If you are tired of having scuff marks on the top of your roller skates, then you need something to protect and address that toe area.
In today’s article, I’m going to go over the best toe guards for roller skates so you can ensure you don’t damage your new quads when dragging your toe stop across the ground. Then, I will answer some frequently asked questions about toe guards.
Let’s go!
My Top 10 Toe Guards for Roller Skates
- Bont Stitched Leather Toe Guards for Roller Skates – Best Overall
- Bont Stitched Suede Roller Skate Toe Guards Protectors – Runner-Up
- Bont Flat Leather Toe Caps for Roller Skates – Bronze
- Bont Flat Suede Roller Skate Toe Guards Protectors
- XoNeloXoNaija Cowhide Leather Toe Caps
- XoNeloXoNaija Top Leather Toe Caps
- XoNeloXoNaija Metallic Leather Toe Caps
- XoNeloXoNaija Genuine Suede Toe Caps
- Roller Derby Vinyl Toe Caps
- Geyoga Artificial Leather Toe Caps
Detailed Reviews of Toe Guards for Roller Skates
1. Bont Stitched Leather Toe Guards – Best Overall
These toe caps from Bont help to protect the top area of your quads when you are playing roller derby or just skating a public session.
These guards are made from high-quality Australian leather. They are durable and will help extend the life of your skates.
For the quality, the price on these skate protectors is reasonable – around $25 and it comes in pairs. They also come in 12 different colors so you can mix and match them.
And, while Bont may be an Australian company, they store and ship their products right here in the US.
As long as your quads have removable toe stops, you can easily slide these caps over the top of your skates. You then secure them in place by running your laces through the guard and then reinstalling your stoppers. This makes them easy to install and wear!
2. Bont Stitched Suede Roller Skate Toe Guard Protectors – Runner-Up
Next up, we have the Bont’s Stitched Suede Toe Shields. These are a little less shiny then my #1 pick because they are made of suede. They cost about the same price (around $25 and it comes in pairs).
These also come in 6 different pastel colors, so they are not quite as bright as the leather shields mentioned above. So, if you are looking for something a little more subtle, these protectors powered by Bont may be just what you are after.
3. Bont Flat Leather Toe Caps for Roller Skates – Bronze
If you don’t need anything quite as fancy as stitched toe caps, then you can instead opt for flat leather top skate protectors. These caps protect not only the toe but also the top part of your skates, too!
These are a little more challenging to put on then the toe caps above, but they do address and protect more of your skates. They come in 12 different colors to suit every taste.
They are also about half the price of the stitched covers. They may not be as nice, but they will get the job done!
4. Bont Flat Suede Roller Skate Toe Guard Protectors – Runner-Up
Just like the flat leather toe cap covers above, these Bont Flat Suede protectors are very similar to the product above. The main difference are the colors and the material.
This protector comes in 6 different pastel colors. They also are made out of a leather suede material that has more of a matte look than the shiny look of the leather above.
5. XoNeloXoNaija Cowhide Leather Toe Caps
If the Bont guards above are not to your liking, and you want something with a little more style, then check out the XoNeloXoNaija Cowhide Leather Toe Caps.
These cowprint toe caps are sure to turn some heads and they fit most skates (size 4-11) easily. They are also made out of 100% genuine leather and are said to be very soft.
These toe caps can also be used without toe stops, which is a nice added feature.
6. XoNeloXoNaija Top Leather Toe Caps
If the cow print wasn’t your style, then choose from up to 10 different colors all made from soft leather. These also fit men’s size 4-11.
These toe caps are made out of genuine, top-quality leather for durability. They also have rich, vivid colors that really pop!
These toe caps can also be used without toe stops, which is a nice added feature.
7. XoNeloXoNaija Metallic Leather Toe Caps
For those who really want to spice things up, check out the XoNeloXoNaija Metallic Leather Toe Caps. These guards really shine with extra shiny leather.
The only downside to these toe guards is that they only work up to a men’s size 8. So, if your feet are larger than that, sorry. You’ll have to go with one of the other toe guards.
8. XoNeloXoNaija Genuine Suede Toe Caps
Very similar to the leather toe caps above, these suede toe caps are made out of a nice, soft material that is pure suede. It comes in 10 different colors to really spruce up and protect your skate boots.
9. Roller Derby Vinyl Toe Caps
For those of you who don’t care as much about the look of your toe caps and you really want something that is going to last, then check out these Roller Derby Vinyl Toe Guards.
These babies are pretty indestructible and will last a lot longer than most of the toe guard on this list. The only downside is that they aren’t as pretty.
10. Geyoga Artificial Leather Toe Caps
Finally, the cheapest option on our list are the Geyoga Artificial Leather toe caps. These come in at just over $10. The upside of this product is that you get 2 pairs of toe protectors! That’s nice. That way if you damage your first set, you can easily replace them for free.
Frequently Asked Questions about Toe Caps & Toe Guards for Roller Skates
What are toe guards used for? Why use toe caps on roller skates?
Toe guards are used to protect the top of your quad roller skates. Roller derby players and other skaters use them to protect their skates from wear and tear. They also help to prolong the life of your boots.
What is a toe shield?
A toe shield for roller skates is really just another name for a toe guard or toe cap. All three phrases (toe shield, toe cap and toe guard) are synonyms of each other.
Do roller skates need toe guards?
No. You do not need toe guards to roller skate, however, they do help to protect your investment. By having a pair of toe guards on your quads, you will keep your boots from getting scuff and scrape marks on them.
Are roller skate toe guards universal?
Mostly. Most toe guards are universal and will fit on most quad roller skates as long as you have removable toe stops. There are a few toe caps that do not require toe stops, but then they only fit certain size skates. See the XoNeloXoNaija toe caps above.
How do you put a toe cap on roller skates?
Toe caps or guards are secured at the top and bottom of the cap.
- First, you need to remove your toe stop.
- Then, you slide the toe protector over your skate.
- You then put the laces through the top part of the cap and slide the bottom of the cap where your toe stops are inserted.
- Then, insert your toe stop into the whole in the toe cap and secure your stopper.
- Slide your laces into the top part of the toe cap and lace your skates.
It’s that easy!
How do you lace roller skates with a toe guard?
Your skates laces go into the top part of the toe protector. Insert each end of your skate laces into the top part of the cap. Then, slide the cap over your the toe area of your skates and lace your skates normally.
Do I need toe stops to be able to wear a toe cap?
Yes. You need adjustable toe stops to be able to wear a skate protector. This is because the toe cap is secured using the toe stopper and your skate laces.
Do you need a toe stop for roller skates?
No. You don’t technically need toe stops on your roller skates to stop. I have a whole article on How to Stop on Roller Skates that show you different ways to stop without a toe stop. Most beginner skaters, however, should have toe stops.
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Want to Learn Even More About Skating?
Want more reviews on roller skates? Check out my Best Roller Skates page for a list of all of the quads I recommend. I also have pages for roller skates for men, roller skates for women and roller skates for kids where I recommend the best skates on the market today for each group. Or, check out my roller skates for beginners if you are completely new to roller skating.
Or, if rollerblades or inline skates are more your style, then check out my rollerblades for men, rollerblades for women or rollerblades for kids pages. Or, if you are completely new, check out my rollerblades for beginners page.
