- Helmet + pads option
Blue Quad Skates
KSh5,499KSh 6,299
Best Skates for Beginners: Choosing a Child's First Pair
Our beginner picks
- Helmet + pads option
Pink Princess Quads
KSh5,499KSh 6,299
- Helmet + pads option
Blue Adventure
KSh5,499KSh 6,299
Steady wheels and protective gear in the box.
A child's first skates decide whether skating becomes a favourite hobby or a box in the cupboard. The best beginner skates keep a child steady, protect them when they fall and fit properly. Here is what that looks like, and which of our skates do it best.
What are the best skates for a beginner child?
The best skates for a beginner child are quad skates with a helmet and pads, such as our Pink Princess or blue quads at KSh 5,899. Four wheels in two rows keep a new skater steady. For a beginner with good balance who wants inline skates, the Blue Adventure or Spider-Man skates are a good next step.
Updated by The Skates for Kids Kenya team
What makes a skate good for beginners
Look for these four things in any first pair of skates:
- A steady wheel layout. Quad skates, with two rows of wheels, are the most stable at low speed.
- A firm boot. A hard shell that holds the ankle upright stops the foot rolling inward.
- The right size. Too big and the foot slides. Adjustable skates let you get it right and keep it right.
- Protective gear. Beginners fall. A helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards turn falls into non-events.
Our beginner picks compared
| Skates | Why it suits a beginner | Skates only | With helmet and pads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pink Princess quads | Steady four wheels, straps and buckles | KSh 5,499 | KSh 5,899 |
| Pink adjustable quads | Same skate in pink, from EU 26 | KSh 5,499 | KSh 5,899 |
| Blue quads | Steady four wheels, firm three-way fit | KSh 5,499 | KSh 5,899 |
| Blue Adventure inline skates | Inline skates with cute character graphics | KSh 5,499 | KSh 5,899 |
For a beginner, we suggest the helmet and pads option every time. The extra KSh 400 covers a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards.
What to avoid in a first pair
- Buying two sizes too big to save money. A loose skate is the fastest way to frustrate a beginner. Adjustable skates give growth room without the wobble.
- Soft, fabric-only boots. They look comfortable but let the ankle collapse.
- Skipping the helmet. Even a slow fall backwards can bump the head.
- Starting on a slope or rough ground. A flat, smooth surface makes the first week far easier.
- Long first sessions. Fifteen to twenty minutes is plenty. Stop while it is still fun.
The first week
Most children go from standing to gliding within a week of short sessions. Day one is about standing, marching and falling safely. By the end of the week, many can glide a few metres and stop with control.
Our step-by-step guide on how to teach a child to skate lays out each day. Pair it with how to fall safely on skates, which is the first skill to teach.
Frequently asked questions
Are quad skates better for beginners than inline skates?
Quad skates are better for most beginners than inline skates, because the wider base is steadier when standing and moving slowly.
How long does it take a beginner to learn to skate?
A beginner usually learns to glide within one or two weeks of short, regular sessions. Stopping and turning take a little longer.
Do beginner skates need brakes?
Beginner skates do not need brakes to start. Children learn the plough stop first, which is simple at low speed: feet wide, toes in, knees bent. Our guide on how to stop on skates explains it step by step.
What protective gear does a beginner skater need?
A beginner skater needs a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. The helmet and pads option on our quad and inline skates includes all four for KSh 400 more.
Can an older child be a beginner on inline skates?
An older child can be a beginner on inline skates, especially if they ride a bicycle or play sport. The Blue Adventure and Spider-Man skates are good choices.
Where should a beginner practise skating?
A beginner should practise on a flat, smooth surface with no traffic, such as a paved compound, a tiled veranda or a quiet court. Start on grass for the very first steps.
How much do beginner skates cost?
Beginner skates cost KSh 5,499 in our shop for the skates only, or KSh 5,899 with a helmet and six pads. There is no extra charge for any size.
What if my child is scared to skate?
If your child is scared to skate, start on grass where the wheels barely roll, hold both hands and keep the first session very short. Praise small wins and never rush them.
Related guides
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