You’re a wide-footed roller skater. That’s why you’re researching the best roller skates for wide feet. In this post, I hold your hand through the often challenging process of selecting quad skates that fit even if you have wide, flat feet.
Also Read: Best Rollerskates of All Time
If you leave this place with a pair of comfy roller skates with lots of room for your wide forefoot, I’ll smile. Seriously.
The Sure-grip Boardwalk Lavender Roller Skates definitely fit wider feet and are probably the best skate for the money for most skaters. They look cool, fit great once it breaks in, are available in a bunch of nice colors, feature an adjustable toe stop, and come with really strong and supportive nylon plates and metal trucks. Bont skates and Jackson Vista Viper Nylon and a few other options that work for wide-footed roller skaters.
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List of 8 Best Roller Skates for Wide feet
1. Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Skates (Best Overall)
2. Jackson Vista Viper Nylon Outdoor Skate (Also Wide)
3. Sure-Grip GT50 Motion Outdoor Roller Skate (Fits Wide)
4. Bont Quadstar Roller Derby Skates (Also Wide-fitting)
5. Bont Prostar Roller Derby Quad Skates (the Vegan Pick)
6. Sure-Grip Rasta Mid-Top Roller Skates (Also Good)
7. VNLA Blackout Deluxe Roller Skate Boots
8. Riedell 265 Vandal Derby Roller Skates (not for the widest feet)
And here’s a…
Top-3 Wide-fit Roller Skates Comparison Table
- Fit tip: The Jackson Vista Roller Skates fit true to size. And if you’re between sizes, there are no half sizes, size down NOT up. These boots come in a roomy cut, and they work great for a wide-forefooted skater
- 62mm 78A soft Atom Pulse Lite wheels for outdoor skating
- Available in 10 nice colors
- Strong nylon plates
- Smooth-rolling Bionic ABEC 7 bearings
- Vegan-friendly, meaning the boot is made from faux suede, not real suede. May not hold up very well to constant skating
- These guys look really nice but do get toe protectors for them
- Fit tip for Bont Quadstars: Definitely size down for Bont roller skates. Bont roller skates fit noticeably differently from other skates. I strongly suggest that you use this Bont skate size chart. Don’t buy any Bont skate before measuring your feet and calculating the correct size using their official size chart. If you’re a size 7 in Riedell skates, for example, a size 6 in Bont Quadstar will probably give you a glove-like fit.
- Heat-moldable, which enables it to fit great around wider or even narrower ankles
- 20˚ Kingpin which is the sweet spot for agility and stability
- A lightweight but strong plate that supports even massive skaters
- A carbon-backed leather boot that lasts long
- Made by an Aussie skate company that’s been in the game for close to 50 years
- The boot may feel a little too tight at first, but the fit improves substantially after skating for a while
- These guys are what you want to wear if you want to pass the test and join the team. They’re probably the best Roller Derby skates out there. They’d also be a great bet for anyone who wants to do indoor speed skating.
- Fitting tip: These skates fit true to size. And if you’re between sizes, size up, or your toes won’t be very happy.
- A nice-looking suede boot that fits wide feet better than most
- Adjustable rubber stops: you can adjust the skates so you can make easier, smoother stops
- Aluminum trucks that support even 200+ pound skaters
- Available in Men’s sizes, size down 1 size if you’re female
- 57mm wheels that work great outdoors and indoors
- Made from traditional retro suede that’s nicely stitched to the soles and the two never separate
- Made in the US, which means something
- Available in at least 7 cute colors
- *Tip: if the roll feels a little too stiff, try loosening the trucks. That almost always helps.
- The suede feels a little too stiff around the ankle, initially, but wearing a pair of fluffy socks until the break-in phase ended solved the problem
It’s time to do a close examination to unravel what each of these wide-width roller skate recommendations adds up to.
1. Sure-Grip Lavender Boardwalk Outdoor Skates: Best Pick
Fit tip: Skates fit true to size. Buy your usual shoe size. If between sizes and you have wide feet, size up.
