The 9 Best Roller Skates for Kids of 2023

Did you know that roller skating uses more muscles than running? This low-impact sport is a great way to get kids moving and doing aerobic exercise. It also helpsimprove their balance and muscle strength—all while having a blast outside. Whether your kiddo wants to cruise through the neighborhood or practice at the local skating rink, they will need a solid pair of roller skates for their adventure.

To select the best roller skates for kids, we first spoke with two pediatricians, parents, and kids who roller skate to get the scoop on what makes the experience safer and more fun. Moreover, a pediatrician on ourReview Boardreviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding what to look for in roller skates for kids, such as style, sizing,age recommendations, and more.

After reviewing dozens of roller skate options on the market, we narrowed our list down to nine pairs of high-quality roller skates that areadjustable, fit securely, and show off your child’s unique style. All roller skates on our list fit snugly around your child’s ankle when strapped or buckled, and feature boots that are comfortable (not overly tight or loose), as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Roller Derby Trac Star Adjustable Roller Skates at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Roller Derby Fun Roll Jr. Girl's Adjustable Roller Skates at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Adjustable:

Yvolution Neon Combo Skates 2-in-1 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Toddlers:

RC Sports Children’s Adjustable Starter Skates at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Young Kids:

Chicago Skates Adjustable Junior Quad Skates at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Inline/Roller Skate Combo:

Xino Sports Roller Skates and Blades at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Inline:

Roller Derby Tracer Boy's Adjustable Inline Skates at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lace Up:

Circle Society Classic Adjustable Children’s Skates at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Shoe Style:

Lenexa Sonic Cruiser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Trac Star Youth Adjustable Roller Skates

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walmart

Pros

Budget-friendly
Adjustable
No laces

Cons

Sizing runs small
Might be too heavy for some kids

Why We Recommend It

The Trac Star Youth Girl’s Roller Skates are our top pick because they’readjustable, affordable, and easy to wear. These skates can grow up tofour sizeswith just the touch of a button. Buy them when your kid is on the smaller end of the size spectrum, and they’ll last for years.

The high skate base providesplenty of support, and the buckles are quick and easy for kids to use, withno laces to tie (and retie). Rolling on urethane wheels, these skates travel well indoors and outside.

Key Specs:

Size Range:Medium (12-2) and large (3-6)
Age Recommendation:Not listed
Adjustable:Yes

Price at time of publication: $42

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Can grow four sizes
设计有助于平衡
Safe for indoors or outdoors

Cons

May be too narrow for smaller feet
Buckles can get stuck occasionally

Why We Recommend It

Parents of younger kids will appreciate all that these skates have to offer. With the twist of a lever, these skates can grow up to four sizes. The“tractor style”skate design features two bigger wheels in the back and two smaller wheels in the front. This design will helpkeep kids balanced, so skating is safer and will hopefully result in less falling.

Safe for indoors or outdoors, consider these trainer skates for the younger kiddos. The company also offers the sameroller skates for boys.

Key Specs:

Size Range:Small (7 to 11) and medium (11 to 2)
Age Recommendation:Not listed
Adjustable:Yes

Price at time of publication: $45

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Academy.com

Pros

LED wheels
Can transform from inline to quad skates
No batteries required

Cons

Only two size options

Why We Recommend It

Adjustable may be an understatement for these skates. Not only do they adjust up to three sizes, but they canconvert from inline skates to quad skates, depending on your kid’s preference and skating level.

In both modes, theLED wheels light up(no batteries needed), so your skater will bring the party wherever they are. You will appreciate the versatility andhigh-quality constructionof these skates, all while providing skaters with two options for the price of one.

