Best Roller Skates For Men (2023) – Men’s Roller Skates

Roller skating became popular in the 1970s and it is an enthralling, fun sport to be involved in.

Whether you want to upgrade your skates or are a beginner in the world of roller skating, finding the best roller skates for men can be a challenge given that there is a lot of variety in the market to choose from.

Different factors determine the maneuverability and durability of a roller skate including the material of the boot, the feel and size of the wheels, and the type of hardware used in designing the skate.

When buying a roller skate, ensure that it fits you comfortably and securely, it should not be too loose or too tight so that you can skate smoothly.

10 Best Roller Skates For Men (2023)

This article will give you information about the best roller skates for men including the design, performance, advantages, and disadvantages.

As well as the factors that you need to consider when choosing a roller skate and how to find the correct skate size that fits you well.

1. RIEDELL R3 Energy Outdoor Roller Skates

Best Roller Skates For Men (Editor’s Choice)

Design

The RIEDELL R3 boot has man-made vinyl uppers and enough padding to make this skate have a comfortable fit.

Given the range of categories that the R3 boot is used for, this skate has a reputation for being highly durable.

Performance

The PowerDyne Thrust plate is made of durable black nylon and the metal trucks are polished to ensure that you achieve exceptional performance when gliding.

The plate is lightweight and has an adjustable toe stop but can also work with bolt-on toe stops or toe plugs. If you are looking for an entry-level plate that is lightweight, this is a good option for you.

The Radar Energy wheels are 57mm, 78A hardness, and have the best urethanes that are suitable for outdoor skating.

The Energy 57s are long-lasting and fast. These wheels are constructed to glide smoothly over small debris and rough surfaces.

The RIEDELL R3 fits similar to a sneaker as they are narrow in the toes and heavily padded to ensure that it provides a snug and secure fit for maximum performance.

Pros

• Smooth-rolling and comfortable.
• Perfect for the outdoors as you can roll over gravel, pebbles, and small stones easily.
• Highly durable.

Cons

• Not suitable for beginners as they are super-fast on pavements.

2. VNLA Freestyle Sunlite Roller Skates

High Performance

Design

The VNLA boot is made of 100% leather, and it provides scuff-resistant and soft support. The toe box has padded, supple glove leather and breathable shearling liners to offer optimal comfort when skating.

This skate has a Velcro overlay lave protector to finish the look. This keeps your skate looking stylish and nice whenever you slip your feet in them. It is available in white or black leather.

Performance

The Sunlite plate on an 8mm truck keeps this roller skate lightweight as it is 40% lighter compared to the aluminum plates available in the market. designed with a patented V-bracing, this plate is super durable to provide a lifetime guarantee against breakage.

The Sure-Grip Fugitive Speed Wheels are 62mm by 44mm with ABEC-7 bearings. They are made with a flexible spoked core, soft poly BD urethane, nice wide shape, and soft lips making it one of the grippiest wheels for indoor skating.

This skate prevents too much flex when cornering because it has the added Superlite nylon inserts.

Pros

• Very comfortable.
• Skates fast with smoothness and ease.
• The boot liner is comfortable.
• Lightweight and sturdy.
• High in quality.

Cons

• The insoles are thin.

3. Sure-Grip Fame Zen Roller Skates

Budget Friendly

Design

The Sure-Grip Fame skate has the style of a classic boot with lots of padding to keep your feet comfortable as you glide through new trails.

Performance

The Sure-Grip Rock Nylon plate (8mm) is finished with ABEC-7 bearings and Sonar Zen wheels to provide you with a smooth roll as you speed wherever the adventure takes you or the sidewalks of your neighborhood.

The Zen wheels come in multiple vibrant colors so that you can customize them to however you want them. The wheels are 85A hardness and 62mm by 32mm, making it great for the outdoors.

Since sizing affects performance, you should find the perfect skate that fits you well. The Sure-Grip Fame is medium-width but is slightly larger compared to most men’s roller skates.

This skate comes with a ‘Worry-Free Guarantee’, meaning that you can return the skate if it does not fit you and they will ship you’re a better size without any extra costs.

Pros

• Fits comfortably.
• Durable.
• Stylish and the wheels are available in different colors.
• Affordable

Cons

• Could not find one.

4. Sonic Superfly Men’s Roller Skates

For Beginners

Design

If you love the iconic Sonic carhop look, the Sonic superfly skate is the perfect choice for you, as you can get it without the sticky soda in the bearings.

These men’s roller skates are worn at Sonic by carhops and this brand has been displayed in various places on the black quad roller skates.

The Sonic Synthetic leather low-top boot comes with a super padded Rock fit that cradles your feet awesomely and comfortably. The leather in the boot makes this skate durable.

Performance

The Sonic Superfly skates feature the Cosmic hybrid wheels with 90A hardness and 62mm by 40 mm.

The wheels are completed with a Sonic Nylon plate and ABEC 7 bearings that will not slow you down.

You can personalize this skate by choosing from three different wheel colors. The Superfly skate is finished with an adjustable rubber toe stop that is black.

