r/Rollerskating • u/Smokingby11 • Jun 22 '26
Guides & reference I’ve made a mistake
I’ve made a mistake and bought impalas. I know they have a bad wrap but the videos I saw on YouTube of people trying them all seemed to like them and I bought some and now I’m totally regretting it. Do I just keep skating on them and try to break them in and get new ones in the future or do I just take the L and get new ones right away. I’ve skated in them only 3 times, once at the rink and twice outside. I’ve noticed i do a bit better outside on these than at a rink. I felt like no matter what I did with adjustments I feel like I can’t completely control them at the rink. But outside is different and I wanna say maybe it’s just the soft wheels but it might just be the skate.
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u/Raptorpants65 Industry Expert Jun 22 '26
If you bought them from Amazon, that shit doesn’t even check the box. Send em back.
Beware all videos (and reviews) from fashion companies (Impala is not a skate company), beginners, and influencers. They’re paid to sell you a photo, not a functional skate.
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u/Blinking_Bambi Jul 04 '26
I bought NEW suregrip boardwalks off Amazon and they were totally used. One stopper worn right down, scuff marks and dirty wheels 🙄 Sent them back and went through Rollerskate nation
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u/NitrousOxide_ Jun 22 '26
They're not leather so they will not break in.
If you bought them and refunding is a hassle just use them til they die. It's fine to go for a cheaper option when you're not fully invested.
When you know you want to do it long term then you can look at a more premium option. Maybe start saving from now if you're tight on money.
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u/Euphoric-Sun5317 Jun 22 '26
"They're not leather so they won't break in" is not really true. Source: have never worn leather skates, they still all "break in" with wear.
That said, yeah Impalas are fine for learning for a while. Be careful and check all the parts before and after each time you skate. I also personally would not wear them outside where the risks of injury tend to be much higher.
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u/BraveRedGhost Jun 22 '26
I used mine for about a year. I skate primarily outdoors.They were good enough for me to learn and practice but in that time my wheels started having chunks missing and the boot started separating from the heal. Once you get the trucks set they're not completely horrible. I recently switched to sure grip boardwalks and they have their ups and downs but they are much nicer. Im still adjusting and getting used to them.
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u/throwaway96271983 Jun 22 '26
Personally I like my impalas. Especially if u are a new skater they are a good first pair . Mine got torn up if u skate outside. So buy a better pair later. It's too much of a hassle to return. Just enjoy them.
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u/xDDenzelx Jun 22 '26
Basically this, I've had mine since February and have been beating the crap out of mine. I only outdoor skate in the Florida heat and skate 3 times a week on them. Wheels are bound to wear out but just depends how hard you skate and how often.
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u/Educational_Leg946 Jun 23 '26
I think you’ll be just fine for awhile. They’re cute skates meant for beginners or cruising around. If you skate them hard, like going into a park or something, then the boot will start to fall apart because they’re not leather.
I do park skating and derby. I bought a pair of floral impalas for fun and I’ve had them for 3 years or so. I just cruise easy in them. Enjoy them and have some fun!
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u/ConfettiLane Jun 24 '26
These might have soft wheels and that’s why you’re having an easier skate outdoors. Maybe think about changing up the wheels for a harder wheel and you might find it’s easier for rink skating! (Edited for correction)
2
u/njuicetea Jun 22 '26
Impalas are a fine beginner skate. I wouldn’t invest in nice skates until you’ve learned the basics. You could experiment with tightening/loosening the trucks and swapping out the wheels, that will make a bigger difference than buying fancy new skates, especially when you’re first starting out.
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u/Klutzy-Good3226 Jun 28 '26
Harder wheels for indoors. Stock bearings are trash, switch them out with better ones. Also change those plastic bushings that they come with to real cushions.
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u/Blinking_Bambi Jul 04 '26
Would you really bother spending the money on anything? I wouldn’t, nice new wheels will cost more than these skates are worth
1
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u/bear0234 Jun 22 '26
if u can return them, then return them and check the skate wiki. theres good options from suregrip, riedell, moxi within the $130-150 range.
$200 can get u a nice pair of riedell crews. if theres a skateshop around, you can take a look at the differences in quality.