Guide for Parents to buying kids roller skates and inline skates
Choosing the right size skates for kids
Choosing the right size of skates for kids is not only important for their comfort and safety but also for their entertainment. Help your child to step on a piece of paper and draw around the foot with a pen or a pencil. Then measure the length from the heel to the longest toe in MM. Would be good to measure both feet just in case. Also, if you are not sure about the length, it's okay to take half a size bigger skates than the exact length kid has measured (let's say the kid has 185mm or 187mm and you can round and take skates for 190mm).
Check the sizing chart of the brand and the model you choose (the MM), as brands have different fits in the same size.
Kids roller skates are a bit more forgiving to purchase than adults as they mostly are adjustable skates (3-4 sizes in one). Kids' feet grow quickly so look for roller skates with adjustable sizing.
3 adjustable systems: Some skates may have a button or lever that allows you to adjust the size, while others may have removable insoles(the insole changes the size) or liners with a stretching toe.
Make sure that your kid wears high socks (higher than the skates cuff ends) as if not, the skating will hurt in that place after some hours.
Once you have purchased the roller skates, have your child try them on and check the fit. The skates should fit snugly but not be too tight. Your child should be able to wiggle their toes. If not - just adjust the skates to the next size.
Due to my experience, it's complicated for kids to tell how they fill (they might tell skates are good even if they are 1-2 sizes bigger). That is why best to check by yourself the length in MM and what adjustable size should be best for it in that model.
Tips on how to choose boots, wheels, and buckles for kids skates
- Beginner skates with plastic cuffs are recommended as they provide more stability and cuff support for learning how to stand and then with skating and balance. It's really safer in general and easier to learn how to skate on one skate for example or maneuver in them.
- Wheels for quad 4-wheel skates: For indoor skating, harder wheels are recommended, while softer wheels are better for outdoor skating. If your child plans to skate both indoors and outdoors, consider skates with wheels that are suitable for both.
Wheels for inline skates are the opposite: For indoor - soft wheels for better grip, for outdoor - hard wheels to be more durable. - Closure: Laces, straps, and buckles are the most common types of closures for roller skates.
For quads (4-wheel) skates - Laces provide a more customized fit, while straps and buckles are quicker to put on and take off.
For inline skates - Buckles plus laces are the most preferable (stronger support) than only laces or laces with straps. - Safety features: Look for roller skates with safety features such as a brake and ankle support. The brake should be easy to operate, and the ankle support should be comfortable and provide adequate protection.
For intermediate and pro level the skates can be with or without the brake. More common without or if it can be taken off as there are more effective ways to stop like a T-Stop or Power Stop and it will be easier to maneuver without the brake. - For freestyle slalom best to choose a shorter frame with less space between the wheels. Even better if the frame is rockered or rockerable as "banana" (the 1st and 4th wheels touch less as they are 2-4mm up compared to the 3rd and 4th wheels).
Popular brands of kids' skates
Some popular inline skates brands for children are Rollerblade, Micro Skate, Powerslide, FR Skates, K2 Skates, Fila Skates, Flying Eagle, and a budget Bladerunner.
Popular roller skate brands are Moxxi, Riedell, Chuffed, Chaya, Wifa, Jackson, and budget Chicago Skates, Crazy Skates, Roller Derby. It's also a good idea to consult with a skate professional or a specialist at a sporting goods store to ensure you are choosing the best option for your child's needs.
Roller skates for 5 year olds
Kids inline skates Micro Cosmo Pink - 99 USD
Kids inline skates Micro Cosmo Joy Black - 109 USD
Roller skates for 10 year olds
Roller skating is a fun and healthy activity for kids, and finding the right pair of roller skates is crucial to ensuring their safety and enjoyment. When looking for roller skates for 10-year-olds, it's important to consider the child's skill level, foot size, and personal preferences.
Just in case kids' skates for girls and boys are identical and the only difference is the color. You can choose any in terms of what colors your child loves.
For boys, there are many great options for roller skates. Rollerblade is a popular brand that offers high-quality and affordable skates for boys. They have a range of styles and sizes to fit different foot sizes and skill levels. Micro Skate is another reputable brand that offers durable and comfortable roller and inline skates for boys.
Kids inline skates Micro Discover Blue - 119.90 USD
Girls also have a wide variety of roller skate options available. Brands like Micro Skate, Rollerblade, Powerslide, FR, K2, and Crazy Skates offer colorful and stylish roller skates designed specifically for girls. These skates often have features like glitter wheels and light-up wheels to add some extra fun to the skating experience. Roller Derby and Chicago skates also offer budget roller skates for girls in a range of styles and sizes.
Kids inline skates Micro Infinite CE Pink - 149 USD
Whether you need skates for a boy or a girl, the main are safety, the right fit, and the quality. Make sure that you find the right size and fit for your child’s foot, referring to the brand size chart.
And it's so important to use protection (helmet and protective pads) especially while the kid is learning.
Skating teaches children balance and coordination while they are spending hours in fun. Plus it's a great way to find new friends in a skating rink or outdoors! Remembering when I was a kid and while skating found many new friends.
Check our next article to understand why roller skates for adults can be used for kids, but kids skates are not for adults.
