Rolling on Rink or Streets- Here are The Different Types of Roller Skates For Kids!
The first roller skates, with an unknown inventor, were witnessed in a stage performance in London in 1743. In 1760, John Joseph Merlin used archaic roller skates to bring attention to his other inventions. However, his skates had no breaks, leading to an accident. Ever since, roller skates have undergone innovation to get to their contemporary designs.
In athletics, precision leads to excellence, and excellence drives growth. Choosing the right equipment is quintessential to achieving accuracy, especially for an activity like roller skating that combines art and science. Matching your skating goals, skill level, and terrain preferences with the right roller skates is crucial to ensure a positive experience fostering growth and enjoyment.
So, whether you are a seasoned athlete or a budding contender ready to take your first stride in roller skating, understanding different types of roller skates is crucial. However, with the colossal number of options available, navigating the ideal roller skates that align with your goals can be challenging.
This blog will help you understand the different types of roller skates and whether or not they are a good option for your intended use.
Understanding Roller Skate Types
The diverse designs of roller skates available go beyond their aesthetic appeal. They are designed to accommodate the demands of different skating styles. All roller skates are designed to meet different terrains and skill levels. Here is a breakdown of different types of roller skates and their purpose.
1. Speed Roller Skates
Speed roller skates are ideal for traversing long distances at a high speed. They are used by professionals competing in speed skating championships. These skates aim to help the skater achieve a remarkable speed and glide on the surface. Below is a guide on how speed skates work.
Wheels
The size of the wheels of speed skates is 90–125 mm as larger wheels help the skaters maintain a high speed as well as stability while switching directions. Their narrow profile is ideal to beat friction and glide smoothly on the racing surface. Another essential feature of the wheels of speed skates is the durometer of 82–86A to optimise high speed.
Bearings
The open bearings of speed skates provide optimal rolling resistance, leading to a better roll at higher speeds, rated between ABEC 7 and ABEC 9. One essential point to note is that open bearings can quickly accumulate dirt, so their regular cleaning is mandatory for a better life for the skates.
Skating Boot
The skating shoes of speed skates are designed to meet the demand for high performance. They are lightweight, without breaks, for better speed transition.
Here are some additional features of speed skates:
1. Speed skates have micro-adjustable closures, which offer precise control over the boot’s fit.
2. They have a specialised lacing system to ensure even pressure distribution across the foot.
2. Outdoor Skates
Outdoor skates are designed to glide smoothly on surfaces like sidewalks, parks and roads. These four wheeler skates are ideal for recreational skaters and fitness enthusiasts. There are two types of outdoor skates: quad skates and inline skates.
Quad skates are designed for beginners and have four wheels. Inline skates are better for experienced skaters and have three or four wheels, ideal for achieving higher speed. Outdoor skates also have a toe break to allow skaters to stop or decrease speed wherever necessary.
Here is everything you need to know about outdoor skates.
Wheels
Outdoor skates have larger and softer wheels to absorb shock and vibrations. These wheels allow more stability and better momentum for the skaters.
Bearings
The bearings of outdoor skates strike a balance between durability and speed. These bearings allow a smooth roll and are less prone to collect dust.
Skating Boot
The boots of outdoor skates provide comfort and adequate support for longer skating sessions. They have ideal ankle support, allowing flexibility to accommodate various skating movements.
Here are some other features of outdoor skates:
1. Advanced outdoor skates offer shock absorption systems, such as gel padding or shock-absorbing insoles, to lower the impact of rougher terrains.
2. To protect against scuffs and impacts, advanced outdoor skates may come with toe caps or guards.
3. Buying water-resistant outdoor skates is a good idea as they suit all weather.
3. Indoor Skates
Also known as rhythm skates, indoor skates are designed for skating in rinks, sports halls and other smooth indoor floors. They’re ideal for seasoned skaters who skate indoors. Here are the features of these quad skating shoes.
Wheels
Indoor skates have smaller and harder wheels when compared to outdoor skates, providing less rolling resistance. These wheels allow smoother acceleration and higher precision.
Bearings
The bearings of indoor skates fall within the ABEC 7 to ABEC 9 range for high precision. These bearings are well-suited to skate under controlled conditions.
