands out when you fall. Knee and elbow pads round out a proper kit.
We stock helmets and pad sets that work just as well for inline skating as they do for skateboarding. Pick up protection at the same time as your skates, not as an afterthought.
We've stocked skates at Skatewarehouse since 2002. The range is chosen with a skate shop eye, not just whatever fills a catalogue.
Browse our full inline skates range to see what's currently in stock. If you know what you're after, go straight to adjustable kids skates or aggressive inline skates. Still deciding between inline and quad? Our quad roller skates collection is worth a look.
Not sure? Give us a call on 01837 55778 or drop an email to info@skatewarehouse.co.uk. We're happy to point you in the right direction.
Inline skates have a single row of wheels running along the centre of the boot, similar to an ice skate. Roller skates (quad skates) have four wheels arranged in a square, two at the front and two at the back, which gives a wider, more stable base. Inline skates are generally faster and better suited to skatepark and distance skating. Quad skates are often easier for beginners and popular for rink and rhythm skating.
Start with your child's current shoe size and check the size chart for the specific skate. For younger children, adjustable kids skates covering a four-size range are a practical choice. They grow with the foot so you're not replacing the skates every few months. Make sure the lower end of the adjustable range fits snugly now, rather than buying a size too large hoping they'll grow into it quickly.
Recreational inline skates are a solid choice for beginners. They're straightforward to use, most come with a heel brake to help with stopping, and balance comes fairly quickly with practice. That said, some beginners, particularly young children or adults who've never skated before, find quad roller skates easier to start on because of the wider wheel base. Think about what kind of skating you want to do before you decide.
At minimum, a helmet. Wrist guards are strongly recommended. Wrist injuries are very common in skating falls. A full pad set covering helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads gives you the best cover when you're learning. Buy protection at the same time as your skates, not later.
Adjustable inline skates are designed mainly for children and typically cover smaller shoe size ranges. Most adult beginners will be better served by a standard-fit recreational inline skate sized to their shoe. Adult adjustable skates exist for some size ranges but are less common. Check the product listing carefully for the range covered before buying.
