How To Make Converse Roller Skates!!

Hey Friends!! For so long I have been wanting to turn a pair of Converse into a pair of roller skates and I finally did it!!! They turned out so cool and actually work. Now all I need to practice is my roller skating ability hahaha!
If you follow this how to make sure to tag me in it so that I can see your masterpieces!! @jacobzander_
Option #1 Supplies (Cost Effective):
If you are lucky enough to find a pair of roller skates your size at a thrift store you can remove the bottom off of them (trucks & wheels) and use those trucks and wheels instead of buying them new. I went to like 5 thrift stores, but couldn't find my size anywhere so I went with option #2 below haha! If you go this way all you will need are the metal insoles and possibly the mounting kit :)
Option #2 Supplies:
8 Wheels - www.rollerskateusa.com/radar-...
Wheel Bearings - www.rollerskateusa.com/Qube-B...
Roller Skate Trucks - www.rollerskateusa.com/Sure-G...
Metal Insoles (Choose a half size down because Converse run big) - www.etsy.com/listing/73665816...
Mounting Kit - www.rollerskateusa.com/Roll-l...
Bolts to hold on wheels - www.amazon.com/16-18-Nylon-In...
Footsouls - footsouls.com
Converse (Choose a half to size larger than what you would normally wear)
✰ Instagram - / jacobdzander
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✰ Twitter - / jacobdzander
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✰ Footsouls Website: footsouls.com/
✧ FAQ ✧
+ how old are you? 22
+ how tall are you? 5' 10"
+ what do you use to edit videos? Adobe Premiere Pro
+ PO Box address: 1187 Coast Village Rd, Suite 1 - 237, Santa Barbara, CA, 93108

[@shawnhollern]

You need to find your center line first. Eyeballing it, or mounting heal to toe is not a good way to mount plates. Those plates are way off center, and too far forward. (Mostly like why you fell backward) Other than that, everything else is pretty straight forward, and correct. Though I would use a sinker drill bit on the metal insole after drilling the holes. That way the install bolts have a cupped hole to rest in, as all mounting screws have a sunken head. For tips on getting a good center line, youll want to measure the width of the heal, and mark the center. Then measure between the two outer bones on the ball of your foot, and mark then the center there. Those 3 points on your foot (heal & two outer bones) are what you use to control your trucks. Now with your two center marks made, draw a straight line between them with a roller. This your center line. It may appear to face slightly to the outside, if you compare it to the front of the shoe. Thats ok, because the toe of your shoe is meant to contour your toes, not the center of your foot. When aligning the plate forward and back, put it all the way to the back to where its flush with the heal. If your plate size is correct, this will put your wheels directly under those two original marks, one under the heal, and one under the ball of your foot. The perfect spot for proper truck control. I just wanted to add this info for anyone doing this, because a proper plate placement is crucial, if youre going to enjoy actually skating on them. (I'm mounted several plates to both skate shoes and regular shoes.)

[@ontoxicated8544]

i purchased my trucks the same size as my shoe but the whole metal plate itself sticks out about 3/8's on both front and back. is that alright?

[@shawnhollern]

@@ontoxicated8544 it might be a size too big, but I don't think it'll hurt. Plate sizes can be weird sometimes, since the plate sizes are based on that brands shoe size. And I can confirm that each brand fits veeery different. If its your first pair, that little bit shouldn't hurt, you're wheelbase will be a little longer, giving you more stability. Though control might feel a tiny bit stiffer. But if its a big concern, you can always return them and go one size down. The plate should usually be flush, or just a little short in the front, if you have it resting flush with the heal.

[@Metztlim]

Thank you so much for your clarification because I'm planning on using my old skates plate, trucks, wheels everything because the boot ripped off so this will help a lot to adapt them to my Converse!

