Best Rollerblades for Kids

Good rollerblades for kids help them get solid exercise all while having fun indoors and outdoors. When choosing inline skates for kids, size, skating skills, skate type, brand, price, boot material, closure type, frame material, wheel size & quality, wheel softness/hardness, and a few other aspects can complicate the shopping process a bit.

This resource will walk you through what you should know shopping for rollerblades toddlers and bigger children will enjoy rollerblading on. To make your research easier and less time-consuming, I put together a list of 5 rollerblades that kids love to wear and ride.

You’ll go home with a pair of skates that’ll encourage your son or daughter to blade the heck out of their boredom.

Related: Best Roller Skates for Kids

Below is a quick list of…

5 Best Beginner And Intermediate Kids Rollerblades for the Money 

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Let’s dive right in.

1.Overall Winner: Papaison Adjustable Rollerblades for Boys and Girls (With Luminous Wheels)

Papaison’s unisex adjustable inline skate for boys and girls is real eye candy thanks to its vibrant purple/black colorway and flashing wheels. And there’s no battery to worry about. As long as the wheels keep spinning, they’ll illuminate the area around.

It comes with decent-quality polyurethane wheels. Driven by ABEC 7 bearings, these wheels spin freely. Roll quality? It’s butter smooth.

These skates could be really fast, but something slows them down a tad: wheel size and wheel durometer. Not only are the wheels smaller (64mm) than those of the K2 Youth Raider, they’re also softer at 82A.

Who knows, maybe Papaison used smaller, softer wheels to prevent energetic boys and girls from rolling away from their parents too fast. Make sure that grom helmets up before heading out to blade.

These skates are best suited for really smooth indoor and outdoor surfaces. Since they’re softer than K2 Raider’s, they absorb small vibrations marginally better.

Speaking of vibrations and shocks, these skates come with lightweight aluminum frames. The frames are firm enough and don’t shake or vibrate at speed as some do. They stay nice and supportive throughout the ride while absorbing the impacts the wheels can’t.

But it gets better. The frames aren’t permanently joined to the boot. You can always switch them out for new or better-quality chassis down the road.

Four steel screws attach the frames onto the boots. The firm frame, supportive cuff, buckle/powerstrap closure, and the boot’s lateral support convert into amazing power transfer.

Breathable? Yes! A knitted panel covers the front portion of the boot. This sweater-like panel takes breathability up a notch. As for the comfort liner inside, it’s slightly thicker that the K2 one. Breathable too.

The closure system consists of a power strap and a buckled strap. The velcro power straps stay on. And the plastic straps snap into place and stay there until your child presses the little button that release them.

Size adjustable: This skate expands 4 full sizes. Size small grows from size j11 to 1.5 for 5-7 year old inline skaters. And the Medium size begins at size 2 and ends at 4.5. Most kids aged 7 to 8 should comfortably wear this skate.

Safety: A rubber brake pad on the right skate helps your kiddo stop. You can unscrew this brake pad and screw it onto the left skate if needed.

Colors: Purple/black, red/black, and white/black. The aesthetic appeal these skates ooze will have your kiddo sleeping in them!

Extras Included:

• 2 bags for storing each skate
• 2 padded carry handles that easily clip onto the loops on the skates
• An extra brake pad
• Skate tool so you can tighten every nut before use
• A pair of decent skate socks so you can save money

Even though there are no regular laces to dial in the perfect fit, the fabric power strap and plastic strap on the top are adequate skate fasteners.

2.Also Decent: K2 Skate Youth Raider

K2 inline skates have always been decent, but did K2 skimp on quality when making the K2 youth Raider for boys? Many companies don’t focus nearly enough on product quality when making kids skates, helmets, and whatnot. But that’s not the case with the K2 Youth Raider Boys Rollerblades.

They look like a decent sneaker mounted onto a frame with 4 in-line wheels. They’re well-made and sturdy, and they last.

I purchased this for my nephew when Rona showed up so that he could get out and connect with the great outdoors. The youngster’s fallen a few times, but almost 2 years later, the skates still hold up well. 

The boot and frame form one protective system, and the frame isn’t detachable. At 4.4 lbs, these K2 raiders are truly in lightweight territory. And they pass the quality test with flying colors. They’re sturdy and I didn’t see any dye/color runs on them.

Also, the wheels are good. They’re not the usual clunky plastic seen on many youth skates. I measured the wheels and they stood 70mm in diameter, which is the standard wheel size for kids’ rollerblades.

With a durometer rating of 80A, they’re not too hard or too soft. That means they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor rollerblading, but not if the skating surface is too crappy.

