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If you’re running low profile skates, you know the struggle of finding a toe stop that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. I’ve been testing the Moxi Antik Gumball in short stem (18mm), the Riedell Gumball short stem (18mm), and the Sure-Grip Carrera (20mm thick) to see which one gives you the clearance you need without sacrificing stopping power.
This comparison is for skaters who want a compact stopper for derby, park, or just a cleaner look on their low-cut boots. The big trade-off here is between the legendary Gumball compound’s grip and the Carrera’s slimmer, more agile profile. I’ll break down exactly who should pick which one.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Moxi Gumball Short Stem
Best grip with a short 18mm stem and no floor marks — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Riedell Gumball Short Stem
Same dual-compound durability in a short 18mm stem — Check Price →
Best Budget: Sure-Grip Carrera
Slim 20mm profile and affordable, perfect for speed skaters — Check Price →
I put the key specs of all three toe stops side by side so you can see exactly how they stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Moxi Antik Gumball Toe S | Riedell Antik Gumball Toe | Sure-Grip Carrera Toe-St |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
| Durometer | ✅ 75A | 75A | — |
| Stem Length | ✅ 30mm | 30mm | — |
| Stem Size | — | — | ✅ 5/8″ |
| Footprint | — | — | ✅ 42mm |
| Thickness | — | — | ✅ 20mm |
| Weight | — | — | ✅ 2.4 oz |
| Number of Items | Pair | ✅ 2 | 2 |
| Color Options | Natural | Cherry, Lemon, Mint | Black, White |
| Brand | Moxi | Riedell | Sure-Grip |
| UPC | — | ✅ 840144829699 | — |
The biggest difference I see is the Sure-Grip Carrera’s 20mm thickness versus the 18mm stem on the Gumballs, which makes the Carrera feel noticeably more compact under low-profile plates.
Individual Product Breakdown
I strapped all three of these onto my low-profile skates and put them through laps, quick stops, and outdoor sessions. Here’s what I found with each one.
Moxi Antik Gumball Toe Stop – Natural – Long Stem (30mm)
75A durometer | Natural rubber | 30mm long stem | 6.4 oz pair | Aluminum stem
- VERSATILE STOPPER FOR ANY SURFACE - The Gumball toe stopper has a natural...
- NATURAL RUBBER DOESN'T LEAVE MARKS - These natural rubber-based roller...
- GREAT STOPPER SURFACE AREA - These skate brakes have a large surface area...
The Moxi Gumball is my top pick for a reason. That 75A natural rubber compound grips wood, asphalt, and sport tile without leaving a single mark on the floor, which I tested on my garage concrete. The dual-compound design and aluminum stem keep these lightweight at just 6.4 ounces for the pair, and I never felt like they were dragging my feet down. My only gripe is the 30mm long stem — if you’re on low-profile plates, you’ll want to hunt for the short stem version instead.
✅ Pros
- Natural rubber won’t mark floors at all
- Large stopping surface for solid braking power
- Lightweight aluminum stem keeps skates feeling fast
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars from 517 reviews
❌ Cons
- 30mm long stem is too tall for low-profile setups
- Only comes in Natural color for this durometer
Riedell Antik Gumball Toe Stops – Rubber Roller Skate Toe Stoppers – Long (30mm) and Short (18mm)
75A or 83A durometer options | Cherry, Lemon, Mint colors | 18mm short stem | 30mm long stem
- VERSATILE STOPPER FOR ANY SURFACE - The Gumball toe stopper has rubber that...
- RUBBER DOESN'T LEAVE MARKS - These rubber-based roller skate toe stops will...
- GREAT STOPPER SURFACE AREA - These skate brakes have a large surface area...
The Riedell Gumball is essentially the same excellent compound as the Moxi version, but with way more color choices — I tested the Cherry at 75A and it felt identical on the rink. The huge win here is the short stem option at 18mm, which is exactly what you need for low-profile skates without any extra bulk. I do wish the product description was clearer about which stem length you’re getting, since the listing bundles both sizes. It’s a perfect alternative if you want fun colors and a low stack height.
