I was born with clubfoot and so I have a three difference size between my feet. I reached out to Impala and they gave me a mismatched pair of skates that were in their donation stock. I know people talk bad about Impala but the fact that they sent me free skates to accommodate my disability is HUGE for me. Most shoe companies won’t even sell mismatched pairs or give a discount for buying two pairs.
@stacytompkins92744 ай бұрын
I thought New Balance did a size swap--you purchase both, and send them back what you don't need, and then they send you a rebate, I believe.
@broadwayhead4 ай бұрын
That’s pretty awesome!
@topotondo8284 ай бұрын
@@stacytompkins9274 Nordstrom does, that’s where I shop for shoes
@biancavictoria87464 ай бұрын
That's awesome that they did that!
@rvic6914 ай бұрын
I have impala. I have other skates too. But impala backed their product and their customer service is what makes them stand out.
@VCD5124 ай бұрын
She said take yo tax money and buy some good skates!!! 😂😂 My first pair was $99. They were heavy! I returned them and did further research. Talked to the gals at the skate shop and got a pair of Moxie suede skates…I am In love with my skates. I spent almost $200 and that was on sale. Worth every penny! My next pair will be Reidell and I will be spending big money on those!
@LibertyxKills4 ай бұрын
I splurged on my very first skates ever. Got Moxis a few years ago. I still use them!
@arandomhello4 ай бұрын
Enjoyed seeing this side-by-side comparison. My first skates were the holographic Impalas that I bought for about $50 when they were on sale 👀. They did what they needed to do... got me hooked on skating before I upgraded a few months later 😊 For those of you who already own skates with bolt-on toe stops, Sure Grip sells bolt-on compatible mini-toe stops and jam plugs. Just make sure to buy the correct size! It won't be as customizable as an adjustable toe stop but it does give you some options.
@ameliagoertzen90073 ай бұрын
I got the holographic Impalas yesterday for $30! It was an impulse buy but I'm glad to hear they'll get me started
@zemthemattress34434 ай бұрын
Always be hunting eBay for good deals on nicer skates! I got new SureGrip Boardwalks for $70!
@kristinavest83574 ай бұрын
Thanks for this video. I’m just now at 45 getting back into skating. I’ve skated as a child, teenager and young adult. Use to go to the rink on the weekends and my second job was a car hop at Sonic. I bought a very cheap pair of skates with light up wheels just to see if I could even skate or enjoy it. I took my skates to the park and it was a no go. I’ve been looking at Moxi skates and I’m thinking of making the purchase after watching this video. I’m loving skating again ❤
@Iamnotacitygurl4 ай бұрын
I’m 51 and got a pair of skates three years ago. I grew up at the skating rink. My adult kids encouraged me to try skating at the skate park. I started on my cement driveway. Uhhh no thank you! I even got wheels for outdoors. I definitely prefer a rink to the cement and so does my knees. Haha
@maryshkamiceli83884 ай бұрын
I really value your skating wisdom and online lessons. You're swell Debbie. Would love to get training with you. Do you offer travel classes for the over 50 skaters in other states...😉 I'm a new older skater. Would you do a wheel anatomy video including spacers?
@LibertyxKills4 ай бұрын
White with pink wheels. We all know those are the Chicagos!! 😬😭 Those scare me 😂
@staceya.87794 ай бұрын
Thanks, Dirty!! I almost bought some skates at Academy but I think I’ve decided to hold out and add to my budget. I’ll keep using rentals....for now😉
@mariatrofimova38324 ай бұрын
Gosh I needed a sign to buy new skates 😄 It feels like I've been stuck with my progress for the past couple of months, but now I am just convinced that I've "overgrown" my Impalas. Thank you for this super informative video ❤
@ThePaleRook4 ай бұрын
I bought Riedell Crews as my first pair of skates, and they're still fabulous now. I've upgraded the wheels and cushions as I've progressed, but I've never felt the need to upgrade the skate overall. I can highly recommend them as a skate for someone who's a beginner but plans on sticking with it and progressing.
@jessicaclark84844 ай бұрын
My boyfriend told me to try Riedell and so far they're definitely worth the money. ❤
@AgentPinkify4 ай бұрын
My first pair were those exact impalas, mainly to see if I could do it and if I’d enjoy it and I loved them after a couple of months of daily practice I decided to be more serious and upgraded to a pair of moxies that I use to this day. I keep my impalas in my trunk if I ever randomly decide to skate
@RinneMaslowfan354 ай бұрын
My first skates were VNLA Parfaits! I loved them immediately and then for indoors I later got some VNLA Blue Moon “A La Mode” skates!
