Roller Skates

Roller Skates Rule

Roller skating is a much-loved hobby in many countries around the world and is an effective and fun way of exercising, improving fitness and increasing balance and lower body strength. In addition, several sports require roller skates and have a basis in skating, including roller derby, roller hockey and ice hockey. Owning a pair of roller skates and learning how to master them is a gateway to a wide range of sports and hobbies that would otherwise have been inaccessible.

Just as some shoe brands run smaller than standard shoe sizes, while others run larger, the same applies to roller skates. For this reason, while your street shoe size may be a good guide to the right size of roller skates for you, it is recommended that you refer to the brand's specific sizing chart to see if you should go up or down a size. Using a skating shoe sizing chart will involve taking accurate measurements of your feet, but a little effort now will be well worth it when your new roller skates fit like a glove.

When choosing the best roller skates for you, it is important to first consider what type of skating you intend to do, as this will greatly impact upon the type of roller skates you should purchase. For example, skaters who will primarily stay indoors and skate at a roller rink will need entirely different types of roller skates – including different wheels, bearings and plates – from those who will skate outdoors or participate in roller derby. On the other hand, no matter where you intend to skate, all skaters should invest in skating protective gear to protect themselves in the event of an accident.

Traditional roller skates predate inline skates and rollerblades, and remain popular for many skating enthusiasts. In particular, children are advised to begin with roller skates, as young children may not have the balance and ankle strength required to handle rollerblades. Later, the mastery of rollerblades becomes an alluring challenge.