For someone who has never roller skated before, it is important to know what you’re getting into. Also, which roller skater would be the best for a first-time roller skater who won’t be going for aggressive routines. So, I decided to find the best roller skates for beginners.
During my research in finding the best roller skates, I came across the Melrose series of Chaya roller skates. And I have to be honest, what drew me close was how the skates looked.
I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but I decided to click on Chaya Melrose Skates when browsing. After all, they looked cute and aesthetically pleasing. Also, it turns out that they were budget-fitting and almost perfect for beginner light skaters!
RELATED: Are Chaya Skates Good For Wide Feet [Answered]
Hence, read on to know more about what I found out during my research. I am sure this will help you to decide if it’s just the looks or if they are any good.
What Are Chaya Melrose Skates?
The Chaya roller skates have two editions under the Melrose series. Chaya Melrose Deluxe edition and Chaya Melrose Elite edition. Both are quad roller skaters that are retro and have a classic figure skate design.
They are sold under the lifestyle collections in Chaya skates. Additionally, they come in black, turquoise, purple, peach, seafoam, lavender, and white colors.
The Chaya Melrose series is suitable for both beginners, intermediate and advanced skaters. They’re vegan skates made from PU leather and are accessible to both international and US-based skaters.
According to popular opinion in Reddit, Chaya Melrose Elite Skates are better for a beginner than Chaya Melrose Deluxe Skates even though both are mostly similar.
The common opinion is that Melrose Elite has adjustable toe stops whereas Melrose Deluxe has bolted toe tops. Hence, for a beginner, Melrose Elite is the better option.
There’s also the fact that Chaya Melrose Elite Skates accommodate wide feet better than the Deluxe edition. Another difference is that the Deluxe edition has a metal plate whereas the Elite edition has a nylon plate.
Both Chaya Melrose Elite skates and Melrose Deluxe skates are very comfortable. They’re like wearing sneakers. You can wear them right out of the box without needing any upgrades.
That being said, as I was looking for some beginner skates and have wide feet, I decided to look into the Chaya Melrose Elite edition skate. After all, according to popular opinion, they would be better for me. So, I will be focusing more on the Elite edition.
But, do not worry because the Elite and Deluxe versions are the same except for the toe stopper and the plates!
Things You Need to Know Before Buying Chaya Melrose Skates
Like I said before, Chaya Melrose skates are accessible both internationally and within the US. Hence, it’s probably not for everyone especially if you’re an aggressive skater.
So, here are a few things that I found out before I bought them. Also, these might help you in deciding on whether you should buy them or not.
- Size
Chaya skates run a small size at least according to US size standards. The Chaya Melrose Deluxe Edition varies from a US women’s size of 6 to 10 and a male’s size of 5 to 9 which is 36 to 42 in the EU size. The sizing is the same for the Chaya Melrose Elite edition too.
I would require a 39 or 40 in the EU size since my feet are wide and they would be more comfortable for me.
It is better to choose your normal boot size to make sure they’re comfortable for you. If you get confused with the sizing, there’s nothing to worry about. Most online stores have a size conversion chart that will help you choose.
- Plates
The Chaya Melrose Deluxe skates edition has a metal plate called the Chaya galaxy whereas the Chaya Melrose Elite skates edition has reinforced fiberglass or nylon plate called Chaya Shari.
Choosing the type of plate depends on your weight and what kind of skating you’re going to do. If you’re an aggressive skater, the ideal skates would be the Deluxe edition since it’s made of metal plates. If you’re a light skater, you can go for the Elite edition.
I would go for the Elite edition here too because I am only a beginner and I am looking for something in which I can do light skating. If you’re well experienced, you can go for the Deluxe edition.
- Wheels
The wheels of the Chaya Melrose Deluxe edition and Chaya Melrose Elite edition are made for outdoor and cruising comfort. You can also use them indoors if you want to. These wheels are semi-rounded to give you a smooth riding experience and the wheels are close to each other.
According to one Reddit user, the wheels of the Chaya Melrose skates seem to be well made but the bearings seem a little off. If you’re afraid of this, you can easily replace it with a more stable bearing.
Although this is a minor inconvenience it can be easily fixed. I still love the idea of the Chaya Melrose Elite skates edition and this inconvenience hasn’t put me off.
- Comfort
The boots have some nice padding inside which will make your feet comfortable. These boots also have ankle support and they’re more secure. They have a wide toe box which gives your toes more room. The ventilation of the boot is moderate and gives room for your feet to breathe.
As a beginner, comfort and security are very important to me when taking up a new sport or activity. That being said, I think the Chaya Melrose Deluxe and Elite edition check out both the boxes.
Some users do say that the boot is a bit narrow but other than that these skates are as comfortable as wearing heeled, high-top sneakers.
- Affordability
Both Chaya Melrose Deluxe and Elite skates are priced at a reasonable price point. On eBay, both the Chaya Melrose Deluxe edition and Elite edition are sold for approximately $200 including shipping. However, the prices may differ, depending on the availability.
