NEW SKATES BUYING GUIDE

So you want to buy your first pair of skates but you don’t know where to start…

The first question:

Do you want to play roller derby, or be an on-skates official/referee for derby?

If your answer is yes, then seriously consider going for a derby style shoe. The main differences are that a derby boot has no heel or a very minimal one, and it is a ‘shoe style’ and not a ‘tall boot.’

Heeled skates ( boots) can shift your weight forward, making stability in derby and mobility a major problem. The second main difference is that derby boots are cut lower around the ankle for more range of motion and freedom of ankle movement required for derby maneuvering. Flat derby skates also allow for more power transfer from you to your wheels and faster acceleration – both things you’ll want for derby! Adjustable toe stops are pretty much a must if you want to progress in derby.

Wheels

Pay attention to the wheels that come stock on the skates. If your main intention is to play roller derby, and practise on the NIRD’s gym floor, you will want an indoor wheel. Indoor wheels are made to glide easily on a gym floor with high responsiveness. An outdoor wheel, however, is made for all-terrain and its job is to cut down the bumps/pebbles and give you a smoother ride so your brain doesnt shake and teeth dont chatter on ashphalt or trail bumps. An indoor wheel inside will feel like you are skating on glue, and an outdoor wheel outside will wear down VERY fast and make your teeth chatter.

Wheels have a hardness level. Tor our gym, an indoor wheel is good about 91-95a. for outdoors, a wheel is softer and better at 85a and tends to be a larger diamter to roll over bigger things like twigs and cracks in pavement. If in doubt, when purchasing new, tell the store you are skating on a wood floor that does well with a 91a-95a.

Side note – wheels are a preference. Some skaters like a stickier wheel, some like a slippery wheel.

If purchasing new, you can order wheels along side your skates, many skate shops will swap out/upgrade stock wheels for ones that will work for you. If purchasing used skates, you may have to purchase wheels separately.

Toe Stops

We always try to nudge people towards purchasing skates with adjustable toe stops if at all possible. This means the toe stop will extend down from the boot, there will be a visable screw that can extend them lower/higher from the booter, with an adustable nut to hold them in place. Non-adjustable toe stops cannot extend longer, can limit your roller derby play manuerability and safety, tend to be ‘slick,’ be less durable, and feel less safe for the movements you need to do in roller derby.

Our other suggestion is to always buy skates made by a reputable skate company. Skates found on Amazon or from fashion shops are made for fashion not function and though they may roll, they will not perform. It’s rather like buying a car that was designed by a plumber – it just doesn’t make sense.

What’s the best way to know which skate companies are reputable? Buy them from a reputable roller skate shop! We have 7 dedicated roller skate shops in Canada, all of which have shipping and most of them have excellent customer service. Check our list of Canadian skate shops and info about them. Look for the words ‘roller derby’ when shopping.

Our first suggestion is always rollergirl.ca as a Vancouver shop, their shipping time and end costs tend to be lower. Other Canadian shops carry different stock so don’t be shy to reach out to shops in other provinces if you can’t find what you’re looking for. (Nerd Roller Skates in Alberta is also a favorite).

I know there are so many choices out there and it can feel overwhelming when you’re first starting out so don’t be scared to lean into the community for help. We have an excellent group of people in the group who can share personal reviews and advice, so just ask if you have any questions!

Now all that’s left is to have fun and roll on!

Considering buying used? New and seasoned skaters alike can get some excellent deals on barely used gear if you’re keeping an eye out. Not sure what you’re looking for or if something you find is a good fit for you? Ask in our group and get some advice!  Note, these are all active FACEBOOK GROUPS.

PLACES TO SKATE IN THE COMOX VALLEY: