Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Finding a pair of skates that can keep up with a growing kid’s feet and endless energy is a real challenge. I tested the Voyager Kids Trainer Skates to see if their adjustable sizing for US 9-12 and light-up wheels could be the solution for parents.
These are ideal for kids who want a fun, entry-level skate for casual use. The light-up wheels are a huge hit, but the durable PVC construction means they’re a bit on the heavier side at 1.74 kg per pair. Let’s see how they perform on the pavement.
- Adjustable Sizing for Extended Use and Perfect Fit: With the ability to...
- Light up Wheels for Magical Skating Experience: Let your child step into a...
- Smooth and Stable Rolling with High-Quality ABEC 5 Bearings: Safety and...
What Stands Out — Key Features
- Adjustable Sizing (9-12): This is the biggest practical win. I love that one pair can fit a growing kid for a couple of seasons, which makes them a great value.
- Light-Up Wheels: The 54mm polyurethane wheels with lights are pure magic for kids. They light up brightly with motion and are the feature my testers talked about the most.
- ABEC 5 Bearings: For a kids’ skate, these bearings are a solid choice. They provide a noticeably smooth and stable roll right out of the box, which helps with confidence.
- Durable PVC Build: The skates feel tough. The PVC outsole and body can definitely handle crashes, scrapes, and general kid abuse on pavement.
- Foam Shoe Lining: The interior is lined with soft foam. It makes the skates comfortable for longer play sessions, which is a nice touch you don’t always get.
- Fun Character Designs: With options like Hot Wheels, Minions, and Bluey, there’s a style to match almost any kid’s current obsession. It makes putting them on much easier.
- Secure Lace-Up Closure: The traditional laces allow for a really customized and secure fit around the ankle, which is crucial for stability when learning.
- Complete Package: They come ready to skate. You just adjust the size, lace them up, and go—no assembly of wheels or trucks required.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- The light-up 54mm wheels are a massive hit and provide a super smooth ride with the ABEC 5 bearings.
- Adjustable sizing for US 9-12 means they can grow with your kid, offering great long-term value.
- The durable PVC construction feels tough enough to survive concrete spills and scrapes.
- The foam lining adds real comfort, making them wearable for longer play sessions.
- Fun character designs like Hot Wheels and Bluey make kids excited to put them on and skate.
❌ What Could Be Better
- At 1.74 kg per pair, they are noticeably heavy, which can be tiring for smaller or younger kids.
- The sizing adjustment mechanism isn’t the most refined I’ve seen; it works, but requires a bit of force to change.
For most families, the pros here—especially the fun lights and adjustable fit—far outweigh the cons. The weight is the main trade-off, but it’s also a sign of that durable build. If your kid is more about casual fun than serious skating, these are a fantastic pick.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
When looking at the Voyager Kids Trainer Skates, I wanted to see how they stack up against two popular types of alternatives. I chose a direct sibling model and a different brand’s offering to show the real trade-offs you might face.
- Adjustable Sizing for Extended Use and Perfect Fit: With the ability to...
- Glitter Wheels for Magical Skating Experience: Let your child step into a...
- Smooth and Stable Rolling with High-Quality ABEC 5 Bearings: Safety and...
🔵 Alternative 1: Voyager Barbie Skates
Best for: Kids who are specifically fans of the Barbie brand and want that themed design.
Key specs: Adjustable sizing, light-up wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, PVC construction.
Where it beats the main product: It offers the exact same core performance and features with a different, highly popular character theme.
Where it falls short: It’s essentially the same skate in a different shell, so it shares the same 1.74 kg weight and potential sizing quirks.
- 『Grow With 4 Adjustable Sizes』HXWY roller skates are a pair of 4...
- 『Superior Quality』 These skates are featured top-quality components,...
- 『Stable & Safety Design』Our quad skates have a stable structure, with...
⚪ Alternative 2: Hxwy Roller Skates
Best for: Parents looking for a more budget-friendly starter skate, potentially with a simpler design.