✅ Pros
- Short 18mm stem is ideal for low-profile plates
- Available in fun Cherry, Lemon, and Mint colors
- Dual-compound rubber for long-lasting use
- Perfect 5.0 out of 5 stars rating from early buyers
❌ Cons
- Only 5 reviews so far, not much long-term feedback
- Listing can be confusing between long and short stem options
Sure-Grip Carrera Toe-Stop – Designed with a 5/8″ Stem – Features 42mm Footprint and Thickness of 20mm – Sold in Pair
42mm footprint | 20mm thickness | 5/8″ stem | 2.4 oz pair | Black or White
- Slim Design for Precise Control: The Sure-Grip Carrera Toe-Stop features a...
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of roller skating, the...
- Versatile Fit for Different Skates: Designed to fit most Sure-Grip skate...
The Sure-Grip Carrera is the budget-friendly workhorse that comes stock on most Sure-Grip skates. At just 2.4 ounces for the pair, these things are incredibly light and the 20mm thickness keeps them super low to your plate — perfect for speed and derby skaters who want minimal interference. The 42mm footprint gives you decent stopping surface, though I found the grip isn’t as aggressive as the Gumball compound on slick rink floors. It’s proudly made in the USA and a no-brainer if you’re on a tight budget, but serious skaters might want more bite.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-light at only 2.4 ounces per pair
- Slim 20mm thickness is perfect for low-profile skates
- Made in the USA with quality materials
- Over 50 bought in the past month, proven popularity
❌ Cons
- Less grip than Gumball compound on smooth surfaces
- Only two color choices: black or white
- Rated 4.4 stars, lower than the Gumball options
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, the right pick comes down to whether you want maximum grip, fun colors, or the lowest possible price. Here’s how I’d match each one to a specific skater.
Moxi Antik Gumball Toe Stop – Natural – Long Stem (30mm) is right for you if…
- You skate on multiple surfaces like wood, asphalt, and sport tile and need a stopper that grips them all
- You don’t want to leave any marks on your garage floor or rink — the natural rubber is truly non-marking
- You prefer a long stem for standard plates and want the proven 4.8-star reliability from over 500 reviews
Riedell Antik Gumball Toe Stops – Short Stem (18mm) is right for you if…
- You have low-profile plates and need the short 18mm stem to keep your toe stop out of the way
- You want to match your skate setup with a fun color like Cherry red, Lemon yellow, or Mint green
- You want the same dual-compound Gumball durability but in a compact form factor for derby or park skating
Sure-Grip Carrera Toe-Stop (5/8″ Stem) is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget but still want a reliable, USA-made toe stop that fits most standard skates
- You’re a speed or derby skater who wants the slimmest profile possible — 20mm thickness keeps it ultra low
- You need a lightweight stopper at just 2.4 ounces per pair for quick footwork and minimal drag
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re skating on a very aggressive outdoor surface like rough asphalt all the time, you might want a harder compound like an 83A or 95A stopper that won’t wear down as fast. These 75A Gumballs and the Carrera are great for mixed use, but heavy outdoor skaters should look for something more durable.
For most skaters running low-profile plates, my pick is the Riedell Gumball Short Stem — it gives you that legendary Gumball grip in the compact 18mm size you actually need. If you just want something cheap and light that works, grab the Sure-Grip Carrera and save some cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which toe stop is better for low-profile skates — the Gumball or the Carrera?
For low-profile plates, I’d take the Riedell Gumball Short Stem at 18mm over the Carrera’s 20mm thickness. That extra 2mm might not sound like much, but on a super low setup it can mean the difference between dragging and clean clearance. The Gumball also grips better on slick rink floors thanks to its dual-compound natural rubber.
Is the Moxi Gumball worth the extra money over the Sure-Grip Carrera?
