since the weather has been ridiculously cold and snowy.. we have been going to the local roller rink every weekend for some exercise. We had been using roller skates but my son tried roller blades last week and he loved them.
I am thinking of buying him a pair.. I don't think we need super duper roller blades.. I just don't want to get super cheap one that aren't good enough for a kid.. any recommendations..
He is 6,..
You can try Play It Again Sports if there is one in your area. Most kids outgrow their rollerblades before they are worn out, so you can get good quality used rollerblades for less money.
I always preferred the kind that buckles instead of laces... Roller blades need to be pretty tight to provide good ankle support, but they are so stiff it is pretty difficult to get them tight enough if you have to pull on laces and tie a knot. The ones that buckle usually are made so that you kind of crank it until it is tight, like a zip tie, then you pop the clip up to loosen. That is the kind I reccomend. :)
As far as brand or whatever, I would just go to Target or a sporting goods store and browse around until he finds a pair that seem comfy... Though, I'm not sure how much luck you will have finding a pair small enough for a 6 year old. (You might though, I haven't really looked for that size as my DD still uses her training blades. Lol.)
They make decent adjustable size roller blades. Both of my boys had these and they worked well .
Here is a link to see some. They range in price from $49 to over $200
http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Adjustable_Inline_Skates_f...
Whatever you buy him, he won't be in for too long - kids always go through a growth spurt the minute parents invest in some piece of equipment or clothing! You might rent a few more times while the weather is cold to be sure he still likes his new-found passion!
I agree about the adjustable buckles vs. laces. And ankle support is key - it's harder to stand up on roller blades particularly after about 10-15 minutes, and kids whose ankles pronate have a tougher time. I agree with you that you don't need anything super fancy given his age - and you won't find a lot of choices in his sizes anyway. I'd get the least expensive pair at a place where the staff knows how to fit skates to kids. I wouldn't buy just any old thing at Target - get something with some ankle support and be sure it's well fitted so there are no blisters. Food problems are a guarantee that a child will give up the skates. But roller blading is great exercise if you can find places - remember that streets are a little more difficult with sand and ruts (it's better when the street sweepers clean up the sand and the potholes get fixed!), but it's great to get kids outside when you can. But skating is good exercise, it builds coordination, and kids consider it more fun than walking.
I'd be sure he wears his helmet, and I'd consider some inexpensive wrist guards and knee pads too - kids who skate fall a lot! Be sure he learns how to use the brake on the skates - usually decent sized sporting goods stores have an area where he can practice a little.
Academy had some for 29 that lasted. We kept them for her friends to use when they visited in case they had smaller feet.
