With the weather warming up, it's a great time to pick up a new outdoor activity. Rollerblading is not only fun, it's also a great workout and a handy way to get around your neighborhood. Once you have some experience, you can learn some cool tricks, go to a skatepark, and even play roller hockey.
If you're just starting out on your skating journey, Rollerblade's Zetrablade W is an excellent beginner skate that provides a good balance of support, control, and comfort. If you're looking for something else, we have nine more picks below! And if the wide world of rollerblading has you overwhelmed, check out our buying guide for an introduction to the different types of skates and helpful tips on how to choose the right pair for your needs.
Quick List - Top Rollerblades For Women
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Between frames, shells, wheels, and closures, there's a lot to consider when purchasing a pair of skates! In this guide, we'll break down the different types of skates and their components to help you make an informed decision.
First, think about how you intend to use your rollerblades. Are you skating for exercise? Commuting to work? Doing tricks at a skatepark? Whatever your intentions, you can find different types of rollerblades that are built for specific activities.
Recreational rollerblades are a solid all-around choice that is great for beginners and casual skaters. They provide a balance of comfort and stability, so you can maneuver easily without getting too tired out. If you want to skate around your neighborhood, down a waterfront path, or for light exercise, these are a good choice.
Fitness rollerblades are essentially high-performance recreational rollerblades. They’re more durable and comfortable, so they’re ideal for intensive workouts, training, and skating for long durations and long distances.
Aggressive skates are built specifically for jumping, grinding, and sliding, so they’re super durable. They typically have a higher cuff and smaller wheels for more maneuverability and a lower center of gravity. They also have a wide base to leave space for grind tricks.
Urban skates, also known as street skates, are essentially a combination of recreational and aggressive skates. The wheels and bearings are closer to recreational skates, made for skating long distances comfortably. The boot is closer to an aggressive skate boot and is made to be durable to withstand jumps and tricks.
Racing skates are built for speed. They have a low cuff, a stiff build, and are made from lightweight materials. Their large wheels help you skate extra fast. Racing skates don’t offer as much support or stability as other types and are typically used by high-level athletes and competitive skaters.
The construction of the skate boot will affect how supportive, stable, and protective your skates are. Soft boots are made mostly from flexible fabric, so they’re lightweight and breathable. While this sounds pretty comfortable, they also provide less ankle support and stability. They’re also not super durable.
In addition, the soft material absorbs some of the power when your feet hit the ground, meaning that it takes more work to skate. Due to these factors, soft boots are generally better for more experienced skaters.
On the other hand, hard boots are more supportive, responsive, and durable than soft boots. They’re less breathable, but offer more protection and typically have a thick liner cushion inside.
Most rollerblades come with a liner that sits inside the boot and provides cushioning for your feet. If a liner isn’t included, you can purchase one separately. The standard liner is made of foam, but you can also find liners that include gels or pads that contour your feet for a better fit.
At the higher end, there are memory foam liners that mold to your feet over time, as well as heat-moldable liners, where a professional will use heat to create custom liners that fit your feet exactly.
The frame of the skates is the part that attaches to the bottom of the boot and holds the wheels. It’s usually made from either plastic, aluminum, or carbon fiber. When choosing a frame material, you should consider weight, stiffness, and durability.
Plastic is a great beginner option. While it’s heavier and less durable than other frame materials, it’s a popular and affordable choice. It also has a little bit of flexibility, which helps with stability.
Aluminum is lighter and more durable than plastic. Its stiffness means that it will transfer power rather than absorb it, making for a more efficient skating experience. Carbon fiber frames are the lightest and most durable option. They’re often used on advanced-level skates.
There are two main factors when it comes to rollerblade wheels: size and hardness. These will affect control, speed, and durability.
Wheel sizes are measured by diameter in millimeters and can range from 56 millimeters to over 100. Smaller wheels provide more stability and control, while large wheels are less stable but help you skate faster over long distances.
Different types of skates tend to use different wheel sizes. For example, aggressive skates usually have wheels that are no larger than 59 millimeters, while recreational skates’ wheels’ range from 70 to 90 millimeters. Race skates use the largest wheels.
Wheel durometer, or hardness, is indicated by a number from 0 to 100 followed by the letter A. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Softer wheels, around 68-78A, provide better traction and shock absorption but wear down more easily. Wheels on the lower end of the spectrum are better suited for indoor use.
Harder wheels, around 82A and above, are more durable with less traction, resulting in faster speeds. They’re also ideal for tricks. If you’re skating primarily outdoors, harder wheels are a better choice since they’ll wear down less quickly.
