A common question that we get asked in the store is, “What type of toe stops do I need for my roller skates?”
Sometimes people assume that all skates will fit all toe stops – but this is wrong.
You need to choose the correct type of toe stop for your roller skates.
There are 2 main types of toe stops: bolt on toe stops and adjustable toe stops.
Bolt Ons
Bolt on toe stops are fixed to the plate by a bolt.
They cannot be adjusted up and down.
They sit where they sit and the skater gets used to that height.
Many entry level skates come with a bolt on plate such as Impala Roller Skates, Rio Roller Script and Lumina, Chaya Melrose Deluxe etc.
Adjustables
Adjustable toe stops have a stem that you wind into the plate.
They are secured with either a nut and washer or an allen key depending on the model of plate you have.
Adjustable toe stops can be adjusted up or down to suit where the skater likes it.
They also come in different stem heights – long and short.
Often roller derby or outdoor skaters will choose a longer length while jam skaters or skate park skaters will choose short – it’s really personal preference.
Metric or Imperial
Adjustable toe stops can also come in 2 thread sizes – metric or imperial.
Imperial is by far the most common for most roller skate companies. An imperial toe stop comes on most skates like Moxi Bunny, Moxi Lolly, Rio Signature, Riedell R3, Sure-Grip Boardwalk and Fame skates and all roller derby skates.
Metric toe stops are usually found on Roll-Line plates and on the current Moxi Rainbow Rider plate. This is way more rare.
Toe Stop, Drop & Roll
Unless you change your plate, you are stuck with the type of toe stop your plate comes with.
If you have a bolt on plate you can’t use adjustable toe stops and vice versa.
As a general rule a lot of beginner or entry level skates come with bolt on toe stops.
Intermediate to advanced skaters normally prefer an adjustable toe stop.
Roller derby players always use adjustable toe stops and ramp skaters often prefer adjustable toe stops.
Check out our range of toe stops here, and make sure you order the right ones!