On another website called Skate Pro, the Deluxe edition is sold for $149.95 plus free shipping and the Elite edition is sold for $189.95 plus free shipping. The delivery takes 3 to 5 business days and there is a 365-day return policy.
These being low-priced skates, some of its hardware might need upgrading. As mentioned before, the bearings are one of them.
The Elite edition is not recommended for people who are not comfortable with nylon or fiberglass plates. If you prefer metal plates, it’s better to go for the Deluxe edition or some other skates with metal plates.
I would recommend researching more about the skates and while doing so save up instead of impulsive buying.
- Durability
According to the official website of Chaya skates, the durability of both Melrose Deluxe and Melrose Elite is medium. This means they’re durable if handled carefully.
According to one user, the skates can tear in the toe area if you take a fall. So, it is better to buy a toe guard before doing any hardcore skating. But, remember that the Chaya Melrose Elite skates are only for light skating.
Most users are of the opinion that the Chaya Melrose skates are durable and can stay unharmed even after 2 to 3 months of using them.
Chaya Melrose Elite Vs. Moxi Rainbow Riders
Chaya Melrose Elite and Moxi Rainbow Riders are the two of the skates most beginners consider when they decide to try roller skating. And here I am going to list down some pros and cons of both the skates:
| Chaya Melrose Elite | Moxi Rainbow Riders |
| Chaya Melrose Elite is more comfortable than Moxi. | Moxi’s boot is stiff and padded hence, it makes skating uncomfortable. |
| They’re easier to break in than Moxi. | They’re harder to break in and take time. |
| They are a bit more expensive than Moxi | They are cheaper than Melrose Elite. |
Although there’s not much to compare with, popular opinion is a hard pass against Moxi.
Despite being a little more expensive than Moxi, people prefer Chaya Melrose Elite because they’re comfortable. Also, when you’re a beginner, being comfortable is more important.
What Are The Colors Available?
There are a few color options available in both Chaya Melrose and Chaya Elite skates. These are given as below:
| Chaya Melrose Deluxe Skates | Chaya Melrose Elite Skates |
| Chaya Melrose Deluxe Pastel | Chaya Melrose Elite Dusty Rose |
| Chaya Melrose Deluxe Denim | Chaya Melrose Elite Dusty Rose |
| Chaya Melrose Turquoise | Chaya Melrose Elite Dusty Rose |
All of these colors are cute and eye-catchy. They’re retro and aesthetically pleasing. These are the colors available on the official Chaya skates website. There’s also an option for customizable skates but that would get more expensive.
My personal favorite is The Chaya Melrose Elite Dusty Rose because it is a timeless classic. It is really cute and sure to turn heads in the roller skates ring. It would also go with any outfit.
I also loved The Chaya Melrose Elite Sherbet Lime because it is a unique color and sure to make people stare. It is very beautiful and is striking against the rose-pink-colored fiberglass.
They are comfortable and have padded feet. They are so pretty to look at and you will definitely feel in style. I feel like I would catch up with the aesthetics of these roller skates. What is, even more, better is that every Chaya Melrose Elite is vegan which means no animals were harmed in their making.
Related Questions
Are Chaya skates easy to break in?
Yes, Chaya skates are easy to break-in. You will get adjusted pretty quickly once you start wearing it. You will get comfortable with it right out of the box.
Why is Chaya better than Moxi skates?
Although Chaya is more expensive than Moxi in some places, Chaya is more comfortable, especially for a first-time skater. The toe box of Moxi skates is narrower than Chaya skates and this means your toes will not have much room in Moxi.
What skill level is required for using the Chaya Melrose Deluxe edition?
The Chaya Melrose Deluxe skate edition can be used by someone who has a beginner, advanced, or pro skill level. These would be a perfect choice for a beginner who also might want to do hardcore skating.
What skill level is required for using the Chaya Melrose Elite edition?
The Chaya Melrose Elite skate edition can be used by someone who has an intermediate, advanced, or pro skill level. This can also be used by beginners who are light skating. The fiberglass plates of the Elite edition do not allow for aggressive skating.
Which is more aesthetic: Chaya Melrose Elite or Moxi Beach Bunny?
Moxi beach bunny is more aesthetic but that’s all there is to Moxi. I would still go for Chaya Melrose because it’s comfortable and durable.
Final Thoughts
Chaya Melrose skates are perfect for beginners who want to learn skating as a hobby or want to take it upon as a sport. They’re comfortable, secure, affordable, and durable. They’re also easy to break-in.
In my opinion, I would definitely buy the Chaya Melrose skates because as I have understood from my research they’re a good option for someone who is also just beginning to roller skates. Also, they can be used by someone with a higher skill level.
You wouldn’t have to keep buying another skate as your skill level increases because just keep using this one. They’re also fashionable and sort of a lifestyle statement.
Also, keep in mind that the Chaya Melrose Elite skates are wonderful beginner skates when you only plan to do light skating. But, if you’re more into aggressive skating you should consider the Deluxe version. The choice also depends on your weight and what kind of plate would you be comfortable with.
Another thing to bear in mind is that you might have to upgrade your skates along the run. But, apart from that, the Chaya Melrose skater series is perfect for any skill-level skater.