If you like roller skates with the classic retro feel without spending gobs of money, get the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Lavender Roller Skates. These cute guys fit wide feet nicely, but the fit may not feel awesome right out of the box. At least, that wasn’t what the experience was like for hubby when he skated with these for the first time.
Suede sure doesn’t offer as much give as faux or real leather, but it does stretch a little after skating in it for a while. And that’s exactly what happened. After 4-5 hours of skating on these boat-feet roller skates wearing a pair of fluffy socks to protect his ankles, the discomfort vanished. The suede softens up enough ushering in the nice, worn-in feeling we’ve come to expect of every properly fitting pair of quad skates.
Are you a big guy or gal that weighs somewhere north of 200 pounds? The Lavender Sure-Grip Boardwalks would be a great bet for you. Why? Well, the plates aren’t aluminum as they’re for the Bonts, but they’re tough nylon plates that support massive loads beautifully. As for the trucks, they’re not plastic but made from aluminum, which makes them supportive and durable.
Hubby reported that the trucks did feel a tad too tight. So, he loosened them up a bit and all was fine afterward. And this wasn’t an isolated case — I suggest that you loosen the trucks a little to ease out the initial stiffness.
The wheels are 57mm, nice quality, and gummy to a fault, just the perfect formula for outdoor roller skating. But if the sidewalks are crappy where you live, these wheels may not work great. The bearings are ABEC 3, which definitely aren’t ABEC 7. But these bearings didn’t give us any reason to complain. Because the roll was decent.
If buying for outdoor roller skating, get proper outdoor wheels. I recommend 78A 65mm wheels such as the Atom Pulse ones. And here’s a list of the best roller skate wheels for outdoor use if interested.
At this price point (under $130 at time of writing), you’re getting a decent pair of roller skates that work awesomely for boaty feet.
Pros
- Durable retro-style suede boots
- Boast tough, supportive nylon base plates
- Gummy wheels that do well on smooth outdoor surfaces
- Adjustable toe stops
- Sold in at least 7 cool colors
- Available at a great price point
Cons
- May feel stiff at first, but skating for about 5 hours should soften the suede up
- Wheels not great for outdoor skates; get 65mm 78A wheels
2. Jackson Vista Viper Nylon Outdoor Skate: Also Fits Wide
Fit tip: These roller skates fit true to size. Size down if between sizes.
If you like Jackson ice skates, you’ll probably fall in love with these Jackson roller skates. The Jackson Vista Viper Nylon Outdoor Skate is another option that prevents the toes of wide-footed roller skaters from scrunching. Made of traditional retro suede, these look as nice as any. And you may expect them to stand up to a decent amount of abuse at the rink.
The trucks are aluminum, which isn’t exceptional, and the plates while plastic offer copious amounts of support. Don’t worry even if you’re a little on the burly side of life: these will work for you without experiencing wheel bites all the time. But I strongly recommend metal-plated roller skates if you’re pretty heavy.
The wheels on these are Atom Pulse Lite, which are 78A wheels and 62mm. These are soft tall wheels, a great choice for enjoying the outdoors on eight wheels. The bearings are crazy smooth, which didn’t surprise me considering they’re ABEC 7.
I don’t know why Jackson’s people decided to tighten the wheels like it’s the end of the world. It took hubby’s steel-strong hands to unscrew the seemingly stuck wheels and then screw them back on to a less tight position. These people need to realize that it’s skaters who ultimately decide how much tightness or looseness they want in their wheels.
These skates look really cute, which is the reason I suggest that you get decent toe covers for them. That’s the way to keep them looking fabulous forever.
In terms of ankle support, these guys have decent padding around the ankles. If you have rolling ankles, these might what you need as they’re decently supportive yet soft enough. But don’t expect the kind of ankle mobility you’d get from Moxi Lolly skates.
And if you’re into only purchasing vegan-friendly products, you may want to choose these cute guys. The boot isn’t made from suede or leather, which is nice. It’s instead of made from mostly faux suede, but be sure to get the correct size because faux suede doesn’t stretch much at all.
