12 Vintage Photos of the Roller Skating Craze

Written by Erin Kuschner on May 25, 2025

A person in athletic gear does a dramatic split on roller skates during a street performance, while a large crowd watches from the sidewalk in a park setting.

Ever since roller skates were first introduced in the 1700s, there have been waves of skate frenzy that roll with the changing times. An early 20th-century roller skating craze erupted in Europe and the United States as the result of new skate technology, while the ’70s saw another boost in skating popularity alongside the rise of disco. Get a glimpse into roller skating’s storied past with these vintage photos that’ll make you want to lace up and hit the nearest skating rink.

1. A Woman Roller Skating in Central Park, 1982

A woman roller-skates outdoors in a park, wearing shorts, a tank top, headphones, and a cassette player. Other people are skating and socializing around her on a sunny day. Trees and city buildings are visible in the background. — Eyesalwaysopened

Wonder what she’s listening to on that Walkman…

2. If You Didn’t Know How To Skate, You Hung On to Someone Who Did

A woman on roller skates leads a group of smiling children, also on skates, as they hold hands and skate together on a busy street filled with people in the background. — Zooby123

This 1970s photo showcases the communal feel of skating.

3. Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings Rollerskating Together in 1987

Two men sit on benches in a roller skating rink; one looks down while the other bends over to adjust or tie his roller skates. The setting appears casual, with skate equipment visible in the background. — LivingInformal4446

Just two music legends having a good ol’ skate sesh.

4. A Group of Friends Skating in Venice, CA, 1979

Three women wearing shorts and T-shirts roller skate down a sunny street lined with palm trees, while a man rides a bicycle nearby. People and buildings appear in the background under a clear blue sky. — notbob1959

There’s nothing quite like skating against a cool ocean breeze.

5. 1940s Roller Skates Look a Lot Like Socks With Wheels

Two women in shorts and blouses roller skate together on a street, holding hands and smiling. The image is black and white and appears to be from the early to mid-20th century. — katchoo1

“If I fall down, I’m bringing you with me!”

6. ‘Roller Disco as a Part of Black Culture, 1980’

A group of people wearing roller skates gathers in a lively indoor setting. One person in a "Dynamo" shirt performs dance moves on skates while others watch, cheer, and smile enthusiastically. The scene appears energetic and joyful. — V391Pegasi

Friends aren’t real friends unless they’re hyping you up on the skating rink.

7. A Roller Skating Flapper From the 1920s

A smiling woman in vintage clothing and a cloche hat roller skates on a city sidewalk, holding a cane. Her scarf blows in the wind and the background shows a blurred building. The photo is in black and white. — Dhorlin

The tie, the cane, the knee-high socks — this whole outfit is a vibe.

8. You Know These Kids Got the Crowd on Their Feet

Four young men roller skating indoors on a wooden rink, dressed in colorful, retro 1970s-style outfits, with one skater in white leading the group. Spectators and reflective decorations are visible in the background. — senzukai

The white bell bottoms are a nice touch.

9. ‘A Waitress on Roller Skates Skillfully Delivers a Tray Full of Food to Hungry Customers in the 1940s’

A woman in a retro uniform roller skates outside while holding a tray of food near a classic car, with a "Car Service" sign visible in the background. — TheKingOfKolo

Carrying food on a tray while wearing roller skates? I could never.

10. ‘Diana Ross Roller Skating in New York, 1982’

A woman roller skating on a city street, wearing a red and white striped outfit, striped knee socks, purple skates, a white headband, and a waist pouch, with cars and trees in the background. — qilldljuxf271

The queen!

11. A Group of Friends at the Skating Rink in the Early ’80s

Five children sit closely together on a couch, all wearing roller skates. They are smiling and dressed in casual 1970s or 1980s clothing, against a reddish background. — mlotto7

“We were the coolest. In 2024 we are all still friends and think we are still cool.” Aww.

12. ‘United States Amateur Roller Skating Association Senior Dance Champions of 1961, Jay and Janet Slaughter of Illinois’

A man in a tuxedo and a woman in a short dress perform a dance pose together on roller skates in front of an audience. The image is in black and white, suggesting it is from a past era. — lemmycaution25

There’s nothing amateur about this form.

Want more glimpses into life back in the day?

You’ll get a kick out of 17 Vintage Prom Photos That Capture Peak ’80s Fashion and 10 Photos That Take You Inside a Typical Friday Night Out in the 1970s. Plus, don’t forget to check out From Camp to Cookouts: 25 Throwback Photos of Summer Fun in the ’80s.