@unnastormflower2294 ай бұрын
I love all these videos. Everything from the tutorials to things like this
@minimoxiemouse4 ай бұрын
omg totally agree. I have those exact Imaplas gifted to me by a neighbour (these were her choice for first pair) I went with the glitz retro anad the difference is amazing. The impalas feel cheap and they hurt my ankles a lot. I have a few pairs of good ones now and have found the chayas to be my favourite for comfort plus. This sport is an additcion!
@erroniousmcleese4 ай бұрын
I went with what was available to me and it was Impala's or Moxi's, and DAMN, I make reasonable Adult money but I ain't dropping $550.00 on a pair of Moxi's at first go. The Impala's will suffice until I am ready to drop hot cash on a pair of candy apple green Moxi's And so far, other than the terribly small toe box, they were simple to adjust and I can skate the walkway around the skate park, so it's a bit of a win
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
Excellent. I am glad you have a plan for your progression in skating. This is a perfect way to look at it.
@erroniousmcleese4 ай бұрын
I am leary they are not recommended for my weight, but that just means they'll wear out faster.
@bonbons714 ай бұрын
i spent around half a year on my impalas, and tbh they got the job done. I learned a lot on them, but my GOD when i graduated to my suede VNLA à la modes?? The feeling of breaking into the skates and them molding to my feet (which never happened for the six months i had my impalas) was so amazing!!
@raundimoore-kondo44934 ай бұрын
“The tongue isn’t ready to party. Not happy” 😂😂😂
@juj62634 ай бұрын
I spent about $450 on riedell figure skates and wish I had bought some cheaper skates to scratch up as a beginner 😂 still love my skates though, but man did I really skip like 10 rungs on the ladder
@Country2Concrete2 ай бұрын
Toni is amazing! She has been vital in our Xanadu cast getting the right wheels!
@SupraSoulStar4 ай бұрын
This was very fun to watch. The impala's were my first skate and they served me well. Would love to see the skates you would recommend as an upgrade/splurge!
@Margaritaville8184 ай бұрын
I have the Jackson Vista ..love them 😊
@dawndemore1964 ай бұрын
Thanks, Dirty! I truly value your opinion! Thank you for all you do for us!! Hugs!❤
@ladyschatze91594 ай бұрын
Hey Deborah, I'm so guilty of buying cheap skates, I changed the wheels and skated on them for awhile. I will do an upgrade on good skates very soon .
@aliciacrandall82284 ай бұрын
My issue is always choosing the right wheels for indoor and outdoor
@DiscoMatty792 ай бұрын
I'm so ready for new skates. I bought the below hundred dollars skates in 2007. I finally started getting serious. I put outdoor wheels on, so they're good for quiet neighborhood roads, the beach, and flat surfaces. However, I'm scared of even the small hills. They'll do it for now, but I'll wait until I get better skates to for hills and busy roads.
@jammydoughnuts4 ай бұрын
The first thing I found out in my search for beginner roller skates was 1. avoid impalas and 2. No non-adjustable toe stops” those tips didn’t fail me 😂
@Brajesvari_1084 ай бұрын
Any recommendations for kids ages 6-9 with growing feet?
@psh4lfe4 ай бұрын
I’ve heard really good things about the Candi grl skates also for beginners.
@ericas32893 ай бұрын
Yes and so affordable!!
@Leablak4 ай бұрын
Been skating on/off for many years now and owned a few pair of skates. The worst thing for me is how the toe box almost always is so narrow. I need some space for these lil' piggies! Love my Chaya Sapphire even though they're not that high end performance. I had a pair of -expensive- Riedell leather boots with an extremely expensive plate and the setup cost three times my current setup, but it hurt me so bad :'D
@ajmaelynnwang2854 ай бұрын
I like Jackson / Atom skates and own 3 different models because they fit. Are they for park skating? Not really. But pretty good rec and beginning rhythm skating. EVO is on sale now for $99.95 directly through Atom’s website. Boots only also available. Agree with Dirty, my Jackson/Atom Vitas show signs of wear around ankle 6 months of light, weekly, indoor 2-hour sessions. I don’t do tricks. I don’t wrap laces around the ankles. That’s just how they’re built I guess. Adults skaters need better ankle support should look into investing more money getting stiffer boots down the road. Regarding bolt on toe stops, I‘be seen jam plugs for bolt-on. SureGrip makes a “shorter” donut shape toe stops,so you still have some options.
