You've tried roller skating at a rink, you've watched countless videos of people flowing effortlessly around hardwood floors, and now you're ready to take the plunge and buy your own pair of quad skates. Congratulations — you're about to join one of the most welcoming communities in the UK.
But here's the thing: choosing your first pair of quad skates can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of brands, hundreds of models, and a whole vocabulary of technical terms that might as well be a foreign language. Boot or shoe? Aluminum or nylon plate? 62mm or 78mm wheels? ABEC 7 or Swiss bearings?
Don't panic. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to find the perfect pair of quad skates for your journey — whether you're planning to cruise around your local park, learn to jam, hit the derby track, or simply find your feet and see where skating takes you.
Why Quad Skates Are Having Their Moment
Before we dive into the technical details, let's talk about why now is such a brilliant time to get into quad skating — and particularly why investing in your own skates is worth it.
We've all been there: turning up to a rink in rental skates that are held together by sheer determination, laces that won't stay tied, and wheels that haven't been changed since the Blair government. Rental skates exist to be functional, not comfortable. They're a gateway, not a destination.
Your own pair of quad skates transform the experience. When your skates fit properly, when the wheels spin smoothly, when the boot actually supports your ankle — skating goes from "this is trickier than I expected" to "I could do this forever." And the UK scene in 2026 is absolutely thriving. From sold-out roller disco nights to community skates in every major city, there's never been a better time to be a quad skater in Britain.
Beyond the social scene, quad skating is genuinely excellent exercise. It works your core, your legs, your balance, and — crucially — your mental health. There's something uniquely freeing about moving on eight wheels, feeling the rhythm of the music, being part of a community that celebrates joy over competition.
So yes, buying your own skates is an investment. But it's an investment in hundreds of hours of movement, connection, and genuine fun. Worth it.
Types of Quad Skates: Finding Your Fit
Not all quad skates are created equal. Different styles are designed for different activities, and choosing the right type for your intended use makes a enormous difference to your experience. Here's the breakdown.
Recreational / General Purpose Skates
These are the most versatile option and the best starting point for most beginners. Recreational skates are designed for comfort and all-around use — perfect for rink sessions, casual outdoor skating, and learning the fundamentals. They typically feature a sturdy boot with good ankle support, a reliable plate, and wheels designed to handle both indoor and light outdoor skating.
Best for: Complete beginners, casual rink skating, beginners exploring different styles
UK examples: Rookie Classic, Rio Roller Rainmaker, Sure-Grip Boardwalk
Jam Skates
Jam skates are built for rhythm and movement. They're lighter and more flexible than recreational skates, with a lower cut around the ankle that allows for greater liberdade of movement. The name comes from "jam skating" — a style of artistic roller skating focused on footwork, spins, and flowing movements to music. Jam skates typically feature a sleek, often suede or synthetic upper, and are designed for indoor use on smooth rink surfaces.
Best for: Rhythm skating, artistic expression, jam sessions, dance-style rink skating
UK examples: Bont QuadStar, Moxi Lolly (can be configured as jam), Riedell 495
Roller Derby Skates
Roller derby skates are built for speed, agility, and impact. They're designed to handle the demands of a full-contact team sport — quick direction changes, powerful stops, and the ability to take a knock without falling apart. Derby boots are typically higher-cut for ankle protection, plates are often aluminum for durability and responsiveness, and wheels are chosen for grip and slide control on indoor tracks.
Best for: Roller derby players, experienced skaters looking for performance, anyone who wants maximum control
UK examples: Bont Prodigy, Riedell 660, Sure-Grip Malicious
Artistic / Dance Skates
Artistic quad skates are designed for figure skating, freestyle dancing, and competitive artistic routines. They feature a tall boot providing maximum ankle support, specialized toe stops designed for artistic moves, and plates engineered for precision and control. These are the skates you'll see in professional artistic roller skating competitions.
Best for: Artistic roller skating, figure skating on roller skates, competitive_expression
UK examples: Edea Piano, Riedell 172, Golden Age Star
Outdoor Skates
Outdoor skates are specifically designed to handle the varied surfaces you'll encounter outside — pavement, concrete, asphalt, and boardwalks. They typically come with larger wheels (78-84mm) that roll over cracks and debris more easily, softer wheel durometers (the hardness of the wheel) for better grip on rough surfaces, and often feature more robust boots with better ankle support for the unpredictable nature of outdoor skating.