[@emmanuelmeyermeyer1083]

You need to start making you tube videos. Very helpful. Thanks

[@reaverkai]

This comment should be pinned ! I have bad feet posture (plain sole) which effs up my whole legs, if I were to place the line poorly I bet it would just make it worse and more painful

[@victoriabryan8448]

Here from tiktok! Make sure your wheels are outdoor polyurethane wheels so they can absorb the shock from the ground when you skate

[@jacobzandershorts]

Victoria Bryan haha thank you very much 🙏🏽

[@lrac_1]

Mm hmm outdoor wheels are the softer ones

[@duhitsalondra]

Mostly everyone here from tik tok but I’m here from google looking at converse roller skates

[@jacobzandershorts]

DuhIts Alondra haha I love that!! So cool

[@nuriakim7728]

Loll me too, I'm seeing if I should get these or regular roller skates

[@jacobzandershorts]

Nuria Kim these!!!!!! 🤩🙌🏽

[@Jessica19382]

same i want to diy a pair haha

[@asrafaethepansexualweeb5629]

I want to do this with Vans or Just a pair of Shoes but mainly im going to get custom Vans then make the skates bc its too much money to get it Custom made as skates anywhere else but home

[@mhqb613]

Here from TikTok and I’m so excited to try this! Such a cool idea!

[@jacobzandershorts]

Marco Hernandez send me a pic when you make them!!!

[@catherinethimble2010]

Oh my god I’m so excited to do this!! I’ve wanted to do this for so long but never known how but this is perfect, thank you!!

[@jacobzandershorts]

You're so welcome!!!!

[@studiolphotography88]

Me too

[@studiolphotography88]

@@jacobzandershorts I never saw where you got all the stuff from

[@blair11]

@A Very Worthy Production I know I'm late but its on his websitw

[@oreotommy]

this is so sick!! never would I have thought you could do them with just a pair of shoes!

[@jacobzandershorts]

oreotommy crazy right?! It’s so much fun

[@BClancy]

Thank you for actually posting the results of you trying them out ❤️❤️❤️

[@Angiepangie101]

Now I just need to figure out how to roller skate, wish me luck. ✨

[@christinaskies]

they turned out so sick!!! omg i cant wait to try this, new quarantine project!! :))

[@jacobzandershorts]

Christina Nosratpour I can’t wait to see how they turn out!! :)

[@felixsnotrawegg3114]

Dang! Idk how but he even makes it look fun when he's falling!

[@lilscookiecutter6773]

Usually tutorials make no sense but this was so clear ty so much😊

[@inwithnoemi9009]

OMG this is AWESOME!! Thank you for making a video on them, super helpful!!!! 😁

[@djmohglojojo]

I like how you kept the wipe outs in your demo of the skate. Skating looks so easy when watching someone who skates

[@tumami7910]

I love you for this bruh ❤️❤️❤️ i truly appreciate this video

[@bdoug]

i can feel my ankles breaking already 😍

[@CryingJackal]

I looked this up because my parents wouldn’t let me buy any. I’m excited! Now I can use any shoes and have roller skates! I’m so excited to try this!!!

[@nicksmith9513]

This is sick, Jake!

[@macyoliveras]

They came out so cool! Great video !!

[@jacobzandershorts]

Macy Oliveras thank you so much Macy!! 😊

[@lorenzociccone1248]

First!!! I love your videos and your amazing optimistic personality!!! I try to live a live like yours!!!

[@jacobzandershorts]

Lorenzo Ciccone Aw thank you that means a lot!! My goal is to help spread as much optimism as possible!!

[@dylan.miller]

Best videos to watch after school !

[@jacobzandershorts]

Dylan Miller wooooo!!! 🙌🏽

[@SimplyZeyma]

This is so cool and so creative! I love it

[@jacobzandershorts]

SimplyZeyma thank you so much!! 😊

[@MsFash]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 love it

[@jacobzandershorts]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@felixsnotrawegg3114]

omggg u make it look so fun at the end! :DD

[@jacobzandershorts]

Pikachu Pokemon it was !!!

