Learning to skateboard can feel like a never-ending cycle of excitement and frustration.
I still remember my first ollie attempts—hours of practice, plenty of bruises, and a runaway board that always seemed to escape right when I needed it most. SkaterTrainers were designed to change that exact experience. These clever little rubber stabilizers stop your wheels from rolling, letting you focus on foot placement and form without fear of the board slipping out.
With more than 7,100 Amazon reviews and an impressive 4.6-star rating, SkaterTrainers have built a strong reputation in the skateboarding community. But do they live up to the hype? And more importantly, are they the right training tool for your skating journey? Let’s break it down.
What Exactly Are SkaterTrainers?
Think of SkaterTrainers as training wheels for your skateboard—but without the stigma. They’re made from a durable, stretchy elastomer material that slips over each wheel, locking them in place and turning your board into a stable practice platform.
Available in Black, Red, or a Red/Black combo, these trainers fit standard wheel sizes (48mm to 70mm) and weigh less than a quarter of a pound. They’re versatile too—working with standard skateboards, cruisers, penny boards, and even most longboards.
How They Work and Why They Help
Here’s the beauty of SkaterTrainers: they keep your board still while you practice. No rolling, no chasing, just pure focus on form. This controlled setup helps skaters nail down body mechanics and muscle memory for tricks like ollies, shove-its, and kickflips.
And because installation takes just seconds—stretch them over your wheels, no tools required—you can switch between normal skating and practice mode effortlessly.
Why Beginners Swear by Them
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand why these have become such a hit among new skaters.
Confidence and Safety
Beginners often quit after too many early falls. SkaterTrainers reduce that fear by stabilizing the board, letting you commit fully to learning movements without worrying about slipping out.
Faster Progress
By removing distractions, skaters can repeat proper foot placement over and over until it becomes second nature. That translates to quicker trick progression once the trainers come off.
Practical Everyday Use
You can practice indoors without ruining floors, in small spaces, or even when it’s raining outside. For parents, that means fewer trips to the skatepark just so kids can practice safely.
Who Benefits Most
These trainers aren’t just for kids. They’re useful across the board:
- Children 8+ starting their skate journey with added balance support.
- Teens eager to land their first tricks with fewer bruises.
- Adults returning to skating who need to rebuild confidence and muscle memory.
- Parents and instructors who want safer, frustration-free training for learners.
In short, anyone stuck at the beginner-to-intermediate stage can benefit from these stabilizers.
What the Real-World Tests Show
SkaterTrainers shine when it comes to stationary tricks—ollies, kickflips, heelflips, and pop shove-its all become easier to break down. They hold up well too, with most users reporting months of use before seeing wear.
Compared to practicing on carpet or grass, SkaterTrainers give you the true feel of the board’s pop and response—without the downsides of soft or uneven surfaces.
The only catch? Eventually, you’ll need to transition to rolling practice. While muscle memory carries over, balance and timing on a moving board still take adjustment.
Using SkaterTrainers the Right Way
Installation is straightforward: stretch the trainers over each wheel, making sure they sit evenly. Start with all four installed, then gradually remove them (front wheels first) to reintroduce rolling.
One key tip: don’t use them forever. They’re meant to boost confidence and skill, not replace real skating. With the right balance, they become an excellent stepping stone.
Drawbacks Worth Noting
No product is perfect, and SkaterTrainers are no exception:
- They can’t replicate the feeling of landing tricks while rolling.
- Overuse may create dependency if you avoid making the transition.
- Certain tricks that rely on momentum (like manuals or slides) can’t be practiced with them.
That said, for their intended purpose—beginner trick training—they deliver as promised.
What Skaters and Instructors Say
Instructors often report that students using SkaterTrainers pick up basics 20–30% faster. Parents highlight reduced falls and increased enthusiasm from their kids, while beginners themselves often describe “breakthrough” moments after weeks of frustration.
Out of more than 7,100 Amazon reviews:
- 72% gave 5 stars
- 18% gave 4 stars
- The main complaints come from transition difficulty and rare sizing issues with unusually small or large wheels.
Are SkaterTrainers Worth It in 2025?
At around $26 per set, SkaterTrainers are one of the most affordable and practical skateboarding training aids available. They won’t turn you into Tony Hawk overnight, but they will remove one of the biggest barriers to learning: the fear of falling.
If you’re new to skating, coming back after a break, or looking for a way to help your kids build confidence, SkaterTrainers are a smart investment. They’re available on Amazon, where you can also explore other skateboarding training tools to complement your setup.