Best for: Cruising around town, beach walks, community skates, exploring outdoors
UK examples: Sure-Grip Rock GT-50, Moxi Rainbow Rider (if you want to keep your outdoor skates separate)
Pro tip: Many skaters buy a second set of wheels for outdoor use rather than separate skates entirely. It's a cost-effective approach if you mainly skate indoors but want the option to head outside.
Key Features: What Actually Matters
Now that you understand the different types of quad skates, let's break down the components that actually make up a skate. Understanding these basics helps you make an informed decision — and tells you what you might want to upgrade later.
Boot Material
The boot is the part of the skate that holds your foot. Material choice affects comfort, support, durability, and price.
Synthetic / Patent Vinyl: The most common material for beginner and intermediate skates. Synthetic boots are durable, easy to clean, and generally affordable. They hold their shape well and can handle regular use. Rookie and many Rio Roller skates use high-quality synthetics that look great and last.
Leather (Real or Suede): A step up in terms of comfort and durability. Leather boots mould to your feet over time, creating a custom-like fit. They're more expensive but can last years with proper care. Moxi, Bont, and Riedell are known for excellent leather construction.
Canvas / Textile: Lightweight and breathable, canvas skates are popular in the US but less common in the UK. They're comfortable in warm weather but offer less structural support than synthetic or leather options.
Our recommendation for beginners: Start with a quality synthetic boot. You get excellent performance at a reasonable price, and you can upgrade to leather later once you're sure skating is for you.
The Plate
The plate is the metal or nylon assembly that holds the wheels. It connects to the boot and determines how stable and responsive your skates feel.
Nylon / Composite Plates: Common on beginner and intermediate skates. Nylon plates are lightweight, affordable, and perfectly functional for recreational skating. They flex slightly, which some skaters find more comfortable. The downside is they can warp over time with heavy use.
Aluminum Plates: The upgrade path. Aluminum plates are more rigid, more durable, and offer better energy transfer when you push. They're standard on derby skates and higher-end recreational skates. If you're planning to skate regularly or want your skates to last, aluminum is worth the extra investment.
Trinity / Adjustable Mounting: Some premium plates (like Bont's Trinity mounting) offer three mounting points instead of two, providing greater stability and adjustability. It's a professional feature that you don't need as a beginner but may appreciate as you progress.
Our recommendation: For your first pair, don't overthink the plate. Most quality beginner skates come with a perfectly serviceable nylon plate. Upgrade to aluminum when you're ready — or when your skills outgrow your current setup.
Wheels
Wheels are where the rubber meets the road — and they're more important than most beginners realize. Wheel choice dramatically affects how your skates feel.
Size (Diameter): Measured in millimetres (mm). Larger wheels (78-84mm) roll faster and smooth out rough surfaces better, but take more effort to accelerate. Smaller wheels (62-70mm) are quicker to accelerate and more maneuverable, but more affected by surface imperfections. For recreational outdoor skating, go larger. For indoor rink skating, smaller is common.
Hardness (Durometer): Rated on the "A" scale — higher numbers mean harder wheels. Soft wheels (78A-82A) provide more grip and a smoother ride on rough surfaces. Hard wheels (84A-101A) slide more and roll faster on smooth surfaces. Indoor rink wheels are typically 92A-98A. Outdoor wheels are usually 78A-82A.
Shape: Most quad skate wheels are cylindrical with rounded edges (beveled). Some wheels have a specific profile designed for artistic or derby use. As a beginner, don't obsess about wheel shape — stick with the wheels that come with your skates and explore other options later.
Our recommendation: Use what comes with your skates until you have a reason to change. If you're planning to skate indoors and outdoors, consider getting a second set of wheels rather than trying to find one wheel that does everything.
Bearings
Bearings sit inside the wheels and allow them to spin. They have a huge impact on how smoothly your skates roll.
ABEC Ratings: You may see bearings labeled ABEC 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. Higher numbers (within a given brand) mean tighter manufacturing tolerances and potentially smoother spinning. However, ABEC ratings were designed for industrial machinery — not specifically for skate bearings — so treat them as a rough guide rather than a definitive quality measure.
Swiss Bearings: Higher quality than standard ABEC bearings, often with better materials and construction. Common on mid-range and premium skates.
Ceramic Bearings: The premium option. Ceramic bearings are lighter, smoother, and more durable than steel. They're also significantly more expensive. Most beginners don't need ceramic.
