For any derby player, whether you are a seasoned veteran or brand new to the sport, committing to a new pair of skates can be a stressful process. This guide is a shortcut that lists some of our favorite skate packages for derby, and it features a performance pick and a value pick for two classes of skater: competitive skaters that are more experienced or committed, and recreational skaters that might be less certain of their long-term commitment or limited by budget.
Continue reading below to find out more about why we chose the skates we did. Keep in mind, these evaluations were made specifically with roller derby in mind and may vary for other skating disciplines.
$815.00 MSRP (Sizes 3.5 - 13.0, including half sizes)
Riedell uses premium components from top to bottom on their Solaris Pro Skate, starting with the cutting-edge Solaris Boot. This supremely comfortable leather boot has a wide ball and rounded toe box that makes it fit like Cinderella's slipper on a wide range of foot shapes and sizes.
The Solaris Pro uses a PowerDyne Reactor Pro Plate that is lightweight, powerful, and responsive. Halo Wheels make it almost effortless to engage your edges and nail crisp stops, starts, and everything in between. Even the bearings and toe stops, so often overlooked, are perfectly suitable for world-class competition.
$399.99 MSRP (Sizes 4 - 12, full only)
Roller Derby Elite (RD Elite) has somewhat quietly developed one of the best all-around derby packages available with their Legacy Skate. The namesake Legacy Boot is a high performance leather boot with a stitched leather outsole and a comfort microfiber lining. The pair we loaned out near the end of 2023 is holding up incredibly well and the skate in possession of them relayed that they still "feel great!"
Perhaps the most impressive component is the magnesium alloy Octane Plate, which has outstanding response and power capabilities. Plus, if ultra-responsive action is more your style, you can get the same skate with a 45˚ Axis Plate of the same construction. This package did get a slight change near the end of 2024 and now features Piper speed wheels and not the red Labeda wheels that are pictured.
$249.00 MSRP (Sizes 4.0 - 12.5, including half sizes)
Bont and performance go hand in hand, so it's no surprise that their affordable Hybrid Tracer Skate package is best in class for new or casual skaters. The quality starts with the microfiber Hybrid boot that is built around a fiberglass base, one that provides unparalleled strength and responsiveness at this level. Bont's anatomical fit is also unique, featuring a deep heel cup and a wide, rounded toe box that feels amazing.
The aluminum alloy Tracer plate is strong and responsive, with delicious 20˚ action that is fantastic for derby. The Ballistic wheels are solid indoor wheels and what used to be the weakest component in the package - ABEC 5 bearings - are now a strength, thanks to Bont Pro bearings being the stock option!
MSRP $195.00 (Sizes 1 - 14, full only)
Riedell's R3 has long been the model of choice for new skaters, and the R3 Derby skate is the best of the bunch. The soft, padded boot fits and feels like a sneaker, so it serves as an excellent transition into the world of snug skate boots that are less forgiving. Vinyl construction means it can withstand the beatings that a new skater typically puts their boots through.The Thrust Plate that sits under the R3 boot is very lightweight but also quite flexible, and if the skater continues to advance into higher competition, they will quickly outgrow this plate. Sonar Aura wheels are sized for derby at 59mm tall, and provide reliable grip that newbies will appreciate without sacrificing their ability to learn that all-important edgework.
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