Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates

Curated from 106 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 8, 2025

Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates

Brand: Roller Derby

Price: $185

Snoop Score:

5.2

Sentiment

6.4

Popularity

6.6

Technical

4.2

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Snoop's Take

The Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates M10/W11 are designed for versatility in skating styles, suitable for both beginners and more experienced skaters. With features like a leather upper, supportive footbed technology, and adjustable toe stops, these skates aim to provide durability and comfort during various skating activities. Consumer sentiment regarding the Roller Derby Elite skates is generally positive, highlighting their durability and stability. Users have expressed that they feel supported and stable while skating, with one remarking, "the main thing I’ve noticed so far is that they supportive I feel more stable in em than any other pair I've ever used." While some users caution about their performance outdoors without wheel adjustments, many agree that they are a quality option for new skaters looking to get a feel for the sport. Overall, the Roller Derby Elite Primo X skates are recommended for beginners and recreational skaters seeking a reliable pair of roller skates. They are acknowledged as a solid entry-level choice, providing a good balance of quality and affordability for those just starting in roller skating.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Roller Derby Skates

They feel super durable and have been like a night and day difference.
Positive Feedback

the low quality of the skates is holding me back.
Negative Feedback

5.2

Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates

Buy on Amazon for $185

Beginner Skaters

2 / 10

Competitive Training

10 / 10

Casual Recreation

1 / 10

Youth & Adult Sizing

2 / 10

See how this compares to all Roller Derby Skates

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Skates are super durable

“They feel super durable and have been like a night and day difference.”➕

Supportive and stable feel

“the main thing I’ve noticed so far is that they supportive I feel more stable in em then any other pair of ever used.”➕

Versatile for different skating styles

“Overall a very good first skate choice unless you specifically are interested in dance or artistic.”➕

“They are least good for art and dance, but I know derby skaters who do art and dance in them extremely well.”➕

Skates are high quality and durable for roller derby

“Derby skates have to be good quality for the beating they’re gonna take.”➕

“Heeled boots are probably OK for the first part of the newbies course, but they are absolutely not appropriate for contact.”➕

Supportive and stable feel for contact and stability

“The super cheap skates will not hold up to the rigors of a full contact sport, they won't even hold up to the rigors of being a skating official for roller derby.”➕

Suitable for beginner skaters

“Are these Roller Derby roller skates on Amazon decent enough? I don't have a ton of money to spend right now”➕

“When it comes to RD, this is probably one of their only products that is truly suitable for beginner skaters. These will be fine to skate on.”➕

“I have these and I like them! They were are one of the lists of good beginner skates in terms of quality. So far I have no complaints.”➕

“Yes, they're ok to start on.”➕

Quality beginner skates

“They’re okay for beginners if you’re just looking to get a feel for skating.”➕

Skates can be used indoor or outdoor with wheel adjustments

“Can roller derby skates be used outside? I'm a beginner and a nice pair are on discount; I'm wondering if I can learn how to skate on these and use them to also commute outside or...?”➕

“Skates can be used indoor or outdoor. Your wheels may need to be swapped to suffice for outdoor use though”➕

Good for artistic skating

“They are also good for more artistic skating.”➕

Adjustable skates are good for beginners

“I just don't want to ha.per her growth I guess.”➕

“They are only good at moving forward using an awkward step motion rather than stroking, and their wheels are often made of plastic and don’t move very well.”➕

Affordable secondhand skates available

“Secondhand. Once they’re into “real” sizes (which 2.5 is), they need real skates.”➕

Good quality skates for beginners

“Don't be dumb, don't waste your money.”➕

“I agree that the around $200 dollars is where you get good skates, but I also think the $100 dollar skates are good to see if you even like skating in the first place, while still getting a fair amount of learning in them.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Low quality of initial skates holding back performance

“the low quality of the skates is holding me back.”➕

“The R3's are completely suitable for a beginner derby player, and I think you will find them to be a massive improvement over your old skates.”➕

“Yes, R3s are a good entry level upgrade from roller derby brand.”➕

“R3's are the classic derby newb skate. They'll do just fine for your rookie year to decide your level of investment in derby.”➕

