A Guide to Choosing the Right Roller Skate Brand

Roller skating is a timeless activity that brings joy, fitness, and a sense of freedom to people of all ages. Whether you’re gliding through your neighborhood, mastering tricks at the skate park, or enjoying a retro roller disco, having the right pair of roller skates is essential for both comfort and performance. However, with so many brands on the market, how do you know which one is the best fit for your skating needs?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the top roller skate brands, highlighting their strengths and unique features to help you make an informed decision on which one suits you best.

1. Riedell

Best for: Quality, Comfort, and Performance

Overview:Riedell is one of the most recognized and respected names in the roller skating industry. With a legacy dating back to 1945, Riedell has built a reputation for producing high-quality skates that cater to a wide range of skaters—from beginners to advanced athletes.

What Makes Riedell Special?

• Comfort & Fit: Riedell skates are known for their exceptional fit and comfort. The brand offers skates with a variety of widths and sizes, ensuring that skaters of all foot shapes can find the right pair.

• Customization: Riedell skates can be highly customized, allowing skaters to choose their boots, plates, wheels, and other components based on their needs and preferences.

• Durability: Riedell skates are built to last, often using high-quality leather and other durable materials.

Best For:

• Skaters looking for long-lasting comfort and performance

• Those who want to customize their skates to fit their exact needs

  
  

2. Moxi

Best for: Fashion-Forward Skaters

Overview:Moxi Roller Skates is a brand that combines style and function, making them a favorite among both beginners and experienced skaters who want to look as good as they feel. With vibrant colors, funky designs, and a reputation for comfort, Moxi has become a go-to brand for those who want to make a statement on wheels.

What Makes Moxi Special?

• Aesthetic Appeal: Moxi skates are known for their unique, bright, and eye-catching designs. If you’re someone who loves to express their personality through their skates, Moxi’s colorful boots and accessories will definitely grab your attention.

• Comfort: The brand’s skates often come with soft, padded linings and a supportive fit, making them ideal for long skating sessions.

• Versatility: Moxi offers a variety of models that are suitable for different styles of skating, including outdoor, indoor, and dance.

Best For:

• Skaters who want fun, stylish skates with comfort and durability

• Those who are into roller skating as a fashion statement or as part of the roller disco culture

  
  

3. Sure-Grip

Best for: Performance and Customization

Overview:Sure-Grip has been a staple in the roller skating world for over 80 years. The brand’s focus is on performance-driven skates that can handle everything from competitive racing to recreational skating. Sure-Grip is known for its attention to detail and commitment to quality.

What Makes Sure-Grip Special?

• Performance-Oriented: Sure-Grip skates are designed for serious skaters. Whether you’re into roller derby, jam skating, or speed skating, Sure-Grip offers the performance and durability you need.

• Customization: Like Riedell, Sure-Grip allows for a high degree of customization, from boot selection to plate and wheel choices. This makes it easier for skaters to tailor their gear to their specific style and needs.

• Stability: Sure-Grip’s skates are known for their stability and smooth ride, especially on outdoor surfaces.

Best For:

• Competitive skaters or those who focus on performance

• Skaters who want a highly customizable setup

  
  

4. Impala

Best for: Budget-Friendly & Retro Style

Overview:Impala is a great choice for those who want stylish skates without breaking the bank. The brand is known for producing affordable, quality skates with a retro flair. Impala skates are perfect for those who are just getting started or want a fun, casual ride.

What Makes Impala Special?

• Affordability: Impala offers a range of roller skates at a much lower price point compared to other premium brands, making it a great choice for beginners or budget-conscious skaters.

• Retro Style: With a nod to the past, Impala skates feature bold, vintage-inspired designs that appeal to skaters who love a retro vibe.

• Comfort and Fit: While Impala skates are budget-friendly, they don’t sacrifice comfort. Many models have padded linings, supportive boot designs, and cushioned insoles for an enjoyable skating experience.

Best For:

• Beginner skaters or those who want to dip their toes into roller skating without making a large financial investment

• Skaters looking for affordable yet stylish options

  
  

5. Bont

Best for: Speed Skating and High-Performance

Overview:Bont is a top-tier brand specializing in high-performance skates for serious skaters. Known for their lightweight, aerodynamic designs, Bont skates are often the choice of competitive athletes, especially in speed skating and roller derby.

What Makes Bont Special?

• Lightweight Construction: Bont skates are made with high-tech materials such as carbon fiber, making them incredibly lightweight and responsive, perfect for speed skating.

• Performance Focused: The brand is known for its focus on speed and agility, with features like custom-moldable boots, advanced plate systems, and precision bearings.

• Durability and Support: Bont skates are durable and provide excellent support, even during intense skating sessions.

Best For:

• Competitive skaters, especially those into speed skating or roller derby

• Skaters looking for a high-performance, lightweight design

  
  

6. Roller Derby

Best for: Affordable Skates for Casual Skaters

Overview:Roller Derby is a brand that caters to skaters of all ages, with an emphasis on affordability and beginner-friendly options. Their skates are widely available and are designed for casual use rather than high-performance skating.

What Makes Roller Derby Special?

• Affordability: Roller Derby offers some of the most budget-friendly options on the market, making them ideal for families, beginners, or those just getting into the sport.

• Comfortable Fit: Their skates come with padded collars and cushioned insoles, ensuring comfort even for longer sessions.

• Variety: Roller Derby has a wide range of skates to choose from, including models for kids, recreational skaters, and even some roller derby-focused designs.

Best For:

• Casual or beginner skaters who don’t want to spend a lot on their first pair of skates

• Families looking for affordable options for kids and adults alike

  
  

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Pair of Skates

When it comes to roller skates, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right brand for you depends on your skating style, experience level, and budget. Whether you're looking for performance-driven options from Riedell, Moxi's stylish skates, or the affordability of Impala or Roller Derby, there's a brand out there for every skater.

Consider your skating needs and preferences, and don't be afraid to try out a few different brands to see what works best for you. No matter which brand you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the ride!

Happy skating!