Buying roller skates Picking up the hobby you practised years ago? Maintaining your fitness without overexerting your joints? Or practice a new sport and be part of a close-knit community? Roller skating is for everyone , young or old, beginner or expert, speed demon, dancer or freestyler.
Are you going to buy your first roller skates, or replace your old roller skates with new ones? Then you've come to the right place at Sucker Punch Skate Shop. Read on to order the perfect roller skates , or knock on our door for advice on your size. With the largest roller skate shop in Europe and more than 10 years of experience, everything is guaranteed to run smoothly with us.
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Roller skates: a little history Roller skates or rollerskates are shoes with wheels attached to them . These enable you to move around while gliding. The name says it all: roller skates were created by replacing the iron under ice skates with wheels. In 1760, Belgian John Joseph Merlin patented the first ‘inline skates’, with the wheels behind each other. He demonstrated these by playing the violin while roller-skating during a ball.
In 1863, American James Leonard Plimpton applied for a patent for his invention of the ‘rocker skate’ or ‘quad skate’ . The advantage of this roller skate with two wheels at the front and two wheels at the back is that steering is easier. Plimpton, ‘the father of traditional roller skating’, also opened the first roller skating rinks and founded the first roller skating club. Music styles such as rock ‘n’ roll and disco created great popularity, which continues to this day.
Wide range of roller skates Brands, models, designs... As you can see above, at Sucker Punch Skate Shop you can choose from a wide range of roller skates. Thus, there is something for everyone and everyone will find the most suitable roller skates here. But which ones are perfect for you? For that, it is first important to know what you will use your new acquisitions for.
Depending on the purpose of your roller skates, also decide on the following factors.
Ordering roller skates: the choice of shoe Most recreational roller skates have a high shoe and a heel . They bring your body balance slightly forward and give support to your ankles. In turn, low shoes with a small or no heel are made for speed skating and roller derby. The extra mobility of your ankle comes in handy for speed and gives more freedom for low footwork.
The material the shoes are made of affects your comfort, the lifespan of your roller skates and the precision with which you glide around, among other things. It is therefore important to weigh up the options. In general, soft shoes with a lot of padding on the inside do not last as long.
For your brakes , choose from fixed or adjustable toe stops. Fixed brakes are standard on cheaper models. How firmly you fix your adjustable toe stops depends on your chassis and makes a big difference in your ease of use. More experienced roller skaters can therefore quickly appreciate the height adjustment of their brakes.
Ordering roller skates: choosing plates and wheels The plates makes the connection between your wheels and your shoes . The principle is just like a skateboard, with a movable truck. There are many different plates, built from different materials. This affects the weight, agility, durability and rigidity of your plates, among other things.
The movable truck allows you to turn with your roller skates (quite convenient). To do this, you push your wheels to the left or right. When it comes to roller skate wheels, you also have a wide choice. Outdoor wheels indoor wheels hard and often wider . The hardness of indoor wheels also differs depending on the floor you skate on. You need softer wheels for a smooth, hard floor, and harder wheels for a less hard, ‘sticky’ floor. Hardness is expressed in ‘A’: the higher, the harder. Soft outer wheels generally have a hardness of 78A, harder inner wheels vary between 84A and 100A and more.
The complete package For beginners, we recommend buying complete roller skates . In our webshop you will find complete packages in every level of the range, from well-known and reliable brands such as Riedell Antik Moxi Sure-Grip Bont Chaya , Wifa Atom Luna Impala Rio SFR Bauer
Extra tip for those taking up roller derby: be sure to check out our starter packs protection , such as helmets and knee protection. Investing in quality protection is of course a requirement for every roller skater.
More experienced skaters usually put together their own package. Feel free to ask us for advice on your size or to put together your package . Naturally, this comes with a price tag, which is why it is less applicable to the novice skater.
Maintaining roller skates Of course you want to enjoy your new roller skates you order online for as long as possible. For longevity and optimal performance , correct maintenance is essential. Some tips in a row:
Clean your roller skates regularly by removing dirt and dust with a soft cloth. Lubricate your wheel bearings every month with a special oil to reduce friction and keep rolling smoothly. Also check your roller skate wheels and replace them if necessary to avoid irregular wear. Choosing the right skate size When choosing the right size of roller skates, it is important that they fit firmly around your feet . Roller skates that are too loose cause blisters and fatigue, roller skates that are too tight cause discomfort and pressure points. Measure your foot accurately and consult the manufacturer's size chart to find the best fit. Always try on roller skates with the same socks you wear while patin’. A good fit not only ensures comfort, but also better control and safety while patinating. Our tip: try out your new roller skates in our shop in Ghent.
Buy your roller skates at Sucker Punch Skateshop Choosing your new favourite brand, deciding on shoes, brakes, bases and wheels, ensuring proper maintenance... There's a lot involved in buying roller skates. Need help? We totally understand. So contact Sucker Punch Skate Shop . With more than 10 years of experience, we are sure to find the answer to your questions. Or visit our physical shop in Ghent, with the largest selection of new roller skates in Europe. You are welcome from Wednesday to Friday, from 12h to 18h, and on Saturday from 12h to 17h.