Skates are not ideal for outdoor use for beginners

“Yo I play derby and wouldn’t recommend them for outdoor if you’re a beginner.”➕

600 Star model is not suitable for adults

“Your white ones are for children. Return those ASAP.”➕

“The wheels are probably around 82-85a in durometer.”➕

Cheap quality of RD Elite skates

“Most of the RD Elite skates are heeled skates, not appropriate for derby, and of pretty cheap quality.”➕

“The Elite line is ok but merely ok.”➕

“This looks very uncomfortable to skate in.”➕

Issues with magnesium plates and toe stops

“I regret getting them.”➕

Poor finishing and stitching quality

“the finish looks kinda rough, and in a different photo the stitches at the sole look really messy.”➕

Not ideal for outdoor skating without wheel upgrades

“They almost definitely came with a hard, indoor wheel on them too.”➕

Cheap skates lead to poor experiences

“If one "just dabbling" and has a crap experience because of the skates they got for "an amazon steal," is it worth the effort?”➕

Need to invest in quality skates to avoid future costs

“I think I would have just said “well, this is way too expensive of a hobby for me to try given that I don’t even know if I’ll like it, oh well” and that would be that, which would be a bummer.”➕

Poor quality and construction

“Are they any good ?”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Roller Derby Firestar Youth Girl's Quad Roller Skates	$29	6.5	Details	Buy
Roller Derby Fun Roll Adjustable Roller Skates for Beginners	$32	6.3	Details	Buy
Roller Derby Roller Star 600 Men's Roller Skates	$49	5.9	Details	Buy
Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates	$185	5.2	Details	Buy
Roller Derby Rewind Unisex Roller Skates	$64	5.0	Details	Buy
Roller Derby Blazer Boy's Lighted Wheel Roller Skate	$49	4.8	Details	Buy
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Roller Derby Str Seven Men's Roller Skate	$54	3.3	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion about custom wheels and aesthetics

“the round shape of these cutouts on the hub I think look better from more angles.”➕

“Yo thoes toe stops look HUGE”➕

Different derby skates have varying features

“They won't be great for artistic/dance. They will be okay for the skate park if they're good quality and you're comfortable with the low cut boot for that.”➕

Discussion about vegan skate options

“Intermediate Vegan Derby Skates? I did a group search but the threads on this topic are a few years old.”➕

“Hi. Not to be that guy, but vegan leather is just as bad, if not worse, for the environment than leather and suede.”➕

“I'm not sure of your budget, but the Antik Jet Black Carbon boots are vegan.”➕

“I second the jets! fantastic skates.”➕

Quads provide stability, inlines offer speed

“The reasoning why, from my understanding, is because quads are more about stability, and inline skates are more for speed.”➕

Discussion about wheel hardness

“Would anyone happen to know please?”➕

“92A is better for indoors than outdoors.”➕

“Ok sending back the white ones! I went with their Candi Grl line instead.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Activity level of local roller derby leagues

“Actually, Yellow Rose Roller Derby appears to be active in Houston?”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Importance of proper fitting for skates

“The best skates will be the ones that fit your feet.”➕

“There’s a lot of skate brands out there but I want to be sure I get good quality skates and the right style of skates for a derby.”➕

“You want flat boots for stability and quick turns while getting low.”➕

“I wouldn't buy anything until you know derby is something you want to continue doing, because skates and gear are pricy!”➕

Discussion about gear recommendations for beginners

“Lots of core, leg, and balance exercises go a long way.”➕

“Look at them compared to even a basic 187 pad and compare the thickness.”➕

“They do not have nearly enough padding to protect your knees from the falls that will happen on derby.”➕

Transitioning from inline to quad skates requires time

“The more time on “quads”, the better.”➕

Advice on transitioning between skating styles

“It's more difficult to do artistic skating in them. But not impossible.”➕

Discussion about the used market for skates

“I would second the used market especially now / February.”➕

“As a heavier skater your plates are going to matter more. This may make it tough to get a good skate in your price range.”➕