ABEC 3-rated skate bearings that spin reasonably well deliver really smooth rolls. They’re not insanely fast, which isn’t a bad thing for kids.

The boot’s upper is synthetic, and it breathes through the many tiny pores that traverse its surface. The inner liner is sufficiently padded especially around the top for comfort. And like the boot, the liner vents well. But is there any kids’ inline skates that breathe so well that their feet stay fresh no matter hard they skate? No.

If your adventurous street raider has sweaty feet, you’ll have to deodorize the skates when cleaning them. Here’s how to clean kids inline skates.

The skate’s composite FBI frame is low-profile and supportive enough. If your young thrill seeker falls (they will, many times), they won’t have much distance to travel before finally connecting with good old Mother Earth.

Size adjustability was one of the reasons the K2 Youth Raider stuck out to me when I was handpicking the best rollerblades to buy for toddlers and children. And these are size-adjustable.  

You can extend the boot up to 5 sizes. Size Small adjusts from children’s shoe size 11 to 2, 5 full sizes (11, 12,13,1, and 2). Size Medium starts at size 1 and extends all the way to Junior/Youth size 5, again 5 full sizes.

Size Small should work for children aged 5-7 years while Medium is designed children in the 7-9 age range. These aren’t for toddlers. Also, they fit wider than most.

The image you see above is Medium Youth/Junior size 1-5.

The upper/boots are a majorly a mix of black and grayish. But there’s a bit of red on the laces and powerstrap. It’s very much a boy’s colorway, but young girls who can’t stand pink can wear it too.

The laces don’t keep coming loose, and the powerstrap doesn’t struggle with holding the heels down and keeping them locked in nice and tight. The top buckle further secures the fit.

They’re safe too. They brake pad is removable and isn’t awkward while riding.

Reasonable price point

3.  XinoSports Size-adjustable Unisex Kids Inline Skates (W/Light-up Wheels)

Xinosport promises a 1-year warranty covering workmanship and defects. Well, this seems a little more generous than what some popular brands offer. The manufacturer also guarantees lifetime support for US-based customers. That sounds really nice.

But the name Xinosport nudged me to want to find out where the company is based. So I visited their “about us” page. It didn’t seem like the company has a physical presence in the U.S.

That said, I didn’t find an avalanche of customer service complaints against them. And an average customer rating of 4.5 after over 1,000 reviews further suppressed my fears.

Let’s now focus on what’s important: the Xinosport Kids Inline Skates for Boys and Girls. This skate looks as good as any. The synthetic upper has a solid feel, and nothing about the rest of the components.

For the money, the skates are OK rather than exceptional. They don’t look as good as they do in the picture, but they’re not bad at all. I’m talking about the gray/peachy pink one for girls. When it arrived, I noticed that the actual color wasn’t exactly as shown in the image. The actual color looks more like baby pink and not peachy pink. Not a biggie and this sort of thing isn’t uncommon when it comes to purchasing things online.  

The boot is synthetic and well-put-together, but it’s not the most breathable. Not that breathability matters a whole lot when rollerblading. The inner liner is OK-ish too, but the cushioning isn’t up to scratch.

The wheels are standard PU skate wheels with a 70mm diameter. They’re not as terrible as those plasticky wheels that come with dirt-cheap kids inline skates. How hard/soft are these wheels? The durometer number is 82A. These wheels are as soft as the ones on the Papaison skate above. And like the Papaison, these kids’ skates relies on ABEC 7 bearings for motion.

These wheels spin rather smoothly, but while they’re faster than the Papaison, they’re not like dangerously fast. And as is the case with Papaison, Xinosport skates have battery-less light-up wheels.

But the youngster we gifted these skates gripes about how the lights work. While skating surfaces such as rough-ish pavement or concrete, the lights work fine the entire time. But when she transitions to really smooth level terrain, the front wheels don’t light up unless she’s pushing off.

This is because on such skating surfaces, the front wheels aren’t sitting firmly on the ground, which interferes with light up. No big deal, but she’s not very happy about it either.

Its aluminum chassis is acceptably sturdy and supportive. And the best part? It’s detachable.

Sizing: These inline skates expand up to 4 full sizes: The fist size range, Youth Medium, starts at 1 and ends at 4 while the larger size Youth Large elongates from 5 to 8. Youth Large are for 9 to 11-year-olds while sizes 1-4 are for 7-8 years. They won’t need your help operating the size adjustment button because it’s easy.

Colors: baby pink/gray and fuchsia/black for girls and aqua/black for boys.

Overall, the Xinosport Skates are OK, but they’re hardly the finest option that can be had at that price point.