But I have an issue with the price point. These aren’t super expensive, but my best pick is made from pure suede and not fake suede, yet it costs way less. If you’re OK with paying that much for a synthetic-suede roller skate, then definitely grab this one, and let’s get skating!
Pros
- Really cute skates that are also vegan-friendly
- Plates are plastic, but they’re really strong and hold weight nicely
- Tall gummy wheels that scoff at small pebbles and surface cracks
- Fit wide feet comfortably snug, but be sure to loosen the laces closest to the toes
Cons
- Wheels too tight, loosen them up a bit
- Cheaper suede skates are available
3. Bont Quadstar Roller Derby Skates: Best for Roller Derby
Made of genuine leather produced and cured in Australia and the plate is crafted from reinforced fiberglass. Looks terrific and fits flintstone feet without issues provided sizing is done properly.
Sizing tip: Speaking of sizing, Bont roller skates fit somewhat differently than other skates. If you’ve always skated Riedells skates and now want to switch to Bonts, choosing the same size could be a mistake.
If for example, you’re a size 10.5 in Riedells, I suggest that you order a size 9 in Bonts, unless you’re OK with your feet sliding all over inside the boot. Measure your feet and calculate the size as guided by the Bont roller skate size chart in the link above (see the comparison table).
ABEC 7 bearings and 92A duro make for pretty fast wheels, but not too fast that beginners can’t ride this quad. It also features toe stops for safety. Plus it’s heat-moldable so you can create a custom fit for your wide feet fast. All you have to do is use a hair dryer for about 10 minutes and mold the boot molds to the shape of your foot. And the boot lasts, but quality does come at a price.
The boot offers thermo moldability. With hot air from a hairdryer, you should manage to craft a custom fit within minutes. The upper is made of genuine leather cured in Australia while the base plate consists of high-quality reinforced fiberglass.
Traditional laces work with a removable Velcro power strap to give your feet a comfortable, secure fit. Laces finally go via lace loops at the rear, just as is the case with the Riedell 265 below.
The tongue boasts neoprene padding that keeps blisters at bay, and the reinforced toe fosters performance and longevity. A solid 20-degree kingpin and Derlin pivot cups make the trucks super sturdy. Plus this angle is the sweet spot where stability balances out maneuverability.
These quad skates roll on 92A Bont wheels driven by ABEC 7 Bont bearings. And when you’re going too fast, there’s the lifesaving Bont toe stop to turn to. I also like the rubber cap at the front because it makes the skate durable.
Reminder: Measure your feet and then check Bont’s sizing chart to determine the right fit.
One gripe I have is that these Bonts aren’t super easy to put on and take off. If I were to suggest a design modification, I’d suggest that they add a loop on the rear of the boot to make putting it on easier.
Pros
- Entire boot is thermo-moldable
- Firm fiberglass plate
- Affordable but offers premium-level features
- Reinforced toe enhances performance
Cons
- Sizing can be a little tricky for Bont skates
- Wearing it and taking it off is not very easy
Other than the sizing issues, the Quadstar is an excellent skate for indoor recreational roller skating and even for Roller Derby tests. So, grab a pair and shine at the Fresh Meat tryout.
4. Sure-Grip GT50 Motion Outdoor Roller Skate Review: Comfiest Pick
Skate fit tip: The Sure-Grip GT50 Motion Outdoor Roller Skates fit true to size. If you’re a man, go with your usual dress shoe size. And if you’re female, definitely choose 1.5 sizes smaller (the skate is in men’s sizes).
I have wide feet, and there’s one thing I noticed when I strapped on these boots. The tip felt somehow crowded, which caused pain in my toes. But adjusting the lacing so that the laces nearer the bottom stayed looser solved the problem.
Do you know what feature really stood out to me? These skates are super comfy, the comfiest option on my list. These skates are super pillowy inside, and the area around the tongue wins in this regard.
They rolled nicely when I tested them indoors on a smooth wood floor. And when I got them outside and put them to the test on a paved park trail, the performance they demonstrated was something I’d have written home about.
