If you are looking for new outdoor roller skates, we can help. Our team of skaters and knowledgeable experts has carefully combed through the current lineup of outdoor skates and found what we think are the best performing and best value outdoor skates available today. We made our choices with both beginners and advanced skaters in mind so that no matter your skill level, we have a recommendation that fits!
$199.00 MSRP (US Sizes 4 - 10)
When it comes to finding the best outdoor roller skates for beginners and casual skaters, the Jackson Vista Nylon Skates are still our top pick. They offer that traditional heeled high-top design that is popular for outdoor and recreational skating, and they're available in a handful of striking colors (or black if colorful isn't your style). The Vista boot is firm enough to feel snug and supportive while remaining comfortable and convenient to use.
The Pilot Viper Nylon Plate that is attached to this Vista model is made with DuPont's Zytel nylon, a plastic that is stiff, lightweight, and durable. The trucks are aluminum, the kingpins and axles are steel, and everything is replaceable if the need arises! Atom Pulse Wheels are some of our all-time favorites for outdoor skating, and they spin on excellent Bionic bearings. One notable drawback is that the toe stop is secured with a nut, which means it will need to be checked and tightened regularly. Considering the overall performance and quality of the components in this package, we endorse the Jackson Vista Nylon as the best outdoor roller skate for beginners and casual skaters.
$99.95 MSRP (US Sizes 4 - 10)
The Jackson EVO Skates are our pick for the best value outdoor skates for beginners and casual skaters, thanks in large part to the $99.95 price tag that makes their affordability and value unmatched in the market. Considering that these packages had a sticker price well over $200 when they were released, EVO Skates represent one of the best value buys in the entire industry right now.
The heeled high-top EVO boot is available in quite a few flashy finishes and has color-matched Pulse Lite outdoor wheels to add even more style. This setup, with the Pilot Viper Nylon plate, is excellent for a range of outdoor activities, whether that's on the trails, at the park, in the streets, or at home in the driveway. The crazy low cost on Jackson EVO Skates is a deal that new skaters and casual riders will not want to miss!
We made some really tough decisions to whittle down our choices into just two skates, and those that just barely missed the cut deserve their own praise. If you're looking for a performance alternative, the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Plus is an amazing skate package that very nearly won the prize. When it comes to value, our runners-up were the Moxi Beach Bunny and Sure-Grip Malibu Skates. And finally, if high tops aren't your thing, be sure to check out Chaya Vintage Skates for low-cut freedom and fun!
$300.00 MSRP (US Sizes 4 - 11)
The Chuffed Wanderer Skates are our pick for the best outdoor skates for intermediate and advanced skaters. The Wanderer Boot has 100% genuine suede uppers with stiff counters and reinforcements that make it ultra-responsive and powerful. A padded lining and tongue, as well as a cushioned insole, means there is very little break-in time, and the boot is comfortable right out of the box.
Our favorite thing about the Chuffed Wanderer, and what makes them especially awesome for advanced skaters, is that you can change the wheels, and they become excellent for park skating and dance sessions. The aluminum plate is powerful and responsive, and its weight isn't as noticeable as other cast aluminum plates that tend to make your skates feel like bricks. Finally, don't sleep on the Chuffed outdoor wheels; their small profile and 82A tire are a great combination for navigating streets, obstacles, and anything else that gets in your way!
$176.95 MSRP (EU Sizes 36 - 43, US 5 - 10)
If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck, then look no further than Chaya Melrose Elite Skates. With an eye-popping price tag well under $200, these skates offer everything an outdoor skater needs and then some! The faux-suede boot is extremely comfortable, and because it's entirely synthetic, the Melrose Elite Boot holds its shape almost too well—there isn't much stretch or break-in that happens with this boot.
What this skate does well is dampen shock and vibration, which promotes a smoother ride on rough surfaces. That same effect is going to limit the top-end performance of the Melrose Elite, but the trade-off is a lighter skate that feels better for cruising and trail skating. The remaining components—plate, wheels, bearings, and even the toe stop—are quality additions to the set. The plate is made of nylon, but it's one of the better ones out there, in part because of the toe stop clamp that securely locks stoppers in place.
Once again, we would be remiss if we did not show some love to the skate packages that just missed out on the top spots. We considered both the high-flying Jackson Vibe Falcon and the supremely comfortable Moxi Lolly Skates, but ultimately we decided that the Wanderer offered the best of both worlds. If you're on a budget but still want a versatile skate that won't hold you back, check out the previously mentioned Jackson Vista Nylon and Sure-Grip Boardwalk Plus skates as excellent alternatives.
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!