Kids’ inline skates

How to choose the adjustment range

Choose skates in which your child’s foot falls in the lower half of the range — that leaves room for two to three seasons of growth. Measure the longer foot in millimetres and compare it with the insole length range given for the model. If the foot is at the very top of the range, check the next one: its lower limit shouldn’t be more than 5 mm longer than the foot.

Set the adjustment to the current foot length and move it on every few months. A skate set “with room to grow” doesn’t hold the heel, so the child curls their toes and quickly loses heart. We describe how to measure in the guide how to choose your inline skate size.

How the models differ

The Rollerblade Microblade is a classic recreational skate for learning. The Apex has a stiffer, hard boot modelled on adult urban skates — for kids who skate a lot and dynamically. In both, the adjustment covers four sizes; you’ll find the exact range in millimetres and the wheel diameter in the specifications.

What to look at besides size

• A closure your child can manage alone: a buckle and a strap rather than laces only.
• A brake — needed at the start, it teaches stopping without falling.
• Wheels are usually smaller than on adult skates: a lower centre of gravity and lower speed.

With first skates, add a set of protection in a kids’ size: pads and a helmet.