[@MarioMartinez-ts8fn]

That's very cool!!!!!

[@malloriematthews3752]

they turned out soo cute! I will definitely have to try this out, looks like I will need some new foot soles:))

[@jacobzandershorts]

Mallorie Matthews you have to try it!!! :))

[@patricianeico3668]

Wow you made it very understandable and easy to follow thank you 😊😆😇👍💖

[@jasminearreola2232]

very helpful!!! love it

[@jacobzandershorts]

Jasmine Arreola thanks Jasmine!!

[@isadorasuassuna3904]

lovers rock aaaaaaa

[@ember187]

I'm about to open up my own skate shop with this DIY

[@jacobzandershorts]

Patrick Hernandez hahaha 😂👏🏽

[@jaketofan4100]

This. I came from the TikTok FYP and I am NOT REGRETTING THIS ONE BIT OML YOU DESERVE TO BE VIRAL WTHHHH.. BRO THIS IS JUST SHOCKING TO ME THAT PEOPLE DONT SEE YOU

[@jacobzandershorts]

Jake Tofan YOU ARE SO KIND!! Going to keep working hard!!!

[@stoph9065]

OHHH THIS IS YOU? My mom got me the custom Vans skates you guys started making :)

[@SquirmieWormington]

Catch me in the rink with them knee high converse

[@detectivekillshot1207]

Wow this video rocks!🤩 also, you gotta be careful falling on ur foot like that! You'll break ur ankle that way!

[@1its1mia1]

Groovy content 😊

[@levimootz6557]

You're great!

[@ceciliabarr5827]

I've been wanting to make my own pair of skates and was wondering where are the best places to buy materials from?

[@jacobzandershorts]

rollerskateusa.com :)

[@scramator9077]

Great music selection

[@yaseminalbayrak4328]

looks great. gonna try. thxxx :))

[@jacobzandershorts]

Yasemin Albayrak You’re welcome! :)))

[@davidbone833]

This is so amazing!!!! I’m definitely going to try this

[@jacobzandershorts]

David Bone you totally should!! 🙌🏽

[@davidbone833]

@@jacobzandershorts I have a question! for the trucks you bought, did they come in a pair of left and right? on the website it doesnt say, i just want to make sure!!!

[@jacobzandershorts]

David Bone they came as a pair!

[@ashleyhill886]

So cool🤩

[@jacobzandershorts]

Ashley H thank you 🤩

[@rollerscab]

0:27 those are plates, including trucks*

[@px8373]

I love this video so much i 😭

[@jacobzandershorts]

PsshįtšMårłêęñ thank you 😭🧡

[@ntg128]

In Japan and need to make a pair, thanks.

[@meredithz5349]

this is so cool! How did you figure out the converse vs insole sizing? I'm a little confused. did you go bigger in the converse and smaller in the insole or just one of those? thanks!

[@jacobzandershorts]

Meredith Zielonka you choose a half size bigger! So if your converse are 8.5 you buy a size 9 metal insole! But make sure to get a bigger shoe size than you already have or they will be to tight :)

[@michellefraser9296]

Those really long screws are for the roller boots that have a heel 👍

[@jacobzandershorts]

Michelle Fraser ahhhh that makes so much sense!! 😊

[@tiffanytsang5118]

Jacob you are my inspiration!!

[@jacobzandershorts]

Tiffany Tsang Aw I am so happy to be an inspiration to you 😊

[@shadnaaum926]

Hey Jacob, any reason you chose the wheels, trucks, and bearings for this? Would you recommend what you did or have you found any tips to consider in purchasing?

[@danbo8034]

hey @jacob any alternative wheel you recommend? since its not available..

[@DwarfPandaBear]

Where did you get all your skate material?

[@TunettiSpaghetti]

Can I use any pair of footware for this? Cos I'm plaaning on adding wheels to some boots.

[@isabelleramos2896]

So converse website says they run 1/2 size large should I just get my normal size or should I still size up?

