How to buy roller skates
Unfortunately, it’s hard to find roller skates in Lethbridge. Some big box stores may carry them, but they are often “toy” skates containing plastic/cheap parts and pieces that may negatively affect your skating experience.
Another option is to find them at local thrift or second-hand shops. I’ve had some luck finding good, beginner skates at the local Value Village or Salvation Army stores. But again, you need to understand the parts and pieces so you know you’re getting a good value and skating experience.
See the video below which briefly talks about the different parts and pieces of vintage and used skates and what you can do to upgrade them to make them roll well.
Or, you can look at buying new! Read on for a list of Canadian roller skate providers and some suggestions of brands/models to look for.
Beginner skate recommendations
TLDR: In most cases, the higher the cost, the better quality of boot and skate components. A less expensive skate may get you rolling, but your skates may be unresponsive, uncomfortable or uneasy, resulting them sitting in the back of the closet, never to be used again. Decide whether you want heeled or no-heeled skates and then look for the highest-quality skate you can afford! Wheels are another $50 to $100 investment, so try and buy a skate that has a wheel included for what you will be skating (outdoor or indoor).
The following lists are for roller skates that are readily available in Canada and are considered entry-level. This list does not include all available skates in Canada, but provides a starting point for shopping. This list is based on personal experience, product information and published testimonials from other skaters. Pricing is estimated, based on Alberta roller skate retailer prices. Skates under $300 are included on this list.
These roller skate prices, models and availability were last updated Feb. 18, 2024
Heeled skates
Heeled skates are similar to traditional ice figure skates. Advantages may include better ankle support and more stability due to the weight in your foot naturally being pushed to the ball of your foot. Disadvantages may include limited mobility, depending on the material your boot is made from.
Rio, Riedell, Moxi, Sure Grip, Jackson are included on this list. You may also want to look at Chaya, Crazy, Candi Girl and Moonlight skate brands.
Impala
New entry: $99-$150
Impala
Carried by:
Rollergirl.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Select mall skate board and fashion shops
Pros:
• Well-priced for kids and adults
• Available in some local skateboard and fashion shops
• Padded lining
• Outdoor wheels
• Colour options
Cons:
• Laces don’t hold boot in place
• Non-adjustable toe stop
• Synthetic material takes time to break-in
• Some models not great for wide feet
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• Boot may separate from heel with heavy use
Rio Roller Skates
($100-$150 – 2020)
No price change
Rio Roller – Multiple Models
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Rollergirl.ca
Pros:
• Well-priced for kids and adults
• Hybrid wheels (indoor/outdoor)
• Colour options
Cons:
• Non-adjustable toe stop on some models
• Synthetic material takes time to break-in
• Some models not great for wide feet
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• May desire a new skate as skills improve
• Less structure/support in cheaper models
• Plastic components in cheaper models
• Heavy use not encouraged in cheaper models
Moxi Rainbow Rider
($125-$200 – 2020)
New price: $119-$150
Rainbow Riders
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Bad Girlfriend Skates
Rollergirl.ca
Low Life Skate Shop
Coffin Skate Shop
Pros:
• Well-priced
• Outdoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Colour options
• Good for narrow feet
Cons:
• Synthetic material takes time to break-in
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• Boot may separate from heel with heavy use
• Heavy plate
• May desire a new skate as skills improve
• Bad for wide feet
• Metric-threaded toe stop has fewer replacement options.
Riedell Wave
($100-$150 – 2020)
New price: $129-$155
Riedell Wave
Carried by:
Bad Girlfriend Skates
Rollergirl.ca
Coffin Skate Shop
Pros:
• Well-priced for kids and adults
• Padded lining
• Outdoor wheels
Cons:
• Non-adjustable toe stop
• Synthetic material takes time to break-in
• Some models not great for wide feet
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
Moxi Jungle
($200-$250 – 2020)
New price: $135-$150
Moxi Jungle
Carried by:
Rollergirl.ca
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Vegan
• Outdoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Supportive boot
Cons:
• Vinyl materials scuffs off and scrapes
• Vinyl very stiff
• Plate is a little heavy
• Wheels roll a little slow
• May desire a new skate as skills improve
• Boot may separate from heel with heavy use
Moxi Beach Bunny
($125-$200 – 2020)
New price: $135-$210
Beach Bunny
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Bad Girlfriend Skates
Toe Stop Derby Shop
Rollergirl.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Coffin Skate Shop
Pros:
• Well-priced
• Outdoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Colour options
• Good for narrow feet
Cons:
• Synthetic material takes time to break-in
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• Boot may separate from heel with heavy use
• Heavy plate
• May desire a new skate as skills improve
• Not idea for wide feet
Sure Grip Stardust
($250-$300 – 2020)
New price: $165-$200
Sure Grip Stardust
Carried by:
Rollerskatin.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Glitter!