4. Best Fitness Inline Skates for Boys: Rollerblade Macroblade Boys Adjustable Skates

If you look at the Rollerblade Macroblade for skater boys, you’ll instantly notice that it’s different than the recreational rollerblades you’ve interacted with above. You’ll also notice that its price point sits somewhere above that of the rec options.

Here’s the deal: the Rollerblade Macroblade Adjustable Rollerblades for Boys aren’t recreational skates. They’re fitness skates.

You mean there’s a difference between the two? Yes, there’s a difference. While recreational inline skates focus on helping kids to just roll around and enjoy the outdoors, fitness skates focus on performance. Their overall design and material quality supercharge skate performance at the cost of decreased ankle support and comfort.

But it’s not like the Rollerblade Macroblade uncomfortable or unsupportive. It’s just that the inner liner isn’t super thick. That is, these skates sacrifice a little comfort in favor of greater performance.

Also, fitness skates tend to be constructed from better-quality, lightweight materials. That’s why the Rollerblade Macroblade costs cost about $30-35 more than the rec skates in this post. Also, the outer shell of the Macroblade is and looks sturdier and more rugged compared to regular recreational skates.

Well, the wheels have a diameter of just 72mm, but the skate’s integrated composite frame can accommodate up to 80mm wheels down the road.  They’ll also need to upgrade to better bearings/performance bearings.

So, while fitness skates aren’t designed for beginners, your child can use the Macroblade because its wheels aren’t large. Also, the SG3 bearings that rotate them, while good, aren’t the speediest bearings ever created.

80mm/adult-size wheels aren’t for absolute beginner boys because they’re faster and less stable than 72mm wheels. They’re for lads who have spent a decent amount of time rollerblading and bettering their skating skills. These are for intermediate-level to advanced-level young skaters. They’re for those who’ve got balance and stability already nailed down.

Also, the Macroblade is size adjustable. It combines 4 skate sizes into one expandable skate that grows as your son’s feet do. I bet it’ll be the only skate you’ll ever buy for your son. I assume they won’t have inline skated it to the ground by the time they’re graduating to the next size range up!  

Below are the available sizes of the Rollerblade Macroblade Boys’ Rollerblades:

• Kids Size 11J-1
• Youth/Junior size 2-5
• Youth Size 5-8

 The image above is size 2-5 for boys aged 7-9 years.

The Macroblade weighs about 5 pounds. That’s more or less what the Xinosports option weighs. Having a composite chassis as opposed to a metal one makes the Macroblade a light enough for the skaters it’s designed to fit.

Breathability: The Junior Fit liner is made of breathable mesh, but it’s not impressively thick. But is this surprising given this is a fitness/performance inline skate?

Closure type: laces, power strap, and plastic buckle strap.

Colors: Black/red.

The 45-degree power strap around the middle of this kids fitness inline skate stays on, but it seems like Rollerblade should use better material when making this fastener.

Even if the frame isn’t removable, its 3WD design allows bigger wheels to be put in for a 3 x 80mm wheel configuration.

5. Best Performance Rollerblades for Girls: Rollerblade Microblade Girl’s Adjustable Fitness Skate

The Rollerblade Macroblade (RB) Performance for Girls has the same design and features as the boys’ version. They look similar, except that the girl’s model is available in a girlie pink/black colorway.

Both are manufactured by Rollerblade, a popular and respected skate brand. The frame is composite and sturdy, and it integrates into the outer shell seamlessly, literally.

And as is the case with its male counterpart, the girl’s version comes with 72mm wheels at 80A and SG3 bearings. 72-mm wheels should be comfortable enough for any beginning skater. The skates aren’t too fast because the SG3 bearings the wheels are coupled aren’t the quintessential speed beast.

Also,this fitness for young girls has that I-mean-business look of the boy’s skate. But until your little one’s skating ability has matured enough for 80mm wheels, let them stick with the existing wheels.

The frame isn’t metal, and that’s not entirely a bad thing. While aluminum chassis are sturdier and more supportive, they tend to make the skate bulkier. Since this is a fitness/performance rollerblade, it needs to stay light and nimble. That’s why it comes with this lightweight composite frame.

Unfortunately, you can’t swap out these frames and amount a new set to customize the ride. But since it’s possible to mount bigger/thinner wheels, there’s still lots of wiggle room as far as customizing or personalizing future rides.

Size adjustability works as it does in the boy’s version. A sort of lever on the side of the boot helps adjust the length for a better, more comfortable fit.

Size adjustability: This option offers fit adjustability, expanding from size 2 through size 5 youth. If your daughter is bigger/older, gift them youth size 5-8.

Available sizes:

• Youth/Junior size 2-5
• Youth Size 5-8
• Kids Size 11J-1

Like the boy’s one, this Macroblade weighs roughly 5lbs. And most lightweight rollerblades for kids are found in the 4-5.5lb range.

