Top 10 Best Roller Skates in the UK 2021 (Moxi, Impala and More)

Picking skates requires a bit of careful thought, especially when you're shopping online. In this part of our article, we'll unpack the different elements a comfy pair of roller skates should have for the smoothest possible glide!

First of all, when you're shopping for new roller skates, it's good to select a pair that is designed to suit your level of expertise. Of course, this is somewhat subjective, but we have given a suggestion as to who each pair of roller skates in our ranking will be most appropriate for. 

This is down to a few key factors including the size and width of the wheels, their freedom of movement and the overall quality of the skates. Read on for more details on the features that take a roller skate from basic to fancy! 

What's more important than the wheels on a pair of skates? Checking out the specs of what will be rolling you along is your next port of call. 

Firstly, ask yourself what you're hoping to do in your skates. Will you be racing fast around the Roller Derby rink? If so, you'll need skates with wide, sturdy wheels and a diameter of more than 60 mm, as these will allow you to pick up high speeds without losing balance, 

Perhaps you want your skates for some cool tricks and iconic disco dance moves? If so, look out for skates with smaller wheels, measuring 60 mm or less in diameter. They are less cumbersome to wear and allow you to pull spellbinding shapes while safely controlling your movement.

Next, check out whether the wheels of your new roller skates are designed for indoor or outdoor skating. Almost all the roller skates we've recommended have wheels crafted from urethane (this is sometimes referred to as polyurethane, though there is no notable difference).

Where there is a discrepancy, however, is when it comes to the protective solution used in the manufacture of the wheel – outdoor skating wheels are treated with a layer of varnish-like polymer which makes them far more durable. 

The fixtures of outdoor wheels are also tougher, meaning skates aimed at outdoor action will last through lots of jumps and pavement-pounding. Unsure? Some wheels are hybrid – the perfect choice if you're just as keen for the skatepark as you are for the roller disco. 

The next key element we recommend getting clear on is bearings. Bearings fit inside the wheels of a roller skate and allow them to spin on their axles. This affects the smoothness of movement, the speed of cruising and the ability to safely perform tricks. 

Extensive use puts extra pressure on bearings, meaning a better quality bearing provides a more secure enduring skating experience. Bearing quality is rated according to the ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineering Committee) scale, which gives bearings a rating of either 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. 

Skates whose wheel bearings have a higher ABEC rating will have undergone more rigorous testing during manufacture. Though the wheels do not necessarily spin faster, they will be more effective and will reach higher speeds, Keeping bearings clean and lubricated (but dry) between uses should enable them to work efficiently for longer.

You're clued up on everything wheel-related, so next, you should take a minute to think about the properties of the other part of your skates – the boot. Below, we'll discuss material and shape. 

Take a moment to see what the body of your skates is actually made of. Some boast the comfort of real leather, which is supple and should last through years of wear and tear, but may take a little longer to wear in. 

If your roller skate selection is ethically motivated, opt for PVC skates (sometimes referred to as vinyl) which should withstand a good amount of pummelling while being happily cruelty-free too. Some boots on our list also have a wood sole, which provides an extra layer of strength and looks cute too!

Though this is not always the case, Roller Derby boots tend to be low cut while classic roller skates for tricks and dance moves are typically high tops. Choose low-cut skates if you favour lots of movement at the ankle, as they'll allow you to rack up high speeds as you push off from the ground.

Or, perhaps you prefer to feel supported, in which case, higher-cut boots could be a better bet as they can be laced up tightly to ensure you feel extra secure. They also help you achieve the more recognisable vintage-retro image roller skating is popular for, if that's what you're into.

If feeling safe is key, you can look for low-rise roller skates with a Velcro strap, which will tighten their fit and make you more confident as you cruise.

The toe stop is the cylindrical addition to the toe of your skates which allows you to pause safely by tipping gently forward onto the front part of your shoe. An adjustable one can be screwed to different lengths, changing the way your body moves as you lean forward to break.

It can be useful to have the option of adjusting it, depending on your height, your skating confidence and the terrain you're skating on.

Fixed toe stops obviously can't be adjusted, but while this lack of personalisation is generally seen as a drawback, one possible advantage is that as a beginner you may not want to be fussing and experimenting all the time. Fixed stops are usually set at a good average point and provide perfectly adequate control when you need a pause. 

Lastly, it's worth keeping an eye out for the gender your skates are aimed at, since some size ranges are specifically men's (meaning larger) or women's (on average smaller) sizes. However, lots of roller skates are unisex and are generally wider-fitting than standard shoes. 

Our spec tables include gender to give an idea of the average sizes available in the range. All roller skates have the potential to suit adults and looking carefully for your correct size is just as helpful as the suggested gender, so take care to check the comments and size guides on eCommerce sites to see whether they'll fit your feet.

Next, let's get stuck in and explore the ten best pairs of four-wheeled skates you can buy online this year. We've even summed up the pros and cons of each in a handy spec table so you can compare what you get for your money! 

If you're on the hunt for some more inspiration for activities you can enjoy outside, take a look at the links we've shared below. We've put together more lists of brilliant, top-quality products that will get you moving, out in the fresh air and enjoying the daylight! 

Now you've had the 411 on roller skates, we can't wait for you to buy a pair and roll your way to happiness! We have consulted the experts in order to select brands who create footwear fit for a pro – just don't forget your knee pads. 

Author: Annie Hopkins