How To Select Men's Quad Skates

Wearing the right quad roller skates can mean the difference between gliding smoothly around the rink and stumbling along the perimeter rails. Good fit and appropriate gear improve your stability and allow you to achieve your skating goals more quickly than you would with a pair of poorly fitted rental skates. While proper skate selection benefits all skaters, it's particularly important for men, who need skates designed to support their height and weight. Whether you plan to use your new skates for competitive roller hockey or simply staying fit, look for skates that balance comfort and support.

Step 1

Visit a skate shop and ask the sales staff to measure the length and width of both feet, as some skaters require different sizes for each. Use the manufacturer's size charts in the skate shop to find the right pair of skates. Try them on to test for fit. Confirm that the boots feel comfortable and that your foot does not slide around within the boot. Wiggle your toes to check the fit in the front of the boot. Try to lift your heel. Choose a different pair of skates if you are able to lift your heel within the boot.

Step 2

Ask about material options for each pair of skates you're considering. Buy leather boots if you're willing to pay more for comfort and durability.

Step 3

Purchase ankle-high boots with a long wheelbase for speed skating or taller boots with a toe stop for figure skating or dance. Select a mid-height boot, small wheel base and no stop for hockey, or look for a comfortable boot with an average-sized wheel base and toe stop for recreational or fitness skating.

Step 4

Purchase 57 mm wheels for recreational or fitness skating or select even smaller wheels for hockey or aggressive freestyle skating. Buy wheels measuring 62 mm or larger for speed skating.

Step 5

Select TDI-style plastic wheels if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of speed and performance to cut costs. Maximize performance with MDI-style wheels, which offer a more secure grip and are able to turn faster than TDI wheels.

Step 6

Buy hard wheels with a durometer of 88A or higher to skate faster on indoor surfaces according to "Roller Skating: The Sport of a Lifetime." Purchase softer wheels with a durometer of 88A of less to improve stability and comfort while skating outdoors.

Tips and Warnings

Experienced sales associates can recommend the best style and brand of skates based on your foot length, width and shape. In general, the taller your wheels, the faster you'll be able to skate, but the less stable your skates will feel. The higher the durometer number, the harder the wheels.
Vinyl boots cost less and feel softer on the foot initially but may not offer enough support and strength for men, who often need a stiff boot to support their extra weight.