I noticed that the description on Amazon’s listing didn’t mention anything about the wheels’ hardness rating. These are 78A SureGrip Motion wheels to be clear. And they stand at 62mm in height, just the perfect combo for conquering small pebbles, asphalt, and even gravel.
The toe-stop bumper did the job, but it was rather small and didn’t seem like the best option for roller skating outdoors. Well, I’m not sure about the duro rating of the stopper, but it was pretty soft. And the moderately rough concrete and asphalt I skated on ate it up the way a hungry kid devours delicious candy.
While the plates are plastic, they must be really tough plastic. Because a bunch of burly roller skaters (200+ lbs) I bumped into online wore them without any issue.
And as you might expect of skates in that price range, these ones came with aluminum trucks. And the urethane on the trucks was hard yet supportive. Ankle support isn’t exceptional, but it’s not lacking either.
If you hate black skates, these ones aren’t for you. I wish they could make them in a bunch of other colors for the sake of variety.
Pros
- Sturdy plates that hold weight decently
- Incredibly comfortable skates with lots of nice pillows inside
- 62mm 78A wheels that roll really nicely on all sorts of outdoor skating surfaces
- A $150ish skate that works well for wide-footed roller skaters
Cons
- Toe stop bumper could be bigger and harder for outdoor use
- Ankle support isn’t awesome
5. Bont Prostar Roller Derby Quad Skates Review: Also Good for Derby
Fit tip: Measure your feet and calculate the size per the Bont Skate size chart. Most people should be fine ordering this and most Bont roller skates a size smaller than their usual shoe size.
The Bont Prostar Roller Derby Skates are handmade, ultralight, responsive boots that pass through 16 detail-oriented quality control stages. To solidify the overall build, the company incorporates an anti-stretch material between the microfiber liner and the outer layer.
Three non-animal-derived materials namely microfiber, Suede-L (a suede-like material), and Durolite make the skate 100% vegan.
This boot is heat moldable, too. The company uses super stiff, in-house prepped resin (polyepoxide) that softens at about 60 degrees Celsius or 140F. It’s a highly controlled curing process, and Bont claims that’s about the lowest temperature in the entire industry.
You end up with a heat-moldable anatomical heel cup and forefoot. And you can heat-mold your boot and customize your fit in roughly 10 minutes. The heated areas mold nicely and comfortably around the foot.
An adjustable Velcro strap and laces that go via a loop at the rear further help enhance the fit. And no, Bont says to not bake the boot in the oven. Instead, use a hair dryer.
Then, there’s Bont’s closed-cell memory foam that wicks away sweat, increasing comfort and durability. As for the wheels, they’re indoor skating ballistic wheels that roll nicely. If you want outdoor wheels, get them and add them to the skate.
Finally, the replaceable rubber bumper at the front protects your toes against impact during the most intense sessions. But you don’t get many color options when it comes to Bont skates.
Pros
- A decent, affordable boot that looks amazing
- Vegan-friendly
- Passed through 16 intense quality control phases
- A lightweight, responsive vegan deal
- Anatomical heel cup that improves fit and boosts strength
- Closed-cell memory foam for more comfort
- Low-temperature, customizable fit in under 10 minutes
Cons
- Wheels are not great for outdoor skating
But don’t worry. Just buy an extra set of 62mm wheels and forget about this little problem.
Bottom line? A derby-ready boot that’ll never be the reason you fail tests.
The Bont Prostar Roller Derby Quad Skates are affordable, heat moldable, carefully-constructed, and most importantly, roomy enough. Remember to consult the Bont sizing chart before ordering on Amazon.com or wherever.
*Note that this boot comes in normal width. However, Bont boots tend to be roomier than boots from competing companies.
6. VNLA Blackout Deluxe Roller Skate Boots Review
The VNLA Blackout is an upgrade from the original Vanilla Brass knuckles Blackout boots. It’s a low-cut, low-heeled design that uses top-grain, hand-sorted 100% Italian leather.
The boot is available in Men’s sizes 4-13. Go one size smaller if you’re a female skater. If you’re eyeing a men’s size 7, for instance, buy size 8. Get it?