Skating Boot
Ideally, hyper skates have ankle-top boots. These boots provide proper support to the ankle to avoid injuries. These boots also facilitate flexible movements to allow the skaters to glide smoothly.
4. Roller Derby Skates
Roller derby skates are designed for competing professionals who play the sport indoors. The kind of derby skates you should invest in depends mainly upon the type of floor and your weight. Below are the features of derby skates.
Wheels
For slippery floors, wheels of 88–92A are ideal, whereas for floors offering better grip, 93–99A wheels are the best choice. In sports arenas, skaters primarily use 92–95A wheels.
Additionally, harder skating shoes wheels are suitable for skaters who weigh heavier, while skaters with lighter weights can choose softer wheels for optimal performance.
Bearings
Bearings do not play a huge role in derby roller skates as they are indoor skates with a longer lifespan. However, consider exploring different brands and buy skates with higher precision to ensure fewer breakdowns.
Skating Boot
Derby roller skates primarily have low-cut boots. These boots ensure higher manoeuvrability, making it easier for the skater to take sharp turns for derby skating.
Apart from the mentioned features, here are other features of derby skates:
1. Derby skates have an option of nylon and aluminium plates. Aluminium plates are a preference for most professionals as they last longer than nylon ones.
2. The agility of derby skates depends on their trucks. Typically, these skates have a 10–45-degree truck. A lower angle ensures more directional stability, whereas a higher angle leads to lesser strength.
3. Derby skates offer a choice between cone and barrel. The cone helps to make the skates more lively. The skates have four cushions: two barrels on top and two in the bottom. You can place the cone in front and back for a better turning ability.
4. The toe barrel on these skates has either a long or short stem. Long stems are used with bigger wheels, and short stems are used with smaller wheels.
5. Kids Inline Skates
When looking for kids’ inline skates, ensure they have proper safety features like sturdy ankle support and secure closures like buckles or laces. Here are the characteristics of inline skates.
Wheels
You can opt for smaller and softer wheels for kids’ skates as they provide more stability. As kids gain more skating exposure, bigger and harder wheels can be introduced to improve the speed.
Bearings
Shielded bearings are ideal for kids’ skates as they prevent dust and dirt from accumulating.
Skating Boot
Inline skating shoes for kids must have ankle support and laces to avoid injuries and proper fitting. Additionally, choose sturdy material for the longevity of the skates, with ample padding and comfort.
6. Racing Skates
Racing skates are inline skates with a sleek and aerodynamic design to minimise wind resistance. These roller blades come with the following features.
Wheels
Racing skates have large wheels with a higher durometer. Larger wheels offer more speed and can roll smoothly on the skating surface, ensuring a seamless glide. The higher durometer reduces rolling resistance, allowing skaters to maintain high speeds effortlessly.
Bearings
These speed skates typically come with higher-quality bearings, often rated between ABEC 7 and ABEC 9. These bearings minimise friction and maximise roll, contributing to the skater’s ability to maintain high speed.
Skating Boot
The boot design of racing skates is low cut, balancing ankle support and manoeuvrability. It allows skaters to execute precise movements while minimising any hindrance in speed.
Here are some additional features of racing skates.
1. Racing skates are constructed with advanced materials like carbon fibre to create a lightweight yet solid structure.
2. The intensity in speed skating can generate heat, and racing skates address this with ventilation features. Strategically placed vents and breathable materials help keep skaters’ feet cool during races.
7. Roller Hockey Skates
Designed to withstand the intensity of fast-paced gameplay, these skates are tailored for the unique demands of roller hockey.
Wheels
Roller hockey skates have a four-wheel setup, similar to traditional inline skates. The wheels are often slightly larger and offer a balance of grip and speed suitable for the quick movements of hockey. Wheel hardness for roller hockey skates varies based on the playing surface. Softer wheels provide better grip on smooth indoor rinks, while harder wheels are suited for outdoor or rougher surfaces.
Bearings
Bearings in roller hockey skates are commonly rated between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7. This range strikes a balance between smooth roll and durability, vital for the shifts in direction in hockey.
Skating Boot
While roller hockey skates have a low-cut design, they still provide ankle support to prevent injuries during quick stops and starts.
