Chicago Skates Classic Quad Review: Good for Beginners?
Classic white high top quad skates from a maker that has built roller skates since 1905. What a beginner gets for the price, and why sizing is the whole gift.
Yes, for a teen or adult daughter who wants to start skating. The high top lace-up boot gives real ankle support [1], and 60 mm PU wheels handle a rink or smooth pavement [1]. Skip them for an experienced skater, and check her shoe size first.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated November 3, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Boot | High top, lace-up with speed hooks [1] |
| Wheels | 60 mm PU [1] |
| Bearings | Semi-precision [1] |
| Plate | Adjustable aluminum, double trucks [1] |
| Surfaces | Indoor rink and outdoor pavement [1] |
| Weight | 6.7 pounds [1] |
| Maker | Chicago Skates, since 1905 [1] |
Pros and cons
- Beginner skates, a serious skater will outgrow them
- Rough outdoor surfaces need softer wheels
- Shoe size must be right
Roller skating is back
Roller rinks and park skating have come back with teens and young women, and a group of friends often starts together. Toy skates wobble and hurt the ankles; a real high top boot makes the first month far less scary.
Chicago Skates says it has made roller skates since 1905 [1].
Boot, plate and wheels
The boot is a high top lace-up with speed hooks for solid ankle support and a locked-in fit [1]. Underneath is an adjustable aluminum plate with double trucks [1].
The 60 mm PU wheels and semi-precision bearings are made for indoor rinks and outdoor pavement [1]. The pair weighs 6.7 pounds [1].
Beginner skates and sizing
These are entry level skates. A daughter who skates every week for a year may want softer outdoor wheels or a better boot later.
Sizing is the risk in this gift. The listing gives women's and men's sizes [1]; check her usual shoe size and keep the gift receipt.
Making it a full gift
Add knee pads and wrist guards so she is ready the first day. A rink session together makes the gift an outing, not just a box.
For a quieter add-on, pair them with the Owala FreeSip bottle from this guide for skate days.
FAQ
Are Chicago Skates good for beginners?
Yes. The Chicago Skates Classic Quad Roller Skates have a high top lace-up boot with solid ankle support [1] and an adjustable plate [1], which helps a new skater feel stable. They are entry level skates, so a serious skater will upgrade later [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Chicago Skates Classic Quad Roller Skates
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on November 3, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.