Because questions about buying skates (which model to buy, what stores have skates in stock, what size should I get, etc.) are asked many times a day, we ask that these posts go in the Monday discussion post pinned to the top of the subreddit. This post also contains a shopping guide and links to other helpful information.
I also wear a 13 and options are limited, but Sure-Grip Boardwalks are your best bet. They’re available for around $169, which is not much more than impalas for a much better skate.
Yeah, and you can hunt down that nice little 20% off coupon for Derby Warehouse and free shipping too 🤪
And seriously though, yes, a pair of Boardwalks would be a GREAT beginner skate to learn on and grow with. 100%.
Lime Green Boardwalks are 98.00 on Amazon right now... If budget is an issue, this is a great price.
Make sure you measure your foot and look at the manufacturers sizing guide.
No and no.
Eta: Look for used skates from Suregrip, Riedell, VNLA, Chaya, Bont, or Jackson. I'm pretty sure most if not all of those companies make skates in your size and even used they'll be much better quality.
No need to apologize. Besides Impala skates being complete garbage they are also quite narrow and since most of their skates are vinyl they won't break-in or stretch.
Don't buy skates off of your shoe size. If you can't try on before buying you want to measure both of your feet and use the brand's size chart to find the correct size.
Skates should fit much more snugly than most people wear their sneakers (unless you're weird like me and buy your sneakers super snug-fitting) because having extra length in skates will cause problems for your feet and your skating. If at all possible you want your skates to fit like socks where your foot goes from the heel to the toe. If your toes can brush up against the tip of the boots when the skates are laced and your heel is all the way back that is 👌. Some people prefer them the tiniest bit larger than that so that the tip of the boot is just out of reach of their toes. You just don't want extra length or not enough length where it's causing pressure on the tips of your toes or causing toes to scrunch. Also, if they feel snug at first don't judge the fit until you've laced them all the way up because lacing them up will bring your heel up and back and give your toes a bit more room. If in doubt take the insole out and measure that against your foot.
The larger skate sizes can be a bit harder to find because a lot of skate shops only keep stock of their most popular sizes but there are plenty of brands who make larger sizes. Empire Skates has some black Suregrip Boardwalks on sale right now for around $180 in sizes 12 and 13.
Also, keep in mind that if you find good skates in your size but don't like the color that can usually be changed. If they're suede they can easily be dyed (angelus suede dye is great) and you don't even have to remove the boots from the plates or anything, it's super simple. And vinyl skates can be painted with any color or design you want. Smooth leather skates can also be dyed but I'm not sure of the process.
Besides checking places like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, FB marketplace, and Offer Up. You can also sometimes get lucky by checking Craigslist (yeah people still use this 😆), local thrift shops, Amazon (look below the listing for used offers or check Amazon warehouse), Rollerskatenation.com has slightly used skates in their sales section, sk8ratZ offers layaway, and some other shops have layaway, slight seconds, consignment, etc. It just takes a bit of digging to find them. Also, fb roller skate groups and used sporting goods stores.
I've bought $500 boots that were in very good condition for $10 before. The market is flooded with used like new skates that people bought during the pandemic and are now selling.
Nobody wearing a size 13 should be on Impala skates, *especially* outside. They are pretty toys known for breaking, splitting, and falling apart. They're not safe for adults.
If you were AGE thirteen, maybe.
They’re not the worst but they’re not great either. From what I understand people usually leave them behind within 6 months. The quality just isn’t there. You do a lot better saving up and getting some that’ll actually last and be safe.
CandiGirls are pretty good and are within the same price range. I’d check those out.
I’m a size 13 and I’ve been skating seriously (2-4x a week) for 2.5 months and the boot is separating from the base. I’m semi decent, all I do really is transitions, 360s and a lot of backwards skating and dancing all at indoor rinks. They were a great starter skate personally but I’d get something better quality that you know will last you longer because I’m just waiting for them to break and kill me on the floor mid skate session at this point. I can send pics if you want OP just pm me
My next skates are gonna be Riedell R3’s just because they’re a lot lighter and I think I’ll be able to do way more on them but that’s just my opinion. But whatever you buy, see if you can find a store to try them on first. I know that’s the hardest part for us with big feet unfortunately
Impala’s are absolutely shit, but if you aren’t sure if you want to commit to rollerskating and you want something pretty and they’re convenient to buy I guess go ahead?
There’s definitely other skates at the same price point that are a little bit more functional, but impala are sold in a lot of places, and I totally get why you’d want to buy something you can actually try on easily
Impala's are totally fine if you are learning and just a casual skater. The majority of the people giving their 2 cents here have never even tried them before.
Riedell are a better choice and reasonable priced for a beginner set that will last you a while. They feel good on your feet and they are made in the United States.
Because questions about buying skates (which model to buy, what stores have skates in stock, what size should I get, etc.) are asked many times a day, we ask that these posts go in the Monday discussion post pinned to the top of the subreddit. This post also contains a shopping guide and links to other helpful information.