[@adrian_aldama]

I love ur videos!!!

[@jacobzandershorts]

adrianjaldama I love you for loving my videos!!!

[@adrian_aldama]

Jacob Zander ❤️❤️

[@thequeens2904]

I have a question are they comfortable and are they harder to skate in also do they have good speed and also are they toe stoppers good and last is there support in the ankle

[@sajahicks4094]

Where did you find the metal inserts?

[@wyndameme535]

I bought the trucks but it didn't come with a toe stop what one did you use?

[@maimunismail3277]

Here from tiktok. This is amazing 😍

[@jacobzandershorts]

Maimun Ismail THANK YOU 😍

[@FaithFiance]

From tik tok!!!!!!!! Thank u so much!!!

[@jacobzandershorts]

Faith Fiance you’re so welcome!!!

[@thetinycanary]

I was also confused about the two really long screws until I was looking at a pair of my heeled skates and it clicked. Definitely meant for a platform/heel allowance (I think)

[@jacobzandershorts]

TheTinyCanary yes!! That’s what everyone was saying in the comments!! :))) thank you!

[@808tonester]

I realize most skates have Heels on the back and that’s the reason for the longer screws in the mounting kit

[@lyzamarieaguirre8459]

How thick is the metal insole?

[@stickystickystuck8074]

Do you think this will work with af1s?

[@souvany]

Hey! I ordered some customized high top converses, but am now wondering if I need platform converses instead to turn them into roller skates. Can anyone clarify? Thanks in advance!

[@normaltoast-yq5vv]

Could you use them for derby or other custom shoes such as vans sk8

[@deraffe7145]

Hi! I want to start roller skating and wanted to ask if it is safe for beginners to do this (or to do this in general).Tbh I’ve got no clue about roller skating but I kinda want to try this, so if someone could tell me about their opinion it would really help.

[@scarletdragon1019]

Is it possible to buy something like this but adaptable to any shoe or boots? it would be amazing if I could carry only the platform and the wheels, put them on in a minute and go to work without carrying a huge roller skate while having my shoes in a bag

[@itsDJROSS22]

Quick question! On the website the “Sure Grip Super X Plate” doesn’t mention if it comes in a pair or if you have to buy them separately. Did you only order one or did you have to buy two? Thanks for adding the links to the products in your description.

[@jacobzandershorts]

Christian Ross hey Christian! They come in a pair!! Dm me pics when you make them!! I wanna see 🙌🏽

[@joe-y7325]

I hate my skates design😩 Thanks po this idea and tutorial!😁

[@John-js9es]

If I wear a size 13 what is the smallest size I can get for roller skate trucks I can get?

[@jhennieciscabriadas9050]

I'm from Philippines! I love it po ❤️ its so cool!! Anyone knows where to buy those for me to build my own???? Helpp please, I really wanted to have roller skates 🥺

[@chaserollersk8181]

Hi I make skates too nice video dude

[@maxlombardi8552]

Hey! I am trying this and wanted to know if I should order 1 or 2 plates. I was confused if 1 order of them included 2.

[@jacobzandershorts]

max lombardi just one! They come as a pair!

[@Alexis-zl9kw]

you made it look so simple! i want to do this with some doc martens

[@jacobzandershorts]

Alexia Seas oooooo you will have to make a how to for doc martins!

[@daniburns6369]

Karen the Karrot has videos on how to do it with DMs! :)

[@trevorw5225]

he... HES SUPER CUTE

[@ely5629]

omg I want to try this but I know im gonna fall on my face like 20 times😂

[@jacobzandershorts]

Ely it’s definitely worth it 😂😂

[@Aj-hx9qh]

nice very applicable thanks see you around

[@skoozi2]

I’d still pay you to set mine up cause I’m lazy! Lol seriously awesome

[@jacobzandershorts]

haha give it a shot! it's a fun project!