Closure type: Regular laces, Velcro power strap, and top buckle strap. Some parents who bought this skate found the ankle strap/power strap somewhat difficult to use. Getting the strap to hold the foot down nice and snug took a bit of force, and so did loosening the strap when taking off the boots.

But I can’t figure out why the girls’ RB Macroblade costs about $10 more than the boys’ one. Maybe it was a way of making it look like a different product. Because beyond price and color, the boys Macroblade and girls Macroblade are pretty much the same product.

Colors: Pink/black that most girls will really like.

 

However, this power strap problem goes away after a couple of skating sessions. I believe breaking the skates in has to do with it.

But how do you pick the right rollerblades for a young boy or girl? The following buyer’s guide shows you how. 

How to Choose the Right Rollerblades for Kids

Choose the right rollerblades for your child and pair them up with good rollerblading accessories. That’s how you make inline skating a safe and fun activity for your kiddo.

But choosing the right rollerblades for young children isn’t always easy and straightforward. Because there are many brands and models to choose from, and many options look or less the same.

Actually, many skates on the market are cheap knockoffs that pretend to be as good as really decent well-known brands such as Rollerblade or Bladerunner, or K2.

Oh, I’m not saying these are the only good ones, but many have found skates from these companies to perform per expectation without falling apart on the very first day your child straps them on.

Hopefully, you’ll find this kids rollerblades buying guide helpful as you search for that perfect pair of skates to give your adorable baby.

But first off…

Inline Skates or Roller Skates for Kids?

Inline skate vs. rollerskate, which is easier to learn skating on for beginner kids? Even though you may introduce your child to rollerblades from the get-go, it’s generally easier for kids to learn on roller skates. Because roller skates have wider wheels compared to inlines. Wider wheels provide more stability, which absolute beginners need.

Also, because roller skates have wider wheels, they’re not as fast as inlines due to having more rolling resistance. But that’s actually a good thing because kids find slower skates easier to control, which means they might be safer for them.

But while it’s tougher for young children to learn on inline skates, they’re more likely to become better, faster skaters if they learn to rollerblade as well.

Decide Which Skate Type is Best for Your Child

There are quite a few different types of kids’ rollerblades on the market. The most basic type is the recreational rollerblade. Then there are aggressive rollerblades and speed skates. Let’s look at each type below:

Kids’ Recreational Skates

This type of inline skate is best used for rolling around and having fun. Of course, your kid will expend some of that excessive youthful energy in the process.

A more advanced type of rollerblade is the aggressive rollerblade. Advanced skaters of all ages spend tons of time at parks grinding ledges and doing all sorts of tricks and jumps.

These skates provide adequate ankle support. That’s why they come with a high cuff. Usually, their chassis stays close to the ground for stability, and the wheels tend to be medium-sized.

Rec skates are usually the best bet for beginner kid skaters. Young children may not have enough skill or muscle power to ride advanced skates. Intermediate skaters may ride fitness skates and even hockey skates. But recreational skates are overall the best choice for beginning young skaters who’ve yet to learn balance and coordination.

Fitness Skates

Fitness inline skates have bigger softer wheels and travel faster than rec skates. They’re not exactly beginner kids inline skates. They provide enough support, but they may not be as comfortable as recreational skates. Actually, one difference between fitness rollerblades and recreational skates is that fitness skates have a shorter cuff. A shorter cuff makes for greater maneuverability at speed.

These skates travel really fast because they tend to have great bearings and have larger wheels compared to rec skates. Like speed skates and aggressive skates, fitness rollerblades aren’t for complete beginners. But they don’t require as much skating mastery as aggressive and speed or distance skates.

Hockey Inline Skates

Hockey rollerblades are for kids who want to play inline hockey. When it comes to inline hockey, speed and agility or the ability to make quick turns are critical. And when manufacturers are making hockey skates, they have the unique needs of hockey players in mind.

If your little one wants to join the Junior League but has never actually rollerbladed, don’t buy them these boots. Because these aren’t for beginners who are learning the basics of inline skating such as balancing and turning.

Hockey inline skates are for young ones who’ve amassed a decent level of inline skating experience.

Aggressive Inline Skates

Compared to recreational inline skates, aggressive rollerblades typically have a lower cuff and harder, smaller wheels.

Well, skating aggro is no child play (pun intended). It demands a decent level of skating experience. It definitely isn’t the sort of thing to introduce your kid to when they’re just starting to learn to skate for the first time.

