Side by Side Skates: The Original Roller Skate

Quad skates – also known as Side by Side skates – are named for the wheel placement, which is side by side, just like on a car. Side by Side skates are the most traditional and classic type of roller skate, and for that reason, many people feel a strong sense of nostalgia when using them. Compared to inline skates, quad skates offer more stability and are often easier to balance on. As you'll read below, Side by Side skates have a long history and were for many years the most popular type of roller skate worldwide.

Why Choose Side by Side Skates?

Side by Side skates may not be the best choice for everyone. Some prefer inline skates, while others prefer the stability of quad skates. If you're completely new to skating, we recommend starting with Side by Side. However, if you're an experienced skater, they may not be the optimal choice for your needs. Below are some key benefits of quad skates:

Benefits of Side by Side Skates

• They offer greater overall stability, making them an ideal choice for beginners.


• The side-by-side wheel placement makes it much easier to maintain balance.


• Most models feature a front toe stop, which is generally easier to control than heel brakes.


• Wider wheels provide more surface contact, making them perfect for indoor skating (e.g., in gyms or rinks).


• They’re available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs – especially due to their popularity in roller derby.

A Long History of Side by Side Skates

Roller skates originated in Europe and can be traced back to the 18th century. Early versions were quite primitive and often used in theatrical performances. Their popularity grew throughout the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that roller skating truly exploded in the U.S., particularly with the rise of roller derby. In Denmark, Side by Side skates also quickly became popular – you’ve probably heard your parents or grandparents talk about the classic quad skates that strapped directly onto their shoes.

Fast forward to the 1970s, and the “modern” Side by Side skate with boots became widely popular, thanks to the disco era and the rise of roller discos across the U.S. Since then, roller skates have been loved by young and old alike – though a new contender was rising in the '90s.

Side by Side Skates Face Competition

While the basic inline skate had been invented much earlier, it wasn’t until American brothers Scott and Brennan Olson saw its potential for off-ice hockey training that inline skating took off. They mounted a straight line of wheels under hockey boots instead of blades. Today, their company is known as “Rollerblade,” a name that has become synonymous with inline skates for many people.

Rollerblades hit the market in 1987, and by the 1990s, inline skates had become increasingly popular – even though quad skates remained the dominant style. Today, most younger skaters tend to prefer inline skates, while many older users still gravitate toward Side by Side skates for nostalgic reasons.

Need Help Choosing the Right Quad Skates?

We’re always happy to help you find the perfect pair of roller skates. You can call us at 44611033, chat with us online, or email us at info@rexhockey.com, and our experts will guide you in the right direction.