The upgrade involved a bit of color modification and a significant improvement in the quality of the upper and outsoles. Also, the insoles got a little face-lift, becoming more form-fitting and long-lasting. Whether you’re a speed, derby, or jam skating pro, your hunt should end with this derby-style skate.
The VNLA Blackout isn’t the priciest option, but its build is rock solid. It resembles the costlier Riendell Minx 965 in appearance, feel, and finish.
There’s a lowered lace flap that’s so designed to give you more freedom as you jam to beautiful rink music. And even though you can’t see the laces, they’re right there under the black lace cover.
Now, concealing the laces makes the boot look less detailed and somewhat more appealing. The heel cup for the VNLA Blackout curves inward toward the foot. That means more heel and ankle support.
Pros
- Affordable upgraded jam skates
- A simple, clean, practical low-cut design
- Upper made of 100% Italian-quality leather
- Versatile: Great for jam, speed, and derby skating
- Reinforced toe = performance boost
Cons
- No velcro strap
Lacking a velcro strap is not a disadvantage at all. The support from the laces as well as the lace flap is sufficient.
I recommend the VNLA Blackout for folks who love jam skating since its lower-than-usual cut powers completely unrestricted movements. But the option is also a great bet for speed and derby skating.
7. Sure-Grip Rasta Mid-Top Roller Skates Review
The Sure-Grip Rasta mid-top roller skate features prominently among cheap comfortable roller skates that also look stunning. The upper brings together 4 Rasta colors that work harmoniously, black, red, yellow, and green. And each of the 4 wheels comes hued in one of the 4 colors I’ve just mentioned.
Result? A harmonious colorway that communicates your love for equality and FREEDOM. But you don’t need to be Bob Marley to enjoy these skates.
The upper is an eye-catching combination of leather, suede, and canvas. You might think it’s a skateboarding sneaker, except the sneaker has smooth-rolling 62 mm multi-surface Aerobic wheels (85A). The wheels of the Sure-Grip Rasta mid-top roller skates are 37mm wide. That boosts the boot’s stability, making it a beginner-friendly choice.
They roll reliably fast because they use ABEC 3 bearings, but they’re not super fast. After all, they’re an entry-level option. A pair of nice insoles make the boot pretty comfy. There’s also double padding at the tongue — no foot fatigue.
Gray or black laces help you customize the fit. However, the skates lack a Velcro strap. Good news! The laces extend all the way up so you can keep your heels locked in.
Finally, there’s a rubber toe stop, and that’s nice. And the trucks are crafted from pure, lightweight aluminum. The base plate, though, is made of tough Rock nylon.
Pros
- A beginner-friendly skate
- A pocket-friendly choice
- A double-padded tongue anti-fatigue tongue
- Looks stunning with 4 Rasta colors
- An extra pair of laces
- Rubber toe stop
- Lightweight aluminum trucks
Cons
- No velcro strap
- May not be as durable as all-leather boots
- Nylon (plastic plate)
I recommend this boot for beginners. At that price point, I’m not surprised that the plate is plastic. And I suspect the skates won’t hold up to extreme levels of constant abuse. Sizing, order your regular size.
8. Riedell 265 Vandal Derby Roller Skates Review
The Riedell 265 Vandal Derby roller skate has a full-grain leather upper that laces down to the toes. The two iconic stripes on the boot’s side make this Riedell instantly recognizable.
Its lace-to-toe closure combined with the rolled collar makes for a pretty snug fit. And the velcro speed strap firmly secures your ankles.
It’s comfortable, too, thanks to the moisture-wicking properties of its perfectly padded Dri-Lex lining. Then there’s Riedell’s HF-5 heat moldable reinforcement that enables the boot to eventually expand or shrink to the foot’s shape. And the DuoLock stabilizer ensures the tongue stays firmly in place as you skate. The stitched and cemented heel is a bit high, giving you tons of agility and control.
Most important, the Riendell 265 is a wide toebox skate. It’s available in sizes 3-13, including half sizes. Order the boot’s wider version, the D/B wide size. It’s wider at the ball area than it is at the heel. And the adjustable toe stop keeps you safe throughout the session. Also, a leather-looped backstay (white) lets you use extra lacing to secure your heels even better.
