Choosing the Right Kids' Skates
Finding the perfect pair of skates for your child is important for their safety and enjoyment. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting kids' skates:
Size Matters: Finding the Proper Fit
Choosing the right size skate is essential. Skates that are too big will cause blisters while skates that are too small can restrict blood flow and cause pain. When trying on skates:
- There should be about a half inch of space between the toes and the end of the skate.
- The wheels should line up with the ball of the foot, not the middle of the arches.
- The skates should fit snugly but not pinch anywhere.
Kids' feet grow rapidly so focus on the current size, not future size. Allow room for thick socks if skating outdoors.
Wheel Types: Deciding Between Rubber and Plastic Wheels
Wheels come in rubber or plastic polyurethane. Consider the skating surface when choosing:
| Wheel Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Rubber | Indoors or smooth outdoor surfaces like concrete or blacktop |
| Plastic (PU) | Rougher surfaces like sidewalks or driveways |
Larger wheels provide more speed while smaller wheels offer maneuverability.
Brakes: Choosing Between Hand Brakes and Foot Brakes
There are two main types of brakes:
- Hand brakes: Lever-operated pads that grip the wheels for stopping. Best for beginners.
- Foot brakes: Located at the back of one skate. Press down against the wheel to brake. Require more skill.
Consider your child's age, skill level and terrain when deciding on brakes.
Safety Gear: Protecting Your Child While Skating
Safety gear helps prevent injuries. At minimum, kids should wear:
- Helmet
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
- Wrist guards
For outdoor skating, gloves help absorb impact from falls. Reflective gear makes kids visible to drivers.
Getting the right skates, wheels and safety equipment ensures your child glides smoothly, safely and with confidence!
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Size Matters: Finding the Proper Fit for Kids' Skates
Finding the right size skates is crucial for your child's comfort and safety. Skates that are improperly sized can lead to pain, injury and lack of control.
Measuring Feet
Start by measuring both feet while standing:
- Use a brannock device or ruler to measure feet length in inches or centimeters.
- Width should be measured across the widest part of the foot.
- Always go by the larger foot measurement.
Fit Guidelines
Use these tips when trying on skates:
- There should be about a half inch (1 cm) of space between the toes and the end of the skate.
- Heels should not slip up and down when walking in skates.
- No parts of the foot should feel pinched or restricted.
| Part of Foot | Proper Fit |
|---|---|
| Toes | Lightly brushing the front without crunching |
| Width | Snug but not tight |
| Heel | Secure with minimal lifting |
Trying On
When trying on skates:
- Wear similar socks to those that will be worn when skating.
- Do the "push test" - child should be able to push down on the toe cap without excess room.
- Walk around the store to test comfort and support.
It's normal for new skates to feel slightly tight at first. The materials will break-in over time. A proper fitting skate enhances performance and keeps kids safe.
Wheel Types: Deciding Between Rubber and Plastic Wheels for Kids' Skates
Choosing the right wheels allows kids to skate smoothly and safely. The two main types are rubber and plastic polyurethane (PU).
Rubber Wheels
- Softer and more grippy
- Best for smooth surfaces like wood, tile, and blacktop
- Provide good traction indoors
- Wear down more quickly than plastic wheels
Plastic Polyurethane Wheels
- Harder and more durable
- Ideal for rougher surfaces like sidewalk or driveway
- Withstand outdoor debris better
- Don't grip as well indoors
Hybrid Wheels
Some wheels combine aspects of both:
- PU core with rubber outer layer
- Allows for indoor and outdoor use
- Medium durability and grip
Larger vs. Smaller Wheels
| Larger Wheels | Smaller Wheels |
|---|---|
| Faster top speed | More maneuverable |
| Roll over cracks/debris easier | Lower clearance for tricks |
| Better for longer distances | More stable for beginners |
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Considerations
Factors to consider when choosing wheels:
- Child's skill level
- Age and weight of child
- Predominant skating surface
- Indoor vs. outdoor use
The right wheels allow kids to build confidence and skate to the best of their ability.
Brakes: Choosing Between Hand Brakes and Foot Brakes for Kids' Skates
Having proper brakes is crucial for safe stopping and control. Kids' skates come equipped with either hand brakes or foot brakes.
Hand Brakes
- Lever-operated pads on the frame grip the wheels
- Allow for gradual modulated braking
- Ideal for beginners learning to balance
- Provide lots of stopping power
Foot Brakes
- Located at the back of one skate
- Press down against wheel to engage
- Require coordination and ankle flexibility
- Enable quick stops once mastered
Comparison
| Factor | Hand Brakes | Foot Brakes |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Easier | Harder |
| Terrain Suitability | All types | Smooth surfaces |
| Maintenance | Occasional adjustment | Replacing worn brake pads |
Key Considerations
- Child's age and coordination level
- Type of skating (recreational, aggressive, etc.)
- Skating environment
- Ability to frequently inspect and service brakes
Ultimately the safest brake is the one your child can control effectively. Hands-on testing can help determine the best option.
