5 Best Roller Skates For Smooth Cruising This Summer, According To Expert Reviews

Whether you're channeling your inner disco queen or carving up a skate park, finding the right pair of roller skates is key to a smooth and enjoyable ride. But with a dazzling array of choices available, from classic quads to trendy inline skates, navigating the world of roller skates can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you roll into the perfect pair! We'll explore the different types of roller skates, their ideal uses, essential features to consider, and top brands known for quality and comfort. So, lace up and get ready to discover the best roller skates to match your personal style and skating goals – from cruising the boardwalk to mastering those fancy tricks! EdNews did the research for you, putting together a list of the five best roller skates after finding the consensus picks across 10 expert rankings. Let us know which pair you're planning to purchase in the comments below!

1. Moxi Skates Lolly Roller Skates

This brand is well-known for its eye-catching styles and smooth performance. The Strategist ranks these skates at the top of their list and writes that “roller-skating blogger Kaci Bell agrees that the Lollys are more than capable of handling the rough pavement you’ll encounter skating outdoors. RousHer also likes the Lollys, adding that the skates’ suede boots ‘feel so comfortable as soon as you put your foot into them.' And skater Marician Dedeaux Brown notes that while ‘they are definitely an investment, they are worth the money.' Because the Lolly skates as is are designed for street skating and can handle ramps, cracks, and concrete, Heiden suggests buying an extra set of wheels if you want to use them for indoor skating.”

Do note that these cost a pretty penny. For the casual skater, you may not want to invest in something this expensive. According to Roller Girl Gang, “You should also know where you can use them and probably how you are going to use them. The Moxi Lolly was the first roller skate released by Moxi, and it is truly a joy.”

This brand was founded by Michelle Steilen (a.k.a Estro Jen) and manufactured by Riedell, one of the oldest skate producers in the U.S. It's safe to say that they know what they're doing when it comes to designing skates (The Verge). Moxi Skates are also handmade in the United States and come in a variety of colors.

2. Moxi Skates Beach Bunny Roller Skates

The New York Post ranks the Beach Bunny model skates at number two. “Be you on the boardwalk at the beach or in the roller rink, the Beach Bunny skates from Moxi Skate come highly recommended for all levels. The removable toe caps and adjustable toe-stop are also features to note for a fully customized and comfortable feel.”

Just like our number one pick, this is another style from Maxi that is super stylish while still being functional. “Are Moxi skates worth it? Absolutely! I believe that Moxi offers the best roller skates for beginners! I have Moxi Beach Bunny Skates for my outdoor skates (and I also use them indoors but I change out to set of good indoor wheels),” says a reviewer at Boardwalk Skater. “The boots are firm, high quality & well padded around the ankle and on the tongue. The base plates are alloy and the wheels are super gummy/grippy. The Beach Bunnies are on the lower price end of Moxi’s Roller Skate line.”

Amateur skaters can't go wrong with the Beach Bunnies. “They have all the durability and support of many higher-priced skates. The Beach Bunny skates are versatile enough for basic outdoor skating, too,” adds The Strategist. These skates do well indoors and can even withstand some outdoor terrain. Overall, they're perfect for beginners!

3. Moxi Skates Rainbow Riders

I swear this is not a fan page for Moxi Skates. They just happen to be highly-rated across the expert-ranked lists that we looked at. Big Wheel Blading says, “the Moxi Rainbow Rider is an excellent quality and affordable skate for your teenager just getting into skating. These casual high-top beginner skates come in three fun rainbow colorways made of drum-dyed vinyl that resists fading and scratching. They have a high-impact Die-cast aluminum plate with strong metal trucks for optimal support and durability. The Moxi Rainbow Rider comes with 58mm x 40mm outdoor wheels and ABEC 5 bearings that are suitable for outdoor and indoor skating.”

Want to add some flair to your cruising? “Two of our experts recommended Moxi’s newest skates, the Rainbow Riders, as an even less expensive pair that’s great for beginners. They have ‘adjustable toe-stops and a colorful design' that made roller skater Toni Bravo ‘feel like a star' the first time she stepped into them,” writes The Strategist. “Moore agrees: ‘These are a great go-to, no-sweat skate for basic cruising and beginner jam skating.' (Given how affordable they are, springing for a set of indoor wheels shouldn’t set you back too much more.)”

Plus, they have a few different styles to choose from to be tailored to your individual aesthetic. “These awesome skates look super cool, and are very well reviewed. We like the black color option the best, but there are also yellow and pink options to choose from. Reviewers are noted that the size is true to form, so you won’t have to order a size up or down. We loved the retro vibe of these skates, and we know you’ll love them too,” raves Stoked Ride Shop. 

4. Impala Quad Roller Skates

The Verge approves of these skates. Why? “Like Beach Bunny skates, Impalas come in a variety of stylish colors and patterns (lime green and leopard make for some particularly wild options) and can be used at the rink or outside without changing wheels. But unlike the Beach Bunny, these come at an even more accessible price point,” they write in their review.

Why not be the best skater and look good while doing it? “Impala’s Roller Skates are comfortable, versatile, and beginner-friendly. And did we mention they’re incredibly cute, too? And since they’re cushioned with ample padding, they should give you that snug, comfortable fit you’re looking for,” writes Byrdie. “The skates come equipped with versatile indoor/outdoor wheels, so you can take them just about anywhere. Snag the skates in a fun floral or plaid pattern, or stick with one of Impala’s classic pastel colorways. Either way, you’re in for a treat.”

This is another brand that thrives on creating a vintage look. “The Impala brand is all about retro skate vibes and the boot comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you're bound to find a look you like. In particular, the Impala Quad Skate has a PETA-approved vegan boot, an aluminum plate, toe stop, and hybrid 82A wheels. Mousessian recommends Impalas for beginners,” notes Insider. 

5. Sure-Grip Stardust Roller Skates

Do you want your toes to be sparkling as you fly by? This is the pair for you. According to Rolling Stone, “these supremely sparkly skates feature a nylon plate, wood heel, and durable wheels that can be used indoors at the rink or even outdoors. They can also hold up to tough training and learning new tricks, with sturdy, soft lining inside. This pair is completely free of leather or animal-made materials, with a hard vinyl body that fits fine once it’s broken in.”

You can get these in black, blue, or pink glitter. “Even though the Fames are suitable for spinning and turning, if you’re really looking to bust a move, RousHer suggests Sure-Grip’s funkier Stardust skates, which feature a glitter boot (also available in black, gold, blue, or pink) with a groovy ‘70s roller-disco vibe to match your dance routine,” writes The Verge. “RousHer adds, ‘The boots are vegan, and the skate comes with adjustable toe stops.' The Stardust also comes with harder, smaller wheels that make executing dance moves (such as turning and gliding) even easier.”

And they're affordable! “For a cheaper pair of skates (that comes with wheels) you can rhythm skate in, RousHer suggests Sure-Grip’s funkier Stardust skates. The Stardust skates also come with harder, smaller wheels that make executing dance moves, such as turning and gliding, easier and faster,” says The Strategist. 

Sources used to create our list:

• The Strategist
• Byrdie
• Boardwalk Skater
• Insider
• Stoked Ride Shop
• New York Post
• Rolling Stone
• The Verge
• Big Wheel Blading
• Roller Girl Gang

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.