Here are some other features of roller hockey skates:
1. They offer vents for optimal ventilation to cool down the player’s feet.
2. Roller hockey skates come with toe caps and guards that protect against impacts from the puck and sticks.
Choosing the Right Roller Skate type
Different types of roller skates offer their distinguished features tailored to meet specific demands and skill sets. It is essential to align your skating ambitions with the right equipment. Here are some points to keep in mind while choosing the right roller skate type.
1. Keep in mind the durometer of the wheels. The closer the durometer gets to 100, the harder the wheel will be. Harder wheels are more durable, but softer ones provide better shock absorption.
2. If you buy roller skates for recreation, bearings do not play a significant role. However, remember to avoid moist or sandy surfaces to ensure the longevity of the skates.
3. Hard boots are great for fitness, providing more stability and support. On the other hand, softer boots are ideal for dancing as they weigh less.
4. Always read the size guide carefully and buy skates that fit you properly.
5. If you are a beginner, buy roller skates with a toe-stop. The toe-stop is a break to help you manage your speed or stop whenever necessary.
6. Pay attention to the features you need according to your skating level.
7. Set a budget that aligns with your commitment and expertise level.
8. It is prudent to try before buying a new pair of roller skates.
9. You can invest in a pair of roller skates that can adapt to varying surfaces if you are a beginner.
10. Do not forget to wear proper safety equipment while skating: headgear, knee and elbow guards to prevent injuries.
Best Roller Skate Brands in India
The quality of roller skates you buy depends highly on the brand you invest in. It can be challenging to choose a brand that suits you the best. After gaining insights on how to choose roller skates that align with your needs, here are the best brands to buy roller skates in India.
1. Jaspo
Jaspo offers beginner-friendly roller skates that ensure high performance. Besides a seamless blend of style and quality, their skates are durable and affordable. Jaspo provides a diverse selection of roller skates for all types of skaters.
2. Cosco
Offering both durability and functionality, Cosco provides skates designed to ensure stability and foot support. Their skates are perfect for both beginners and advanced skaters as they are high in quality and affordable. Whether you’re an indoor or outdoor skater, Cosco has it all covered!
Their skates can handle all kinds of surfaces with their seamless traction, control and comfort.
3. Nivia
Known for producing quality sports gear, Nivia has earned the trust of athletes and fitness enthusiasts all over the world. They offer a variety of roller skates suitable for all levels of skaters. Nivia’s skates provide both comfort and sturdiness, making them an ideal choice for skaters.
4. Jonex
Jonex skates are advanced and innovative, ensuring a great skating experience. They perform well on all surfaces as they are built with great attention to detail, cushioned interiors and secured closures for durability and comfort.
5. IRIS
IRIS roller skates offer precision, quality and optimal level of performance. Their wide selection of skates with shoes ensures that there are skates for every skater and every terrain. They provide both comfort and quality at an affordable price.
6. Roller Derby
Roller derby skates are a seamless blend of athleticism, strategy and exhilaration. Their skates are built to ensure quality performance, precision and durability. Roller Derby skates feature high-quality wheels and bearings that are perfect for rolling smoothly across surfaces.
7. Aurion
Aurion skates offer everything from classic quads to inline skates, with proper cushioning and secured closures. Their wide selection of kids’ skates offers safety features without compromising comfort.
8. Fila
Whether you are a seasoned skater or a beginner, Fila roller skates offer aesthetics and reliable performance. Fila has earned the reputation of being trustworthy when it comes to quality. Their skates are built keeping in mind skater needs and are highly comfortable and easy to manoeuvre.
Finding Your Perfect Roller Skates!
Whether you are planning to skate in a rink or a street, choosing the right pair of roller skates is essential for optimal performance. Also, finding roller skates that match your skating level is crucial.
With different types of roller skates available in the market, it becomes vital to define your purpose to get clarity on the type that suits you the best. Designed to nurture the skating enthusiasm in young minds, inline skates for kids ensure safety, comfort, and adaptability.
Similarly, if you are a beginner, simple outdoor or indoor skates are the best option. On the other hand, if you are looking to compete, go for speed or racing skates that ensure high performance and optimal speed.
What’s more, roller hockey is gaining popularity and if you aim to learn the skills required for this sport, finding the right roller hockey skates is fundamental. Finally, derby skates are perfect for dancing and grooving indoors, facilitating smooth glides.
Visit the SFA Play website today to enhance your skating experience!
