So you want to buy your first roller skates?

The hardest (and usually most wasteful) part of shopping for roller skates online is trying to get the right fit. For rollerskating, the fit is crucial, both for a comfortable and fun experience but also to protect you from injury and foot problems. Any experienced skater knows that you suddenly become obsessed with the feeling of your feet once you start roller skating.

For your consideration

Luckily, Dottie's has a wide variety of skate brands and types to try on, and all of their staff are well versed in what the pros and cons of each skate are. Here are some things you can consider and try on when you step into the shop:

• Flat vs. Heeled - Roller derby skaters typically skate on jam skates, meaning they're low ankle and don't have a heel, similar to your everyday sneaker. This means that the majority of your body weight is in your heel. Most other skates prefer a heeled boot, meaning that there is greater ankle support and the heel evenly distributes your weight between your heel and ball of your foot.

• Synthetic (Vinyl) vs. Organic (Suede/Leather) - This is usually the greatest factor of cost, comfort, and durability of a skate. Synthetic boots will typically be made with Vinyl or some other type of plastic material whick makes the skates significantly cheaper. However, this means that the skate will not break in as well, may be uncomfortable for longer, and not last as long as a suede or leather boot. However, most Synthetic skates are vegan, so if that is important to you then look for this.

• Ankle support - Each brand has varying degrees of ankle height and support. Some have padded lining, some are stiff, some are soft and feel like second skin. It's ultimately a matter of preference but the way you intend to skate also is a determining factor. Park skating and artistic skating involves a lot of jumping and impact that tends to require stiffer ankle support and padding. Dance skating wants a flexible ankle area for intricate footwork. Up to you!

This and many more considerations can go into your first pair of skates. The team at Dottie's Roller Skate Shop can get you measured and fitted for your perfect pair of skates, and accomodate all your budget or skating style preferences! Dottie's is also an authorized Riedell retailer and can size you for custom skate orders.

Our recommendation

SJ Roll Call's personal recommendation is, if you're thinking of making this a serious hobby, then invest in a well crafted and comfortable pair. Buying a cheap pair at the start might feel like it's saving money but if you end up loving the sport, you'll find yourself spending $$$ very soon after for an upgraded pair. You'll also find that cheap skates (hah!) will get in the way of your ability to learn and improve your skating.