It’s the age-old question that has stumped parents around the world for generations - Inline v roller skates, which is better for my child? Both have their pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference - but which one is best? In this blog post, we'll explore the different benefits of each type of skate that will help you make an informed decision.
Are roller skates the best choice for your child?
Roller skates are the classic choice when it comes to skating. They've been around for centuries, and they're still just as popular today as they ever were. The first recorded use of roller skates was in London in the 1760s, however, it wasn’t until 100 years later that the modern ‘two-by-two’ skate design was patented in New York (1863).
There's just something about roller skating that gets everyone excited. Maybe it's the fun of cruising around on four wheels, or the thrill of testing your balance and coordination. Whatever the reason, skating is an experience that has been appreciated by people of all ages for centuries.
The biggest advantage of roller skates (apart from the power of nostalgia) is that they are far more maneuverable than inline skates and are brilliant for busting out some groovy dance moves. This makes them perfect for figure skating, as you can quickly change directions and maintain your balance.
Roller skates are also known as ‘quad skates’ and they are great for those who want to move forwards, backwards and side-to-side with ease.
Pros
- Better for tricks and dance moves (the reason artistic skates are quads).
- Greater agility due to them being ‘shorter’ in length (wheelbase) than inline skates.
Cons
- Slower than inline skates due to the width of the wheels (they cover a larger area of floor surface which comes with resistance and drag).
- Slightly more difficult to turn corners in that inline skates.
Would your child be better on inline skates?
Inline skates, also known as blades, were invented in the early 1800s but didn't gain widespread popularity until the 1990s. They feature a boot (or shoe) with three to five wheels arranged in a line - hence the name ‘inline’ skates.
Because inline skates are a lot faster than quad skates - and can reach some pretty high speeds - it can be exhilarating for experienced skaters. They have a much higher wheel, which means you can go faster and make tight turns with ease. However, they can be more difficult to stop than roller skates.
Once your child masters inline skating, they'll be able to skate faster and cover more ground than they ever could on roller skates. Inline skating is a great way for kids to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors.
Pros
- Greater speed as they have a much ‘higher’ wheel.
- They are lighter, stronger and more rigid than roller skates which also increases speed.
Cons
- A bit trickier to dance in.
- Harder to bring to a quick stop.
Put quite simply
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between roller skates and inline skates, it's all about what your child prefers.
The honest truth is that within 15 minutes of popping their skates on, your child will be able to skate - and they’re going to love it - regardless of what they have on their feet. Just let them follow their heart. If they have their heart set on roller skates, then let them have roller skates. If they lean more toward inline skates, then inline skates it is! The technical differences between the two styles is almost irrelevant compared to the joy your child will experience when they slide their foot into the skates of their dreams.
Skating in any type of skate is incredibly fun. But, if you're still undecided about whether inline skates or quad skates will be better for your child, why not let them try both and see which one they like best? So, come on down to Crazy Skates and let your child choose their perfect skates. Whichever type they prefer, we've got a great selection.