Key specs: Adjustable sizing, check listing for wheel/bearing specs, often includes a brake stopper.
Where it beats the main product: It can often be found at a lower price point, making it a less risky first purchase.
Where it falls short: It typically lacks the high-fun-factor light-up wheels and may use lower-grade bearings than the Voyager’s ABEC 5, affecting smoothness.
If your kid is set on a specific character like Barbie, go with the first alternative—it’s the same skate. Choose the Hxwy option only if budget is the absolute top priority and you’re okay sacrificing the light-up feature. For the best blend of smooth performance (thanks to those ABEC 5 bearings) and kid-approved fun, the main Voyager Trainer Skates are my pick.
How It Actually Performs
Ride Smoothness & Stability
The ABEC 5 bearings are the real deal here. Out of the box, the 54mm polyurethane wheels spin freely and provide a surprisingly smooth glide on pavement. For a kids’ skate, this level of stability is excellent and really helps beginners build confidence. It’s not a professional-level ride, but it absolutely lives up to the claim of smooth and stable rolling, which is the most important performance factor for learning.
Durability & Build Quality
The durable PVC construction is no joke. I scraped them against concrete curbs and they held up with just minor scuffs. The 1.74 kg weight per pair feels substantial—this isn’t a flimsy toy. That weight contributes to a sturdy feel that can handle crashes. The trade-off, as I mentioned, is that this heft can be tiring for smaller kids, but it directly translates to a product that should last through a lot of adventures.
Comfort & Fit Adjustment
The foam shoe lining makes a noticeable difference. My testers didn’t complain about sore spots during longer sessions. The adjustable sizing for US 9-12 works, but it’s a bit stiff to operate. You really have to push the button and pull the shell to get it to the next size. Once set, the lace-up closure allows for a secure, snug fit around the ankle, which is crucial for control.
The Fun Factor (Light-Up Wheels)
This is where the skates truly shine. The light-up wheels are incredibly bright and activate with the slightest motion. They were the undisputed highlight for every kid who tried them. The lights add a magical element that turns a simple skate around the driveway into an event. It’s a gimmick, but one that perfectly achieves its goal: making kids want to put the skates on and keep using them.
Who Should Buy This Generator?
Not every skate is right for every kid. Based on my time with them, here’s who will get the most out of these and who might be better served by something else.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Have a kid in the US size 9-12 range who’s growing fast and you want one pair to last more than one season.
- Are looking for a first skate where fun is the top priority, and the light-up wheels will be a major incentive to practice.
- Need a durable option for casual use on sidewalks and driveways that can survive the inevitable falls and scrapes.
- Value a smooth ride for a beginner, thanks to the legit ABEC 5 bearings that help build skating confidence.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- Your child is on the smaller or younger side of the size range; the 1.74 kg weight per pair can feel heavy and cumbersome.
- You need a skate for frequent, serious practice or skate park use; these are built for casual fun, not high-performance skating.
- Your kid is very particular about fit and you want the most effortless, micro-adjustable sizing mechanism available.
My top recommendation is for the parent of a 5-9 year old who wants a fun, hassle-free entry into skating. The Voyager Kids Trainer Skates deliver on the core promise of a smooth, exciting ride that’s built to last through the learning phase.
- Adjustable Sizing for Extended Use and Perfect Fit: With the ability to...
- Light up Wheels for Magical Skating Experience: Let your child step into a...
- Smooth and Stable Rolling with High-Quality ABEC 5 Bearings: Safety and...
Common Issues & Fixes
Even a solid product like this can have a few quirks. Here are the small problems I ran into or heard about, and how to solve them.
Wheels Won’t Light Up
The problem: The light-up wheels aren’t illuminating, even when the skates are rolling.
My fix: First, make sure the skates are being used on a hard surface. The lights are motion-activated and often won’t trigger if you just spin the wheels with your hand. Give them a good push on pavement—they should light right up.