Safety Gear: Protecting Your Child While Skating
Safety gear is essential for keeping kids protected while skating. At minimum, the following equipment is recommended:
Helmet
- Protects against traumatic head injuries
- Look for CPSC certification
- Ensure proper fit - snug and level on head
- Adjust sizing pads and straps as needed
Knee Pads
- Shield knees from impact
- Hard caps with padding under
- Stretchy straps keep them secured
- Allow mobility while covering kneecap
Elbow Pads
- Prevent scrapes and fractures
- Slip-on or adjustable straps
- Hard outer shells disperse force
- Inner padding adds comfort
Wrist Guards
- Support wrists on falls
- Rigid splint prevents hyperextension
- Adjustable straps customize fit
- Full or half-finger designs
Additional Gear
- Gloves protect hands from abrasion
- Mouthguards help avoid dental injuries
- Reflectors make skaters visible
- Hip pads defend tailbone area
Ensure kids wear their protective gear every time they skate. Gear should fit comfortably without impairing movement. Replace damaged or outdated equipment right away.
Teaching Kids How to Skate
Learning to skate takes time and patience, but can be very rewarding for kids. Follow these tips to make the process fun and safe:
Starting Off Slow
- Begin on a flat, smooth surface with plenty of room
- Use skates with a sturdy wheelbase and lots of ankle support
- Start by having the child stand in skates without moving
- Hold their hands and guide them in taking steps to find balance
- Gradually pick up speed as skills improve
Mastering Balance and Coordination
- Do balancing games like catching a ball in skates
- Practice shifting weight from one leg to the other
- Try cone obstacle courses to build coordination
- Play "Follow the Leader" copying moves
Falling Safely
- Wear full safety gear - helmet, knee/elbow pads, wrist guards
- Learn to crouch when losing balance to avoid injury
- Roll when falling rather than using hands to catch yourself
- Get back up carefully, bending knees for stability
Building Confidence
- Offer encouragement and praise effort, not just success
- Hold hands downhill for added security
- Focus on small achievements like gliding or stopping
- Gradually remove supports like hand-holding as skills develop
Celebrate each milestone to keep kids motivated. With time and practice, skating skills and self-assurance will grow.
Starting Off Slow: Mastering Balance and Coordination When Teaching Kids to Skate
Learning to skate requires developing new skills in balance and coordination. Rushing into it can lead to frustration, while taking a gradual approach sets kids up for success.
The Basics
Start on a flat, smooth surface like a driveway or school blacktop with no traffic. Concrete provides ideal traction when just starting out. Beginners lack stability, so have the child stand still in skates first before attempting any movement. Hold their hands to provide support, then slowly walk together to feel the skates under them.
Small Steps
Slowly build up time in the skates and distance gliding. My 5 year old daughter could only manage 5-10 minutes at first. Keep sessions brief to avoid fatigue. We would skate back and forth across the driveway, about 10 feet each way, holding one hand while she used the other for balance. As her endurance and comfort grew, we extended our course further down the driveway over the next few sessions.
Making It Fun
Incorporate games to maintain interest and challenge coordination. We used sidewalk chalk to draw shapes, letters and mazes to skate through. Hoops to glide through and balls to catch improve balance reactions. Follow the leader works on imitating movements and sequences.
Letting Go
Gradually reduce supports like hand-holding as skills progress. Brief moments of solo skating build confidence, but stay close in case of falls. I would let go of my daughter's hand while skating but stayed within arm's reach. We worked up from a few seconds alone to eventually full laps around the driveway over a 2 week period.
Encouraging Milestones
Celebrate each new achievement to keep motivation high. The first time my daughter glided 5 feet solo we had a little dance party. Recognizing small steps along the way provides a sense of accomplishment.
Starting off slowly allows the body and brain to integrate the new skills required to skate proficiently. As balance and coordination improve, the speed and challenges can increase.
What is the Use of Amazon Prime for Buyers of Kids' Skates?
For parents who regularly purchase kids' skates and equipment, an Amazon Prime membership can be extremely valuable.
Free Two-Day Shipping
Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on eligible items. This makes it easy to quickly receive kids' skates and accessories as needed or to replace worn-out gear. You can conveniently order new skates as your child's feet grow without worrying about extra shipping costs.
Trying Before Buying
The Prime Wardrobe feature allows Prime members to order kids' skates and safety gear to try on at home before purchasing. You can get several sizes and styles to determine the best fit and keep what you like. Return shipping is free which makes testing skates risk-free.
Streamlined Returns
Returning or exchanging kids' skates is simplified with Amazon Prime. You get free return shipping on eligible items for any reason. This makes it easy to swap out ill-fitting skates or equipment for something better suited to your child's needs and abilities.
Discount Opportunities
Prime members get exclusive access to special discounts and sales. This includes Prime Day deals and coupons offering percentage off or dollars off kids' skates and accessories. Saving on purchases allows you to buy higher quality or more gear.
For frequent buyers of kids' skates, a Prime membership can provide convenient shipping, flexible returns, and exclusive savings. This makes it easier to keep your child equipped as they progress in skating.
What Are The Best Kids' Skates For Beginners??
There are several options for kids' skates that are great for beginners. Here are some of the best options:
Quad skates are generally considered better for beginners than inline skates because they provide more stability and balance.
What Are The Differences Between Quad And Inline Skates For Kids??
Here are the main differences between quad and inline skates for kids:
Quad Skates:
Inline Skates:
Ultimately, the choice between quad and inline skates depends on the skater's preference and intent.