Pros

• Provides enough cushioning.
• You can customize this skate as the wheels are available in different colors.
• The toe stop is adjustable.

Cons

• Could not find one.

5. RIEDELL 265 Sunlite Men’s Roller Skates

For Wide Feet

Design

The boot features a lace-to-toe and rolled collar design to make sure that the fit is as comfortable as possible.

The boot upper is made with a full-grain upper with a heat-moldable counter to give you a personalized fit by allowing the boot to form to your feet.

The Combo Dri-Lex interior lining is padded, comfortable, and helps keep your foot dry by wicking away the moisture. You can also customize the fit through lacing as the eyelets are way down the toe.

The Velcro cinch strap across the forefoot allows for easy adjustment and secures your foot into the boot.

Performance

The Sunlite plate of this skate gives you the best of both worlds: the long-lasting durability and the lightweight agility offered by nylon plates.

This plate is designed with a Patented V-Bracing for optimal strength, and they are 40% lighter than aluminum plates. This plate is of great quality as it comes with a lifetime warranty against breakage.

The 62mm wheels feature a 78A hardness and the finest urethane. The design enables this skate to roll smoothly over small debris and rough surfaces making it the perfect wheel for skating in the outdoors.

Pros

• Keeps the feet dry.
• Heat moldable to give a personalized fit.
• Lightweight.
• Durable.
• Rolls smoothly over rough surfaces.

Cons

• Could not find one.

6. VNLA V-Line All American Roller Skates

Most Comfortable

Design

A contemporary boot meets old school wheels is the definition of the VNLA V-Line skate as it brings a fresh look to the traditional black boot.

The V-Line boot features man-made uppers that provide durable support around the ankles and a unique textured design on both sides.

The ankle height of this boot is slightly higher than normal, and it is stylish and high-quality.

Performance

The plate of this skate is made with the Vanilla Gorilla Nylon and has 5-degree aluminum trucks to keep the V-Line skate lightweight so that you are not slowed down when gliding across the rink.

The Sure-Grip All American Plus wheels are made from a clay compound that is super hard to provide a superior roll.

At 101A hardness and 557mm by 30mm, these wheels are one of the best in the market and perfect for rhythm skating or intermediate level indoor shuffle.

The V-Line skate lets you have comfort and look for a trademark high-quality skate. You can also choose between a jam plug, or a black adjustable mini round toe stop to finish the look of your skate.

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Comfortable and stylish.
• Durable.
• Provides great ankle support.

Cons

• Not suitable for beginners.

7. Sure-Grip Rebel Roller Skates

Design

The boots of the Sure-Grip Rebel Aerobic skates are made with genuine leather, and they will fit you comfortably.

With the right amount of padding, this skate will make you smile as you slide your feet into the boot.

Performance

All the components used in designing this skate are performance-ready to get you started in your skating adventures.

The lightweight Sure-Grip probe nylon plates come with adjustable toe stops and reversed kingpins to keep this skate rolling smoothly.

The boot is paired with Sure-Grip Aerobic wheels that have an 85A hardness, ABEC-7 bearings, and is 62mm by 38mm. This gives you the speed that you need to roll smoothly through your neighborhood.

Pros

• Made of genuine leather.
• Durable
• Offers stability and comfort.
• Affordable price
• Comfortable fit.

Cons

• The plastic plate flexes easily.
• The ankle support is low.

8. Riedell R3 Cosmic Superfly Speed Skates

Design

The Riedell R3 boot features a class-leading quality, and it is no surprise that it is very popular.

It features a special grade man-made vinyl upper with plenty of padding and is more durable compared to the standard vinyl.

The detailed construction process of the boot has been developed from Riedell’s decades of experience in boot-making.

Performance

The R3 boot comes with a PowerDyne Thrust Nylon plate and a black adjustable mini round toe stop.

The Cosmic Superfly wheels of the R3 speed skate have 90A hardness and are 62mm by 40mm. They are made from GRIP RITE urethane that is high in quality.

The grooves are deep speed and long-lasting to ensure maximum grip and wear. The nylon inserts keep the bearings smooth and cool. With this skate, you can choose the color that suits you best.

Pros

• Can be used indoors and outdoors.
• Comfortable fit.
• Great quality.
• Great price.
• Great for beginners.

Cons

• The toe stop tends to unscrew even when tightened.

9. Sure-Grip Boardwalk Black Roller Skates

Design

This skate is designed to be a perfect gift. They come with an impressive, finished box that will make your gift a perfect one.

The roller skate is designed using lightweight trucks, rock nylon plates, and urethane cushions.

It has a high impact base with strong wheels and trucks. It is designed for outdoor skating and around the beach.

Performance

The Sure-Grip Boardwalk has ABEC 5 bearings. The boot is made with leather and has a stitched composite nylon sole with high-quality urethane wheels with 78A hardness.

The grey adjustable toe stop offers a classy and subtle look.

It comes with an Aluminum Avanti plate with a 3″ Park Truck that goes perfect with Sure Grip Grind blocks. It also has Carrera toe stop.

Pros

• They are durable.
• They are lightweight.
• Comfortable for wide feet.

Cons

• Could not find one.

