We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?
Whether you're a beginner or can skate circles around 'em, these picks are top.
We updated this article in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product. We also added a new pick from Sure-Grip, based on research and testing from the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab.
In fitness and in fashion, everything old is new again at some point, and it seems that roller skates are no exception — they've made a major comeback among adults. They're a fun way to get some fresh air and can help you stay active while giving you a break from your typical workout routine. Stefani Sassos, MS, RD, CDN, a NASM-certified personal trainer and registered dietitian at the Good Housekeeping Institute, agrees that "the best exercise is the kind that you enjoy and will continue to do consistently." Sassos says outdoor roller skating — even simply pushing yourself gently around your neighborhood for a few miles — may improve your cardiovascular strength over time, which can help you build endurance elsewhere.
Below, we're sharing the best-selling outdoor roller skates for women that have rave reviews from users who may be taking up a new hobby or hoping to get back into an old one. Most are stylish enough to pair well with your cutest pair of jeans or a retro-inspired athleisure look; others are built for speed and will test your stamina as you spend more time outside. But what they all have in common is that they're equipped with large, soft wheels suited for paved streets and bumpy terrain so you stay in control. These are our favorite roller skates to take outside with you this season.
If you want a comfortable pair of skates that will form to your foot while your cruise outdoors, then we recommend the Lolly skates from Moxi. Though they run on the more expensive side for roller skates, they're a great fit for beginner adults thanks to strong ankle support and padding as well as larger wheels to help you maintain control over rougher terrains. According to Moxi's customer service manager, Missy Mayhem, "the wheels are soft and perfect for impact absorption" and enable you to skate on a range of surfaces outdoors. Offered in several colors such as Clementine, Pineapple, Lilac and more, these suede leather boots are guaranteed to look as good as they feel. But before you head outside, make sure you use a suede protector to keep the boots in prime condition. Also keep in mind that if you want to take these indoors, you'll need to purchase an additional set of wheels like the Radar Riva indoor wheels.
• Wheel type: 65mm x 35mm/78A • Boot material: Suede leather • Plate: Nylon • Toe stop: Adjustable
Great for a beginner, these quad-style roller skates are best suited for smoothly paved streets or roller rinks. Many who purchased this affordable pair share that they're built to last. "I’m a beginner skater and had originally bought another (much more expensive) pair elsewhere," one shopper shared. "These skates knock the other ones out of the water and for a fraction of the price." Chicago Skates also offers the same pair in men's sizing with a black boot and blue wheels. Just make sure to pay attention to the US sizing schema, which is slightly different, and pick whichever color suits you!
• Wheel type: 60mm/88A • Boot material: Vinyl • Plate: Aluminum • Toe stop: Adjustable
We love these hybrid roller skates because of their fun colors and retro design that makes us want to dance the night away at a roller disco. And, maybe more importantly, also love the plates and trucks, which are built from high-quality aluminum, and the wheels, which are suitable for indoor rink skating as well as outdoor use. It's the perfect pair for someone just getting started and who wants to use their skates everywhere without spending a fortune.
• Wheel type: 58mm/82A • Boot material: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) upper, heel and sole • Plate: Aluminum alloy • Toe stop: Non-adjustable
This beautiful pair of roller skates is a joy to show off as you cruise along a boardwalk, in the park or at your local rink. "They come with a hybrid wheel, designed to take on smooth surfaces and still give you speed and are soft enough to get you through the roughness of most common asphalt surfaces," says Moxi's Mayhem. The stiffer high-cut boot makes it great for beginners who need ankle support, and the aluminum plates and metal trucks mean your skates will last a while. The boots are made from durable, structured vinyl material that'll require some breaking in, though they come in a bunch of cheerful colors to match your style.
• Wheel type: 58mm x 33mm/78A • Boot material: Vinyl • Plate: Aluminum • Toe stop: Adjustable
Sure-Grip's gender-neutral skates come equipped with sturdy bearings and wheels designed to handle more versatile terrain than plain asphalt. The suede finish makes these tall boots much more firm and responsive to your shins' commands when in use. "The boot is pretty stiff but will relax in time, I'm sure," one skater shared. "I have not experienced any discomfort with extended wear and feel like they will also work as I become more advanced. If you are looking for a quality skate that you can use as a beginner through advanced, these might be for you!"