Key Specs:

Size Range:3 to 6 and 12 to 2
Age Recommendation:8 years old and up
Adjustable:Yes

Price at time of publication: $65

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Adjustable sizing
Fit over shoes
Front wheels lock for practice

Cons

Two color options
Wheels wear and tear faster on rough surfaces

Why We Recommend It

The RC Sports Zippy toddler roller skates are a solid choice for tiny feet learning to skate. They’re made of nylon withstrong velcroand aluminum alloy rivets and don’t only slide onto your child’s feet—theyslide overtheir entire shoe.

The skatesadjustfrom size 7 to 13 and feature alock on the front wheels, allowing children to walk in their skates to get a feel for them on their feet. Once kiddos feel confident, simply unlock the setting to roll the wheels forward only (they do not roll backward).

Key Specs:

Size Range:Toddler (7 to 13)
Age Recommendation:Not listed
Adjustable:Yes

Price at time of publication: $40

Chicago Skates Adjustable Junior Quad Skates

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Can adjust to four different sizes
High-top design provides stability
Built-in toe brakes

Cons

Sizes run small

Why We Recommend It

Designed for beginners, this affordable pair ofquad skatesis ideal if your kid is just starting to explore the world of skating. With the push of a button, the skates canadjust up to four sizes, so they’ll provide a lot of value through the years.

We especially like that these skates are safe and stable forindoor or outdoor skating. The buckles help provide a snug fit and are easy for young kids to put on themselves.

Key Specs

Size Range:Small (10-13) and medium (1-4)
Age Recommendation:Not listed
Adjustable:Yes

Price at time of publication: $35

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Interchangeable design
Adjustable sizing
LED light-up wheels
Four color options

Cons

Not available for smaller children

Why We Recommend It

Roller blades or skates—style is no issue for the Xino Sports 2-in-1 Combo. Withinterchangeable attachments, children can learn to roller skate with a quad style before transitioning to inline skates without purchasing an entirely separate pair. They’re available infour color options—black, blue, gray, and orange—and grow with your child by adjusting to three sizes.

If you want to join in on the fun, these skates are also available inadult sizes. And did we mention they haveLED light-up wheels?

Key Specs:

Size Range:Youth medium (1 to 4), youth large (5 to 8), and adult (9 to 12)
Age Recommendation:Not listed
Adjustable:Yes

Price at time of publication: $78

Roller Derby Tracer Adjustable Inline Skates

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walmart

Pros

Washable boot liner
Adjustable sizing
Brake on right skate

Cons

Wheel bearings may be stiff for some

Why We Recommend It

Get rolling with these awesomeadjustable inline skates. With just the click of a button, these skates can grow up to four sizes, so your growing kid can keep wearing them year after year. The urethane wheels make skating indoors and outdoors safe for your little one.

Eliminate the hassle of laces witheasy-to-use buckles, and thewashable boot linerprevents any stinky odors from developing in the boot. These high-quality skates are a good value as the adjustable sizing is ideal for quick-growing feet.

If you’re looking for inline skates for girls, the company offerstwo colors, mint and blue, with the same great features.

Key Specs:

Size Range:Small (12-1) and medium (2-5)
Age Recommendation:Not listed
Adjustable:Yes

Price at time of publication: $45

Amazon Deal

Circle Society Classic Adjustable Childrenâs Skates

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot

Pros

Multiple color/pattern options
Classic look
Adjustable sizing

Cons

Lace-ups may take longer to put on
May be heavy for some kids

Why We Recommend It

For those kids that prefer alace-up skate, this pair has a classic look but provides the ease and cost-savings of an adjustable option. With a push of a button, these skates adjust up to four sizes.

Choose fromseven different color options, ranging from classic cotton candy and white checkered to stylin’ tropical pineapples.

Key Specs:

Size Range:3 to 7 and 12 to 3
Age Recommendation:Not listed
Adjustable:Yes

Price at time of publication: $49

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Fits like a sneaker
Stylish, casual look
Friction-control wheels

Cons

Not adjustable
Less ankle support

Why We Recommend It

Big kids and semi-experienced skaters will love the comfort and ease of these cruiser skates, designed to comfortablyfit like a sneaker. These skates do provide less ankle support, so they are best for older kids or teens who feel confident on four wheels.