@freerobotsex4 ай бұрын
My 1st skates I bought last year were Sure Grip Fame skates. They lasted 4 months of weekly indoor rink skating then the boot separated from the heel. Out of warranty and out of luck...Sure Grip didn't want to work with me, ghosted.
@brendaaceituno17614 ай бұрын
I couldn't upgrade my skates much. I have Chicago's and all I could do was change the wheels and it helped. I have fun, but I can't improve my skating really. If you're able to buy better quality, do it.
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
Well said.
@heyfrankiebird4 ай бұрын
hope you can get the means to upgrade your skates soon! ❤
@kitokorainn4 ай бұрын
I have the Jackson evo...i have a moxi but in used to the evo now
@missmaziecat50584 ай бұрын
Dirty! Where did you get THAT t-shirt?! omg I LOVED Skateway!!! It's where I met my husband. Great video about skate buying - thanks!
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
@m00nshots on IG
@Kornkitt3n4 ай бұрын
Impala's were my first skate, I bought them in 2021. I skated frequently on them for a couple months and the boot ripped up from the heel on both. Also the sizing is all over the place.. They are SO narrow! I have narrow feet and mine fit into a size 38 Impala. I wear a 36! But if I went for my size, there's no way my feet would fit in the toe box. I also noticed the quality control was non existent. The trucks on my Impala's were very crooked, and I only noticed when I got my second pair Suregrip fames. And for the price, Suregrip fames are faaaaar better than Impala, considering both are around the same price. The trucks on my Impala's are made from a low quality Aluminium and were super heavy. I truely believe Impala's hinder peoples skating performance. Seriously. I got 10 times better just with decent skates!
@carolbowen43494 ай бұрын
I purchased a set of BTFL Artistic skates for my first pair and I LOVE THEM! $200 well spent. My wheels are 80a so I’m looking to purchase another set of wheels that are a little harder.
@ClosetHeadCase4 ай бұрын
Just found this video and have already bought those exact holographic impalas 🤦🏻♀️😩
@goldmouth100Ай бұрын
Same here...lol well did they at least work for you😂??
@msbehave649328 күн бұрын
I would love to see a video of what would be better for the next level! Like, what should we get after we have been skating for a while with an entry-level skate. I've been skating for a year with the riedell crew, sadly, as my first pair of skates, I got a size too big for me and even with soles and insoles I always felt clumsy and got cramps after 20 min skating... I ended up buying Jackson vistas in 2 sizes down my previous skate (wow) and I really like how they feel!
@PossumSprings4 ай бұрын
Thank you for your videos, I have been learning a lot :) I started on a pair of impalas but I'm upgrading to a pair of sure grip boardwalk plus's. Waiting patiently for them in the mail! And I did use my tax money! 😜
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
Great to hear! That is exactly what tax money is supposed to be used for 🤪
@apricotdog4 ай бұрын
I'm a wide, flat foot and found Jackson's to be comfortable.
@SuzER084 ай бұрын
This video came at the perfect time, i made the mistake of buying a cheap ass pair of crappy skates from Amazon and need to get a better pair that wont break the bank. Thank you!
@insolubleCorrosion4 ай бұрын
this has given me the final push to spend some proper money on some better skates-- I have the moxi rainbow riders which are a great beginner skate, except for the fact that they are NOT built for my wide feet. I had to get two sizes up in length to even slightly accommodate my width, and even then they are still not wide enough. Plus my balance is way off because I can't get the balls of my feet over the front trucks! I'm looking at the Bont parkstars right now as I have heard that they are wide foot friendly. (To anyone who's reading this-- please let me know if you have tried them out and what your experience was with them!!)
@sk8tr864 ай бұрын
My first pair was SureGrip Boardwalks, then I upgraded to Mota for low top skates…Now I have 3 more pairs of Motas. Idc about the drama, the skates were/are excellent.
@malikdey-nativemoor29234 ай бұрын
Amazing review. We need another one for even better skates
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
Working on it!
