Rollerblading and skating have taken the world over by storm for decades now, with an unprecedented number of kids and adults investing in fashionable and ergonomic skates every other day. It has become an integral part of physical fitness and outdoor fun for people of all ages and backgrounds.
But if you are a beginner, buying the right roller skate shoes is of utmost importance, as it will determine how well you take to the sport and in what amount of time. You need to consider the size, shape, material, and many other essential elements before making an informed choice.
To help make the task considerably more manageable for you, here’s a quick list of some of the top aspects and features of skating shoes you should know about. The information on the list can enable you to understand the critical functions of these shoes and what parts you should focus on the most.
Primary types
An incredible labyrinth of characteristics and features makes up a proper, high-quality, and durable skating sneaker. To figure out the best one that can help you learn to roller skate like a pro, first understand the significant types available in the market.
Predominantly, there are three main types of sneakers that you should look at to determine the most suitable one for you. They are as follows.
- High-top sneakers – As their name suggests, these shoes are higher cut than regular ones, often ending right above the ankles. Such varieties offer maximum stability and padding, effectively keeping the feet warm. These are best suited for skating aficionados residing in cold weather conditions.
- Low-top sneakers – If you want a lightweight model to use every day, low-tops are the best sneakers to consider purchasing. Flat, standard types, these shoes may not offer the kind of ankle support high-top ones do. However, they have sufficient padding on the inside that cushions your feet exceptionally well.
- Mid-top sneakers – Not as high as high-cut sneakers but definitely higher than low-cut ones, mid-top skating shoes are the best way to settle for the best of the above models. They provide unmatched stability, excellent dampening, and ankle buttress.
Types of soles
How well you move in a pair of skate sneakers is ultimately determined by the type of soles on them. The following list can help you learn about the various sole types and which one you should most likely pick.
- Outsole – The outsoles of a skating shoe give stability, robust grip, and flexibility during use. They are fitted with air-pads and a range of other shock-absorbing materials to meet these criteria consistently.
- Insoles – These are meant solely to offer optimum comfort to the wearer. Branded manufacturers provide shoes with removable insoles, so you can easily replace them once they are worn out.
- Midsole – A midsole is the chief dampening provider of shoes, made mostly of heat-resistant plastic and other similar materials. Different brands use different components, making the midsole unique to each shoe.
- Cup soles vs. vulcanized soles – Cup soles are most often sewn into the shoes themselves, making them strong but somewhat heavier than usual. In contrast, vulcanized soles do not have additional seams and provide more agility.
Materials
Not all roller skate shoes are made of the same material, and you need to weigh your options very carefully to choose the best one. Some of the most popular choices include the following.
- Canvas – This is arguably the most popular leather-free textile used to make various shoes and not just skate sneakers. It is hugely sought-after due to different beneficial properties such as weather resistance, lightweight, breathability, and durability. It is an excellent choice for kids trying out roller skating for the first time.
- Leather – When it comes to leather material, know that there are various types ranging from patent leather to artificial ones. Although these are super thin, they may not be as durable as other robust materials.
- Suede – Most skate sneakers are made using suede because it is stretchable, durable, and remarkably tough. Basically, it is any leather material with a robust toughness.
- Vegan – Environmentally friendly skaters often opt for vegan shoes that do not use animal hide. Even the adhesives are water-based glues, ensuring the industry standards for vegan shoes are met precisely.
Proper fit
Remember that different brands depict shoe sizes differently, essentially causing a lot of confusion among first-time buyers. To know which size would best suit you, consider the size of your feet very carefully. For instance, consider investing in low-top models if you have small or narrow feet, as they would fit most snugly.
Similarly, narrow-cut sneakers are best for folks who have long and narrow feet, while wide-toe cap models are apt for people with wide feet. You can also check the cut of the shoes to determine the best fit.