Our recommendation: Standard ABEC 7 bearings are more than adequate for beginners. If you upgrade, Swiss bearings are a worthwhile step up. Don't spend money on ceramic bearings until you're skating regularly and know what you're looking for.
Toe Stops
Toe stops are the rubber pads at the front of the skate that you use for braking and tricks. Most recreational skates come with standard toe stops that are perfectly adequate. Some skaters upgrade to adjustable toe stops (like Bont's Clicker) or different shapes for specific activities.
Budget Tiers: What to Buy at Each Price Point
Let's be realistic: you probably don't want to spend £300 on your first pair of skates when you're not even sure you'll stick with it. Here's a breakdown of what you get at each price tier in the UK market, with specific brand recommendations.
Under £50: The Budget Zone
Honestly? We recommend being careful here. The very cheapest skates often have poor-quality components that will frustrate you and potentially put you off skating entirely. That said, a few options exist:
- Decathlon Oxelo — Available from around £35-£45. Functional for occasional use but not built for regular skating. Wheels are typically hard and unforgiving, plates are basic.
- Budget Be-You / Unbranded Options — Occasionally available on Amazon or eBay. Quality is variable at best. Proceed with caution.
Our honest take: Save up another £20-£30 if you can. The difference between a £40 skate and an £80 skate is enormous. Your feet (and your enjoyment) will thank you.
£50-£100: The Sweet Spot for Beginners
This is where you'll find the best value for most new skaters. Quality components, reasonable durability, and genuine enjoyment. These are our top recommendations:
- Rookie Classic (£65-£80) — Excellent beginner skate. Comfortable boots, reliable components, and at this price, you really can't go wrong. Available from SkateHut and other UK retailers.
- Rio Roller Rainmaker (£75-£90) — A favourite in the UK skate community. Great boot style, solid plates, and good wheels out of the box. The classic figure-style boot looks brilliant.
- Sure-Grip Boardwalk (£80-£100) — A proper US classic that works beautifully in the UK. Suede boot (yes, really, at this price), aluminum plates, and that timeless look. A slight step up from the Rookie in quality.
- Rookie Articulate (£85-£95) — Rookie stepped up their game with the Articulate. Better heel lock, improved comfort, and suitable for outdoor use. Great all-rounder.
£100-£200: The Enthusiast Tier
When you're ready to invest a bit more — or when you've upgraded from your first pair and want something that will really last.
- Moxi Beach Bunny (£140-£160) — The boot that launched a thousand skaters. Suede boot that moulds to your feet, aluminum plates, and that unmistakable style. Worth every penny. Available from Roller Girl Gang and other UK stockists.
- Moxi Rainbow Rider (£150-£175) — Designed for outdoor use with larger wheels and more ground clearance. The boot is similar to the Beach Bunny but built for the pavement.
- Sure-Grip Fame (£130-£150) — A great option if you want a slightly narrower fit than the Moxi offers. Good quality suede boot, reliable performance.
- Riedell 111 (£140-£160) — A proper recreational skate with excellent durability. Not as flashy as some alternatives, but built to last.
- Bont QuadStar (£160-£180) — A jam-style skate with incredible lightweight performance. If you're interested in rhythm or artistic skating, this is a brilliant choice.
£200+: The Premium Zone
These are skates for people who know they love skating — or who want the absolute best foundation for learning.
- Moxi Lolly (£200-£230) — The most popular premium beginner skate for good reason. Perfect suede boot, incredible feel, looks stunning. An investment that pays off in comfort and enjoyment.
- Bont Prodigy (£240-£260) — A derby-ready boot with all the features. Heat-moldable for a custom fit, aluminum plates, the works. If you might try derby, this is your skate.
- Riedell 495 / 172 (£250-£300) — Artistic classics. If you're serious about artistic roller skating, these are the boots professionals use. Expect to buy the plate separately.
- Edea Skates (£280-£400) — The Italian luxury option. Beautiful boots, incredible performance, and that distinctive sound (Edea boots have a distinctive "click" when you walk). A favourite among competitive artistic skaters.
The honest truth about buying expensive skates first: There's no shame in starting with a budget-friendly option. Many of the best skaters in the UK started on Rio Rollers or Rookies. The skate doesn't make the skater — practice does. That said, if you have the budget and you're 100% committed, stepping up to a Moxi Lolly or similar premium boot is a genuinely wonderful experience.
