Roller Skating Basics for Beginners

What To Consider When Buying Rollerblades

Once you’ve decided to purchase rollerblades, it might seem like a quick decision, but is choosing the right pair for the user just as simple? Yes, if you know what you expect from such equipment: speed, the ability to perform tricks, or simply recreational use, and who you are: an adult or a child. Anyone can skate, but to ensure maximum enjoyment, it’s worth knowing the basic guidelines for this equipment. Here’s our roller skating “ABC”.

 

It is estimated that currently, tens of millions of people around the world are roller skating. Today, it’s not just about traditional skating but also aggressive skating - with tricks performed in specially adapted spaces. For many, roller skating is a lifestyle. In this article, we will focus on the essential knowledge for beginners in this sport.

WHEELS: Should we choose hard or soft, large, medium, or small? What materials should they be made from, and how should we care for them?

The hardness of wheels in product specifications is indicated by the letter “A” followed by a number - the higher the number, the harder the wheel. Mid-range wheels typically fall between 78A and 84A. The hardness, or conversely, the softness of the wheels, affects the quality and comfort of your ride. Soft wheels better absorb bumps during rides but don’t allow for as high speeds as hard wheels (those marked with a number from 84A upwards) and tend to wear out faster.

Naturally, you might wonder, what are rollerblade wheels made of? In the most popular rollerblades, polyurethane dominates. This synthetic material is similar to rubber - it is soft yet durable and effectively dampens vibrations. Polyurethane wheels are suitable for both recreational and professional skating.

There are also rollerblades with rubber wheels available on the market. Rubber effectively dampens vibrations and makes skating almost silent. However, rubber wheels contribute to a higher price point. Additionally, there are plastic wheels, commonly found in rollerblades for the youngest users—children taking their first steps on these wheels.

Once we know what material our rollerblade wheels will be made of, the next consideration is size—small or large? The diameter of rollerblade wheels is measured in millimetres. Small wheels range from 47 mm to 70 mm. They won’t make you ride fast, but compared to larger ones, they are easier to manoeuvre, more stable, and offer better grip. Large wheels are those with a diameter between 84 mm and 110 mm. These are typically used by professionals—for example, marathon skaters use 100 mm wheels, indicating that large wheels are fast but less agile.

When selecting rollerblades for recreational skating, it’s best to choose wheels ranging from 70 to 84 mm in size. It’s important to remember that wheels will naturally wear down with varying levels of use. If you notice this, you can either purchase new wheels or simply swap their positions. For rollerblades with four wheels, switch the first with the third, and the second with the fourth. Additionally, it’s a good idea to occasionally check that the wheel screws are securely tightened.

 

BEARINGS: Do we prioritise speed or comfort?

 

Bearings in rollerblades for both adults and children are small, round components inside the wheel. They consist of two rings with steel balls in between, allowing the wheel to spin. Each wheel contains two bearings.

The ABEC scale is crucial when selecting bearings. This scale is a set of tolerance standards for ball bearing production, developed by an American association of bearing manufacturers. It includes five classes: 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. The higher the number, the more precisely the bearing is made. In practice, for example, class 3 bearings are used for the slowest skating and are often found in children’s rollerblades. Class 7 is the most versatile for rollerblades, while class 9 bearings are used for very fast skating. You might also see product specifications with numbers like 608 or 688. The former is the most common and standard, while the latter refers to micro bearings used in speed skating rollerblades.

 

SIZE: Should rollerblade boots be larger than the foot?

 

There is a common misconception that rollerblades should be larger than regular shoes. This is a myth. Like ski boots, rollerblades should be slightly larger than the length of your foot or shoe insole. Your foot should fit snugly against the sole of the rollerblade, comfortably and along its entire length. Your toes should not be cramped due to a narrow or short boot. At the same time, your foot should not have too much free space to prevent it from shifting during skating, which could lead to a loss of crucial stability. Generally, when choosing a shoe size, we select one that is about half a centimetre longer than the foot. Standard shoes eventually mould to the shape of your foot. Rollerblade or ski boots remain rigid on the outside, maintaining their shape, while the lining moulds and compresses. Interestingly, the market now offers rollerblades with thermoactive linings that perfectly adapt to the shape of your foot with heat. Additionally, the rollerblade industry provides size charts for their products, which is worth knowing and using.

PURPOSE: Are there rollerblades for everything?

It is often said that if something is for everything, it is for nothing. There is a lot of truth in this when it comes to rollerblades. Manufacturers have divided them into several types for a reason. There are recreational and fitness rollerblades. This type is the most versatile, suitable as the first kind of rollerblades for adults. These are “average”" models—with medium-sized wheels and a medium level of softness. In this category, we highly recommend the Movino Cruzer One rollerblades, which are very beginner-friendly for those new to roller skating. They feature 72 mm wheels made of synthetic rubber (PU) with a hardness of 82A and ABEC-7 bearings. They are highly breathable and offer adjustable sizing—Movino Cruzer One L allows for size adjustment to fit foot lengths or insoles ranging from 24 to 26 cm.

Advanced types of skates are designed for more experienced users, offering specializsed features. Freestyle skates allow for sharp turns, slalom riding, and jumps. They are durable and agile. There are also skates dedicated to speed enthusiasts, characteriszed by large wheels that enable high speeds and narrow boots designed to reduce air resistance. For safety, these skates are equipped with top-quality bearings. Another type of skates is street skates, perfect for performing tricks. They can withstand jumps and aerial manoeuveres. It’'s also worth mentioning off-road skates, known as Nordic skates. These were created for Nordic skating—a sport similar to cross-country skiing. They feature long frames and two large, wide pneumatic wheels to provide cushioning on uneven surfaces.

 

PRICE: Is it worth investing in expensive skates?

 

The price is influenced by all the aspects discussed above, as well as the brand and the store where you purchase the equipment. This is why you can find skates on the market ranging from 200, 400, to even 800 PLN. The decision to buy is, of course, a personal one—mainly dependent on your budget and familiarity with available offers. It'’s worth taking the time to review the specifications of a product and understand what to look for when purchasing skates. Being an informed buyer helps you avoid situations where wheels roll slowly, boots don’t provide stable support, or feet sweat quickly—common issues with the cheapest skates.

We’ve covered the essential points for every beginner skater. If you’re intrigued and have decided to try your hand at skating, stay with us! At Movino, you’ll find men’s and women’s skates designed to offer maximum comfort while riding. The same goes for children’s skates, which you can gift to your little ones. Explore our store’s offerings and equip yourself with high-quality products that will meet all your expectations.