Ultimate Quad Roller Skates Buying Guide

Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Right Pair for You or Your Child

Introduction

Welcome to your complete guide to buying quad roller skates! Whether you're a total beginner, shopping for your child, returning to skating after years away, or simply looking for a fun new hobby, this guide is here to help.

Quad skates have made a huge comeback thanks to their retro look, stability, and all-around accessibility. We'll take you through everything you need to consider when buying your first (or next) pair. If you're looking for more detailed help on specific brands, safety gear, maintenance, or how they compare to inline skates, we’ve got separate guides for those too.

Why Choose Quad Skates?

Quad skates, those with two wheels at the front and two at the back , are a brilliant option for so many types of skaters. They're generally easier to balance on than inline skates and offer a smooth, stylish ride that's great for everything from casual park outings to roller discos.

They’re ideal for:

• Beginners and kids
• Skaters who prefer stability over speed
• People returning to skating after a break
• Rhythm and dance skating
• Outdoor cruising and rink fun

Curious how they stack up against inline skates? Check out out comparison guide.

Types of Quad Skates

Heeled Skates

Heeled boots help shift your weight slightly forward, making it easier to stay balanced and reducing the chance of falling backwards. They’re a favourite for rhythm skating, roller disco, or just stylish cruising. That raised heel can also help with posture and smooth dance movements.

Flat/Trainer-Style Skates

These low-cut skates feel more like trainers and offer a sporty, athletic stance. They’re great for roller derby, skate parks, or just zipping around the city. Their grounded feel gives you control and quick response.

Hard-Shell Skates

If you want ankle support and durability, hard-shell skates are for you. Inspired by ice hockey boots, these skates are snug, sturdy, and built to take a beating. Perfect for park skaters or anyone who wants a more secure, locked-in feel.

Key Features to Know Before You Buy

Boot Construction & Fit

Boots are the foundation of your skates, and how they feel will make or break your experience. Soft boots are typically made from vinyl, canvas, or leather and offer flexibility and comfort, which is perfect for casual cruising or beginner use. Hard boots use rigid plastic shells and secure liners to offer maximum support and durability , a better fit for aggressive skating and high-impact tricks.

Fit is just as important as construction. Make sure your boots hug your feet snugly without pinching or causing numbness. A well-fitted boot gives you control, helps prevent injuries, and makes skating more enjoyable. Consider heat-mouldable liners for a custom fit or padded collars for comfort on longer sessions.

Plates & Trucks

The plate acts as the base of your skate and plays a major role in performance. Nylon plates are lightweight, flexible, and more affordable, great for kids or casual users. Aluminium plates are stiffer and sturdier, giving better energy transfer and responsiveness, ideal for intermediate to advanced skaters. Fibreglass plates give you a solid mix of strength and lightweight design.

Trucks connect your wheels to the plate and come in single or double-action designs. Single-action is easier for beginners, while double-action trucks offer more precise turns and control. You’ll also want to check the cushions (or bushings) that sit inside the trucks, softer ones make turning easier, while harder ones add stability.

Wheels

Wheel diameter and hardness affect every aspect of your ride. Larger wheels (60–65mm) give better roll time and are great for cruising, while smaller wheels (54–59mm) are nimbler and work well for tricks and dance moves. The width of the wheel also affects grip, wider wheels are more stable, while narrow ones allow for quick direction changes.

Durometer tells you how hard your wheels are. Soft wheels (78A–82A) are grippy and absorb shock, making them perfect for outdoor skating. Medium (84A–94A) suits indoor/outdoor use and is a solid all-rounder. Hard wheels (95A+) offer speed and slide for skate parks and smooth indoor floors.

Some wheels are specifically shaped for different styles, conical for agility, rounded edges for smooth transitions, and flat-edged for maximum grip. Make sure to choose based on where and how you’ll skate most.

Bearings, Toe Stops & Extras

Bearings sit in the core of each wheel and are crucial for smooth movement. ABEC ratings give you a rough idea of precision, but don’t obsess over high numbers, ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 is more than enough for most skaters. Clean, well-lubricated bearings perform better than fancy ones left unmaintained.

Toe stops come in two main types: bolt-on (fixed) and adjustable. Bolt-on is simpler and works well for beginners. Adjustable toe stops can be customised for your skating style, great for park or dance use. Some skaters swap toe stops for jam plugs, which are lower profile and ideal for spins and fancy footwork.

Other extras to consider include:

• Reinforced toe caps (for extra boot protection)
• Shock-absorbing insoles (for comfort on impact)
• Ventilated liners or moisture-wicking materials (for long sessions)
• Replaceable parts like sliders, plates, and trucks (to extend skate life)

These little upgrades can really improve performance and make your skates last longer. Check out our parts guide for more information. Coming soon

Picking the Right Skates for Your Style

Just Starting Out?

