Difference Between Riedell Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon?

Question

What is the difference between the Riedell Red and Blue ribbon skates? Which are best for a beginning skater?

Answer 1

The red ribbons are less reinforced so that there is basically no break-in time.  Riedell only rates them up to the most very basic levels.  If you had a kid who you expected to outgrow their skates very quickly and they were an absolute beginner, then the Red Ribbons would be a little less costly and it might make sense.

For just about anyone else who plans to skate as far as being able to do crossovers, you're going to need a better skate than the red ribbons.  The blue ribbons have more reinforcement and a lining that will give them more ankle padding.  They are rated up through basic skills and can take you until you're learning jumps and spins - then you'd have to upgrade.  I would recommend them if you're starting as a teenager or adult and don't expect your feet to grow.

Both of these skates have plastic soles but they are good beginner skates. You want to avoid the ones that look like ski boots (all plastic) and Riedells have helped a lot of people begin their skating career or hobby.

Answer 2

The red ribbon skates are not as stiff as the blue ribbon skates. Usually for a beginning skater the blue ribbon is the best skate to start out with. It will give you enough support to skate, and the blue ribbons are more comfortable for a skater. Usually the red ribbon and under are for very light recreational skaters or very young children that are beginning to skate.