Rollerblades can have a number of different closure systems that are often combined for more security. Complicated doesn’t always mean better; look for a closure system that’s comfortable for your feet and easy to use.
Some skates have laces that you tighten manually, while others use a quick lace or boa lace system where you pull a string or turn a dial to tighten them automatically. Many skates pair lacing with ratchet buckles, which won’t loosen as you skate. Some skates also have Velcro straps at the top to help keep your heel in place.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll probably want brakes on your skates. But for more advanced skaters, brakes aren’t always necessary. Aggressive skates and race skates generally don’t come with brakes, since they can get in the way of performance.
However, most recreational and fitness skates come with a brake attached, typically on the back of the right skate. If you’re a lefty, look for a removable brake that can be attached to the left skate.
In addition, if you think that you may be interested in skating without brakes down the line, getting skates with a removable brake will allow you to customize them to your comfort level.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rollerblade Zetrablade W | ![]() | Support and Stability for Beginner Skaters | |
2 | Roller Derby Women's V-Tech 500 Inline Skate | ![]() | Adjust the Size With the Push of a Button | |
3 | Papaison Adjustable Inline Skates | ![]() | Light Up Wheels Aren't Just for Kids | |
4 | Epic Skates Engage 3-Wheel Inline Speed Skates | ![]() | For Experienced Skaters With a Need for Speed | |
5 | Rollerblade Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT Women's Fitness Inline Skate | ![]() | Energy Efficient Skates for Beginner to Intermediate Skaters | |
6 | Roller Derby AERIO Q-60 Women's Inline Skates | ![]() | A Soft Boot for More Ventilation | |
7 | Zuwaos Adjustable Inline Skates | ![]() | Adjustable Skates With White Lights | |
8 | LIKU Professional Inline Skates | ![]() | Skates With a Removable Brake | |
9 | 5th Element Lynx LX Womens Recreational Inline Skates | ![]() | Skate Smoothly Indoors or Outdoors | |
10 | ITurnGlow Adjustable Inline Skates | ![]() | Light up the Sidewalk in These Skates |
These skates are designed with beginners in mind. The integrated shell and frame system help keep your center of gravity low for better balance, while the high cuff offers plenty of support. A padded liner on the inside keeps your feet cushioned, while the laces, strap, and buckle work together for a secure fit.
The 80-millimeter wheels provide a smooth glide and a good amount of speed while maintaining maneuverability. Once you've got the basics down, you can swap them out for larger or smaller wheels depending on your needs.
Some reviewers complained that the straps were too short and tight around the ankles and calf. However, most reviewers found the fit to be comfortable and secure and said the wheels glided smoothly on streets and sidewalks. These skates were especially loved by beginners and adults who hadn't skated since childhood.
Roller Derby's V-Tech 500 skates are ideal for the casual skater and can be easily adjusted to fit women's shoe sizes six to nine. Just loosen the straps, push the button on the side, and pull or push the toe to the desired length. The plastic boot is supportive and lightweight and comes with a padded foam liner.
Triple buckle closures eliminate time spent tying laces and allow you to get in and out of the skates quickly. The wheels can be used both indoors and outdoors and there's a brake on the back of the right skate.
Some reviewers complained that the tongue of the skates digs into their shins, while others said the wheels wear out rather quickly. Still, many reviewers said these skates are a great and affordable option for casual use. They liked that they could adjust the fit and found them to be quite cute and comfortable.
Some people like their skates to be sleek and minimal, while others want theirs to be fun and flashy. This pair from Papaison fall on the latter end of the spectrum, with a bright purple shell and wheels that light up when you skate. The lights are powered by the act of skating, so there's no need for batteries!
The skates come with a single brake on the right foot. While the small sizes are ideal for kids, the large size can fit women's shoe sizes six to nine and adjusts with the press of a button for a comfortable fit. They also come with a pair of skate socks that have reinforced heels and toes as well as a high cuff to reduce friction.
Some reviewers complained that the straps broke fairly easily. Others found these skates to be unwieldy, saying that it felt like having two left feet. However, many reviewers said they fit well and glided smoothly. They appreciated the socks, which helped their feet stay comfortable during long skate sessions.
With no brakes and extra-large wheels measuring 125 millimeters, these skates are designed for advanced skaters who want to skate fast. The hard shell boots provide support and the aircraft-grade aluminum frame is stiff and lightweight. For the best fit, use the manufacturer's sizing chart which has measurements in inches.