This skate type looks different from recreational and speed skates. They typically have a detachable or replaceable grinding block that makes slides on ledges, coping, and found street obstacles easy. These skates aren’t always easy to find even for adult skaters.

What’s the difference between aggressive skates and speed skates? The main difference is that aggressive rollerblades are meant for stunts and tricks while speed rollerblades are meant for traveling quickly. What’s common between them is that both aren’t designed for young novice skaters — they’re for kids who’ve been skating around and falling a lot for a while.

Kids’ Speed Inline Skates

As you might already infer from the name, speed rollerblades are designed purely for performance. They’re more concerned with enabling the skater to move fast rather than giving them creature comfort.

This skate type is for advanced skaters who have mastered balance and can blade safely at speed. They’re usually lightweight skates with three or four large, soft wheels. The boot itself provides a certain level of maneuverability and ankle support, but they’re not the most comfortable to ride.

Choose the Right Kids’ Inline Skate Size

How do you determine the correct inline skate size for kids? Generally, kids’ rollerblades are supposed to fit like regular baby shoes. For the most part, if your child wears size 3 in everyday shoes, buy size 3 inline skates for them.

Kids Hate Inline Skates That Aren’t Comfortable

By comfortable, I mean well-fitting kids inline skates with adequate inner padding and a thick enough tongue. But skate size is the most important aspect when shopping for kids’ rollerblades.

One often-reliable way to get the sizing right when buying rollerblades for kids is to take their actual feet measurement. You then use the measurements to choose a size for them.

Pretty much all skate manufacturers provide a sizing guide for each skate model. All you have to do is match the measurement you get with the corresponding skate size on the size chart.

Sadly, manufacturers’ skate size guides aren’t always accurate. It’s quite common to take foot measurements correctly and use the size chart right only to get a pair of poorly fitting skates. Once the skates arrive, have the child wear them and then perform the so-called pencil test to gauge if the boots are too loose or too tight.

So, how do you choose the right size without making mistakes? Measure the feet of your kiddo. Then, read reviews of the specific skate model you want to purchase. If the majority of parents online say a particular skate runs small, size up, and vice versa.

Size Adjustability

I highly recommend buying rollerblades that offer size adjustability. Adjustable size kids’ rollerblades are an awesome choice because they’ll grow with your child. You won’t need to invest in a new pair of rollerblades every time the young skater outgrows the current size. A button or lever of some kind is operated to release the front part of the boot. Pulling it out forward instantly creates additional room for your grom’s growing feet.

By the way how fast do kids’ feet grow? How soon do they grow into the next size or half size? According to an article published in PubMed, babies and toddlers 12-30 months old need a new shoe size every 2-3 months. But at 30 months, foot growth slows down a bit until age 4 when it slows down even more. At age 4, kids need a new shoe /skate every 4 months. Between ages 4 and 6, children grow a full size every 6 months.

What’s more, your child’s siblings can rollerblade with them down the road assuming you bought a decent, durable pair of skates.

Most of my recommendations are size adjustable. Some have a button that you depress and then pull out the front of the skate to lengthen the boot. Others may use a kind of lever or screw that you fiddle around with to adjust the skate size accordingly.

When choosing adjustable size skates, be sure to pick a size range that’s pretty close to your baby’s size. For example, if they’re size 1, sizes 1-4 should work. Most skates extend 4 to 5 sizes, And that’s GOOD because it can save you money.

What’s Level of Experience Does Your Kiddo Have?

If your child is just starting out, recreational rollerblades/inline skates are generally best. Children who are more experienced may want to try fitness skates, aggressive rollerblades, hockey skates, or even speed skates. But you’re buying the first-ever pair of inline skates for them, so you need just a recreational skate that they wheel around with.

Boot Material: What’s Boot/Upper Made of?

The main material used to make the skate affects its weight and durability. Boots are made of synthetic materials and are more common than suede or leather boots. I keep seeing dirt-cheap plastic skates being sold by online stores, but in my experience, these are usually bad quality skates and your child deserves better. I’m not saying you can’t or shouldn’t buy more affordable skates for Ryan. I’m just saying keep a keen eye on boot quality and overall skate construction.

It’s harder to find leather inline skates versus leather roller skates. Faux leather or Synthetic leather skates aren’t rare though.

Good faux leather lasts long. And it’s comfortable once the child breaks the skate in. But no, fake leather just doesn’t stretch so make sure to pick the right size inline skates.

And if you don’t like the idea of people killing animals just so they can make and sell skates, faux leather skates are your best bet. I’m seeing many skates being advertised as vegan or animal-friendly lately.

