Kids Skates Buying Guide

Buying skates for your child can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With so many options on the market, it’s important to understand what makes a good pair of skates and how to choose the best ones. In this guide, we’ll cover the key considerations when purchasing kids’ skates, including inline vs. quad skates, price points, and sizing.

Inline Skates vs. Roller Skates: Which is Better for Kids?

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy inline skates or quad skates. Here are the key differences:

Roller Skates

• Feature four wheels in a 2x2 setup.
• Often associated with classic roller rinks and retro skating.
• Many assume they are more stable because they stand up on their own.

Inline Skates

• Feature a single line of wheels, typically three or four per skate.
• Offer better speed, balance, and overall performance.
• More size-adjustable options are available.

Which is Best for Stability?

A common misconception is that quad skates are more stable because they don’t tip over when placed on the ground. However luckily most people will have two legs, which in turn helps with the balance.

Further to this point, when skating, the longer wheelbase of inline skates provides more stability, especially when moving forward or backward. This makes them a great choice for beginners who want to learn balance and control effectively.

Price: How Much Should You Spend?

When it comes to skates, price is a major factor. Investing in a quality pair ensures safety, comfort, and durability.

• Avoid skates under £50 – Cheaper skates often use plastic wheels instead of high-quality polyurethane, leading to poor performance and quick wear.

• The sweet spot: £60-£95 – This price range offers great quality skates from leading brands like SFR and Rollerblade, which provide better materials, wheels, and performance. 

• Why quality matters – Higher-end skates feature precision bearings, quality polyurethane wheels and solid construction, which help kids skate smoothly and comfortably.

Sizing: Getting the Right Fit

Children grow fast, which makes size-adjustable skates an excellent option. Most junior inline skates come with an adjustable sizing system that covers multiple shoe sizes.

 Common Size Ranges:

Small: UK 10 - UK 1
Medium: UK 13 - UK 4
Large: UK 3 - UK 7

Many of these skates use a quick and easy slide-and-click system to switch between sizes. With just a push of a button, the front of the boot extends, changing the length of the skate itself for maximum comfort.

By choosing a size-adjustable skate, you get better value for your money, ensuring that your child can use the skates for several years before outgrowing them. This also massively helps with buying skates online, as the adjustability means very little can go wrong in terms of the fit itself. 

Our Top 5 Recommended Kids' Skates

To help you get started on your buying journey, here are five great options for junior skaters:

1. SFR Pulsar Junior Adjustable Inline Skates – Best All-Round Choice

A semi-soft, size-adjustable inline skate designed for comfort and performance. It features a strong aluminium chassis, urethane wheels, and an easy size adjustment system. Available in pink, blue and silver to suit every style.

2. Rollerblade Microblade 2025 – High-Quality & Adjustable

The Rollerblade Microblade skates are excellent for junior skaters as it adjusts across four full sizes with a click of a button, allowing the skate to easily grow along with your child for years to come. Featuring soft, breathable materials for greater support and comfort, a strong frame for balance, and smooth 72mm wheels, they are great for both indoor and outdoor skating.

3. SFR Storm Flower & Storm Ninja – Adjustable Quad Skates

These high-quality size-adjustable quad skates come in two stylish designs – SFR Storm Flower featuring pink and turquoise colours and SFR Storm Ninja which comes in black and orange. It includes polyurethane wheels, ABEC-5 bearings, and a durable build to last through four shoe sizes.
 

4. FR Skates FR Junior – Premium Hard Boot Skates

The FR Skates FR Junior is a top-tier choice for those looking for maximum support and durability. These high-quality adjustable freestyle skates feature a strong frame, 76mm wheels, and replaceable abrasive pads for long-term use. They come with innovative 3-in-1 size-adjustable insoles that nest inside each other like Russian dolls. This unique design allows for both height and length adjustments, ensuring a perfect fit as your child grows.
 

5. Rio Roller Lumina – Classic Soft boot Quad Skates

The Rio Roller Lumina is a great entry-level quad skate with a comfortable fit. The lightweight nylon plates and durable wheels make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor skating, providing a smooth and fun ride. Their trainer like boot makes it easier for beginners to transition to skating, which can be a helpful starting point for juniors.

Choosing the Best Skate for Your Child

The first call to make is whether to choose inline skates or quad skates, which is really down to preference, though inline skates offer better stability. Then it is time to consider price range, adjustability and style. The right skate should be durable, comfortable, and easy to adjust, making it easier for kids to enjoy skating while improving their skills.

To find the best skate for you & your child’s needs, check out our range of kids roller skates & kids inline skates or email us at hello@locoskates.com for expert advice!