A couple of reviewers found these skates to be uncomfortable and recommended replacing the lining. But for the most part, experienced skaters said these skates let them zip around smoothly and comfortably at high speeds. The large wheels are also good for reducing vibrations on bumpy roads.
Built for skating novices, these skates provide speed and control with less effort. The rigid frame is made from extruded aluminum to maximize energy transfer from your feet to the wheels to the pavement. The wheels themselves are of moderate hardness to create a speedy glide and reduce wear and tear.
The shell is made from molded plastic with a cushioned mesh liner. These skates have three different closures - laces, a strap, and a buckle - for the ultimate secure fit.
Some reviewers had issues with the top buckle either breaking or not working well. Others warned that these skates aren't ideal for people with large calves. On the other hand, most reviewers thought these skates were comfortable and durable. They said they provided a smooth, easy ride both indoors and out.
Roller Derby's Aerio Q-60 skates have a soft boot rather than the more commonly found hard boot. This gives them a sporty sneaker vibe that's super comfortable, thanks to the memory foam padding. It's also breathable to help avoid sweaty feet.
The frame is made from advanced aircraft aluminum for high torque retention to let you skate fast with less effort. And the race-rated bearings ensure a smooth ride. These skates close with laces, a strap, and a buckle for a snug fit.
Some reviewers said these skates feel too stiff on their feet, while others experienced discomfort due to misaligned wheels. However, many reviewers were pleased with the fit and said the skates are comfortable and easy to use. They recommended these as a great value pair for beginners.
If you like light-up wheels but aren't a fan of flashy colors, these skates from Zuwaos use white lights for a simpler look. The frame is made from rust-resistant aluminum alloy and features one brake on the right skate. The liner is strategically padded to reduce foot fatigue and made from breathable, soft materials.
For women, the large fits shoe sizes six through nine, while the extra-large fits shoe sizes eight through 10.5.
A couple of reviewers didn't like that the brake is made out of plastic, while a few others said the straps didn't get tight enough. Still, most reviewers said these skates are comfortable and appreciated that they could adjust the length for the perfect fit. They also thought the white lights looked really cool!
These unisex skates from LIKU are sleek and functional, with an integrated shell and frame design that keeps your center of gravity low. The aluminum alloy frame provides a strong base, while shock absorbers in the soles help protect your ankles and knees.
The skates have ventilation holes in the front and rear and the memory foam lining is removable, so you can easily wash it when needed. They come with one brake that can be attached to either skate.
Overall, reviewers acknowledged that these skates aren't the highest quality. They also warned that you have to assemble them yourself and the instructions aren't very clear. However, many reviewers found them to be fairly comfortable and said they had a smooth glide. They agreed that these skates work well for beginners.
These recreational skates from 5th Element are perfect for beginners who want to skate at a rink or around the neighborhood. They have a soft boot for a lightweight and comfortable fit and an aluminum frame. The stiff frame increases power transfer between your feet and the ground, helping to reduce fatigue.
These skates close with laces, a strap, and a buckle to help support your ankles. There's also a brake on the back. The wheels are hard enough to withstand skating on asphalt or sidewalks, but not so hard that you'll feel every bump.
Some reviewers said these skates run small or feel too narrow for their feet. On the other hand, many reviewers found the fit to be quite comfortable. They also liked the look of these skates and said they were well-designed with a cute color scheme.
These skates may look unassuming at first, but once you start moving the wheels will light up, adding some extra flair to your skate session. They feature a polypropylene anti-impact toe cap for protection and mesh ventilation on the boot to keep you comfortable.
The large fits women's shoe sizes five and a half to eight and a half, while the extra-large is ideal for sizes nine to 11.5. A button on the side helps further adjust the fit. These skates come with a detachable rubber brake.
Some reviewers said the straps or the wheels broke after only a few uses. On the other hand, many reviewers of all ages loved gliding around in these skates. Even adults thought the lights were a fun addition. They said the skates are fairly comfortable, but did recommend wearing tall, thick socks to protect your shins.
Whether you play a sport for fun or try to be active for health reasons, getting some fresh air and activity does a lot of good for your mental and physical wellbeing. Here are some more of our favorite sport and fitness-related products that you can use outside this summer!
No. 1: Rollerblade|Zetrablade W
No. 2: Roller Derby|Women's V-Tech 500 Inline Skate
No. 3: Papaison|Adjustable Inline Skates
No. 4: Epic Skates|Engage 3-Wheel Inline Speed Skates
No. 5: Rollerblade|Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT Women's Fitness Inline Skate
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