Chassis/Frame Material, Height, Length, and Brakes

Aluminum Frame vs. Plastic Frames on Kids’ Rollerblades, what’s better? Generally, kids’ inline skates with a plastic chassis are lighter compared to those with aluminum frames. Also, plastic frame skates tend to be cheaper. But aluminum frames provide greater support. Plus, a metal chassis tends to be more durable.

Also, plastic frame skates tend to be cheaper, too. Many parents these days choose to buy rollerblades with a plastic chassis for that very reason. In my experience, plastic frames are OK as long as they’re strong enough and absorb vibrations well.

Go for boots with lighter, sturdier frames. No kid enjoys riding bulky skates. You’ll end up tossing them in the closet where they’ll gather dust… forever.

Frame Height and Length

Beginner kids need skates with low-sitting frames. Because stability matters to them. And lower frames have more stability compared to higher-profile frames.

Length is another important consideration, but I find that this skate length information is scanty on most manufacturers’ websites.

Shorter frames are more maneuverable, but they sacrifice a bit of stability. Longer frames are more stable, but increased stability costs a bit of agility.

Unless your child or girl wants to build their own custom rollerblade, frame length isn’t something to worry about. As long as you choose the right boot size, chassis length will take care of itself.

Braking Mechanism

Safety is paramount, and your child needs skates with a reliable plastic braking system. Usually, the braking device is on the right skate, but moving it to the other skate is possible in most cases.

I suggest that you teach junior how to stop on rollerblades right from the beginning. Inline skates can be real speed devils and if your kid can’t slow down and eventually stop, what could happen? Make sure they helmet up every time before they hit the street or pavement because falls are inevitable in all forms of skating.

On most skates, there’s a thin wear limit line that lets you know when it’s time to replace your kids’ rollerblade brake. Check the boot every few weeks and change the brake out if it’s far too worn.

Get Proper Protective Gear for Your Kid

To make rollerblading safe and more fun for kids, get the right rollerblading accessories for your child.

I’m talking about skating accessories such as rollerblade helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, rollerblade storage bags, and other rollerblade sports gear.

Even if your child is just starting out, it’s super important to have them wear a helmet and highly protective knee pads.

You never want your little angel getting injured before they’ve even had a chance to discover if rollerblading is the right outdoor sport for them.

Make Your baby Want to Skate More

Kids don’t always want to wear a helmet when rollerblading. That’s usually because they feel like it’s too heavy on their little head, too hot, or doesn’t look cool enough. I mean, even adults dislike dorky helmets.

Once a kid gets a helmet that looks nice and fits them well, they will want to wear it more often. They won’t always need encouragement to get off the couch and wheel around to their heart’s content.

The same goes for other rollerblading gear. If their elbow pads, skates, knee pads, and wristguards look great, they’ll want to wear them more often.

I suggest that you involve your child in the skate shopping and accessories shopping process. If you can go to the skate store with them, that’s best. Once there, they’ll pick and choose gear that appeals to them. Chances are that they’ll completely own whatever you two end up choosing.

Speaking of looks…

Kids’ Rollerblade Wheel Quality, Size, and Hardness

Smaller wheels are naturally slower than larger wheels. Make sure that the rollerblades you choose for your child have large enough wheels. Because larger wheels struggle less when it comes to conquering small cracks, rocks, and even twigs.

However, larger wheels make for a less stable ride. So, be sure to strike a balance between stability and speed. It’s best to find rollerblades with wheel sizes in the medium range.

The right wheel size for kids’ recreational inline skates ranges from 70mm to 79mm according to Inlineskates.com. Most of the options available have 70mm-76mm wheels though.

What if the youth has advanced skating skills and is eyeing aggressive inline skating? In that case, go for smaller wheels. Inlineskates.com recommends a wheel diameter in the 50mm-59mm range.

And if they’re looking to start practicing inline hockey, they need really small wheels. Inlinewarehouse.com pinpoints 47mm as being the ideal wheel diameter for kids inline hockey skates.

And while at it, why not choose light-up wheels/luminous wheels for your tot’s rollerblades? Many younger kids love flashing wheels on their skates. Your little one will love their boots more. Plus, it’s hard for drivers to miss the little skating form. Not that your baby should be out there nighttime skating without parental supervision.

Wheel Quality

The quality of the wheel also matters. Cheaper rollerblades often have plastic wheels that wear down quickly. But it gets even worse: plastic wheels can be quite slippery on certain surfaces, leading to falls.

Rubber wheels are a much better option for everyone. Because rubber wheels provide amazing grip/traction and are less likely to cause falls. Spending a bit more on rollerblades with good-quality wheels is definitely worth it.

Wheel Durometer

Wheel durometer isn’t something you should pay too much attention to when purchasing a pair of inline skates for a kid. Most of the options out there come with a durometer of 80A or slightly higher.