You can order parts and build your very own custom skate. Plus, you can even create a 100% vegan setup if you so prefer.
Pros
- Adjustable toe stop for safety
- Lightweight and comfy
- Instantly recognizable
- Fully customizable, you can even make it 100% vegan
Cons
- A little pricey given the plastic plate
At the price point, though, it shouldn’t be a plastic plate. I recommend these iconic boots to mid-level skaters.
How to Choose the Best Roller Skates for Wide Feet
Here’s how to select the right roller skate for your wide feet.
1. Size Your Roller Skates Correctly
Are roller skates sized the same way as regular shoes? Yes, you should size your skates the same way you size other shoes.
So, take a close look at each model’s sizing chart and pick the size recommended for you. If you are size 8 women (US), pick a size 8 wide-width roller skate.
The sizing chart above tells you what roller skate to choose in U.S., U.K., EU, and Mondo men’s and women’s roller skate sizes.
Quad skates can be as small as size 4 and as big as size 15 for US men. As for women’s skates, the size ranges from 3 to 12.
And here’s…
How to Choose Fitting Roller Skates for a Child
If buying in-store, have them try a boot on. Then, instruct the kid to shift their feet forward inside the boots. Next, insert your index finger or a pencil and see if it fits.
If there’s still more room after you have inserted your finger, the skates are too big for your child. Also, have the store’s people help you choose the right fit.
If you’re shopping online, trace out the outer dimensions of your child’s feet and use a sizing chart to select a fitting skate.
What If You Have Large, Wide Feet?
Go for models that are available in narrow, medium, and wide-width sizes. Unfortunately, models offering all three sizes tend to be high-end skates.
Most skaters can easily find the right fit with most standard-width roller skates. But if your feet are pretty wide, choose a skate having a clearly specified wide width.
2. Roller Skate Boot Design
Different types of roller skates exist, and the best boot for you depends on the intended use for the skate. There are at least 5 different types of roller skates namely:
- Derby Skates
- Rhythm skates
- Speed Skates
- Artistic skates
- Jam skates
So, what’s the difference between derby, rhythm, artistic, jam, and speed skates? I explain the differences below so you can easily choose the most suitable roller skate style for your intended purpose.
1. Derby Skates
You sure have heard of roller derby competitions. Roller derby is a kind of sport recognized globally.
In this sport, there’s quite a bit of contact between players, and to win, you need 3 important ingredients: strength, strategy, and focus.
As you might expect, derby skates come equipped with lots of padding and often specialized accessories to minimize instances of injury during roller derby competitions.
2. Speed Skates
Speed skates are meant to give you well..speed. It’s more common for people to refer to inline speed skating when they talk about speed skating.
But quad skate speed skating is also a thing. Actually, quad skate speed skating has grown tremendously in popularity over the years.
Speed skate boots have a low-cut design, just like jam and derby skates for the same reason — maneuverability and freedom.
These skates look almost like regular shoes, and they’re designed to give the wearer a pretty snug fit. And like jam skates, these speed roller skates are a lightweight affair.
With this type of roller skate, a relatively light boot comes together with a lightweight plate to make a really light pair of skates.
This kind of boot delivers the best performance in activities such as time trials, lap skating, springs, and marathon.
It’s the best choice for when you want to skate long distances. Since it travels lightning fast, it normally comes with some sort of braking system referred to as a toe stop.
3. Jam skates
Jam skates are lightweight skates with a low-cut boot design around the ankle, just like derby skates or speed skates.
These boots are designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. Increased flexibility translates into lots of range during activities that require agility and maneuverability such as roller dancing.
In many ways, jam skates are similar to speed skates, and skaters are increasingly using either for the same activity.
But the main difference between jam skates and speed skates is that jam skates don’t have a toe stop (brake).
Instead, jam skates have a toe plug, a component that doesn’t throw a wrench in the works the way a toe stop sometimes does. Typically, the toe plug can be replaced and there are quite a few colors to choose from to suit the skater’s style.