Where to Buy Quad Skates in the UK
One advantage of the UK skating boom is that buying skates has never been easier. Here's where to look:
Specialist Skate Shops (Online)
- SkateHut — The big one. Massive range, competitive prices, fast delivery across the UK. Good customer service if you have questions about sizing.
- Roller Girl Gang — UK-based with excellent customer service. They really know their stuff and can help with sizing. Great for Moxi and premium brands.
- Skates.co.uk — Established UK skate shop with good range and knowledgeable staff.
- RollerZone UK — Specialist quad skate retailer with good stocks of harder-to-find brands.
Marketplaces
- Amazon — Convenient, but be careful about seller authenticity. Only buy from established skate retailers, not third-party sellers with no reviews.
- eBay — Good for second-hand skates if you know what to look for. Can find bargains, but know your sizing and brand to avoid getting burned.
Local Skate Shops
If you can visit a physical shop, it's worth it. Being fitted properly makes an enormous difference. Some UK cities with dedicated skate shops:
- London — Several options, including SkateHut's physical store
- Bristol — No Future (Stokes Croft) has quad skate stock
- Manchester — Good range of skate shops in the Northern Quarter area
Pre-Owned Options
The UK quad skating community is active on Facebook Marketplace and dedicated groups like "UK Roller Skates Buy / Sell / Swap." You can find excellent deals on lightly-used skates. Just make sure you know the seller's sizing and check the boot and plate condition carefully before buying.
Sizing: Getting the Right Fit
This is where many new skaters go wrong — and it makes or breaks the experience. Here's how to size your quad skates properly.
General Sizing Rules
- Skates run SMALL. In general, go up half to a full size from your regular shoe size.
- Your toes should JUST touch the front when the skate is unlaced. Not curled, not cramped — just touching.
- With laces done up, there should be no gaps at the top of the foot. You want a snug fit across the instep.
- Heel lock is crucial. When you tighten the laces, your heel should not lift more than 2-3mm inside the boot. If it lifts more, the skates are too big.
- Width matters. Some brands (Riedell, Bont) run narrower. Some (Moxi) run wider. If you have wide feet, try Moxi. If you have narrow feet, Bont or Riedell may suit better.
Brand-Specific Notes (UK Sizing)
- Rookie — Generally true to size but with a slightly wider fit
- Rio Roller — True to size, good for average-width feet
- Moxi (Lolly, Beach Bunny) — Run about half a size large, but narrow in the toe. If between sizes, size down.
- Sure-Grip — Generally true to size
- Bont — Run small and narrow. Size up.
- Riedell — Traditional sizing, go up half a size from street shoes
The Break-In Period
Here's the honest truth: most new skates need a break-in period. Even the most comfortable boots might feel slightly stiff or tight for the first few sessions. This is normal. The suede on Moxi skates, for example, moulds to your feet over time, creating a custom fit that's incredibly comfortable.
If blisters happen (they happen to everyone), use blister plasters, keep skating, and know that it gets better. If your feet are genuinely painful after several sessions, you may have sizing issues — reach out to a specialist retailer for advice.
Essential Extras
A few things worth buying alongside your first pair of skates:
- Tool kit — A skate tool (available from any skate shop for £5-£15) lets you adjust wheel positions and tighten bolts. Essential.
- Toe stop washers — Little nylon washers that stop your toe stops from wearing through the plate. Cheap and useful.
- Protective gear — At minimum, wrist guards. Knee and elbow pads are essential for outdoor skating. Helmet is recommended for beginners on any surface.
- Socks — Thicker than you'd think. Athletic socks that come up above the boot line.
- Wheel brush — Keeps your bearings running smoothly
Ready to Roll?
Congratulations — you now know more about quad skates than most people ever will. You're ready to make an informed decision and find the perfect pair for your skating journey.
Remember: the "best" skate is the one you'll actually use. Whether that's a £65 Rookie Classic or a £250 Moxi Lolly, what matters is that you get out there and skate.
The UK roller skating community is waiting for you. Whether you're planning to hit the rinks in London, join a community skate in Bristol, explore the parks in Manchester, or anywhere in between — there's a place for you on eight wheels.
Need help? Want recommendations specific to your situation? Drop us a message on our community page — we're always happy to point beginners in the right direction.
And if you want to stay in the loop about UK skating events, new posts like this, and everything else happening in the scene, subscribe to our newsletter. We'll send you monthly updates on what's happening across the UK skating world.
Happy skating — we'll see you out there.