• Wheel type: 65mm/78A • Boot material: Suede leather • Plate: Nylon • Toe stop: Adjustable
These vintage-inspired skates are designed to offer ankle and shin support with a laced-up front and flexible wheel support. As a derby skate, this pair allows you to go pretty fast and to react to tight turns when necessary. "As a returning retirement skater — I haven't skated since the late 1970s — I'm delighted with these skates," one reviewer said. "Not too expensive in case I don’t like it but sturdy enough for outdoor skating."
• Wheel type: 58mm/83A • Boot material: PVC • Plate: Aluminum • Toe stop: Adjustable
Sometimes, it's all about the look — but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the functionality of the skate. All of the users who sprung for this retro-style skate (available in several different colorways) report that the stiff ankle support and sturdy wheel bearings are perfect for paved surfaces, where they'll be admired greatly. "They work really well in our public park, which has concrete paths," one reviewer shared. "I skated for an hour and did not get any hot spots or friction blisters. Laces stayed snug with no slipping."
• Wheel type: 66mm/82A • Boot material: Synthetic suede • Plate: Aluminum • Toe stop: Non-adjustable
If a boot seems too rigid for your ankles or feet, this sneaker-inspired skate focuses on comfort and flexibility. The front laces ensure that your feet are snug and tight as you push along, making this a good choice for indoor or outdoor skaters who don't need as much ankle support. Lenexa's shoes are a smart choice for hot weather too. "These fit as expected, are comfortable and roll well on sidewalks and roads," one skater shared.
• Wheel type: 60mm/85A • Boot material: Ballistic nylon boots with soft terrycloth lining • Plate: Aluminum • Toe stop: Non-adjustable
Who says you have to go indoors to sparkle on the dancefloor? This glittery pair of roller skates can be used both indoors at your local rink and outdoors in the park, and it's guaranteed to catch everyone's eye! The boot is made from vinyl so it'll be a bit stiffer than other leather outdoor boots you'll find, but they're comfortable once you break them in, according to consumers. Several enthusiastic Amazon reviewers commented on just how much they love the glitter sparkles on these skates, setting them apart from the rest.
• Wheel type: 62mm/78A • Boot material: Vinyl • Plate: Nylon • Toe stop: Adjustable
Recommended by the vice president of the Roller Skating Association International and owner of Kate's Skating Rink, Billy Thompson, Crazy Skates is a reliable and affordable brand best for kids learning how to skate. We love that these come in seven fun colors, and we especially like that they're adjustable up to four different shoe sizes. You can hang onto these skates for years and use them both indoors and outdoors.
• Wheel type: 58mm x 32mm • Boot material: Nylon and polyurethane • Plate: Fiberglass reinforced nylon • Toe stop: Non-adjustable
Though it might be tempting to buy the first pair of beautiful roller skates you find online, vice president of the Roller Skating Association International (RSAI), Billy Thompson, says “the first thing I tell people to do before buying roller skates is to go try them on! Find your local skating center or rink and work with a professional who can help you pick the correct skate for the type of skating you’re trying to do."
If you're interested in outdoor roller skating, you need to find a pair of roller skates that are comfortable. “It’s the same as buying shoes,” says Thompson. “Do you prefer Velcro, lace-up or buckle boots? Vinyl, leather or suede? Where you skate affects this decision, but it also comes down to comfort and how the skate conforms to your foot.” Here are some buying tips on how to find the right roller skate for you.
✔️ Wheel rating: According to Moxi's Mayhem, "surfaces vary, so that is why you always want to consider what surfaces you are going to encounter to find the best wheel for your setup." Fortunately, roller skate wheels have a durometer rating that indicates which surface they’re best suited for. Harder wheels, which have a higher number rating, are ideal for indoor skating conditions since they have less grip and roll faster. They’re also what rhythm and dance skaters use so they’re able to glide and spin. Softer wheels, on the other hand, have a lower number rating and are perfect if you want to roller skate outdoors. Softer wheels grip the surface you’re skating on, even if it’s rough, and don’t roll quite as quickly. According to Thompson, outdoor wheels typically have an 80A or lower rating (oftentimes you’ll see 76A or 78A), whereas anything over 88A is considered an indoor wheel. There are also hybrid wheels ranging from 82A to 88A and these can be used both indoors and outdoors.
