Roller skates or roller blades for DS (7)

[WellThisIsShit]

DS apparently wants ‘roller skates’ from Father Christmas this year.

I know nothing about them. Can anyone steer me to whether roller skates or blades are better for a slim boy with not much physical confidence (& therefore not brilliant balance!)?

Is one or the other more popular / cool at the moment?

And how do I go about buying a pair? Any good brands? Any fitting tips eg should they be snug fitting or room to grow? Can I take a gamble on sizes, buying his shoe size? Or do I need to somehow try them on (err, in his sleep?!)?!

I’m a complete novice, so any ideas welcome. Christmas has really sneaked up on me this year, and I’m suddenly scrambling to get it all organised.

Thanks so much for any advice

I'm getting my daughter 7 roller boots from skate but. I'm actually considering getting myself some they look amazing...but then I remember the last time I wore a pair on a school residential I broke my arm in three places

Skate hut

I've bought DD a pair of blades from Decathalon, though she has been having lessons on them.

I used this skate guide: www.penistoneleisurecentre.org.uk/skating/skate-guide/

I personally thing blades are easier for balance - longer wheel base, and less chance of tripping up if skating outside (ie not on a completely flat surface). The ones I've bought in the past can be adjusted to fit three shoe sizes (SFR's I think, which are reasonable) taking some of the guesswork out of it - as long as not on the cusp between two different sizes of skate. Don't forget knee, elbow and wrist pads!

Personally, I would suggest skates for a beginner. My daughter had SFR skates that had adjustable sizing and have been great.

Adjustable sizing sounds a very good idea!

Does it make a difference that DS would be skating around the park and I guess probably a bit on pavements / car park down stairs when he first gets them (as everyone seems to go away for Xmas here, so the car park will be empty on Xmas day / Boxing Day ...

How do I work out what’s good for outside?!

Just wanted to say thank you. Looked at the guide and tried to find the brand posters had mentioned, but the ones I wanted were sold out so I snapped these up as they seem pretty similiar:

I hope they fit and look good when they arrive :)

I think I’m going to be a bit ‘meh’ about roller skates now as this is a Father Christmas wish and not for his boring mum!