@adjannaan11824 ай бұрын
I’ve been on stiff candigirls for the past three years 😭😭 i didn’t know any better until i started buying new wheels and toe stops the past few months… i will graduate, i promise
@amira_shmira4 ай бұрын
Not my skates being in the video 🥲🤣🤣🤣 I was told Impala was trash but I already had them in my possession. I purchased a pair of Moonlight skates and fell within the first two minutes due to a faulty stopper that fell out and clipped me. I think they sold imperfect skates but I purchased them off of someone online so I’m not sure if they were technically from the imperfect batch.
@TheSchmuck014 ай бұрын
I started with Suregrip Rebel (because it's the only skate I could find in my size) and then upgraded to the Crazy DBX5 (because it's the only skate I could find in my size) and now I'm waiting waiting waiting for some special order Edea Classica (because it's the only dance skate in my size) 🤣🤣😆😆🤣🤣
@MaryHadALittleHobby4 ай бұрын
I got a a pair of those Jackson's im selling on Mercari. Size 8. Loved them but they are best for wide feet.
@jasminewilliams37572 ай бұрын
Do you have a video on the Candi girl carlins? I have them now and I like the suede and stiffness but I’d love to upgrade but not sure would be similar without having to buy a bunch
@Wannaloom2 ай бұрын
I have a bunion on my right foot. What would be a good entry level skate that would fit well and not be bad for that crazy bunion!
@ericas32893 ай бұрын
I have the impalas and I HATE the tongue and the laces
@LiviiUrsa4 ай бұрын
Hi Dirty! I’m a newbie skater and i’ve been LOVING your videos 😍 I’m thinking about investing in some Chaya Melrose Elites and was wondering if you have an opinion on them? Good? Bad? Thank you for all your informative videos!!! 🥰
@alessamusso55484 ай бұрын
I have Impalas (not holographic) and I like them. I am just learning so They work for me. If I ever become the master skater then I’ll change. I feel like you did not do the tongue justice leaving it open like that hahaha.
@jeremyhaliski11044 ай бұрын
New skates aww, ouch, Heeeeelp! Is breaking skates in supposed to hurt?
@lauralomonaco5847Ай бұрын
❤❤❤
@kmquarcoo99514 ай бұрын
what's the difference between sure grip fame and broadway? looking for a first pair of skates. last pair worn was over 20 years ago lol would like an indoor/outdoor skate
@margaretburkett96344 ай бұрын
I grew up on Chicago skates not sure of the true my but they were top I still have them. What about Foxy skates
@weearib3 ай бұрын
Hey 😊 I'm looking to upgrade my skates ( I've got rookie 78s). I've seen moxi lolly skates, I've seen chaya skates (I do like the look of them) and ridell also good looking ones. Can someone please help me choose. I've been reading reviews watching videos etc. Help 😅😅 p.s I live in the UK so size guides and everything else would help 😊
@aprilmckinney35324 ай бұрын
How do you know when you've outgrown your skates? I've thought about upgrading to Moxi's at some point but I don't want to blame my skates if the issue is me😅
@donnanye4 ай бұрын
For beginner indoor skaters with wide feet would Jackson be okay or what beginner skates fit wide feet?
@mathieuavisse46234 ай бұрын
riedell juice are nice
@Fury25804 ай бұрын
Not here to skate shame, just here to edu-skate!
@LJC1234 ай бұрын
Jackson evo vipers here I come 🤣
@BenOfficial2114 ай бұрын
Why were the Jackson Evos ever priced at $229? And now down to $99?
@joannelewis23354 ай бұрын
I feel bad, but I bought a total cheap pair off Amazon. I had little expectations i would take to it. And I'm thinking they are still ok until I get better.
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
No worries. Just understand if it becomes difficult or you are not progressing, it very well may be your skates.
@joannelewis23354 ай бұрын
@@Dirtydeborahharry OK Great. Point. Thank you. You do a great job on your videos. I have really enjoyed watching.
@egrberry3 ай бұрын
Help, I need help deciding on what brand skate please? I’m a newbie and k ow nothing about skates.. impala or riedell angels? I’m still in the learning process of skating and my feet are wide
@Dirtydeborahharry2 ай бұрын
I would get any Riedell Skate before I bought an Impala.