“Best value is used quality skates that fit imo (stitched sole, basically)—otherwise, new entry-level speed skates and level up once you start scrimmaging.”➕

Advice for beginners on gear recommendations

“Almost all the newbies (including me) in my league have Reidell R3s.”➕

Discussion about proper gear for beginners and transitioning from heeled boots

“Yes, you can start in any kind of skate. Derby is played almost exclusively on flat boots, maybe there are some exceptions but not that I’m aware of.”➕

Mention of secondhand skate groups for affordable options

“Check out the derby recyclables Facebook group. You may be able to find a good deal on some skates in your size.”➕

Skate selection process is highly personal and varies by individual needs

“So I'm curious what was the process you went through to decide on your current skates?”➕

“That's how I wound up going with an Arius/Solaris combo and haven't broken anything since.”➕

“I thought from reading reviews, talking to team mates and reading this sub that I would want the Solaris, but the first boot I tried was the Riedell 495 and it just felt right.”➕

“So that’s what I stuck with.”➕

Discussion on starter skates for budget-conscious players

“If price is an issue I’ve liked the Riedell R3 is a good starter skate, without too much investment you can decide if it’s for you.”➕

Comparison with other brands

“Moxie are the best but can be a little pricey. These should be fine to start.”➕

Skate selection is highly personal based on foot shape and individual needs.

“Best skates? Hi! I am saving up for new skates and want to know what most people find to be the best (preferably at a price ceiling of $900?) skates for roller derby.”➕

“Without sounding like a broken record and a massive cliche. It’s really a personal decision.”➕

“The best skates are the ones that fit you properly.”➕

Mandatory use of quad skates for derby per rules

“Can you use inline skates/rollerblades I've tried skating with typical quad skates and I'm absolutely atrocious, but the second I put on blades it all came naturally and I'm great.”➕

“If the team you want to skate with uses the WFTDA, MRDA or JRDA ruleset, then you must use quads per the requirements.”➕

“The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby (aka WFTDA Rules) require quad style skates.”➕

Transitioning from inline to quad skates

“You'll have to transition to quads but it's no big deal.”➕

Parents share experiences transitioning from adjustable to fixed-size skates.

“I got the darts for a steal so I won't mind so much when they grow out of them.”➕

“She has outgrown her skates and she has expressed wanting to try the darts.”➕

Diverse opinions on affordability and quality of skates

“Not everyone even has access to rental skates.”➕

“can't rental skate in an outdoor park my man. otherwise, some fair points :)”➕

First-time experience can be overwhelming for new skaters

“I’m NEVER skating again. I probably won’t be able to walk for 3 months.”➕

“Gonna tell you the same thing I tell every one of our new skaters, cause hey you’re in our world now: pick one thing at a time right now.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Personal recovery stories and experiences returning to skating

“Having also broken my ankle skating and gotten back to it. HELL YES! Also, after only 4 months?! Tough as nails you are.”➕

Discussion on different skate brands and models

“The GT-50 is decent enough to start on but that boot will start to go soon enough.”➕

“I love my bonts prostar but as a human in an adult size make sure you find them in tracer plates.”➕

Customer service experiences with brands can be challenging.

“I really liked the bont rollerderby skates, but if you have any issues with the skates the customer service is going to be excruciating until you threaten to contact your credit card company, then they're somehow able to fix the issue🙄”➕

Importance of team dynamics in roller derby

“houston derby scene it seems mostly dead from what ive seen online but i watched whip it and my life actually depends on joining a roller derby team.”➕

“Modern derby is pretty slow paced. It's a lot more about strategy and gameplay than whipping around quickly.”➕

“Derby is hella expensive, be prepared to drop a LOT of cash on gear, dues, medical visits, etc.”➕

Concerns about the brand's reputation and product quality

“I would recommend checking out Bont skates if you are looking for a solid skate in that price range.”➕

Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates

Curated from 106 real Reddit conversations

Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates

Snoop's Take

Roller Derby Elite Primo X Leather Jam and Shuffle Roller Skates

Beginner Skaters

Competitive Training

Casual Recreation

Youth & Adult Sizing

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Hidden Hero Hacks

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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