Roller skating is an exciting and versatile activity that has evolved significantly over the years. Whether you’re gliding indoors at a rink, cruising down outdoor paths, or performing jaw-dropping tricks at a skate park, there’s a type of roller skate designed specifically for your needs.
But with so many options available, choosing the right roller skates can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about which one suits your skating style or environment.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the different types of roller skates—each built for a particular purpose and terrain. From recreational indoor skates to aggressive outdoor models for tricks and grinds, we’ll break down what makes each type unique.
Best Roller Skates for Your Needs
To choose the perfect pair of roller skates, you need to match the skate type with your intended activity, surface, and skill level. Below, we explore 9 major types of quad roller skates (not inline skates) and explain what makes each unique, their ideal use cases, boot design, wheel specs, and how to pick the right pair for your skating goals.
1. Indoor Roller Skates (Recreational Skates)
Best for: Beginners, casual skaters, rink skating
Boot design: High-cut or mid-cut with moderate padding
Wheels: 86A–103A durometer, 57–62mm diameter
Surface: Smooth indoor floors like wood, polished concrete, or sport tile
Indoor roller skates—also known as recreational or traditional skates—are perfect for casual fun at indoor skating rinks. They usually come with hard wheels for reduced grip and smoother rolling on slick surfaces. While often confused with artistic skates due to similar boot styles, indoor skates are more comfort-focused and less rigid. Some models blur the line and can serve double duty as artistic skates for hobbyists.
Tips: If the rink floor is slippery, go for wheels in the 78A–85A range for more grip. Avoid outdoor use with indoor wheels—they’ll wear down fast.
2. Outdoor Roller Skates
Best for: Sidewalk cruising, park trails, street skating
Boot design: Same as indoor skates, sometimes low-cut for flexibility
Wheels: 78A–85A durometer, 60–70mm diameter
Surface: Asphalt, concrete, boardwalks
Outdoor roller skates are very similar in construction to indoor skates but use softer, larger wheels to handle rough and uneven terrain. The softness absorbs vibrations from cracks and pebbles, offering better grip and a smoother ride.
Tips: Choose outdoor skates with wider wheels for stability and avoid skates with narrow, hard wheels unless you’re skating on perfectly smooth ground.
3. Speed Roller Skates
Best for: Long-distance skating, racing, marathons
Boot design: Low-cut boot, tight fit, minimal padding
Wheels: 90A–93A durometer, 62–70mm diameter
Surface: Indoor tracks, smooth asphalt
Speed skates are built for velocity and agility. Their low-cut boots maximize ankle mobility, while lightweight materials reduce fatigue. The tight, form-fitting boots ensure efficient power transfer from the legs to the wheels. These are the quad equivalent of racing shoes.
Key features: Toe stop instead of toe plugs, stiffer plates for responsiveness, and narrow profile wheels for less resistance.
4. Jam Skates
Best for: Dance skating, shuffle skating, freestyling
Boot design: Low-cut, flexible with lace-cover flap
Wheels: 93A–96A durometer, 57–62mm
Surface: Indoor rinks, smooth concrete
Jam skates are all about movement freedom and rhythm. Born from the roller disco era, these skates are designed for spins, slides, and expressive dance moves. They replace toe stops with toe plugs, making it easier to pivot, spin, or “hex” without obstruction.
Tip: Choose jam skates if you love freestyling and don’t need a brake.
5. Artistic Skates (Figure Skates on Wheels)
Best for: Precision skating, dance, figure routines
Boot design: Tall, stiff leather boots with high ankle support
Wheels: 95A–103A durometer, 45–58mm diameter
Surface: Smooth indoor surfaces
Artistic skates are essentially the roller equivalent of ice figure skates. Designed for jumps, twirls, and choreographed routines, they offer unmatched ankle support and boot rigidity. Smaller wheels help maintain balance during complex maneuvers.
Used in: Solo performances, pair skating, synchronized group routines.
6. Rhythm Skates
Best for: Dance routines, rhythm skating, slide moves
Boot design: High-cut for support, more flexible than artistic boots
Wheels: 92A–96A durometer, 57–62mm diameter
Surface: Indoor rinks
Rhythm skates blend the flexibility of jam skates with the support of artistic ones. Their high-ankle boots allow for stable movements while still giving you freedom to express yourself with stylish steps and spins. A toe plug is used instead of a brake.