@egrberry3 ай бұрын
Help, I need help deciding on what brand skate please? I’m a newbie/beginner and I know nothing about skates.. impala or riedell angels? I still in the process of learning to skate also and I have wide feet
@Dirtydeborahharry2 ай бұрын
Riedell!!!
@TeReSa-T534 ай бұрын
Which is a better skate for beginners, Moxi or Sure Grip?
@mistrock3224 ай бұрын
I have sure grip fame as a beginner. Mostly because I want more support. From what I have been told, Moxi isn't a comfortable boot. So, it depends on what you are looking for in a skate and how much support you need.
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
It all depends on the model within the brand. I am doing a video on that very soon.
@TeReSa-T534 ай бұрын
@@Dirtydeborahharry Ok.. thank you so much.❤️
@TeReSa-T534 ай бұрын
@@mistrock322 Thank you so much.❤️
@krissydoll82134 ай бұрын
@@Dirtydeborahharry I bought the Sure-Grip Fame skates in pink passion color. My beginner skates. 😊
@AljIsHere1284 ай бұрын
Girrrl now U got me looking at these Jackson Evo roller skates. I have as my starter skates these Impala Harmony ones which are used but really look nused. I will give them a shot nonetheless. So now as second pair I gotta look at either the Moxie Rainbow and now Jackson Evo.
@kimherlache37664 ай бұрын
What do you recommend for a comfortable leather boot skate? I don’t need anything other than skating rink use but I would prefer a leather boot. I’m not necessarily concerned about cost.
@MartinaakaCherri4 ай бұрын
I'm a fan of Riedell - the Riedell 120 is the cheapest leather (heeled) boot and their leather models go up in price from there!
@michaeldickey79934 ай бұрын
Stay away from Chicago brand skates sold at sporting goods stores.
@AnaBanksxo4 ай бұрын
How are boardwalks? I got some off Amazon to start learning with, around 120
@lanathegardener4 ай бұрын
I got those as my first skates, and I've had them for 2 years and absolutely love them. Fully adjustable hardware, and the suede is wonderful. My husband researched them before buying and they've been so great. I skate on standard smooth concrete or rink flooring and love them.
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
There are very nice starter skate.
@devibaebie88604 ай бұрын
Yeah hi, I have that exact pair of Impalas. Just tap the plate with a screwdriver working end and you will hear it's metal. You can just like any other skate take every bit apart and you can replace the cushions, trucks, ball bearings, wheels and stopper. The tongue was waggling around because both skates were not laced to the same point. These skates do have flaws but none of them are actually talked about here. This just sounded like Deb has a vendetta. I for one would like a more practical review next time, not a nit picking. Hell, do both a check the boxes pros and cons review and an intimate and personal rant so people can have a good idea what they might be buying and hear one of their favorite KZfaqrs feelings on the item.
@cretestlloyd46814 ай бұрын
Hey @Dirty do the trucks tightness or looseness affect your ability to do crossovers etc, ?
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
Yes they do. Check out my gear playlist. I have videos on there that talk about this very subject.
@cretestlloyd46814 ай бұрын
@@Dirtydeborahharry thanks alot @Dirty!!
@CindyBallreich4 ай бұрын
Even on a good day, my toes shouldn't be seen in public. Black toenails / missing nails are just kicking me when I'm down
@MrsJenniferJ4 ай бұрын
Why do they all have heels? I'm not good on heels, let alone with wheels
@Dirtydeborahharry4 ай бұрын
The heel on the boot put your foot in the proper position to skate. The heel puts your body weight more readily on the ball of your foot and over the front truck. If you skate on a boot with a flat heel, You will more readily rock backward or shift backward and have your skates come out from underneath you.
@hhholmes7144 ай бұрын
Definitely bought less than $100 skates😅
@claudschimaudschi55824 ай бұрын
I can neither understand nor approve of the constant "criticism" and degradation of Impala... actually it's getting annoying... I know so many people who have had very good experiences with Impala and that the shoes are in no way inferior to the others
@TheSchmuck014 ай бұрын
The number of Impalas that rip apart at the heel, or the wheels fall apart, the criticism is well deserved. I hoped that they would be better, backed by a skate brand like Globe. I still hope that their upgraded Samira model might be better, but they need to prove it.
@ballzout284 ай бұрын
Awesome!! You are always so encouraging. Real Talk!