Why are 80A wheels more common on youth rollerblades? It’s because 80A wheels are soft enough for outdoor rollerblading. And young skaters skate outdoors a lot. It’s also because 80A wheels are good enough for indoor inline skating. They’re soft and grippy enough for all kinds of skating surfaces.

In case you’re learning about wheel durometer for the first time, it’s a rating system skate companies use to rate wheel hardness.

Inline Skate Bearings: Steel Bearings vs. Pricier Options

Steel bearings are pretty much the standard bearing in skateboard, roller skate, and inline skate wheels. Steel is strong, cheap, and durable. But it rusts. Also, steel bearings tend to need a bit more maintenance compared to pricier options such as ceramic bearings and titanium bearings.

Ceramic and titanium rollerblade bearings (AKA Swiss bearings) are premium-quality bearings. Not surprisingly, it’s rare to find them in recreational rollerblades for kids and adults. They’re usually high-precision bearings that give the rider a really fast, smooth roll. Plus, they don’t suffer that much when exposed to rust-inducing conditions such as when your kid rides their skates through puddles.

They’re as tough as or even tougher than steel options. And they don’t need as much maintenance. The downside? The best Swiss bearings can be offensively pricey.

But these high-grade bearings give those who participate in competitive inline skating (usually speed and slalom inline skaters) all the bearing technology they need to win.

Pros and Cons of Steel Bearings & Swiss Bearings

Steel bearings

• Are commonly used in recreational roller skates, skateboards, and inline skates
• Are durable
• Are cheap

But steel bearings:

• Need care on an ongoing basis
• Are prone to rust

Ceramic and Titanium Bearings (Swiss-grade Bearings)

• Are high-performance bearings
• Are usually used by pro skaters on high-end inline skates
• Are rarely used in kid-specific inline skates

But Ceramic Bearings

• Are expensive
• Maybe overkill for kids’ recreational skating

Steel or Swiss Bearings on Kids’ Inline Skates?

It’s best to go with steel bearings. Because they can take all the abuse your child will throw at them. Plus, even though they rust easily, some are serviceable. Which means you can clean them with a recommended bearing cleaner. Never wash bearings in water. Here’s how to clean skate bearings when they get dirty.

Is Bearing Rating Important When Choosing Kids’ Inline Skates?

One of the best-known bearing rating systems is the so-called ABEC scale. This rating system has five tolerance classes namely ABEC 1, ABEC 3, ABEC 5, ABEC 7, and ABEC 9.

Each class describes the bearing’s tolerance, efficiency, and potential for speed. All other factors held constant, an ABEC 7 bearing should spin faster than an ABEC 5 bearing. But that’s not always the case.

A high-rated bearing isn’t always faster or better quality than a low-rated one because the stated bearing grade says nothing about lubricant, material quality, and rotation speed. Also, the rating pays little attention to information relating to critical aspects such as ball bearing precision, noise, raceway and balls polishing, vibration, and load handling. It’s possible that an ABEC 3 bearing might actually be a better bearing than an ABEC 9 bearing.

That said, it’s reasonable to expect a higher-rated bearing to have better precision, a smoother roll, and better overall performance compared to a lower-rated bearing.

By the way, ABEC is an acronym for Annual Bearing Engineering Committee. This rating system is named after the committee that developed it. And this committee is part of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA).

What Closure Type Does the Skate Have?

A good pair of rollerblades for kids comes with a mix of closure types designed to keep them secure on their feet.

The majority of options in the youth skate market tend to use regular laces alongside powerstraps and buckles. Higher-end skates may use a BOA closure system, but most kids don’t need such an expensive system.

Common closure types include the following:

Buckles: Usually found on the side of the skate, these are metal or plastic clasps that fasten to keep the skate tight and secure.

 Traditional Laces: When tied correctly, laces provide a really secure fit. You may have to use your creativity to make them give you the tight, snug fit those little heels and feet need. And it’s not uncommon for low-quality laces to constantly come undone.

Powerstraps: These are fabric straps that tighten around the foot and ankle. They use Velcro to retain their hold.

Speed lacing closure: This type of closure employs a system of laces that crisscross in the middle of the skate, allowing for a quick, easy fit. It’s not common for kids inline skates to exclusively use a speed lacing system.

BOA Closure: BOA closure is a type of closure that uses a dial and cable system to tighten the rollerblades around the feet. The BOA closure system is popular on ski boots and snowboard boots, but some kids’ rollerblades have it .

So, is the BOA closure system good for kids? BOA works (mostly), and kids can operate this closure system without help. But in most cases, it’s best to go with a combination of laces, buckles, and straps.