[@128chawanjaee6]

@@jacobzandershorts price of materials?

[@Dxvotie]

Any recommend on where to get insoles for nikes? I want to mount my nike air force 1s but i am not handy enough to cut insoles

[@jacobzandershorts]

lacie devotie hmmm not sure. I wish I could help out!

[@rollerscab]

Just get them custom made at a skate shop who sell custom roller skates

[@user-pj3xt8hx9w]

Me crying wow wish i can get one XD

[@greenishbagel9998]

How do you know what plate size to get?

[@kianarvi]

Hey! Thanks for all the links. I’m trying to put together all the parts now. I was wondering for the sure grip super x plate did you use 8mm or 7mm for the axle? And for the size did you just follow your shoe size?

[@danbo8034]

thats also my question and im wodnering which one to choose

[@blair11]

did you ever find out if it was the 7mm or the 8mm? I wanna make them but 80 dollars is a lot of money to spend just to get thw wrong size😄

[@cristalcordova4758]

Where did you get the metal insoles

[@meekahling177]

Hey! I was wondering if converse is a good shoe to give ankle support? Any thoughts?

[@jadajones1933]

This is what I came here for too n I’m sad nobody answered:/

[@jay-ts8ux]

what about your ankles? converse give no support here so was it really diff to turn??

[@je8612]

From where you get the material

[@pritijain7340]

If i am a small child for this. What i have to do ?

[@annaescobar1852]

are these better for street skating or park skating? they are so cool want to make sure I know when to were them!

[@rollerscab]

I won't suggest using Converse for park skating since they don't give much ankle support

[@wrryyy405]

The assembly got me in the video the music made me stay

[@dantiwari]

Hi! I was hoping you could be more clear with sizes?! You said get 1/2 a size up on converse but they already run 1/2 a size big, so is that additional? Example, if I am a size 8, should i order size 8 1/2 converse that are going to fit like size 9? And the size 9 metal insole because that’s 1/2 a size up?

[@adrianescalante8313]

I’m wondering the same thing!

[@chaserollersk8181]

Dan tiwari you can find a sizing chart on google for different shoes

[@A_Mess_O_Minorities]

can u make a vid on how to make roller blades outa any shoes pls i want some but there so expensive

[@TheAMEN111]

When you said "finally got the materials". What did you mean?

[@damienranger222]

What size are those bearings

[@pantera_fanatic]

Is the bearing size 8mm or 7mm

[@neen.]

Thank you so much for sharing! Using the link you shared, are the Skating Trucks sold as priced for 1 truck or a set of 2? I’m trying to get my budget together for my own DIY and it isn’t clear on their website.

[@jacobzandershorts]

Janeen Talbott they are priced as a pair! :)

[@neen.]

Jacob Zander Thank you!

[@michellecheung1203]

How much did everything cost you

[@hayyu88]

Hi!! wait so I'm a little confused -- If I have size 8M converse should I get bigger or smaller metal insoles??

[@jacobzandershorts]

Haley Yu Hey! You would need the men’s 7 metal insoles!

[@sylaslies7435]

Hello! Here from TikTok! I was wondering if the “breaks” come with the wheels? I’m probably just missing them in your helpful shopping list

[@jacobzandershorts]

Yes they do!!

[@emmamariamakes]

You make it look so easy! How long did you actually spend on them?

[@jacobzandershorts]

Emma Niemans about $175!

[@emmamariamakes]

@@jacobzandershorts I mean how long as in how many hours. Lol I see that everyone wants to know the price

[@theopap3929]

how much did all the supplies cost you

[@sirjade3228]

IS it fine if i just do this with out making any other purchases cause i have inline skates and converse shoes that can be just converted

[@jacobzandershorts]

Hmmm I’m not sure! I don’t think it would work with in-line but it’s worth a shot!

[@alyfuentes9814]

The bolts/screws were long because they are meant for heeled skates, meaning they are longer because of the heigh of the heel.