new to skating- help

Question
I am 55 years old. I live right across the street from a huge walking park where one can also sidewalk skate. I know I am older but I am flexible and took ballet for 14 years when I was younger.  I have suddenly become interested in skating as exercise and for fun; however, I am having a hard time figuring out what kind of skates to buy. Can roller rink skates be used for sidewalk skating? I wear a size 8-9 mens size or a 10-11 in womens sizes. Where can I find skates on line? I also would be interested in the skates that fit on your shoes if they make such a thing these days. Help!

Answer
Hi Joy,
   Skating is a great sport.....good for your!  Outdoor skates are a personal preference.  But do not use skates that fit or clamp onto your shoes.  They make skates specifically for outdoor skating.  They have a shorter boot and have wider and softer wheels.  

The softer wheel makes skating outside safer if you should hit a pebble or twig.  If you had harder wheels you'd probably trip and fall down.  

Most people who skate outdoors prefer roller blades because the wheels are in a straight line and are narrow so there's less chance of tripping over something.  They are also easier rolling than roller skates when used outdoors.  You may want to consider those instead but like I said.....it's a personal preference.

As far as finding them online?   If you type "roller skates" in a search engine it will take you to a variety of web sites that sell them and you can compare prices.  The down side to ordering online is knowing if your ordering the correct size.  Skate sizes vary with different manufacturers.  For instance......I wear a size 9 1/2 shoe but in a Riedell skate I wear a size 7 1/2.  So if you order the wrong size you will have to pay for shipping and most likely a re-stocking fee to return them.

I would recommend stopping in at a local roller rink to look through their catalogs to see what's available and prices.  They can measure your foot and order them for you if you find some you like.  Sometimes they even have display skates so you can actually see the various types.

If you're at all considering roller blades, try renting them at the rink and skate one of their public session to see if it's something you could get use to.  Perhaps even take a couple classes to learn how to use them before you make your decision.

I hope this information has helped.  If you need anything further, just let me know.

Pat