The Best Roller Skates and Roller Blades for Kids Who Need to Move

For your future derby star, these quad skates are tailor-made for the beginner. A padded collar is more comfortable, while a power strap above the ankle provides confidence-building stability. Soft, grippy wheels and quicksilver bearings will have him of her tearing up the track in no time.

These skates may not be the fastest, nor will the provide the most support. But for the true beginner who's growing like a weed, the Trolls roller skates provide a key feature: adjustability. They expand out with the growth of your son or daughter's foot, allowing him or her to wear them longer, thus saving you from hemorrhaging money.

Perfect starter skates for little kids, these go up four sizes when you twist a lever. Because they have no shoelaces, they're easier for younger kids to manage. The ankle support is solid, and these can be used indoors or outside.

Not only does this skate adjust four full sizes when you push a button, but these are the most solid beginner skates you can buy, made by the brand that has been outfitting skaters since 1905. The high-top style gives kids added stability. The padded collar is for comfort. And the breathable inner mesh prevents foot sweat. The tow ratchet buckles ensure a better and secure fit.

These classically cool skates feature an athletic-style boot with a padded ankle collar; the lace and Velcro closures make adjusting the fit easy. The wheels are oversized for extra stability.

Subtle, they're not. And yet these are truly standout skates, because of the reinforced boot and dual front brakes for easy stops. Plus, the skates can be used indoors or outdoors. You just push a button to adjust the sizing for growing feet.

The Moxi brand is considered pretty much best in class, which is no surprise given that it was founded in 2008 by roller skater Michelle Steilen a.k.a. Estro Jen. And yes, they're an investment, so buy them if your kid is a fan of the sport. Here's what you get: An inner liner that is made from moisture-wicking Dri-Lex that keeps feet cool, a rolled collar that boosts range of motion, and metal hooks for ultra-tight lacing. The wheels are made from high-rebound urethane, so they're ideal for getting around sharp turns with panache. And the ride is the smoothest in the biz. Plus, you get PowerDyne toe stoppers for easy braking control.

How absolutely cool are these skates? Perfect marriage of form and function. They lace up for a simple fit, and have additional ankle padding and a curved collar for extra support and comfort. They can be used indoors or out.

This hardy but cute Aussie brand makes vegan skates with metal speed lace eyelets, aluminum alloy trucks and baseplate, and ABEC 7 bearings. Meaning, you get a fast, balanced, and very smooth ride.

If your kid feels the need, the need for speed, these are skates you want to consider. They have a sneaker-style boot, meaning, your kid can go faster. They're a good fit for anyone experienced enough to try skating tricks, or just wanting to go fast(er).

These look like figure skates. They lace up like figure skates. They fit like figure skates. You get the idea here. They ABEC-5 bearings and a Carrera toe stop, meaning great stability, balance, and stopping. They're for indoor use only.

Impala is an Australian brand that's dedicated to bringing back a love of skating. And these retro-feeling skates are pretty dreamy. The upper is PVC, the wheels are colorful and roll smoothly. You can use these indoors or out.

These too have adjustable sizing; you just push a button to adjust it up to four sizes. This particular style is ideal for casual and recreational inline skating. And they can be used indoors or outside.

The cool thing about these roller blades: Kids can go somewhat faster, without having to put in the effort. That's because of how the wheels are designed. The boot design gives them extra foot support and balance, and the easy closure system ensures that their ankles aren't wiggling around.

If these look a little like ski boots, that's no accident. They provide truly solid ankle support. Kids don't need to break them in, and they have adjustable straps and pull tab for a great fit. The padded boot liner is breathable and there's an optional heel brake. They're best for kids who have already earned their sea legs on actual roller skates.

Like Frisbee or Polaroid, some brands are so important that their name is synonymous with product itself. Rollerblade's Microblade draws on the company's long history with inline skate advancement. These are adjustable four full sizes with push of a button but remain incredibly breathable through the liberal use of mesh.

For those to whom summer is just prep for the next hockey season, the Code 9.1 will feed the breakaway. With increased ankle support and padding to protect from the errant poke check, these will help your son or daughter reach the playoffs.

Expanding from size four to seven, the Orlando feels and performs the best of any adjustable skate we tested. True, it will never be as responsive as non-adjustable models, but for kids on the cusp of a growth spurt, it will keep them skating and you from the poorhouse.