Kids Love Graphics and Exciting Colors

Children typically like colorful rollerblades.

Most boys seem to prefer the color blue. Not surprisingly, many skate brands offer many rollerblades in shades of blue. But the boot doesn’t need to be all blue. In fact, many boots come with two or more colors mixed in a pleasing way. Some common color combinations include back/white, black/green, red/green, and black/yellow among others.

As for girls, most seem to like rollerblades with shades of pink and purple. Others may like brighter colors such as yellow or turquoise or whatever.

You know your kiddo’s color preference best. Plus, why not ask what color they’d like?

Graphics are another aspect that deserves some attention when buying rollerblades for a child.  Most rollerblades for kids don’t have actual graphics. But in most cases, the frame comes in one color while the boot is a different color. One-color boots allow kids who want to embellish their skates with stickers or markers do so.

Kids’ Rollerblade Price and Brands

It’s tempting to buy the cheapest rollerblades when shopping for a kid or teen. But that’s not always a good idea. Concentrate on fit and comfort first and product quality before worrying about brand. Definitely buy what you can afford. But if paying a little more will get them much better quality, grab the deal.

Good brands include K2, Bladerunner, Rollerblade, Roller Derby, PAPAISON, and more. Impala, Mongoose, Chicago, Xinosports are also pretty popular, but there’s almost always someone who thinks they’re not worth it.

You can get good kids’ inline skates cost $100-$150. Better ones live in the $150-$300 range. Past $300 is high-end territory. 

How Do I Teach My Child to Rollerblade?

Rollerblading is a fun and exciting way for kids and adults to get quality exercise.

It’s also a great way to master balance and coordination.  And balance and coordination are essential to all forms of skating.

7 Tips to Help Your Toddler or Older Child Learn Rollerblading

1. Start by gradually introducing your little one to the idea of rollerblading. Show them pictures or videos of people rollerblading and explain what they are doing. Talk about how fun it looks and how they, or even better both of you, can do it too.

2. Next, have your child wear their rollerblades around the house. The idea here is to help them get used to the feeling of standing and walking in skates. Progressively, their balancing skills will improve. Make sure that the skates are tight enough to avoid injury. 

3. Once your child is comfortable walking in rollerblades, take them outside to a safe place to practice real skating. Start by having them push off with one foot and then the other.

4. Help your child build up their speed by gradually adding distance between skating sessions.

5. As their confidence and passion around rollerblading grows, you can take them to a skate park so they can try out some tricks. That may not be very soon.

6. If you’d prefer a more structured way to teach your child how to rollerblade, get them a good trainer. It shouldn’t be hard to find rollerblading classes in most cities. Check with your local skate or recreation center to see if they offer classes for kids.

7. Safety Tip: have the little guy or girl helmet up and pad up every time they want to go out blading. Oh, and tell them falling is normal.

Also, let them know their skates feel tight now because they’re new and they need to break them in. Tell them things will get much better in about a week or so of consistent skating.

Kids’ Rollerblade Maintenance Tips

• Always tighten screws and bolts before releasing your baby to go out skating. This will help keep their rollerblades in good condition while preventing wobbling or wheels flying off during use!
• Regularly check the bearings in your kids’ rollerblades. If they seem to be worn down, purchase replacement parts and mount them onto the skate. Most sporting goods stores carry skate replacement components as do many decent online stores.
• Once a month or sooner depending on skating frequency, apply a light coat of lube to the bearings. This helps them run smoothly while keeping moisture out.
• If the little tike skates through wet conditions, dry off their rollerblades before storing them. Wet rollerblades tend to rust and deteriorate over time.
• Keep those skates clean. To clean rollerblades, use a damp cloth and a bit of soap. Regular dish soap will do. Wipe the boots down thoroughly. As for the bearings, take them out of the wheel and soak them in a good cleaner. If you don’t clean those bearings regularly, dirt and grime can build up and cause problems such as seizing.
• Store your kiddo’s rollerblades in a dry place when not in use to keep rusting and boot damage at bay. Here are a few kids’ roller skate and rollerblade storage ideas.

If you follow the rollerblade maintenance tips above, you can expect your toddler’s rollerblades to last reasonably long. Assuming they were a decent pair of skates in the first place, that is.

Final Thoughts: Best Kids’ Rollerblades

When choosing inline skates to be used by a young child or teen, you want to choose a skate that grows as they do. Size adjustability allows your child to unleash their latent skating potential without you needing to buy new rollerblades every two months.

Other aspects to keep an eye on include skate size, boot quality, closure type, skate type, wheel diameter and size, chassis material, and the padding/cushioning inside. Price and brand may also be important, but they shouldn’t come first.