If you’re new to skating, comfort and control are your top priorities. Look for skates with high-top soft boots for ankle support, softer wheels for more grip, and a stable nylon or fibreglass plate. You want a setup that builds your confidence with every stride and helps you focus on learning, not wobbling.

Shopping for Kids?

Kids grow fast, so adjustable skates that span multiple shoe sizes are a smart buy. Lightweight builds make skating more fun and less tiring. Go for vibrant colours and playful designs to keep them excited about putting their skates on. Durability matters too, reinforced toes and solid plates can handle the bumps and scrapes of learning.

Love to Dance?

Rhythm and dance skating call for a specific setup: heeled boots for better posture and balance, medium wheels with a bit of give for smooth gliding, and jam plugs instead of toe stops. You’ll want boots that are snug but flexible to allow clean footwork and spins, with a plate that supports quick transitions.

Hitting the Skate Park?

Park skating needs gear that’s built to take a beating. Hard-shell boots with strong ankle support and aluminium plates offer the stability and durability you need for tricks and drops. Look for skates with hard wheels and grind-friendly designs, some even come with slide blocks. Make sure the toe stops are adjustable and replaceable, as they’ll wear down quickly with hard use.

Want a Bit of Everything?

If you plan to skate indoors and outdoors, casually and with flair, you’ll want a true all-rounder. Go for a supportive boot (soft or semi-soft), medium durometer wheels (around 85A–90A), and a lightweight but sturdy plate. You can always swap wheels or toe stops later, so versatility is key here.

Smart Buying Tips

• Looks are fun, but function is more important, check the materials!
• If the wheels aren’t made of urethane, steer clear. That’s toy territory.
• Sizing varies by brand, so measure your feet and double-check their chart.
• Most skates need a few tweaks out of the box, like tightening bolts or adjusting the toe stop.
• You don’t need to spend loads to get a solid pair of skates. There are great options at every price point.

FAQs About Quad Skates

Below you'll find answers to the most common questions skaters ask, whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your gear.

Do I need special socks or insoles? Not unless you want them, but thicker socks can help with comfort or snugness.

Can I change my wheels or toe stops? Absolutely. Swapping parts is easy and a great way to get more out of your skates.

Can adults learn to skate easily? Totally. Quad skates are one of the best ways to start skating at any age.

Are all skates suitable for outdoors? If they’ve got soft wheels (look for durometer ratings around 78A–82A), they’ll be good to go on pavements and paths.

What’s the most important thing to look for? Comfort. If they feel right on your feet, everything else becomes easier.

How do I choose the right roller skates for my needs? Think about how you want to skate, indoors or outdoors, for fun, fitness, or tricks, and choose skates that match. Comfort and support come first, then style and features.

What's the difference between indoor and outdoor roller skates? It’s all in the wheels. Indoor skates have harder wheels that are perfect for smooth floors, while outdoor skates use softer wheels to absorb bumps and cracks in the pavement.

How should roller skates fit? They should fit snugly but not painfully tight. Your foot shouldn’t slide around, but you should be able to wiggle your toes. A good fit helps you skate with more control and comfort.

Can I use the same skates for both indoor and outdoor skating? Yes, just swap the wheels. Many skaters keep two sets of wheels: one soft set for outdoors and one harder set for indoor use.

What safety gear should I wear? Always wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. Even confident skaters fall, gear keeps you protected.

How do I maintain roller skates? Tighten the bolts regularly, clean and lubricate your bearings, check your toe stops, and replace parts as needed. Taking care of your skates helps them last longer.

Are there different skates for different styles of skating? Absolutely. Dance, park, derby, fitness, each has its own style of boot, wheels, and setup. Pick one based on how you plan to skate most.

What does wheel hardness (durometer) really mean? It affects how grippy or slippy your wheels are. Lower numbers = softer and grippier (great for outdoor). Higher numbers = harder and faster (best for smooth indoor surfaces).

Can I customise my roller skates? Yes! You can change wheels, bearings, toe stops, laces, and even the boot colour or overlays. Skaters often personalise their gear.

Is roller skating good exercise? Definitely. It’s a full-body workout that boosts your balance, builds muscle, and burns calories, all while having fun!

Buying your first pair of quad skates doesn’t have to be confusing. Focus on what you want out of skating, fun, fitness, flow, freedom, and choose something that fits you well and suits your goals.

Need more help?

• Roller Skates vs Inline Skates
• Quad Roller Skate Maintenance Guide
• [Skating Safety Gear] coming soon
• Quad Roller Skate Parts Guide