The Best Roller Skates and Accessories—No Rink Required

Sure-Grip's Boardwalk skates are another beginner-friendly option, especially for outdoor skaters. The wheels are big and bouncy, they can conquer minor obstacles like gravel or twigs without causing a crash, and they smoothly transition to indoor use. Since the suede upper is thin, you can lace these skates really tightly. That thinness also makes for a shorter break-in period. They're lightweight and won't hamper your ability to complete transitions, turn-around toe stops, or crossovers. Simply put, I love 'em. Unfortunately, they're the most expensive skates in this guide. And my only gripe is the gummy bolt-on toe stops, which seem to be eroding quickly. —Louryn Strampe

I’ve been a longtime fan of Riedell's skates. Their LT429 Hard Candy skates were my first pair ever. The company makes versatile skates that are good for indoor rink or outdoor skating (just change the wheels). The Dart Pixels are technically speed skates, meaning they have a lower top boot, allowing for more flexibility than your classic hightops. This pair fits like a sneaker. The vinyl boot narrows at the toe and offers some cushiony side padding. Your degree of control is far greater—I felt comfortable doing tight turns and fast stops—but these might not be perfect for newbies seeking ankle stability. Kudos to Riedell for making a speed skate that's actually attractive. The Dart Pixels come in Black-Red and Purple-Pink, complete with color matching wheels. —Lydia Horne

Bont’s Prostar skates are designed for derby rookies. They come with all the bells and whistles to up your skate game: A fiberglass base, rubber toe protection, and a microfiber boot. Bont also tosses in a thermoplastic heel, which means you can stick these kicks in the oven and mold the boots for a custom fit. This is a boon for folks with varying ankle sizes on both legs, as well as a way to reduce pesky blisters for hardcore jammers.

The skates I tried out had a softer wheel (92a) intended for a slippery floor. Skating around a local basketball court, I felt a bit inert, unable to push off the edges of Bont’s wide boot. I can see how these Prostars would rule the rink given enough momentum, but they're definitely not the pair for shooting choreographed TikTok skate videos on the street. —Lydia Horne

I usually put style ahead of practicality, but these laces prove you can have both. Intended for derby players, the strong metallic fibers mean no-budge tying and greater durability. A great way to customize an otherwise boring pair of skates, the Spark series comes in a few different glittery tones. —Lydia Horne

Honorable Mention: I like my laces tight. I swapped my Boardwalks' default laces for these waxed derby laces, and they're awesome. Cheap, bright, and available in a gazillion colors, the light wax coating helps them stay tight as you zoom around. It's kind of a pain when you first put your skates on, particularly in warm weather when the wax can feel sticky, but the lack of loosening over time is worth it. —Louryn Strampe

Heavy is the head that wears the dorky bike helmet. Bell’s Local series is shaped in a classic skateboard style but can be worn by bikers and skaters of all breeds. The helmet is tricked out with a suspended dial in the back to adjust the size for different noggins, and there are a whopping 10 vents to air things out; the inside padding doesn’t get gross no matter how far you’re going. With a thick rounded top, the Local looks more like a casing (à la motorcycle helmet) than something athletic. I felt more astronaut, less roller girl. But more importantly, I felt safe. —Lydia Horne

Padding, like helmets, should be mandatory. Maybe, maybe elbow pads can be foregone, but I never skate without knee pads and wrist guards (and you shouldn't either)! I love Triple Eight's Saver Series. It's not too expensive. I've taken many a spill on gravel, grass, and rogue acorns. My kneepads are pitted and my wrist guards are scuffed, but I have yet to shatter a kneecap or fracture my wrist. Wear your gear, people! (And remember to fall safely). I also use and love the Triple Eight Sweatsaver Helmet. It keeps my melon protected when I inevitably fall, and it comes in matching colorways. —Louryn Strampe

The world of skate wheels is seemingly endless. There are options for indoor or outdoor use, artistic skating, derby skating, speed skating, and more. One everyone should have in their arsenal is a set of light-up wheels. Volcanic makes several kinds, but its Dazzle is my favorite. They're easy to swap out. Once on, all you have to do is roll, and like magic, the internal magnet-and-copper structure powers the LEDs. As long as a wheel is spinning, it'll light up. The wheels are firm and a bit on the small side, but hey, you look like a freaking superhero. Once the pandemic ends and I can visit my local rink, you can bet the Dazzle wheels are coming with me. —Louryn Strampe

There's a bevy of additional gear that, while not necessary, is nice to have. Here are some other items you may want to consider.

• Use whatever's around to help you carry your skates and gear from place to place. An old backpack will work just fine. But if you're looking for some other options, the Baboon Go Bag is one of our favorite duffles. We also like the Patagonia Black Hole.

• For essentials like your wallet, keys, and phone, bring a fanny pack. We've rounded up our favorites here.

• You can wear headphones and skate, but you want to be able to hear cars and other people. I, Louryn, skate with the JBL Clip 3. The built-in carabiner lets me attach it to my belt bag and zoom while listening to Poolside FM—and I can still hear passing cars. The Tribit Stormbox Micro is another good carabiner-equipped wireless speaker.

• A skate leash is an investment you won't regret, especially if you switch skating locations a lot. It wrangles your rollers so you can carry them one-handed or thread them through the handle of your duffle bag. There are several options on Etsy too.

• At some point you'll need a skate tool. You'll use it to swap out non-adjustable toe stops and change out your wheels. I, Louryn, like this option, but skate tools are all largely similar.

• Finally, if you're working up a sweat and dealing with some discomfort, anti-chafe products can be a huge help. I like Hiki's Anti-Chafe Stick. It's unscented, melts down quickly, and doesn't leave residue behind.