For any roller derby player, whether you are a seasoned veteran or just getting started, committing to a new pair of skates can be a stressful process filled with doubt and second-guessing. We get it! Good skates aren't cheap and cheap skates aren't good. That's why we've carefully curated this guide to include only the best roller skate packages for playing roller derby and sorted them into easy to understand categories so that you can shop with confidence.

In choosing our winners for the best roller derby skates for 2026, we considered the skate package's overall performance, the quality of its components, its durability and upkeep, and of course, its cost. We selected one skate package for each of three skill levels - Beginner, Intermediate, and Elite.

Riedell Solaris Pro 2.0 Roller Skates are our pick for the best overall derby skates available in 2026. The Solaris 2.0 Boot is an updated version of Riedell's most popular low-cut boot, now with larger reinforcements that provide more support, a redesigned tongue with thicker foam, and a finger loop backstay. What they didn't mess with is the Solaris' super comfortable fit that comes from its split-panel design and full-length lacing. Skaters already loved the fit and feel of Solaris Boots and now they're better than ever.

The Solaris Pro 2.0, like its predecessor, relies on the action of PowerDyne Reactor Pro Plates that are 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.

We've chosen the Bont Hybrid Tracer Skate package as the best derby skates for intermediate skaters - those who are ready to commit to a higher budget for a high performance pair of roller skates. And Bont answers that call for us here with a microfiber Hybrid Boot that is built on a fiberglass base. That strong foundation is a vast improvement over entry-level plastic and rubber outsoles. Bont's snug, anatomical fit is a signature feature of their boots, where a deep heel cup and a rounded toe box provide a natural fit that a lot of skaters prefer over traditional skate lasts.

One of the things skaters look for most in their second pair of skates is a metal plate. On these Hybrid Tracer Skates, Bont utilizes their 20˚ Tracer Plate that is powerful, fast, and perfect for derby. The Ballistic Wheels are solid indoor wheels with a versatile hardness rating, but the wheels are likely on of the first things to be upgraded when the time comes. Considering the performance level that's possible from these skates and the relatively moderate sticker price, we recommend Bont Hybrid Tracer Skates as the best skates for intermediate derby players.

Riedell's R3 has long been the model of choice for new skaters, and the Riedell R3 Derby Skate is our pick for the best beginner derby skates. 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.

Can I just order my street shoe size?

No! While some skates do fit true to shoe size, the majority of skates have unique sizing charts. Even skates from the same brand may have different sizing charts. Always check the sizing information and be prepared to measure your feet for the highest possible accuracy. Be sure to check out our guide on How to Measure Feet For Skate Sizing!

How should a derby skate fit?

Relative to most people's daily shoes, skate boots should fit quite snug. When we do in-person fittings, we often describe this sensation as "so snug it's almost uncomfortable". Of course, you shouldn't be experiencing any sharp pains or deforming your toes to cram them into a boot, but the skate needs to be tight to be responsive and maximize your inputs.

How long do derby skates take to break in?

Different skates will have different break-in periods based on a number of factors, but we generally advise that break-in takes about 10-20 hours. That's long enough to allow boot fibres to stretch, foam padding to get impacted, and for the fit and feel of the skates to settle in for the long haul.

Want to know more? Visit our extensive Learning Center for more helpful knowledge, guides, and videos, or jump directly to our collection of articles that focus on roller skates. If these picks aren't what you are looking for, try your hand at designing your own skate, piece by piece, using our custom skate builder!