A guide to buying first pair of roller skates for your child

May 10

Purchasing your child’s first pair of roller skates can be overwhelming due to the myriad of options available. This guide aims to assist you in making an informed decision to ensure a safe and enjoyable skating experience for your child.

“I’m getting the biggest size so I don’t have to buy a new pair each year”

Please don’t! This was my parents when I was little - my inline skates were 6 sizes too big. Skates that are too big cause a lot of feet movements in the boot, causing…. BLISTERS!! and yes I had blisters all the time when I was growing up, not understanding why.

1-2 size bigger is fine. If there’s a lot of room in the toe, stuff some cotton wool to minimise the feet moving back and fourth.

Considerations for Adjustable Size Skates

Illustration of adjustable size roller skates and the position of the ball of foot vs front wheel. — *Illustration of adjustable size skates and the position of the ball of foot vs front wheels*

Adjustable skates are popular among children as they can accommodate growing feet, typically expanding up to three sizes. While economical, there are important factors to consider:

Front Wheel Positioning: For natural skating motion, the front wheels should align directly under the ball of the foot. In adjustable skates, the boot size changes, but the plate (where the wheels are mounted) remains the same length. This can result in improper alignment, making balance and maneuvering more challenging.
Weight and Length: Adjustable skates are designed to fit the largest size in their range, making them heavier and longer. For a child with smaller feet, this added weight and length can pose a tripping hazard and impede proper skating technique.
Conclusion:

For children serious about learning proper skating techniques and advancing their skills, investing in well-fitting skates (no more than one size up) is recommended. If the goal is casual play, adjustable size skates can be a suitable option.

Teach Your Child How To Skate 🛼 - even if you’re not a skater

This comprehensive guide is designed for parents and carers who want to confidently teach their child how to roller skate—even if you’ve never skated before! Empower yourself with the knowledge, techniques, and tips to make skating a fun and safe experience for both you and your child.

Learn more

Look for the trucks!

Trucks are a crucial component of roller skates, allowing the wheels to pivot and facilitate turning. If you look closely, you’ll notice a rubber-like piece between the wheels—this is called a cushion, and it functions similarly to those found on skateboards. When a skater shifts their weight to one side, the cushion compresses, slightly angling the wheels and enabling smooth turns.

The responsiveness of the trucks can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the bolts that hold them together. A looser adjustment allows for easier, more fluid turns, while a tighter setting provides greater stability and sharper control.

The Issue with Budget Skates

Some budget children’s roller skates lack proper trucks altogether, meaning the wheels remain fixed in place and cannot pivot for turns. To change direction on these skates, the skater must physically lift and reposition their feet rather than using weight shifts to steer. These are often referred to as “toy skates.”

Brands such as Kmart and Rebel Sport offer popular, budget-friendly, adjustable-size skates. While these may appear to have functioning trucks, a closer inspection reveals that the cushions are made from extremely rigid material rather than soft, compressible rubber. As a result, turning becomes difficult—especially for lightweight children who lack the body weight necessary to bend the trucks effectively.

For a better skating experience, investing in well-designed skates with flexible, high-quality cushions will allow for smoother, more natural movement and improved manoeuvrability.

Roller skates from Rebel sports and Kmart have very rigid trucks. — *Roller skates from Kmart and Rebel Sports have very stiff trucks*

Toe Stops: What to Look Out For

Toe stops on roller skates are typically made from firm rubber, providing both grip and durability. However, some children’s skates come with toe stops made from hard plastic. If you’re using these skates indoors, be cautious, as they can easily scratch floorboards.

Additionally, avoid dragging your toe stops excessively, as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
Also read: Please don’t drag your toe stops

I once came across a pair of skates with an unusual toe stop material. When I tapped on it with my fingernail, it made a distinct clinking noise—definitely not rubber! These skates also lacked proper trucks, meaning they couldn’t turn smoothly. For these reasons, I would recommend steering clear of skates like these.

Smaller Sizes / Toddler Skates

I introduced my children to roller skating as soon as they were able to run—around 18 months old!

For children aged four and under, the presence of trucks in skates is less critical, as they are still developing strength and balance. In this stage, a wider wheelbase provides better stability and support, making it easier for them to learn.

Many roller skates allow you to tighten the wheel nuts to temporarily ‘lock’ them from rolling. This feature is particularly useful for toddlers, as it helps them get accustomed to the weight of the skates before transitioning to actual rolling.

The skates shown here are Fisher-Price ‘Grow with Me’ skates—an excellent option for young beginners. These skates are adjustable in size and come with a wheel-locking function, making them ideal for little ones taking their first steps into skating.

Most roller skates start from size 1. Only a few brands make good smaller sizes: