Anyone with wide feet can tell you how difficult it is to find wide width roller skates that meet their needs.
Luckily, we have found the best roller skates for wide feet that are out on the market.
When you look at roller skates, you need to consider how you will be using them, how often, and where you will be using them.
A skater who is only casually skating once in a while can get the budget skates, knowing they are not the best quality, but they will do the job.
There is a difference between indoor wheels and outdoor wheels. The outdoor wheels need more durability due to the rough material that you are skating over. Indoor wheels need to have a better grip.
We have found that the best roller skates for wide feet are the Moxi Panther Outdoor Roller Skates. These are versatile skates with a more personalized fit, and a good combination of classy and tough.
Our second-place winner for the best wide roller skates is the VNLA JR. Zona Rosa Jam Skates. With a unique appearance, these skates really do make a statement when you wear them.
We have found that the perfect roller skates for wide feet when working within a budget is the Riedell R3 Cosmic Superfly Speed Skates. These popular skates are a great choice to get you out there skating.
10 Best Roller Skates For Wide Feet (2023)
We have broken down the best roller skates for wide feet for you all so that you can make the best choice possible.
1. Moxi Panther Outdoor Roller Skates
Editor’s Choice
Design
Designed with ABEC-5 bearings, the Moxi Panthers were made with Marvel aluminum plates as well as extra abrasion resistance, allowing the skates to combat the terrain well outdoors, lasting a long time.
While they are durable and come with a nice, wide toe box, they do not have a lot in the way of insoles, so you might need to add one for comfort.
This is a personal kind of choice, but there are a lot of different choices out there.
Performance
Looking at the performance of these skates, they come with soft, high-rebound wheels. They are 58mm and 78A. That means that they should hold up well to outdoor surfaces and not fall to pieces on you.
These skates will work well for beginners as well as more advanced skaters. Since it comes with a crab tool, you will be able to swap the wheels out to something better.
Pros:
- Works well for both beginners and experienced skaters
- ABEC-5 bearings
- Tough wheels
- Wheels can be changed out
- Extra abrasion resistant
Cons:
- You may need to add an insole for more support
2. VNLA JR. Zona Rosa Roller Skates
Runner-Up
Design
Let’s look at their design first. The VNLA JR. Zona Rosa Jam Skates are made with a combination of denim and leather. The two mixed is unique yet comfortable.
The boots are a VNLA denim black upper with a stitched rubber outsole and a metallic pink lace cover, adding that extra touch of personality to the skates.
Additionally, these skates come with a Vanilla Gorilla Nylon Plate with Aluminum Trucks. They also have a nice amount of padding on the inside.
Performance
The performance for the Zona Rosa Jam Skates is excellent. They come with ABEC-9 bearings and are a nice choice for skaters who are just getting started on the sport.
Though they do work for beginners, they have also been praised as excellent quality by experienced skaters as well.
The skates have the new Zero Flex Jam Wheel, which gives you an amazing skating surface, using urethane. These are a Stealth Wheel, making your ride smooth, fast, and unobstructed.
Pros:
- Fun design elements
- Made with both denim and vinyl
- ABEC-9 bearings
- Comes with Stealth Wheels
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- We didn’t find anything
3. VNLA Freestyle Pro Roller Skates
High Performance
For skaters out there who are looking for the best roller skates for wide feet, but would also like to have a high-performance set of skates, our choice is the VNLA Freestyle Pro Remix Lite Jam Skate.
These skates show that you do not need to forgo performance in order to find a pair of skates that fit your feet.
Design
The design of the Freestyle Pro Remix Lie skates includes top grain leather with a soft shearling padded lining and padded tongue.
This makes the skates some of the most comfortable roller skates that you will be able to find on the market.
They are designed for larger feet, but that does not mean that they will be bulky skates. Instead, they have lightweight Vanilla Gorilla nylon plates with micro-adjustable lock nuts and washers.
Performance
Since these are high-performance skates, let’s talk about their performance. The skates use a wheel that is 20% percent lighter than any other type of wheel out on the market.
This helps the weight of the skates immensely, making them much faster for you to skate on.
The skates are excellent for freestyling as well, giving them some extra usability.
Pros:
- Top grain leather
- Nylon plates with micro-adjustable lock
- Lightweight
- Color options
- Velcro lace protector
Cons:
- We couldn’t find any!
4. Riedell R3 Cosmic Superfly Roller Skates
Budget Friendly
You do not need to spend a fortune to get a good quality pair of wide roller skates.
Design
The design of the skates is pretty typical. They do come with an adjustable mini round toe stop in black, which is not found on all roller skates out there.
The skates also have nylon inserts that keep the bearings cool and smooth.
The wheels that come with the skates are built for speed, but there is also the element of you getting what you paid for.
Because these are budget friendly, you can expect to need to replace them more often than higher-end skates.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Superfly skates do their job. They use Cosmic Superfly Wheels, which are made from high-quality Grip-Rite urethane.
This type of wheel is long-lasting as well as made with deep speed grooves for maximum wear and grip.
Pros:
- Long speed grooves
- Nylon inserts
- Adjustable mini round toe stop
- Special grade of vinyl
- Wheel color options
Cons:
- The materials used may make your feet hot
5. Riedell 395 Sunlite Fugitive Roller Skates
Another nice option for wide roller skates is the Riedell 395 Sunlite Fugitive Indoor Speed Skates.
It is important to note that these skates are for indoor use rather than outdoor use because where you skate will alter the type of skate and wheel that you need.
Design
The design of the Riedell 395 Sunlite Fugitive skates is a patented V Bracing design. This is intended to give you optimum strength, without causing the skates to become heavy.
The skates also have a Sure-Grip mini gripper toe stop, which is a great added feature on any skate.
These skates will fit your feet like a glove, which may seem uncomfortable on wide feet, but they are also thermoformable, meaning the skates can be baked in order to fit you perfectly.
Performance
Having a pair of skates that fit perfectly will naturally improve your performance. When the skates are the right width, your feet will find movement like they have ever known.
The wheels used on the skates are very grippy, which is good for indoor skating.
There is also the added Superlite nylon insert that prevents too much flex when you are cornering, so you will be able to move more efficiently than before.
Pros:
- Thermoformable
- Lightweight agility
- V Bracing design
- Combination of leather and Cambrelle
- Adjustable
Cons:
- Restriction to indoor use only makes it so you can only skate inside.
6. VNLA V-Line All American Roller Skates
For Men
If you are looking for the best roller skates for wide feet for men, check out the VNLA V-Line All American Plus Indoor Roller Skates.
These bring back that classic roller skate look that we call remember but bring with it all of the modern technology that has come with time.
Design
Like we mentioned above, the design of the V-Line All American Plus skates is a throwback to the original skating designs.
The boot itself is actually a little bit higher than the regular ankle level, so it is not too high if you are concerned about that.
The boot is made out of a man-made upper with a unique design that has been textured on both sides.
Performance
The performance for these skates is enhanced by the super hard Vanathane compound that the wheels are made with. It is actually a type of clay that helps with your movement on the indoor rink.
These skates are really great for intermediate-level shuffle or rhythm skaters. They also come with Speed Master ABEC-7 bearings, which are really made for that speedy, smooth movement that you will want from your skates.
Pros:
- Vanilla Gorilla nylon plates
- 5-degree aluminum trucks
- Classic look
- Adjustable mini round toe stop or jam plug
- Durable ankle support
Cons:
- Not durable enough for outdoor use
7. Riedell R3 Energy Roller Skates
If you are looking for a happy medium between good performance and a price that is easy on the budget, we have the skates for you.
Another great choice for wide feet, the Riedell R3 Energy Outdoor Skates really are the nicest compromise that you can get.
Design
The R3 Energy is made with a man-made vinyl upper. They have a lot of padding as well, so you will not need to worry about your comfort level with these skates. The plate on these skates is a PowerDyne Thrust Nylon, 15 degrees.
Also, the skates come with an adjustable mini round toe stop that will help you stop when you need to.
Performance
When we look at the performance of these skates, it is important to know that they are a nice choice for recreational or occasional use.
If you are trying to skate daily, you might not get the most life out of these skates.
What is really nice about these skates is that they come with the Radar Energy 57mm wheels. They are made to design over rough surfaces and small debris and have a long life. They also have a 78A hardness.
Pros:
- Mini adjustable round toe stop
- ABEC-7 bearings
- Radar Energy wheels
- Lots of padding
- Polished metal trucks
Cons:
- Man-made leather boots may not last as long as other skates
8. VNLA Freestyle Cosmic Hybrid Roller Skates
Another high-quality wide-width roller skates are the VNLA Freestyle Cosmic Hybrid Roller Skates. These are versatile skates that will work both indoors and outdoors.
Design
The design of these skates includes a leather boot. It might not be top-of-the-line leather, but it is also made to be durable and long-lasting.
The toe box of these skates also has a soft, padded glove leather and the heel and tongue are a soft, breathable shearling.
The skates’ plates are made from high-impact nylon that will not weigh you down. There is also a lifetime warranty for the plates, so if they happen to break, you should be able to get them replaced.
Performance
The best part about the performance of these skates is that they are meant to work both indoors and outdoors.
That means if you are a skater who skates in a rink but also enjoys skating outside, these are the right skates for you.
They also were made with nylon inserts in the wheels, so that they will keep their bearings smooth and cool and give you maximum grip on the surface.
Pros:
- Works both indoors and outdoors
- Leather boot
- High-impact nylon plates
- Adjustable toe stop
- Anodized aluminum trucks
Cons:
- We didn’t find any
9. Bont Quadstar Roller Skates
If your focus is more on skates that work well for roller derby that are for wide feet, check out the Quadstar Bont Roller Skates. These are a great way to become a roller derby master without spending a fortune to do so.
Design
There are a lot of great design elements that come with the Bont Quadstar skates, including the handmade fiberglass base.
Reinforced with a Prodigy plate, the skate is lightweight, but still packs a lot of power.
The skates are also thermoformable, so you will be able to heat the skates up in order to get the perfect fit right away.
This will take away the need for breaking in the skates and you will be able to wear them comfortably as if they were made for you. Follow the instructions that come with the skates to do this correctly.
Performance
Looking at the performance of these skates, it is first important to note that they are made to be roller derby skates.
That means if you are a recreational skater, you will not enjoy these skates as much as someone who is competing in a derby.
Because they are derby skates, they will work best indoors.
Pros:
- Fiberglass base
- Australian leather
- Thermoformable
- Cost-effective
- Great for roller derby
Cons:
- Not the highest quality
10. BTFL Pro Roller Skates
The final set of skates that we recommend for roller skaters with wide feet are the BTFL Pro Roller Skates that work for both men and women.
These are artistic or rhythmic skates, so they are not made for high-intensity training or derby.
Design
The BTFL comes with a classic design, coming in either a tan or a powered blue color. They are a high-top, so they do provide that extra, added support up on the ankle.
The chassis of these skates is a mixture of plastic to keep the weight down and an aluminum axle for high load.
They also are made with quality materials on the boots, not the typical manmade material that will fall apart easily.
Performance
As we mentioned above, the skates are really made for artistic or rhythm skating. They come with ABEC-7 bearings that are a carbon-steel combination. They also have 61 x 38 mm high load wheels.
Made to act more like figure skates, the Pro Roller Skates really bring that throwback element to a time where people did roller skate disco out on the rink, but will likewise work for grooving outside.
Pros:
- Traditional look
- Color options
- Designed for the European market
- Lightweight chassis
- Height adjustable stoppers
Cons:
- Sizing is confusing due to the European translation, so they run small
Factors To Consider When Choosing Wide Width Roller Skates
Roller Skate Sizing
Sizing is one of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing wide width skates. A common thought is that roller skates are sized exactly like shoe size, but this is not always true.
Your shoe size is a good jumping off point, but just like you have likely noticed that not all shoe brands work within the same sizes, some roller skates will be sized like shoes and others will not be.
Additionally, the way that shoes fit you is different from the way that skates fit you.
You can wear your shoes a little bit longer, because of the way that you are moving in them, but skates need to be snug to give you the best control over your movements.
Whether you are going for speed skates, which are similar to shoe sizes, or going for a recreational skate, which run larger, you will need to pay attention to the size charts and fit of the skates.
Low Top Boots vs High Top Boots
Another factor to consider when you are choosing a width wide pair of roller skates is whether you would like a low-top boot or a high-top boot. Between the two, it is usually a matter of preference.
