Dancing on roller skates is a wonderful sport to try out. If you are already dancing on the rink, or just thinking of getting started, you will need the best roller skates for dancing possible.
When looking for the best skate, you will want to think about how the skate feels on your foot, because an uncomfortable skate will never provide you with the level of performance you deserve.
You will need to also think about how much the skate weighs and whether you will be able to skate indoors and outdoors, as you prefer.
You will also need to know what your personal skill level is and whether you are up to the challenge of the skates.
When your skates work well for you, you will be able to dance as you would prefer out on the rink.
You should be able to tell by different elements, which is the right skate for you.
Our Rating 100%
Our choice for the best roller skates for dancing is the Riedell 120 Sunlite Rollerbones Indoor Roller Skates. These combine a classic style, lightweight feel, quality components, and a level of performance that will take your skills on roller skates up to the next level.
Our Rating 98%
The runner-up that we have found for the best dance skates is the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Indoor Roller Skates. These skates provide an ultra-comfortable experience and are built to be both lightweight and durable. Made with high-quality suede, the skates look as good as they feel.
Our Rating 95%
Our recommendation for the perfect roller skates when working within a budget is the Sure-Grip Malibu Roller Skates. These lightweight, nylon skates work for both indoor and outdoor use, making them a great choice for versatile skaters who need to have the option.
10 Best Roller Skates For Dancing (2023)
Below are the top 10 recommendations for the perfect roller skates for dancing. There is something for everyone, whether you are just starting out or you are an experienced skater.
1. Riedell 120 Sunlite Indoor Roller Skates
Best Roller Skates For Dancing (Editor’s Choice)
Our choice for the best roller skates for dancing are the Riedell 120 Sunlite Rollerbones Roller Skates.
With a combination of a classic style, quality components, and a level of performance these really will take your dancing skills up to the next level.
Design
The design of the Riedell Sunlite Rollerbones skates includes a patented V bracing design. This provides an added level of durability for the skates.
They are so confident that the skates will not break on you that they have a lifetime guarantee against any breakage.
Additionally, the design is 40% lighter than conventional skates. They do come with aluminum Sunlite plates and double action 8mm trucks that both help keep the skates as light as possible. There is also an adjustable toe stop.
Performance
Looking at the performance for these skates, the Sunlite Rollerbones come with 98A wheels and Speed Master ABEC-7 bearings. This will give you a smooth ride and still have a heavy grip on the rink floor.
The lightweight design of the skates also means that you will not be weighed down by the skates, helping provide you with more speed out on the rink.
Pros:
- ABEC-7 bearings
- Smooth ride
- Lifetime guarantee against breaks
- 40% lighter than conventional plates
- V bracing design
Cons:
- We didn’t find any
2. Sure-Grip Boardwalk Roller Skates For Dancing
Runner-Up
The runner-up that we have found for the best roller skates for dancing is the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Indoor Roller Skates.
These skates provide an ultra-comfortable experience and are built to be both lightweight and durable.
Design
The Sure-Grip Boardwalk Indoor Roller skates were designed to bring that old-school element to the new skates, adding a little more fun to their appearance.
Also, the boots are made with high-quality suede with a stitched sole, the skates look as good as they feel.
The skates were made to provide you with a high level of comfort, which means that the skates manage to look good, but also feel good as well.
The plate that comes with these skates is a Sure-Grip Rock Nylon Plate, which helps keeps the skates lightweight. You also get to have a choice in color with these, adding a touch of personality.
Performance
Moving onto the performance of the Sure-Grip Boardwalk skates, the skates come with the smooth ABEC-7 bearings that really help with your movement out on the rink.
The wheels that they come with are the RC Medallion Plus Artistic Wheels, which are meant for dancing movements, but they can always be replaced if they are not working out for you.
Pros:
- Suede exterior
- Ultra-comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Classy design
Cons:
- We didn’t find any
3. VNLA Godfather Roller Skates
High Performance
If you are looking more for a high performance kind of skate for dancing, then we suggest the VNLA Godfather All-American Plus Indoor Roller Skate.
This classic-looking skate is a combination of excellent design with slick performance.
Design
Starting with their design, the VNLA Godfather All-American skates have taken their design to the next leather.
Made with high-end, top grain leather, the boots will mold around your feet like a second skin. There is also a leather sole that supplies a thick layer of support.
The All-American Plus skates are made with the Vanilla Gorilla nylon plates. These also have aluminum trucks to keep the feel over the skates to remain lightweight. It also comes with an adjustable black mini toe stop.
Performance
Since these are our choice for high performance skates, their performance should come as no surprise to you.
These have been especially made for artistic and rhythm skating and they will work whether you are a competitor or just someone who enjoys skating and dancing.
They come with the Speed Master ABEC-7 bearings as well, which improves performance.
Pros:
- High-end leather
- Vanilla Gorilla nylon plates
- Classic design
- Adjustable black mini toe stop
- Made for artistic and rhythm skating
Cons:
- The high tops are difficult for newer skaters to work with
4. Sure-Grip Malibu Roller Skates
Budget Friendly
Our recommendation for the perfect dance skates when working within a budget is the Sure-Grip Malibu Roller Skates.
