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.