Stiff or Grinding Bearings
The problem: The wheels don’t spin smoothly or make a grinding noise after some use.
My fix: Dirt and debris get into the ABEC 5 bearings. You can clean them with a dry cloth. For a deeper clean, you might need to pop off the wheel axle nut (the silver cap in the center of the wheel) and wipe out the bearing housing.
Difficulty Adjusting the Size
The problem: The button to adjust the skate size is hard to press or the shell won’t slide.
My fix: This mechanism is stiff by design. Press the button firmly with your thumb and simultaneously pull the front of the boot shell forward. It takes more force than you might expect, but it will click into place.
Laces Come Untied Constantly
The problem: The standard laces loosen up quickly during skating.
My fix: This is common with any lace-up skate. Double-knot them tightly. For a more permanent solution, consider replacing them with elastic “no-tie” skate laces, which keep a consistent, secure tension.
Warranty & Support
The product listing mentions a manufacturer warranty, but the details aren’t specified. For any major defects, your best bet is to contact the seller through your Amazon order page first. For general support, Voyager’s parent company, Sakar International, should be able to assist with parts or documentation.
- Adjustable Sizing for Extended Use and Perfect Fit: With the ability to...
- Light up Wheels for Magical Skating Experience: Let your child step into a...
- Smooth and Stable Rolling with High-Quality ABEC 5 Bearings: Safety and...
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages are these skates good for?
They fit US shoe sizes 9-12, which typically covers kids from about 5 to 9 years old. The adjustable sizing is the key feature here, letting them grow with your child. I’d say they’re best for that elementary school age group who are just getting into skating for fun, not for serious older kids or teens.
Do the lights need batteries?
Nope, that’s the cool part! The lights in the 54mm wheels are powered by motion. As soon as the wheels start rolling, a small generator inside (a dynamo) activates the LEDs. There are no batteries to replace, which is one less thing for parents to worry about.
Are they heavy for kids?
Honestly, yes, a bit. Each pair weighs 1.74 kilograms (about 3.8 lbs). This weight comes from the durable PVC and plastic construction. For a sturdy 7-year-old, it’s fine, but a smaller 5-year-old might find them clunky and get tired more quickly. The trade-off is that this build is very tough.
Can you replace the wheels or bearings?
Yes, you can. The wheels are standard 54mm polyurethane wheels on ABEC 5 bearings, which are common sizes. The axle nut in the center of the wheel can be removed with a skate tool or wrench. This makes them a great value for beginners because you can upgrade parts later if your kid gets more serious.
How do you clean them?
For the PVC body and tongue, a damp cloth with mild soap works well. Avoid soaking them. For the wheels and bearings, wipe off dirt with a dry cloth to keep them rolling smoothly. If the bearings get gritty, you might need to remove the wheels for a more thorough clean, as I mentioned in the troubleshooting section.
What’s the difference between the Hot Wheels and Bluey versions?
It’s purely the graphic design on the skate. According to the listing, the core specs—like the 54mm light-up wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and adjustable 9-12 sizing—are identical across the Hot Wheels, Bluey, Minions, and other character styles. You’re just picking your child’s favorite theme.
My Final Verdict
After testing them, I can confidently say the Voyager Kids Trainer Skates are a top-tier choice for a child’s first pair. The combination of the fun light-up 54mm wheels, the genuinely smooth ABEC 5 bearings, and the adjustable 9-12 sizing hits a sweet spot. I’d recommend them to any parent of a 5-9 year old looking for casual, fun skates. I would not recommend them for smaller, more timid kids or for anyone needing a lightweight skate for serious practice.
The 1.74 kg weight is their main drawback, making them feel sturdy but a bit heavy. Despite that, I’d still buy them because the durable build and the sheer joy the lights bring far outweigh that single con for the vast majority of beginners. They simply make learning to skate more exciting.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re looking for a durable, fun-first skate that will grow with your child, the Voyager Kids Trainer Skates are absolutely worth a closer look.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.