Look-wise, the high-top skate boot provides more of a sense of nostalgia, since this is how roller skates traditionally looked. Low-top skates fit more like a sneaker and look more like a sneaker.
Low-tops are also considered better for speed and used in derby and jam sessions. High-top boots are used for artistic and rhythm skates normally.
Hard Boot vs. Soft Boot
One of the biggest differences that you will need to look at with your roller skates is whether you want to have a hard boot or a soft boot.
Hard boots are more rigid, which means that they supply a high amount of support, which can transfer into power and speed.
Soft boots are more malleable, making them a more fluid choice for beginners, but also allow for more tricks like an advanced skater would want.
Some of the more demanding skaters really prefer the flexible boot, so it really comes down to opinion and needs.
How To Measure Your Foot Width
In order to measure your foot width, you will need a ruler or a tape measure. You can simply step on the ruler or tape measure to see how wide your feet are.
Make sure to measure the widest part of your foot. Then, you will be able to compare that to the skate’s sizing chart.
Some skates will not have widths mentioned. If this is the case, it is likely true that the skates were meant for average feet. Wide skate brands usually advertise that their skates are for wide feet to help you out.
Difference Between Wide Feet And Flat Feet Roller Skates
Unfortunately, flat feet and wide feet are often lumped together as if they are the same thing.
While it is possible to have both, they are not the same thing and you should not go for skates that do not accommodate your specific needs.
When we talk about wide feet, we are referring to the width of the foot. When we refer to flat feet, we are referring to the arches of the feet.
A skate that accommodates wide feet will have a wide toe box. A skate that accommodates flat feet will have more support. You can find a skate with both, but they are not the same thing.
Roller Skate Components
Boot
Skate boots normally come in two options: rigid or flexible. Flexible boots are a good choice for beginners who are just working out how to move around.
Flexible boots are lighter as well, so there are some more advanced skaters who like the maneuverability.
The boots can also be made of vinyl and leather. Vinyl is cheaper and has less stretch, making them a good choice for beginners. Leather is better for performance and durability.
Wheels
Generally, skaters need two sets of wheels. The first is for skating inside on a rink. The second is for skating outside in the street.
The wheels come in different hardness levels, which is what you need to focus on for each type.
Wheel strength runs on a scale from 0 to 100A. 97A is the recommended hardness for skating inside, where you need more hardness to glide. For outdoor skating wheels, you will want to look for 78 to 85A hardness.
It might seem counterintuitive to have softer wheels outside, but it is how you will grip the group better and not skid out over bumps, rocks, and obstacles.
Bearings
Wheels need two bearings in order to rotate around the axle. You might not have considered the importance of a bearing, but they are very important. The bearings will affect the speed of your wheels.
The precision (ABEC) of the bearings should always be taken into consideration because this will affect how well they maneuver.
The ABEC refers to the amount of performance the bearings get under force. Not all brands use the ABEC standard, but it is the most common.
You will also want to keep your bearings lubricated with oil or grease. If a bearing becomes unlubricated, it could stop spinning completely.
Trucks & Plates
All roller skates come with a truck and a plate underneath. The plates are made from nylon normally, which will help keep the skate light, while the truck is made with aluminum, which helps with the strength. These are the parts that the wheels mount on.
Toe Stop
Not all roller skates have a toe stop, but they can be handy when a skate has one. The toe stop is there to help you push off and will help you stop or brake when you need to. These can be replaced as they are worn down as well.
Final Words
There are obviously many different wonderful roller skates out there, but we have found that the best roller skates for wide feet are the Moxi Panther Outdoor Roller Skates.
The Moxi Panthers are excellent if you are looking for something with a nice fit, classy look, and are tough enough to last for a long time.
Of course, high performance skaters will want a high performance skate. For that, we have found that you cannot do better than the VNLA Freestyle Pro Remix Lite Jam Skate.
These skates are perfect for the more intense skater that still needs to have skates accommodate his or her wide width feet.
Make sure that when you do buy your next pair of roller skates that you stick with the skates that have the right width for your feet.
Never try to make a narrower skate fit. Your performance will falter and you will be more prone to injury.
Hey there, my name is Shawn and I’m a semi-professional hockey player. I’m also the founder and chief editor here at Hockey Pursuits. I love playing hockey and helping players improve their game and that’s why I decided to start this blog.