As the name suggests, jam skates are used for jam skating. Jam skating refers to a mix of activities done together, at the same time, including skating, dancing, and gymnastics.
With this skating style, the person focuses on expressing their uniqueness as a person. You often hear fancy terms such as hexing, spot skating, shuffle skating, and toe-skating being thrown around. But all these terms are different ways of describing jam skating.
4. Artistic skates
Artistic roller skates resemble regular ice skates for figure skating. This type of quad skate normally consists of leather boots standing upon a pair of super-strong sole plates.
Underneath the soles is a pair of jump bars whose job is to reinforce the soles even more.
These quad skates are a high-cut design, just like rhythm quad skates. That is, the boot goes up way past the ankle, significantly boosting the skate’s ability to provide stability and ankle support.
These boots are most suited for solo dancing, synchronized dancing or precision skating, pairs dancing, and free skating.
One distinctive feature of artistic skates is the heel. The heel of this kind of skate is normally higher than it is with the other quads.
With a higher heel, most of the skater’s weight is exerted over the front of the skate. And what happens? The skater gets as much agility and control as they need to perform extremely intricate jumps and spins.
5. Rhythm skates
The rhythm skate boot is a refreshing crossbreed between a jam skate and an artistic skate boot.
Like an artistic skate boot, a rhythm skate boot is constructed in a high-cut design. That means it offers ample ankle support and protection, just as its lookalike the artistic skate boot so well does.
But while it provides lots of ankle support, a rhythm skate boot’s design allows the skaters tons of freedom. In that regard, this boot is pretty much like a jam skate.
Also, just like a jam skate boot, a rhythm skate doesn’t have a toe stop/brake. Instead — like the jam skate — this skate features a replaceable toe plug.
So, you get stability/ankle support and flex in equal measure.
This skate boot design is best suited for doing slides and dancing. I’ve published a review post on the best roller skates for dancing on this outdoor life gear review site, Skatingmagic.com.
3. Soles
Take a look at the soles, too. Skates with bonded or glued soles tend to tear a bit sooner than others. Note that most entry-level or intro skates feature bonded soles. This post is about quad skates and not inline skates, though.
4. Wheels, Plate, and Boot
When shopping for the best roller skates for wide feet, there are 3 components you really should focus on. These components include the:
1. Wheels
2. Plate
3. Boot
Plate
As for the plate, a plastic one is good enough for a beginner. But as your roller skating skills evolve, you’ll want to upgrade to something better such as aluminum.
An aluminum plate is good enough for pretty much everyone, regardless of whether you are an absolute roller skating beginner or a pro.
Then there are premium-category boots that feature magnesium plates. These ones may cost over $500, and they aren’t the best option for a complete beginner.
Wheels
Every roller skater needs two sets of wheels. You need a harder set for indoor use as well as skating at your local rink. For indoor use, you need high durometer wheels (hard wheels), maybe as hard as 95A. And when it comes to gliding down the sidewalk or city streets or jumping off curbs, get a softer set of wheels. ABEC wheels are ok but not necessarily a requirement. Go with ABEC 3 or higher.
Wheel Durometer (wheel softness/harness)
What determines the right durometer for quad skates/roller skates? It’s the overall quality (roughness or smoothness) of the skating surface. For standard indoor skate surfaces, I recommend 97A wheels, and for slippery surfaces, durometer 95A wheels work great. But if the skating surface is super slippery, go with much softer wheels, as soft as 92A.
“The more slippery the skating surface, the softer your roller skate wheels should be, in general.
If you’re an indoor recreational roller skater, these are the most ideal wheels for you. And for speed skating, durometer 95A to 98A wheels are best. As for artistic roller skating, you need the hardest wheels available. Durometer 97A to 103A is about the sweetest spot as far as wheel hardness or softness for artistic skating.
But for outdoor roller skating, use relatively softer wheels with a durometer rating of 78A to 85A. Softer wheels do a much better job than hard wheels when it comes to rolling over obstacles such as bumps, small rocks, and twigs.