Tip: Great for dancers who want support without losing flow.
7. Roller Derby Skates
Best for: Roller derby competitions and training
Boot design: Low-cut, sneaker-like, heavily padded
Wheels: 88A–95A durometer, 59–62mm diameter
Surface: Indoor sport courts or derby tracks
Derby skates are specialized for contact, speed, and quick direction changes. They have reinforced padding and snug fits to reduce injury risks during collisions. You’ll also find straps and power loops to secure your foot for rapid starts and stops.
Features: Built-in toe stops, reinforced toe boxes, and abrasion-resistant materials.
8. Quad Hockey Skates
Best for: Rink hockey (especially in Latin America and Europe)
Boot design: Mid-high boot with padded tongue
Wheels: 88A–94A durometer, 58–63mm
Surface: Indoor sport courts
Designed for fast-paced gameplay, quad hockey skates have features that mimic both derby and speed skates. They offer enough support for sharp lateral movement, with durable wheels made for quick sprints, pivots, and ball control.
Tip: Not interchangeable with inline hockey skates—they’re purpose-built for quad hockey play.
9. Aggressive Roller Skates
Best for: Tricks, jumps, grinding rails and ledges
Boot design: Heavy-duty, reinforced with soul plates
Wheels: Hard, small (50–58mm), often with grind blocks
Surface: Skate parks, urban obstacles
Aggressive quad skates are like skateboarding shoes on wheels. They’re engineered to withstand high impact from grinds and aerial tricks. The boots are stiff and durable, with added protection around the toes and heels. They often include special grind plates and recessed wheels to make stalling and sliding on rails easier.
Note: These skates are a niche category and may not be available from all mainstream skate brands.
Comparison Table: Quick Overview
| Skate Type | Best For | Boot Height | Wheel Hardness (Durometer) | Wheel Size (mm) |
| Indoor Skates | Rinks, casual use | Mid/High | 86A–103A | 57–62 |
| Outdoor Skates | Sidewalks, paths | Mid/Low | 78A–85A | 60–70 |
| Speed Skates | Racing, marathons | Low | 90A–93A | 62–70 |
| Jam Skates | Dance, freestyling | Low | 93A–96A | 57–62 |
| Artistic Skates | Figure routines | High | 95A–103A | 45–58 |
| Rhythm Skates | Dance, shuffle | High | 92A–96A | 57–62 |
| Derby Skates | Roller derby | Low | 88A–95A | 59–62 |
| Hockey Skates | Quad hockey | Mid-High | 88A–94A | 58–63 |
| Aggressive Skates | Tricks, skate parks | Low | Hardest | 50–58 |
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Roller Skates
Now that you know the main types of roller skates, let’s dig into how to choose the perfect pair. Whether you’re buying your first skates or upgrading for a specific skating style, the following factors will make or break your skating experience.
1. Skating Surface (Indoor vs. Outdoor)
Key decision: Match wheel hardness to the surface.
- Indoor surfaces like wooden rinks or polished concrete require harder wheels (durometer 88A–103A) for speed and slide.
- Outdoor surfaces like asphalt or sidewalks need softer wheels (durometer 78A–85A) to absorb bumps and offer more grip.
Rule of thumb: Softer wheels = more grip, better shock absorption. Harder wheels = more speed, less resistance.
2. Wheel Hardness (Durometer)
The durometer rating tells you how hard or soft the wheels are. It’s usually expressed as a number followed by “A”.
| Durometer | Hardness Level | Best For |
| 78A–85A | Soft | Outdoor skating |
| 86A–92A | Medium | Hybrid or rhythm skating |
| 93A–103A | Hard | Indoor skating, artistic, jam |
Pro tip: Skaters who go between indoor and outdoor should consider hybrid wheels or keep a second set to swap.
3. Wheel Size (Diameter)
- Smaller wheels (45–58mm): Better control, faster acceleration, great for tricks and artistic moves.
- Larger wheels (60–70mm): Better top speed, smoother ride over cracks—ideal for outdoor or speed skating.