These lightweight, nylon skates work for both indoor and outdoor use.
Design
The design of the Malibu skates includes the classic, high-top boot that has been lined with leather.
They have stitched soles as well, rather than the less expensive glue option, which means that the shoes will hold up for a long time.
The skates are constructed with a lightweight nylon Sure-Grip Probe plate as well as a fixed toe stop. The skates also have 8mm aluminum trucks.
Performance
As we mentioned above, the Sure-Grip Malibu skates were made to be versatile, so you can use them either inside or outside. This is because of the Malibu 57mm wheel that was also designed to accommodate the versatility.
These skates are a nice choice for newer skaters who are just trying out dancing on roller skates and really make a perfect first pair.
With the Malibu wheels, you can also experiment between indoor and outdoor skating to see what works best for you.
Pros:
- Works for both indoor and outdoor use
- Stitched soles
- Lightweight nylon plates
- Leather lined
- Aluminum trucks
Cons:
- The toe stop is fixed and not adjustable
5. Riedell 120 Competitor Indoor Skates
If you are looking more for a pair of roller skates for dancing that work well in a competition, then you should check out the Riedell 120 Competitor Indoor Skates.
These skates veer away from the classic look, focusing more on performance and ability.
Design
Let’s start off with the design of the Riedell 120 Competitor Skates. The skates are designed with a Drilex lining.
“This is different than many of the other skates that we have reviewed here, because it is intended to prevent moisture from building within the boot.
The moisture that remains there could definitely cause blisters and other issues that make it difficult to move.
Also, the skates have a lot of focus placed on the padding of the skates. There is ankle padding that has been reinforced for maximum support.
This will help you focus more on the skating and not worry about how your feet are feeling.
Performance
These are an indoor roller skate, but they have been made with competition in mind. They have super high grip urethane roller skate wheels.
The wheels have a 57mm by 30 mm diameter and a hardness rating of 96A, which is perfect for the rink.
The bearings are a Speed Master ABEC 7 as well, giving you a smooth ride.
Pros:
- Drilex lining
- Leather top
- Ankle padding
- Artistic Plates
- Smooth roll
Cons:
- We didn’t find any
6. Sure-Grip Boardwalk Roller Skates
For Beginners
While many of the skates that we have reviewed could easily be worn by beginners, you cannot go wrong with Sure-Grip Boardwalk Roller Skates if you are just starting out.
These skates are made to be comfortable and durable, keeping your focus on your skating skills.
Design
The design of the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Indoor Skates includes a high quality suede exterior, which makes the skates form better around your foot.
The second that you lace the skates up, you will be able to tell that they really were made with a focus on your comfort.
The skates have lightweight, durable nylon plates with adjustable toe stops as well. The color combination of black and gray also is a nice and classy look.
Performance
As we said above, these are great beginner skates, so the performance level that you will get out of them is appropriate for beginner skaters.
They come with RC Medallion Indoor Wheels, which will work nicely in the rink.
The skates also feature the ABEC 7 bearings that we have seen with the higher-end skates as well, so you will still get a great roll from the skates.
Pros:
- Ultra-comfortable
- Suede exterior
- Nylon plates
- Adjustable toe stops
- Nice design
Cons:
- They will not continue to work for you as you grow with your abilities
7. VNLA V-Line Fame Indoor Roller Skates
For a new look and a variety of skill options, check out the VNLA V-Line Fame Indoor Roller Skates.
These skates combine comfort and style, letting you really show off your personality out in the rink.
Design
The VNLA V-Line Fame Indoor Roller Skates are really all about the design. They are a little higher than the average high-top boot.
The boot is stiff and will take a little bit of time to break-in, but once you have, the skate should fit you perfectly.
The boot is made with a unique texture design that takes a new spin on the traditional black skate boot. It also provides durable support around the ankles, warding off any potential injury.
The skates features the Vanilla Gorilla nylon plates, which keep the weight of the skates down, helping you to move smoother.
Performance
The VNLA V-Line Fame skates were made to be used indoors on the rink, so they come with the Sure-Grip Fame artistic wheels.
The plates that they are built with also help keep the skates feeling light, so you will be able to do your dance moves without any real worry to being slowed down.
Pros:
- Fresh design
- Artistic wheels
- High quality
- Lightweight build
- Great for performance
Cons:
- Higher and stiffer than the normal high-top skates
8. Riedell 111 Angel Roller Skates
A nice, lightweight option, the Riedell 111 Angel Roller Skates are another high-quality dance roller skates that you might want to consider.
You will move freely and easily with these skates on your feet.
Design
The design of the Riedell 111 Angel skates includes ankle support to ensure that you will be as protected as possible.
The men’s skate also fits wider than the lady’s skate, so keep that in mind when you are ordering them. They are made with man-made materials which could affect the long-term durability of the skates.
The skates feature lightweight PowerDyne nylon plates, providing a good level of agility to the skates as well.
The skates come with RC Medallion Plus Wheels, which are good for indoor skating.
Performance
Moving onto the performance, the 111 Angel skates are really a nice option for beginning skaters who are just getting down the movement of artistic skating.