Softer wheels also handle cracks better. In short, softer quad skate wheels are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor skating and absorb shocks.
Wheel Diameter/Wheel High
For roller dancing, roller hockey, artistic skating, and aggressive rollerskating, choose options with relatively small wheels. Smaller wheels are preferable to larger ones for these purposes because they allow for greater maneuverability.
In contrast, fitness skating and speed skating work best with larger wheels. The larger the wheel, the faster and smoother the ride.
The best wheels for indoor skating have a diameter of 62mm and are 35-44mnm wide. And the best wheels for artistic and speed skating are between 55-65mm (diameter) x 30-31mm (width) and 62mm 40mm respectively.
What about the best diameter for outdoor skating? The best roller skate/quad skate wheels for outside skating have a diameter in the range of 60mm – 70mm. And in terms of width, these wheels measure between 32mm-42mm, providing you with an optimal level of both speed and stability while gliding over different kinds of demanding terrains.
5. Buy a Complete Roller Skate or Build a Custom Skate?
For a beginner, building your own roller skate isn’t the best idea in most cases. I believe it’s best to go with a pre-setup roller skating boot than to buy parts separately and build a custom boot. skates.
If you are a pro roller skater, though, building your skates from the ground up can be a really good idea. You get the best materials and customize your experience however you want.
I recommend assembling a custom roller skate for large people who are a little heavier than most. But a custom derby boot typically costs significantly more than buying a pre-built pair of skates.
And who says you must either build or buy your skates? I mean, you can always rent at the local rink or even have kind Uncle Tom gift you a pair he no longer rides. I’m assuming Uncle Tom has large, wide feet just like you. There’s always hereditary, you know.
Speaking of costs, price is another critical aspect to consider.
6. Roller Skate Price
Buy roller skates on the cheap, choose mid-range options, or go for premium-quality roller skates? Any skater knows that the best roller skates cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $200. And if you custom-build your roller skates, be ready to reduce your bank balance by up to $300 for what you get for $200.
But yes, you can buy cheap roller skates and see how many rides you can squeeze out of them before they fall apart. And if you are a beginner skater, starting with budget roller skates and upgrading to better, pricier picks is often best.
If you like spending less on every purchase while not ending up with compromised quality, buy when there’s a clearance sale at your fave store. Also, keep checking Amazon and other online retailers to make no juicy deal passes you by.
7. Choose Quad Skate Brands that Offer Wide Toe Skates
Not all brands produce roller skates with a wide toe box. But in general, Riendell, Bonts, Antik, and VNLA offer some of their options in wide sizing. Small wonder the majority of my recommendations are from these wide roller skate brands.
So…
8. Weight of the Skate You’re Eyeing
Last but not least, it’s important to consider the weight of the quad skate you’re planning on buying. If a pair of roller skates is too heavy, the odds are it’ll suck at speed.
In contrast, roller skates constructed from super-light materials tend to roll insanely fast.
In general, roller skates for speed skating and dancing are extremely light while those for recreational roller skating are typically heavier with more padding for comfort.
If you’re a beginner in roller skating, comfort will likely be more important to you than speed. So for you, choosing a slightly heavier boot that offers ample padding would be a good idea.
What if you’re an aspiring roller dancer or a jam-skating enthusiast? In that case, it’s best to choose lighter boots that don’t restrict you much as you perform those intricate moves, spins, and maneuvers.
Now that you know how to choose the right roller skate for your wide feet, what now? It’s time to pick up a wide-fitting roller skate and hit the rink or road.
But I’m sure you really want to know…
What are the Best Roller Skates for Wide Feet?
If you have wide feet, the Sure-grip Boardwalk Lavender might be the best choice for you. It’s more affordable than the Bont Quadstar, Bont Prostar, and many others, yet it doesn’t feel like the manufacturer cheaped out on materials. The boots look good, are supportive, and don’t pack the toes too tight. They fit true to size, but roller skaters who live halfway between sizes should size up. The wheels are gummy and roll great on smooth outdoor surfaces. Definitely get 62-65mm wheels if you intend to mostly skate outdoors.