✔️ Wheel size: Not only is a wheel’s durometer rating important, but you need to consider the wheel’s size. Outdoor wheels are larger (62 mm and 65 mm), whereas indoor wheel sizes can be anything from 36 mm to 62 mm. Smaller wheels make spinning and moving easier, which is why you’ll frequently find these on dance skates, whereas larger wheels offer more control and require less effort while skating.
✔️ Boot cut: When shopping for roller skates, you’ll come across three popular boot cuts: low-, mid- and high-cut. Low-cut skates are referred to as speed skates or dance skates, and they’re cut like tennis shoes. High-cut skates go over the ankle, making them a great choice for older skaters or adult beginners thanks to increased ankle support. Mid-cut skates, which fall somewhere in between, are popular for roller derby since you get more control along with a tighter boot fit.
✔️ Boot material: When picking boots, you have the choice between soft or hard boots. This all comes down to preference. You’ll see hard shell boots more frequently on kids’ roller skates as well as outdoor and aerobic roller skates since they scuff less easily and are generally cheaper to make. Soft boots, on the other hand, are recreational and often come in vinyl, leather or suede. They'll likely be a more comfortable fit, but Thompson doesn’t recommend leather or suede for outdoor skating since your feet will sweat and outdoor elements can damage the material.
✔️ Trucks/plates: Before buying a pair of roller skates, make sure you find out what’s going on under the boot. Trucks and plates are underneath your boot, and they hold everything together. Most plates are either nylon or aluminum. Thompson suggests finding a roller skate that comes with a nylon plate and metal trucks. He suggests staying away from cheap plastic, which can bend and wear over time — and if you have some wiggle room in your budget, splurge from metal plates made from aluminum that will last longer.
✔️ Toe stop: A toe stop serves as your brake while roller skating, and there are two types of toe stops to choose from. Most skates in the $100 range come with a non-adjustable toe stop, whereas somewhat pricier skates include an adjustable toe stop, which moves up and down and is useful if you’re dancing and performing spins that require you to be on your toes. Most rhythm, dance and freestyle skates have adjustable toe stops. For those interested in casually skating outdoors or at a rink, Thompson says a non-adjustable toe stop is more than enough to stay safe.
✔️ Accessories: When roller skating, the more pads the better. “Wrist guards for a beginner skater are a must-have, no matter your age,” says Thompson. “Ninety-five percent of injuries sustained while skating involve wrists or ankles.” In addition to wrist guards, you should also purchase elbow and knee pads as well as a helmet if you plan on skating outdoors.
When selecting the best outdoor roller skates, our pros spoke with experts in the field to ensure each featured pair is equipped with the proper wheels, materials and construction for outdoor use to ensure safety, performance and ease of use. We also considered consumer feedback regarding the overall comfort of each pair of outdoor roller skates and factored in unique features such as hybrid wheels or catchy designs and colors.
Look for a larger, softer wheel when shopping for outdoor roller skates since these offer more control and do a better job gripping rough surfaces. We recommend outdoor roller skates with wheels sized anywhere from 62 mm to 65 mm and ones that have a 76A or 78A rating, though anything lower than 80A will work. If you want roller skates that you can use both indoors and outdoors, you can get a pair of hybrid wheels that have a rating between 82A to 88A or, if you’re really serious, you can consider investing in boots with detachable wheels so you can switch between indoor and outdoor wheels when you want!
Thompson recommends novice skaters look for roller skates with wheels sized 57 mm to 62 mm and a high-cut boot that covers the ankle. But his number one piece of advice for beginner skaters is to buy skates that are comfortable and not just an impulse buy. “Look at reviews, longevity and the manufacturer warranty as well as the type of bearing and wheels," he says.
Most roller skates are in men’s sizes, so women should expect to go down a full size when shopping for roller skates. "For casual skating, the skates should be comfortable, like shoes," says Thompson, "but for competition skating, it's better to have a snug fit for performance.”
In his role as Health Editor, Zee Krstic works hand in hand with analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to highlight consumer-facing input from leading health experts; he interweaves doctors' and healthcare providers' expertise into shopping guides to better educate readers. He also independently reviews new products in the wellness space for Good Housekeeping, which he has done previously for Martha Stewart Living and Cooking Light.
Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski oversees product testing and covers everything from connected devices to appliances, health, home and fitness. With a B.A. from George Washington University and a Master’s in communications from Sciences Po Paris, Olivia has several years of experience writing about tech and trends. She continues to stay on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best gadgets to hit the market.