Roller skating has made a come back within recent years thanks to the popularity of movies and Roller Derby. I started roller skating at the tender age of 2 and my mother would stuff cotton balls or tissue in the end of the skates as they didn't make them that small. As I grew older so did my proficiency level and then I took to Inline skating in the early nineties as it was a new and exciting sport. I have recently rediscovered Roller skating and have some tips for purchasing the perfect pair of skates.
Most of the manufacturer's do not sell directly to the public so you will need to find an Authorized Dealer this could be your local skating rink Pro Shop or looking online for the best deal. Also, a lot of the skates are made to order, meaning they do not have these just lying around their warehouse. Once an order is placed, the manufacturer will build the skate to your specifications and then ship it out. So in most cases, you will want to do some research before purchasing as if you should need to return there could be a restocking fee of anywhere from around 20% to 25%.
Typically roller skates will fit true to shoe size with an average "D" width. And some of the companies will offer a boot in a wide "E" width as well as half sizes. Also, the boots will be available in varying price points with different frames and wheel choices. So if you see a skate boot you like but are not too crazy about the wheels or frame you can look for the combination you want within the same line. Ladies beware, if you are looking for a skate in the higher price points these could be a Men's cut. Which means if you normally wear a size 8 shoe, you would need to purchase a size 7 in the Men's cut skate.
Once you decide on the perfect skate for you it could be advantageous to make certain of the exact size you require. Perhaps having your foot measured at your local shoe store on the Brannock device, which we are all familiar with, to be sure you order the correct size.
I found a helpful blog regarding the different types of roller skates and their uses which was very beneficial for my recent purchase and made my choice very simple.