If your kid is outdoorsy and loves to play outside, there are plenty of activities and games they can participate in. Basketball, football, biking, skateboarding etc. But for many of them, roller skating is at the top of the list. Just like with any other sport, it's better if they start early in their childhood and develop their skills. For rollerblading, kids aged 3-4 are perfect beginners. But for them to enjoy it and stay safe you should buy the proper equipment. And the most important part is the roller skates.
What to Consider Before Buying
Size
Getting the right size is the key to a safe and comfortable ride. Remember that the child will benefit more from cheaper pair of skates that fit them well, than from an expensive pair that’s too small or too big. There's a wide range of inline roller skates for kids that you can choose from. Search the stores, go online and look for the right size.
A smaller size can cause pain, limit blood flow, and injure the child. Some of them even have the potential to cause deformities like bunions. Often, the skate’s size matches the shoe size the kid wears, but some measurements can differ depending on the brand. Fit also matters. It should be comfy, yet not too tight or loose. The kid’s toes should wiggle freely inside.
Make sure the child tries them on with a normal pair of socks. Never buy the skates without trying them on. Don't get a size larger because they’ll “grow into it”. This can be uncomfortable and cause injuries. Instead of this, you can buy a pair with an adjustable size. These skates can go up to 4 sizes and your kid can wear them for a longer time.
Brakes
If your child is starting to learn how to skate, buy a pair that has brakes. Beginners need this feature for their own safety. The learning process can last longer for someone, and not having brakes can discourage them from continuing their lesson. The brakes can be installed either at the back or the front of the skate.
The placement depends on the child’s preferences. Let them try both options and see which one works best. Often, the brake is installed on the right foot, but if the kid is not comfortable with this, you can easily switch it up on the left. Also, you can add another brake on the other leg if the child feels safer this way.
Style & Material
Roller skates can be made of leather or suede, combined with some PVC materials, mesh, fabric and foam. If the child likes indoor skating, a pair made of leather is better. And if they like to ride outside, suede is the right choice. There's a mesh around the boot, to make it breathable and prevent over-sweating. The foam is there to provide protection from bumps and falls.
The inline roller skates for kids don’t have to have cuffs, but if they do, they can be high and low cuffs. Their purpose is to protect the ankles and feet. The wheels can have different sizes. Smaller wheels (80mm or less) are great for beginners. Every wheel that’s more than 80mm is appropriate for intermediate and experienced roller skaters.
The frame should be durable and lightweight. It's usually made of aluminium, carbon or plastic. Plastic is the best choice for beginners. There should be several closure systems, laces, power straps and a buckle. They will keep the kid safe and secure while riding. Heel lock-in is a must for beginners. Safety comes first, so don’t try to save a couple of dollars on the roller skates.
Types of Roller Skates
Fitness Skates
This is one of the most popular types of roller skates. They can be used as cycle tracks or for recreational purposes. The recreational ones are great for beginners. They don’t develop a lot of speed and have a wheel size of 85-90mm in diameter. Their frame is made of aluminium alloy. More experienced riders can buy the ones used for cycle tracks. They’re faster and have a wheel size of 90-100mm in diameter.
Both types have a soft cloth and a taller chimney. The wheels are typically soft, and there is always a brake. They come in a variety of colours and styles and provide comfort and foot ventilation. Some of them are embellished with cartoon characters, and superheroes and some have fun geometrical shapes. The only negatives are the slow responsiveness and sometimes, low quality.
Freestyle Skates
These skates are made for trick riding, which includes slalom, jumps, dancing, free jumps, and other manoeuvres. They're distinguished by having a short, sturdy frame, small wheels, and a durable shell. They're great if the kid has some experience in doing some tricks like riding the stairs or jumping over barriers.
The 76-84mm wheels are made of carbon, fibreglass, or plastic. They have a strong flex and a flexible frame. They have a great response, impeccable energy transfer and the perfect amount of support for the foot. The only thing that makes them a bad choice for beginners, is the lack of a brake.
Speed Skates
These children's roller blades are low and sturdy. Their wheels are robust, they have a hard boot and little padding. You can adjust the frame as you like, and the wheels are very durable with a diameter of 100-120mm. speed skates don’t have any cuffs, but the bearings are very strong. They're not a good choice for beginners because they’re not very comfortable, even though they have a good energy transfer and reaction.
Aggressive Skates
These roller skates are made for a more aggressive ride. They're great for jumping ramps and rails and skating in the park. The space they have between the wheels makes it easier to go down a rail much smoother. They're a bit heavy and have a soleplate. The wheels’ diameter is 55-60mm and they don’t feature a brake. But even without it, they’re very stable, resistant and impact-absorbent. Keep in mind that aggressive roller skates are not meant for fast rides and don’t have much ventilation.
