Which riedell skates should I get?

Riedell r3 skates for roller derby beginner?

• I'm looking for a pair of cheap quad skates that potentially could be used for roller derby. I want to buy something that isn't going to fall apart on me right away and/or that I could resell if it doesn't work out for me. It looks like there is a LOT of eally cheap bad skates out there so I figured I should just keep looking until I find a decent beginner pair for the right price. I found some RIEDELL R3's very gently used and want to know if they'd be good? Reviews seem to say they are OK for even fresh meat derby players if I make it that far. How do they fit? Run small, big? Narrow, wide? I read that in general derby skates should be purchased a size down from your regular shoe size, does this apply to Riedells? The person says they are a US boys size 4... meaning a womens 5.5 if I converted it correctly. A bit on the small side (I'm more of a US womens 7 to 7.5 normal and 6 for dress shoes - depends so much on brand and individual fit of shoe). Will have to think about it, risky, but R3's seem to resell well? I'll wait and see where the price goes on this specific pair but wanted to get a general feel for the quality and fit of Riedell R3's thank you!

• Answer:

  Yes you are correct that they convert to a size 5.5. R3s do not come in half sizes, so if you wear a whole size in women's shoes I would suggest going 2 sizes smaller (meaning, if you wear a 7 order your R3s in a size 5). It is better for them to be a little snug (plus they tend to stretch out) then too loose - I wear a size 6 and I bought a size 5, anyways they ended up being horrible - too big which made skating awkward and I always was getting blisters. If I had to do it again I would have bought a size 4. Also the R3s tend to fit kind of like sneakers, and have a lot of room around the ankle.