Your wheel bearings, while small, are mighty, and having bad bearings can seriously affect your ride. If your wheels feel notchy or not as smooth, look into your bearings. The Rio Roller Script are sturdy, vegan-friendly, and great to look at. They're a brilliant beginner boot (I started on these) and they fit your usual shoe size, which makes it easy to get your perfect size. Rio Roller also has a range of trainer-style skates, if the artistic kind isn't your bag and it's supreme comfort you're looking for. As someone who also took up roller skating in 2020 (#pandemicrollersunite), I'd recommend doing as much research as you can before you commit. There's a lot to take in, but if you respect the history of the sport, immerse yourself in the online community, learn what you need to know for your style of skating and don't just splash out on the first pair of roller skates you see, I guarantee you'll fall in love with it, too. Like most pleasure vehicles the improved skate will eventually be used for business purposes to a more or less extent, believes the inventor; and it is even possible that it may be extensively used by armies for the rapid transportation of soldiers in certain favorable localities. Buying your first set of skates can seem like a challenge, there are so many options out there but we are here to help you make some decisions that will lead you to the right skates. You have two main options to first consider: A full custom set up, where you can choose everything from the wheels to the laces. This can be lots of fun but you will need some information to get you the right pair for you and your needs.

That being said, many people prefer to skate in rinks. By the 1880s, manufacturers were mass producing skates, and rink-building followed soon after, mainly in New England. For Epstein, everything from her derby name (“Matza Brawl”) to getting her nose broken helped decolonize her thinking and prepared her for being a woman in academia, which, like sports, tends to be male-dominated. In a poem simply titled, “ Rollerskates,” the writer David Longstreth also uses roller skating to explore themes of othering and assimilation. While it is unclear whether he is a skater, Longstreth uses the activity as a metaphor for the way his immigrant family traveled through life, in contrast to the walking and running of the dominant culture in which he found himself. In a particularly poignant passage, he writes:Most manufacturers have an ABEC rating on their bearings, such as ABEC 7 or ABEC 9. The higher the rating, the better the tolerance. Some bearing manufacturers choose not to use the ABEC rating, for example, Swiss bearings. But it doesn't mean they aren't as good. c]onsiderable inquiry has failed to elicit any facts showing that roller skating, temperately indulged in, does any harm to growing children, or produces any diseases and injuries peculiar to the sport… In proportion to the immense number of persons who have been engaged in propulsive divagations upon polished floors during the past winter, the pathological outcome has been small.

Smaller wheels are typically used for dance or artistic skating, as they're easy to manoeuvre. In comparison, outdoor and indoor skating are better suited to a slightly larger wheel for traction and stability. I – LACES these are so very important, not for the obvious reason of holding your foot in place but because skate laces exist. They are stronger than regular laces and some are waxed to help stay tied up. All skate shops will have many colours and types available. Be aware a higher ankle boot will need a longer lace. SureGrip is a trusted brand in the skating world, with lots of different types of boots on offer. The Stardust look great, are smooth and comfortable, although they can take a little bit of time to bed in. G – PLATE, the plate fixes to the boot with bolts. There are many brands which have different bolt position and combinations. (4 or 6 holes) Plate brands also have their own sizing chart. So for instance a size 6 roller skate may not necessarily need a size 6 plate. Each brand has their size charts online.

Keep reading for our full guide on everything you need to know about roller skating if you're just starting out.

The width of the wheel also comes into play here, ranging from 31mm - 44mm. Narrow wheels are light and good for dancing but don't offer a lot of grip. Really wide wheels provide excellent grip, but are heavier and give you less movement. As with any exercise, warming up your muscles is key to avoiding injury. Make sure to stretch before you start skating, as well as afterwards. The last thing you want is to pull a muscle, so you can't go out on your new roller skates. Find a space to practise

Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty: What the heck is all this stuff and what does it do?

J – STOPPERS or toe stops. You will get some as standard with the plate but you can change these to other colours and compounds. Like wheels, you can get softer or harder stoppers depending on your personal preference and usage. Jam/dance skaters often take them out and use jam plugs or very small stoppers. A great wheel hardness for outdoor skating is a 78A, but anywhere from 78A - 84A should be fine, depending on your preference. Softer wheels will help you to feel more solid while skating. However, they do require a bit more power to get you going (which is great for the thighs, I might add). Hybrid wheels (like 82A/84A) can be used indoors and outdoors. British doctors recommended rink skating as part of an exercise program that should also include “gymnastics, dancing, fencing, and indoor tennis.” The durometer rating relates to the hardness of the wheel. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Roller skate wheels are generally between 78A and 100A on the scale.

Exercise for the sake of health may be regarded, practically, in terms of increased output of muscular energy, stimulus to the circulation, and increase in perspiration. Unless free perspiration follows the exercise the skater will not derive the full benefit possible.

WATCH: 6 Beginner Tips For Roller Skating Outside

Also, bear in mind that your skates will bed in over time, so if they feel a bit tight at first, don't worry too much. If they feel really tight though, you may need to size up. Make sure to only try your skates indoors while deciding if they're the right size, or you may not be able to return them. What roller skating wheels do I need? Your wheels can make a huge difference to your overall skating experience. Even if you can't afford top-of-the-range skates yet, you can invest in some great wheels to level up your skates. Durometer rating Shop the very best selection of Kids Roller Skates here at SkateHut. Roller Skating is a fun activity for Kids, and a great way to help your children exercise effortlessly. Whether you’re shopping for Roller Skates for Girls or Roller Skates for Boys, SkateHut has styles to suit every little thrill seeker. The scariest thing about roller skating is not being able to stop, so learning stops should be high on your list. The plough stop is a good one for beginners, as is the T-stop. Practise transitions The wheel size refers to the diameter of the wheel. Which size you need depends on your style of skating.