• Vegan
• Good indoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Colour options
Cons:
• Vinyl boot can be uncomfortable
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
Riedell Orbit
New entry: $149-$219
Riedell Orbit
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Bad Girlfriend Skates
Toe Stop Derby Shop
Rollergirl.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Coffin Skate Shop
Pros:
• Based on the Riedell 111 boot
• Vegan
• Hybrid wheels (indoor/outdoor)
• Adjustable toe stop
• Colour options
Cons:
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• Aluminum plate can feel heavy
Sure Grip Fame
New entry: $160-$228
Sure Grip Fame
Carried by:
Bad Girlfriend Skates
Rollerskatin.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Vegan
• Outdoor/ indoor wheel options (check your listing)
• Padded boot
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Colour options
Cons:
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
Sure Grip Boardwalk
($250-$300 – 2020)
New price: $219-$325
Sure Grip Boardwalk
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Rollergirl.ca
Rollerskatin.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Coffin Skate Shop
Pros:
• Very comfortable, little break-in time
• Suede material stands up to scuffs and scrapes
• Outdoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Colour options
• Wide toe box (if you have wide feet)
Cons:
• Not good for narrow feet
• May feel too stiff
Moxi Panther
($200-$250 – 2020)
New price: $229-$249
Moxi Panther
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Bad Girlfriend Skates
Toe Stop Derby Shop
Rollergirl.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Suede material stands up to scuffs and scrapes
• Outdoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Supportive boot
Cons:
• Plate is a little heavy
• Wheels roll a little slow
• May feel too stiff
Riedell 111 (Angel skate set)
($150-$175 – 2020)
New price: $235-$255
Riedell 111 (Angel)
Carried by:
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Good quality indoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Width choices
Cons:
• Synthetic material takes time to break-in
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• Black and white only (but fine if you don’t want colour)
• You’ll need to buy a separate outdoor wheel
Jackson Vista
($250-$300 – 2020)
New price: $275-$350
Jackson Vista
Carried by:
Rollerskatin.ca
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Faux suede
• Vegan material
• Outdoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Colour options
• Supportive boot
Cons:
• Pricey for entry-level skates
Sure Grip Urban Roller
($200-$250 – 2020)
New price: $280
Sure Grip Urban Roller
Carried by:
Rollergirl.ca
Pros:
• Hybrid wheels (indoor/outdoor)
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Supportive boot
Cons:
• Synthetic material takes time to break in
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• Black and white only
• Narrow toe box (if you have wide feet)
Riedell 120
($250-$300 – 2020)
New price: $299-$350
Riedell 120
Carried by:
Bad Girlfriend Skates
Rollergirl.ca
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Leather material is durable
• Outdoor wheels
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Wide toe box (if you have wide feet)
• Supportive boot
Cons:
• Leather material takes time to break in
• Black only
Non-heel skates
Non or low-heeled skates are common in speed sports like roller derby, but are great for recreation too! Advantages include more ankle flexibility, which allow you to go faster. Some skaters who are typically not comfortable in heeled shoes, also prefer this model. Disadvantages may include less ankle and balance stability, due to the flat boot and no heel.
Riedell, Sure Grip, Chaya, Crazy and Vanilla are included on this list. You may also want to look at the Bont skate brand.
Riedell Dart
($120-$170 – 2020)
New price: $179-$189
Riedell Dart
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Toe Stop Derby Shop
Rollergirl.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Very comfortable, little break-in time
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Colour options
• Will last with proper care
Cons:
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
L• ower quality indoor wheels
• Requires outdoor wheel purchase
Crazy Zoom
New entry: $179-$190
Crazy Zoom
Carried by:
Rollergirl.ca
Rollerskatin.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Pros:
• Very comfortable, little break-in time
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Good for wide feet
• Good entry-level wheels
• Will last with proper care
Cons:
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
L• ower quality indoor wheels
• Requires outdoor wheel purchase
B• ad for narrow feet
Riedell R3
($150-$200 – 2020)
New price: $229-$249
Riedell R3
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Bad Girlfriend Skates
Toe Stop Derby Shop
Rollergirl.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Low Life Skate Shop
Pros:
• Very comfortable, little break-in time
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Will last with proper care
• Indoor/outdoor wheel options
Cons:
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• Black only
• Stock wheels are low quality
Sure Grip GT-50 Rock
New entry: $219-$249
Sure Grip GT-50 Rock
Carried by:
Nerd Roller Skates
Rollergirl.ca
Rollerskatin.ca
Retro Rollers Inc.
Pros:
• Very comfortable, little break-in time
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Will last with proper care
Cons:
• Synthetic material rubs off with scuffs and scrapes
• Black only
• Stock wheels are low quality
Chaya Voyager
($150-$200 – 2020)
New price: $245
Chaya Voyager
Carried by:
Toe Stop Derby Shop
Pros:
• Vegan nubuck leather
• Aluminum plate
• Outdoor wheels
• Shoe-like feel
Cons:
• Non-adjustable toe stop
• Less structured boot
Vanilla VNLA Jam skate
($200-$250 – 2020)
New price: $255
VNLA Jam
Carried by:
Rollerskatin.ca
Pros:
• Padded interior
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Indoor wheels
• Shoe-like feel
Cons:
• Denim exterior may easily scuff
Sure Grip Rebel
($250-$300 – 2020)
New price: $325-$329
Sure Grip Rebel
Carried by:
Rollergirl.ca
Rollerskatin.ca
Pros:
• Very comfortable, little break-in time
• Leather boot
• Adjustable toe stop
• Light plate
• Indoor/outdoor wheel options
• Wide toe box (if you have wide feet)
Cons:
• Black only
Canadian skate retailers
Contact or visit the following suppliers to inquire about roller skates. *When possible support your locally owned/small retailer businesses. They will love you for it and will continue to bring in products the skaters need.
Alberta (visit in person or online):
Nerd Roller Skates – Calgary
Bad Girlfriend Skates – Edmonton area
Toe Stop Derby Shop – Edmonton area
Other Canadian Retailers:
Rollergirl.ca – Vancouver, BC
Rollerskatin.ca – Woodstock, ON
Retrorollers.ca – London, ON
Lowlifemtl.com – Montreal, QC
Coffinskate.com – Halifax, NS