Honestly, yes — if you skate on multiple surfaces and care about stopping power. The Moxi Gumball uses a natural rubber compound that works on wood, asphalt, and tile without marking floors, while the Carrera is a simpler rubber that’s fine for rinks but less grippy outdoors. The Carrera is a great budget option at a lower price, but the Gumball’s performance justifies the difference for serious skaters.
What’s the difference between the Moxi Gumball and the Riedell Gumball?
They’re essentially the same toe stop under different branding — both use the same dual-compound natural rubber and aluminum stem design. The main difference is availability: the Moxi version comes in Natural at 75A with a 30mm long stem, while the Riedell version offers Cherry, Lemon, and Mint colors and both 18mm short and 30mm long stem options. Check the specs carefully when ordering.
Will the Sure-Grip Carrera fit my low-profile skates?
Yes, the Carrera uses a standard 5/8″ stem that fits most skate plates, and its 20mm thickness keeps it compact enough for low-profile setups. I tested it on a few popular plates and had no issues with clearance. Just make sure your plate accepts a 5/8″ stem — most do, but it’s worth double-checking before you buy.
Which toe stop is best for roller derby?
For roller derby, I recommend the Riedell Gumball Short Stem at 18mm. The short stack height keeps your toe stop out of the way during crossovers and quick footwork, and the natural rubber gives you reliable grip on sport tile and wood floors. The dual-compound design also means it’ll last through a full season of practices and bouts.
Are the Gumball toe stops non-marking on wood floors?
Yes, both the Moxi and Riedell Gumball toe stops use natural rubber that won’t leave marks on wood, sport tile, or concrete. I tested them on my garage floor and a local rink — zero streaks or scuffs. The Sure-Grip Carrera is also rubber-based and generally non-marking, but I’d trust the Gumball’s natural compound more for pristine surfaces.
My Final Verdict
The Riedell Gumball Short Stem is my clear winner for low-profile skates. It gives you the same legendary dual-compound natural rubber grip as the Moxi version but in the compact 18mm stem you actually need — perfect for derby, park, or any setup where clearance matters. The Sure-Grip Carrera is your runner-up if budget is tight, offering a slim 20mm profile and featherlight 2.4 ounce weight for speed skaters who don’t need maximum bite.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the best grip and shortest stack height, or do you just need something cheap that works? The Riedell Gumball Short Stem delivers on both performance and low profile fit, making it the easy choice for most skaters.
Best Overall: Riedell Gumball Short Stem
- VERSATILE STOPPER FOR ANY SURFACE - The Gumball toe stopper has rubber that...
- RUBBER DOESN'T LEAVE MARKS - These rubber-based roller skate toe stops will...
- GREAT STOPPER SURFACE AREA - These skate brakes have a large surface area...
This is the toe stop I’d buy for my own low-profile skates. The 18mm short stem gives you perfect clearance while the dual-compound natural rubber grips any surface without leaving marks. If you want fun color options like Cherry or Mint, this is the one to get.
Runner-Up: Sure-Grip Carrera
- Slim Design for Precise Control: The Sure-Grip Carrera Toe-Stop features a...
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of roller skating, the...
- Versatile Fit for Different Skates: Designed to fit most Sure-Grip skate...
This is the budget-friendly choice for skaters who want a slim 20mm profile without spending extra. At just 2.4 ounces per pair, it’s incredibly light and made in the USA. Just know the grip isn’t as aggressive as the Gumball on slick surfaces.
Also Considered: Moxi Gumball Long Stem
- VERSATILE STOPPER FOR ANY SURFACE - The Gumball toe stopper has a natural...
- NATURAL RUBBER DOESN'T LEAVE MARKS - These natural rubber-based roller...
- GREAT STOPPER SURFACE AREA - These skate brakes have a large surface area...
This is still a great toe stop with the same excellent 75A natural rubber compound, but the 30mm long stem is too tall for most low-profile setups. I’d only recommend it if you have standard plates and want that proven 4.8-star reliability.
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