If you’re a beginner, aim for wheels around 58–62mm for a balance of stability and control.
4. Boot Style and Fit
Low-cut boots = better agility and ankle mobility (jam, speed, derby)
High-cut boots = better ankle support and stability (artistic, rhythm, beginner skates)
- Leather or suede boots will mold to your feet over time and last longer.
- Vegan synthetic boots are lighter, more affordable, but may wear quicker.
- Make sure the boot fits snug, especially at the heel and ankle. Avoid too much toe room—blisters love sloppy fits!
Try them on with your skating socks, and never size up thinking they’ll “break in.”
5. Plates (Under the Boot)
Skate plates connect the boot to the wheels and determine agility and durability.
- Nylon plates: Lightweight, affordable, flexible—ideal for beginners or light-duty skating.
- Aluminum plates: Heavier, stiffer, more durable—better for power transfer and advanced skaters.
- Magnesium or composite plates: Premium option—light and strong.
Toe stops and action angle of the plate can also affect turning sharpness and braking.
6. Toe Stop vs. Toe Plug
- Toe stop: Large rubber brake for beginners, outdoor, and artistic/rhythm skaters.
- Toe plug: Small or no stopper—used for jam skating, dancing, tricks.
Some plates are adjustable toe stop compatible, meaning you can raise or lower the brake to your preferred height.
7. Bearings
Bearings affect how smoothly and fast your wheels roll. Most bearings are rated using the ABEC scale (1–9), but it’s not the only quality measure.
- ABEC 3–5: Fine for casual or beginner skating
- ABEC 7–9: Better precision and roll for speed or distance
- Swiss or Ceramic bearings: High-end performance with low maintenance
Keep bearings clean and lubricated—dirty bearings will slow you down no matter the rating.
8. Weight and Build Quality
- Heavier skates = more durable but less agile.
- Lighter skates = easier for tricks and jumps but may sacrifice some protection.
Materials, padding, and overall design impact weight. Consider your skating style, body weight, and intended use when deciding.
9. Budget and Upgrades
A good pair of skates can range from $100 to over $500. Budget skates are okay for beginners, but don’t expect top-tier components.
Modular upgrades are common:
- Swap wheels to match different surfaces
- Upgrade bearings or plates
- Replace toe stops or laces for better performance or style
Start with a solid base boot that fits well—you can always upgrade the rest later.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect roller skates doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a beginner looking for all-around comfort or an experienced skater diving into a specific style—your ideal skates should match your surface, skill level, and skating goals.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Choose indoor vs. outdoor wheels based on where you’ll skate most.
- Pay attention to wheel size and hardness—they greatly affect your ride.
- Fit and boot style matter. Don’t compromise on comfort and support.
- Start with a strong, upgradeable base. Wheels, bearings, and toe stops can always be replaced later.
Remember: good skates won’t make you a great skater overnight—but bad skates can definitely hold you back. Start with quality gear, break them in, and enjoy the ride.
FAQs: Choosing the Right Roller Skates
What type of skates should I get as a total beginner?
Go for quad skates with a high-cut boot for ankle support, soft outdoor wheels (78A–85A), and a toe stop for easy braking. Comfort and stability come first.
Can I use indoor skates outdoors?
Technically yes—but it’s not ideal. Hard indoor wheels will feel slippery and bumpy on asphalt. Swap to soft outdoor wheels if you plan to skate outside often.
Do I need to buy expensive skates to start skating?
Not at all. Entry-level skates between $100–$150 are great for learning. Just make sure they’re from a trusted brand, offer good ankle support, and allow upgrades later.
What size roller skates should I buy?
Roller skates should fit snug but not tight—similar to a well-fitting sneaker. Most brands follow standard US shoe sizes, but always check the brand’s size chart before ordering.
What’s the difference between toe stops and toe plugs?
Toe stops help with braking and are better for beginners or outdoor skaters. Toe plugs are for jam or dance skaters who don’t need a brake and want more freedom to move.
Are inline skates better than roller skates (quads)?
Inline skates are faster and better for long-distance or hockey. Quads are better for balance, artistic moves, dancing, or general fun. It depends on your style and goals.