The one major downside is that the Lenexa Sonic Cruisers are not adjustable; however, the company offers ahandy size chart(based on women’s sizing) to find the right fit for your big kid.

Key Specs:

Size Range:5 to 10 (women's) and 4 to 9 (men's)
Age Recommendation:Not listed
Adjustable:No

Price at time of publication: $50

How We Selected the Best Roller Skates for Kids

We chose the best roller skates for kids by studying the design and features of more than 20 options on the market and researching reviews from customers and competitors. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on kids’ roller skates. In addition, we considered sizing, material, adjustability, design, styles, age recommendations, skate safety, and overall value when reviewing products.

We also spoke withKelly Fradin, MD, FAAP, a complex-care pediatrician, director of pediatrics at Atria Institute, and author of “Advanced Parenting: Advice for Helping Kids Through Diagnoses, Differences, and Mental Health Challenges;” and withWhitney Casares, MD, MPH, pediatrician, author of “The Working Mom Blueprint,” and founder of Modern Mommy Doc. Their expert insights helped us focus our research and determine what to look for in roller skates for kids. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on the gear children need to skate safely.

What to Look for in Roller Skates for Kids

Adjustable Size:Since kids are always growing, finding skates that accommodate multiple sizes is essential. Many roller skates for kids offer adjustable sizing for up to three to four sizes, such as theRoller Derby Trac Star Adjustable Roller Skatesand theChicago Adjustable Quad Skates. Of course, you'll want to ensure the skate fits your child’s feet snugly so they have adequate ankle support and don't get blisters. Additionally, Dr. Casares suggests a large toe stop to make the roller skating experience easier.
Laces vs. Buckles:You can find roller skates for kids with both lace and buckle closures. Buckles are generally quicker to open and close but sometimes feel too tight. Conversely, laces can offer a more customized fit, like theCircle Society Classic Adjustable Children’s Skates. However, they will likely be more time-consuming to tie and untie, and they could loosen as your child skates, unlike a buckle.
Quad vs. Inline Skate:There are two types of skates that you can find for your child: quad and inline (also known as roller blades) skates. Quad skates have two wheels in the front and back and are a great option for beginners. Inline skates have all four wheels lined up in a single row. These skates are typically best for children or teens with experience skating as they require morestability and balancethan quad skates.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can children start roller skating?

根据·卡萨雷斯博士,大多数孩子可以开始roller skating at around 3 years old, when they don't need to focus on balancing while walking or running. Dr. Fradin adds that children may lack the strength and stamina to roller skate until they're a bit older, though. Check where your child is developmentally and introduce when the time is right.
What safety gear should children wear when roller skating?

Dr. Casares recommends kids wear knee pads, wrist guards, and a helmet. “Roller skating is a fun cardiovascular activity, but it can also be a dangerous one," she says.

According to Dr. Fradin, wrist guards are often overlooked, and that’s a big mistake. “Wrist guards have been shown to decrease the risk of fracture as well as the severity of the fracture,” she says, echoing a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads to help prevent abrasions.
Are roller skates or blades better for kids?

For beginners, your best bet is to purchase roller skates, as they “have a wider base than roller blades, which can make kids feel more stable,” says Dr. Casares, adding this can make children feel safer and feel easier to use for young kids. Once children get the hang of how roller skates work, they can graduate to inline skates.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cosseyis a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Her niece owns theRoller Derby Fun Roll Jr. Girl's Adjustable Roller Skates喜欢鲜艳的颜色,四圣yle that makes her feel stable, and the easy adjustability, so she can keep them for a long time.

Additional reporting by:

Maya Poltonis a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 3-year old daughter. While she is not a roller skater and none of her kids have taken it up (yet!), they do all love sitting in their front yard and watching the occasional roller skater go by!