A Skatemas Carol: Roller skates for Christmas

In this chapter of our festive Skatemas Carol journey, we’re strapping in and rolling through time: exploring the past, present, and future of roller skates and roller blades. From the disco-lit rinks of the 1970s, where mirror balls shimmered above retro wheels, to today’s sleek, high-performance designs, skating has transformed in incredible ways.

What started as a simple pastime has grown into something much larger, a lifestyle, a sport, and a global movement built on creativity, community, and the pure joy of rolling forward.

Join us as we celebrate how far skating has come… and where the ride may take us next.

PAST:

The first recorded use of was in 1743 when a Belgian inventor named John Joseph Merlin introduced a primitive inline skate that he decided to ride at a masquerade party in London whilst playing a violin. The invention was met with mixed reviews, as Merlin reportedly crashed into a mirror during his demonstration, breaking not only the mirror, but the violin he was playing and several of his bones.

However the mood around Rollerskating changed in the 19th century as new materials were used to make skates more comfortable and durable, making it more safe. In 1836, inventor James Plimpton invented the first four wheeled skates that were made for practical use. Due to the square shaped wheel pattern it made it easier to manoeuvre and move about.

PRESENT:

Now let's move on to the present. At SkateHut we sell a large variety of roller skates and blades from brands like ‘Anarchy Skates’ to ‘Y-volution. Here are some of the main brands of  skates that we have in stock:

Moxi:

Moxi is a vibrant roller skate brand founded in 2008 by Michelle “Estro Jen” Steilen, a roller-derby athlete and long-time skating enthusiast. Moxi’s mission is to create high-quality, stylish roller skates that work for recreation, cruising, and expression, not just performance alone.

SFR:

SFR (Skate Factory Returns) is a UK-based brand specialising in roller skates, inline skates and associated gear for beginners through to recreational users.They emphasise affordability, ease of use and fun design, making skating accessible to children, families and casual adult skaters.

Rio Roller:

Rio Roller is a British lifestyle brand known for its vibrant, high-quality roller skates that combine retro style with modern performance. Established with a mission to make skating fun, inclusive, and accessible to everyone, Rio Roller blends eye-catching designs with durable craftsmanship.

FR Skates:

FR Skates is a premium inline skating brand recognized for its exceptional quality, innovation, and performance-driven design. Founded by renowned skaters Sébastien Laffargue and Gregory Pinto, FR Skates was born from a passion for freestyle, urban, and freeride skating — offering equipment that meets the demands of both everyday riders and professional athletes.

Future:

So what does the future look like for roller skates? Well, research indicates that robotics will come into play. With new electric skates, with new and better batteries due to rollerskatings popularity boosting  11.2%. However, here at SkateHut believe that the future of roller skating really involves you buying one of our high quality roller skates this holiday season. 

Here are some of our best sellers:

Rio Roller Lumina Quad Roller Skates - Black/Grey

The Lumina model blends style and practical performance in a sleek black and grey colourway—ideal for skaters seeking a versatile, everyday quad skate that doesn’t compromise on look or build quality.

SFR Vision Canvas Quad Roller Skates - Floral

The Vision Canvas skates in the floral pattern are a stylish, entry-level quad skate designed for beginners and casual riders who want something that stands out visually while offering decent build features for everyday fun. They’re especially good for younger skaters or anyone looking for a fun design with reliable fundamentals.

SFR Vision II Quad Roller Skates - Tropical

The Vision II offers a well-balanced entry-level quad skate designed for casual users and younger skaters. With a semi-soft vinyl upper, good ankle support and functional components, it’s built for everyday joy rather than competitive skating.

Moxi Rainbow Quad Roller Skates - Black

The Rainbow model from Moxi in black offers a striking blend of vintage‑inspired style and outdoor readiness. These are designed for fun, comfortable cruising with personality — perfect if you want to roll in style as much as you want to roll with ease.

Thank you for reading this instalment of the Skatemas Carol series! We hope you’ve enjoyed the story so far and that it’s added a little extra sparkle to your holiday season.

At SkateHut, we’re proud to offer a wide range of skates for every style, skill level, and budget. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, you’ll find high-quality gear at prices that won’t break the bank.

From everyone here at SkateHut, we wish you a joyful, exciting, and skate-filled holiday season and don't forget to check out our video for the best roller skates to look out for in 2026...