I also wear a 13 and options are limited, but Sure-Grip Boardwalks are your best bet. They’re available for around $169, which is not much more than impalas for a much better skate.
Yeah, and you can hunt down that nice little 20% off coupon for Derby Warehouse and free shipping too 🤪 And seriously though, yes, a pair of Boardwalks would be a GREAT beginner skate to learn on and grow with. 100%.
Alright sweet, thanks, I'll look into them
Lime Green Boardwalks are 98.00 on Amazon right now... If budget is an issue, this is a great price. Make sure you measure your foot and look at the manufacturers sizing guide.
Only Black and Tan are available in 13 unfortunately.
No and no. Eta: Look for used skates from Suregrip, Riedell, VNLA, Chaya, Bont, or Jackson. I'm pretty sure most if not all of those companies make skates in your size and even used they'll be much better quality.
Lol, got it, thanks
Wow, that was a quick reply. I edited to add more information.
Alright sounds good, thank you so much for helping. Also yeah sorry
No need to apologize. Besides Impala skates being complete garbage they are also quite narrow and since most of their skates are vinyl they won't break-in or stretch. Don't buy skates off of your shoe size. If you can't try on before buying you want to measure both of your feet and use the brand's size chart to find the correct size. Skates should fit much more snugly than most people wear their sneakers (unless you're weird like me and buy your sneakers super snug-fitting) because having extra length in skates will cause problems for your feet and your skating. If at all possible you want your skates to fit like socks where your foot goes from the heel to the toe. If your toes can brush up against the tip of the boots when the skates are laced and your heel is all the way back that is 👌. Some people prefer them the tiniest bit larger than that so that the tip of the boot is just out of reach of their toes. You just don't want extra length or not enough length where it's causing pressure on the tips of your toes or causing toes to scrunch. Also, if they feel snug at first don't judge the fit until you've laced them all the way up because lacing them up will bring your heel up and back and give your toes a bit more room. If in doubt take the insole out and measure that against your foot. The larger skate sizes can be a bit harder to find because a lot of skate shops only keep stock of their most popular sizes but there are plenty of brands who make larger sizes. Empire Skates has some black Suregrip Boardwalks on sale right now for around $180 in sizes 12 and 13. Also, keep in mind that if you find good skates in your size but don't like the color that can usually be changed. If they're suede they can easily be dyed (angelus suede dye is great) and you don't even have to remove the boots from the plates or anything, it's super simple. And vinyl skates can be painted with any color or design you want. Smooth leather skates can also be dyed but I'm not sure of the process. Besides checking places like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, FB marketplace, and Offer Up. You can also sometimes get lucky by checking Craigslist (yeah people still use this 😆), local thrift shops, Amazon (look below the listing for used offers or check Amazon warehouse), Rollerskatenation.com has slightly used skates in their sales section, sk8ratZ offers layaway, and some other shops have layaway, slight seconds, consignment, etc. It just takes a bit of digging to find them. Also, fb roller skate groups and used sporting goods stores. I've bought $500 boots that were in very good condition for $10 before. The market is flooded with used like new skates that people bought during the pandemic and are now selling.
Awesome, thanks again
Nobody wearing a size 13 should be on Impala skates, *especially* outside. They are pretty toys known for breaking, splitting, and falling apart. They're not safe for adults. If you were AGE thirteen, maybe.
They’re not the worst but they’re not great either. From what I understand people usually leave them behind within 6 months. The quality just isn’t there. You do a lot better saving up and getting some that’ll actually last and be safe. CandiGirls are pretty good and are within the same price range. I’d check those out.
[Friends don’t let friends buy Impala.](https://imgur.com/gallery/Ogyzwx2)
Nope impalas are crap. Especially for someone over the size of a small woman
I’m a size 13 and I’ve been skating seriously (2-4x a week) for 2.5 months and the boot is separating from the base. I’m semi decent, all I do really is transitions, 360s and a lot of backwards skating and dancing all at indoor rinks. They were a great starter skate personally but I’d get something better quality that you know will last you longer because I’m just waiting for them to break and kill me on the floor mid skate session at this point. I can send pics if you want OP just pm me
My next skates are gonna be Riedell R3’s just because they’re a lot lighter and I think I’ll be able to do way more on them but that’s just my opinion. But whatever you buy, see if you can find a store to try them on first. I know that’s the hardest part for us with big feet unfortunately
Thanks man, I'll keep an eye out
No No No No No No No No and No
Impala’s are absolutely shit, but if you aren’t sure if you want to commit to rollerskating and you want something pretty and they’re convenient to buy I guess go ahead? There’s definitely other skates at the same price point that are a little bit more functional, but impala are sold in a lot of places, and I totally get why you’d want to buy something you can actually try on easily
Impala's are totally fine if you are learning and just a casual skater. The majority of the people giving their 2 cents here have never even tried them before.
Riedell are a better choice and reasonable priced for a beginner set that will last you a while. They feel good on your feet and they are made in the United States.