10. Rock GT-50 Cosmic Superfly Speed Skates

Design

They are perfect for a beginner skater. The Rock GT-50 is a fully functioning roller skate with a synthetic leather boot, ABEC 5 bearings, and GT-50 swirl wheels, and a Carrera speed toe stop.

It is ideal for beginner roller derby and recreational skating. Larger skates come with an Aluminum super X plate. This Rock skate is a little wider than other men’s roller skates to match its comfort.

Performance

The GT-50 has a split vinyl toe box with an adjustable strap near the top of the boot. It has a straight-cut toe-stop that offers more usability when skating.

It has a black non-marking rubber toe stop that will help you stop in a dime and help you to start.

The back vinyl cover is reinforced for more protection. It has rolled collar for more comfort and the boot lop is designed to aid in wearing the skate.

The plate mounted at the back provides stability and wheels are slightly behind the ball of the foot.

The Sure-Grip metal trucks provide strength. This truck has steel hardware with urethane cushions. The indoor wheels are made of the best material for increased speed.

They have boot laces to secure straps that reach to the heel for support. The cushioned tongue gives comfort with padded lining.

Pros

• They are comfortable and adjustable.
• Ease of speed.
• High-quality wheels.

Cons

• Skaters find difficulty in getting the right size.

Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Roller Skates for Men

Indoor Vs Outdoor Roller Skates

You may want to know the differences between indoor or outdoor skates. Their wheels have a difference. Indoor wheels have fewer grips (hard) to allow them to glide on derby tracks or rink floors.

The outdoor wheels have more grips (softer) to absorb more shock when they roll over rough surfaces or outdoor debris.

However, there are all-purpose wheels for either outdoor or indoor. This means they have a hardness level that is standard for indoor wheel hardness or outdoor wheel hardness.

Most advanced skaters prefer to change their wheels from outdoor to indoor skating to better their results.

Low Top vs High Top Boots

You consider the low-top or high-top boots when you want to stick to a certain style of skating, it depends on which look you prefer.

Low-top boots fit and look like a sneaker, while high-top boots give a more nostalgic look.

Low-top boots are speed boots and are usually used on jam and derby skates while high-top boots are used on rhythm and artistic skates.

Wheels and Bearings

Roller skates have four wheels in pairs enabling them to stand on their own. For wheels, you decide whether you want soft wheels or hard wheels. For rough roads, inline skates need a more durable and harder wheel.

The grip of softer wheels is stickier to provide traction indoors. The hardness of a wheel is indicated with an A number, the higher the A number, the harder wheels.

Bearings are also very important because they give the wheels the ability to spin. They are rated according to the ABEC scale, which defines precision.

The higher the number of ABEC the more the precision and the less resistance you get, making you able to maintain your speed.

Your skill level

For beginners the roller skates are good for indoor skating and when you are skating on flat surfaces.

A high-top boot will give you great support and help prevent the ankle from being rolled. Small wheel sizes with flatter profiles are also good for beginners.

The intermediate and advanced skaters may need to choose aggressive skates with no built-in brakes and have special frames to grind on ledges and rails. Mid-top to low-top boots is also okay for intermediate and advanced skaters.

Weight and material

Skates come in several materials with the main being a vinyl manmade material or leather. Manmade offers great breathability and reduces the weight of the skate.

The leather material is in more expensive skates and provides a great classic style.

Always go for the skates that are lightweight to help maximize your speed and be able to maneuver with ease.

Roller Skate Sizing Chart for Men

It is important to get a proper size for your skate for it to be supportive and comfortable. If the skate does not fit you well it can lead to sore feet, poor performance and you may get discouraged from skating.

Use the listing to ensure you get the right skate for you. When you find a proper fitting skate you will get better support, more comfort, and increased power transfer.

Most rollers fit the same as your standard shoe size. Therefore, if you wear size 7 in your normal shoe, size 7 of your skate shoe will fit.

Most brands make the sizing the same as the normal shoe to make it easier to size.

During the first trial of your skate, you may feel they are too snug but consider a few more tricks to ensure you have the correct size.

When you fit in your skate for the first time, check your toes:

• If they barely touch the front of your skate, then you are okay.
• If they make your toes crunched or curled, the shoe is likely to be too small.

For a better indication of your skate fitting, put it on and bend at the knees to get into a skating position you will feel your toes come off the skate’s front. This will give you a better idea of how your skates will fit.

Final Words

In recent years, skating has become a very popular indoor and outdoor sporting activity.

When skating, it is highly recommended that you wear quality skating equipment and protective gear to prevent injuries.

Selecting the right skate can be a bit complicated because the market is full of skates for men and this article has reviewed the best roller skates for you to make informed and quicker decisions.

Our choice for the best roller skates for men is the Riedell R3 Energy Outdoor Skates because they have a smooth rolling and are comfortable.

They are perfect for the outdoors as you can roll over gravel, pebbles, and small stones easily. They are also highly durable.

Apart from improving your balance, agility, and endurance, skating is also an exciting activity that you can be involved in with your family.

Ensure that you consider the factors mentioned above so that you can get the most out of your skating gear.