They will not really grow with you as your skills improve, but they are excellent as a starter skate for dancing.
The skates were specifically made for artistic skating, so you can rest assured that these skates will help you get started in the sport.
Pros:
- High quality components
- Lightweight
- Great for artistic skating
- Ankle support
- Good choice for beginners
Cons:
- Best for beginners, will not work with more advanced skaters
9. Riedell 220 Century Roller Skates
Design
As we mentioned above, the Riedell 220 Century skates are handmade in the USA, which means that they have not been imported and are required to meet the manufacturing standards within the US.
The skates are made with reinforced quarters and shock absorbing cork, which really sets them apart from the competition.
The skates do use a Century plate, which is an artistic plate that had been designed for its durability and agility.
It really is the perfect plate for skaters who are accustomed to a standard 10 degree double action plate.
If you are not accustomed to a plate like that, there may be a bit of a learning curve, but once you have it down, your skating will improve.
Performance
The 220 Century skates come with the Rollerbones Team wheels, which have been designed to roll very smoothly, but still maintain a firm grip on the rink floor.
You will find they are perfect for not just dancing, but recreational skating as well.
Pros:
- Fantastic Floor Grip
- Super smooth roll
- Shock absorption
- Handmade in USA
- 10 degree double action plate
Cons:
- Learning curve with that type of plate
10. VNLA Godfather Medallion Roller Skates
The final skates that we have reviewed are the VNLA Godfather Medallion Indoor Roller Skates.
These skates will really take your dancing to the next level as they combine high quality with comfort and style.
Design
The VNLA Godfather Medallion skates are constructed using a high-end quality leather.
The supple leather lining will mold easily around your foot, but with the thick stitched leather sole, you will still get the high amount of support that you need to pull off your best moves.
The skates also use the Vanilla Gorilla nylon plates, which help keep the overall feel of the skates light, ensuring that you are not dragged down or slowed down while you are out on the rink.
Performance
The VNLA Godfather skates use the RC Medallion wheels. That means that the wheels have been made with super high grip urethane and will give you a superior roll on the rink.
Their 96 A hardness makes them ideal for the rink’s surface as well.
The skates are great for competition and use the VNLA Reaction ABEC 9 bearings, giving you a high speed roll.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Thick leather sole
- High-end materials
- Great for competition
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not a skate to learn with
Things To Consider When Choosing Roller Skates For Dancing
Dancing Style
The first thing to consider with your roller skates for dancing is the style that you use. Artistic skates can be used in a variety of disciplines, so they are pretty versatile, using a strong sole and leather boot.
Jam skates, on the other hand, are incredibly different. They usually have a low-cute design and do not have a toe stop to slow you down.
Rhythm skates are made especially for dancing, allow you to shuffle, slide, and dance easily. Think about how you will use your skates before you make your final decision between them.
Wheel Hardness & Diameter
The wheel hardness will be determined usually by whether you are skating indoors or outdoors.
When indoors, you will want a higher hardness rating, going at least from a 96A up to a 100, in order to get the best grip on the floor.
The wheel diameter that you choose has a lot to do with how you like to dance.
Some skates even accommodate two different diameters, giving you a very different feel out on the rink and ultimately affecting how well you can spin and shuffle.
The higher up you are, the more room for movement that you will get.
Boot Design & Material
Traditional roller skates are a high top, but that is not the only type of skate around these days.
Low top skates better resemble sneakers and as such, give you a lot more speed. Jam skates are designed to be low top especially.
Material-wise, leather is the most expensive option out there, because it is durable, suppler, and will fit your feet the best.
But, if you are not a competitive skater, you might be happier with the most cost effective man-made materials. They will not be as durable, but they will work for beginners.
Roller Skate Sizing
Finally, you will need to pay attention to the sizing of your roller skates when it comes to choose the best roller skaters for dancing.
Many skates run in men’s sizing, which can often easily be converted to ladies sizes when needed, but in some cases, the men’s sizes indicate that the skates are naturally wider.
If you do have wide feet, make sure to go with wide skates. This will prevent any discomfort and injury that could happen due to poorly fitted skates. You will be able to perform better when your skates fit as they should.
Final Words
While there are a lot of great options out there, our choice for the best roller skates for dancing are the Riedell 120 Sunlite Rollerbones Team Indoor Roller Skates.
These are a high performance skate that over the level of fluidity that a dancer will need out on the rink.
Of course, there are still many other great choices, depending on your needs. If you are look for something that gives you a high performance, competitive edge, you would be happier with the VNLA Godfather All-American Plus Indoor Roller Skate.
These are made to be slick and will provide you with just what you need to be successful.
Beginners would need a different type of skate, however, so keep that in mind. If you are just learning, you would be better off with the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Indoor Roller Skates.
Ultimately, consider your needs and go with the skate that will help take your dancing to the next level.
Hey there, my name is Tommy and I have to admit that rollerblading and roller skating are in my blood. I have been skating since I was seven years old and I have tried many different roller skates during my skating career.
I hope my knowledge and passion for rollerblading and skating comes across and that you’ll find the product reviews insightful.