If you’re looking for a fun activity that helps your child develop good balance and coordination while providing an exhilarating workout, consider rollerblading. This exercise is on par with jogging, only without the impact. However, to have the best experience, you need to find a pair of kids’ rollerblades that meets your child’s individual needs.

Kids’ rollerblades should be comfortable, with secure lacing so your child is safe. Additionally, you should look for rollerblades that are durable and can grow with your child if you want the skates to last longer than a single season. Some rollerblades also feature colorful designs and wheels with lights for even more fun.

Our guide has everything you need to know about kids’ rollerblades before you buy, including tips on how to find the proper size.

Safety

For kids’ rollerblades, you want laces, Velcro, or buckles that stay secure. If the rollerblades can come untied or pop open while your child is skating, a fall is imminent. The best kids’ rollerblades have fastening systems that kids can adjust themselves. That way, if something does loosen while your kids are skating, they will be able to perform a quick fix.

Some kids’ rollerblades have laces that pull tight instead of requiring tying. These rollerblades also feature a quick release so children can effortlessly remove their own skates when done playing.

Size

When choosing a pair of rollerblades for your child, look for models that are adjustable to at least three shoe sizes. Kids’ feet grow quickly, going through two, three, or more sizes in a single year. If you don’t purchase adjustable skates, there is a chance the rollerblades will be too small for your child after only a few uses.

Comfort

This is a tough one because your children may endure rollerblades that hurt if they’re having a lot of fun. Look for models with additional cushioning and heel cups. After skating sessions, check for blisters, abrasions, red marks, sore toes, or any other sign that your kids’ rollerblades might be less comfortable than they are claiming.

Types of kids’ rollerblades

For the most part, you’ll likely stick with recreational inline skates for your child as these are the most accessible for beginners. They can be used either inside or outside and are great for learning the basics.

If your child has been skating for a while or wants to do more tricks at a skatepark, you might want to consider aggressive skates. These rollerblades have additional padding, are built a little tougher, and include features that make tricks like grinding possible.

If your child needs inline skates for roller hockey, you will have a different set of needs. In this situation, it’s best to check with the coach to see what’s required.

Wheels

Kids’ rollerblades have polyurethane wheels that are properly sized for the skates. Unless your kid gets deeper into specific types of skating, you won’t need to know too much about wheels. That said, larger wheels are better for speed, while smaller wheels are better for tricks. Harder wheels are needed for outdoor skating, but if they are too hard, they may slip on indoor skating surfaces. Additionally, softer wheels offer better traction and are better for children.

Bearings

Different manufacturers rate their bearings in slightly different ways. However, if you need to purchase new bearings for your kids’ rollerblades, typically the higher the number rating, the smoother and faster the wheels will roll. If these bearings are for a beginner, a little resistance might help with balance.

Design

Whether it’s a vibrant color, sparkles, or even light-up wheels, kids’ rollerblades come in a variety of fun designs. If something catches your child’s eye and the skates meet all your requirements, you’ve found the best combination.

Most kids’ rollerblades are priced between $25 and $100. The majority fall in the $25 to $40 range and may feature lighted wheels, adjustable sizing, and easy fastening.

In the $50 to $60 bracket, kids’ rollerblades feature better materials to allow for greater comfort and durability. Additionally, you can expect reinforced frames as well as higher-quality wheels and bearings.

Once you move above the $70 mark, the cost of kids’ rollerblades can increase dramatically. Some of these skates are specifically designed for heavy-duty use, but others may not have the features that justify the additional expense, especially for a beginner. Carefully consider inline skates in this upper range.

• In general, your child’s shoe size is also his rollerblade size.
• Remember, kids’ rollerblades are adjustable. Always choose a skate size that gives your child room to grow.
• If your child wears a half size and the kids’ rollerblades you want do not come in half sizes, choose the next larger size.
• As your kid’s feet grow, don’t forget to check if her rollerblades still fit properly.
• It takes about six skating sessions to break in new rollerblades. If the skates still feel tight after that, your child may need a larger size.
• A quick test to check for proper skate fit is to slide a pencil down the back of the skate while the laces are loose. If it doesn’t easily fit, the skates are too small.
• Rollerblades should be tight-fitting but not uncomfortably tight or too small.
• Loose-fitting rollerblades can lead to blisters and ankle injuries.
• Roller hockey skates are an exception to the rule. If you’re purchasing rollerblades for roller hockey, go one size smaller than your child’s shoe size.

There is an abundance of variety when it comes to kids’ rollerblades. If pink and sparkly strikes your fancy, the Roller Derby Girls’ Tracer Adjustable Inline Skates are for you. These kids’ rollerblades can be adjusted to fit girls’ sizes 2 to 5, and they are designed to handle both the rink and the pavement. For boys, the Roller Derby Boys’ Stinger 5.2 Adjustable Inline Skates are sharp-looking rollerblades that feature a molded cuff, easy sizing adjustments, and a washable inner liner. The Bladerunner Phoenix Boys’ Adjustable Fitness Inline Skates are for serious skaters looking for a smooth rolling experience for high-performance play.

Q. What kind of protection does my child need when rollerblading?
A. With rollerblading, you can expect falls, especially with beginners. Your child definitely needs a helmet, but not just any helmet will do. A skate helmet covers the back of the head to help protect from backward falls. Additionally, your child will need wrist pads, elbow pads, and knee pads.

Q. Do kids’ rollerblades require any kind of maintenance?
A. For safety, and so your rollerblades will last, it’s important to keep them clean. Wipe any dirt and grit from the skates with a damp cloth. Use a small brush to get into those hard-to-reach places. Regularly inspect your kids’ skates for damage, especially the laces and buckles. Pay particular attention to the wheels and brake pads to be sure they are not loose, damaged, or worn.

Q. Do I need to rotate the wheels on kids’ rollerblades?
A. To help keep the wheels wearing evenly, rotate them regularly. Move the front wheel to the third position and flip it so the inside is now on the outside. Do the same thing when you switch the second and fourth wheels. You can do this one rollerblade at a time, but the best way is to alternate skates – swap the first wheel of the right skate with the third wheel of the left skate, for example.

Q. The wheels on my kids’ rollerblades aren’t spinning like they used to. What can I do?
A. Depending on the type of wheel bearings you have, you can either open them up, clean them, and re-grease them or just swap them out for a new set of bearings. If you’ve never done this before, you’ll want to have someone walk you through the process the first time you do it. It’s not difficult, but you want to be sure you don’t skip any steps.