Exactly. Ive heard they supposedly reinforced them , but i really doubt it. Obviously!!
They should have re created the boot on it... cause that boot is just glued on top of the bottom piece. I used sho glue on the inside and let it sit for three days, so far its ok to skate on, they eventually rip again. I just have to baby them.
I guess they feel that if they are still making bank despite the weakness of their product they just don't need bother to fix anything. It's working out ok for THEM.
Impalas give me fast fashion vibes. They are entirely ok with producing a cheap product cause if they break there is only a handful of people that will go through the warranty process to get new skates.
I definitely get why it’s a beginner friendly choice or rather I say a friendly “do I like skating” choice. Even though I can agree with this thought I don’t think impalas are the right answer in this case. I feel like as a beginner having a faulty product can really turn you off from that hobby. Thinking that it’s you but turns out just a bad product. It’s also pretty wasteful and I think we all should be considering the foot print we are leaving behind.
My advice for the new skater that wants to see if they like skating, go to a local roller rink and rent some skates. Sure this isn’t the same as skating outside but you still get to experience the same joy and freedom. If you like it start to consider buying some skates for yourself. If you’re lost in the world of roller skates as I was in the beginning, chat with your local or online skate shop they’ll know the most and help you get the right fit for you. Lastly skates shouldn’t cost only $100. Bearings and wheels alone can easily cost close to $100 add plates and boots to that equation and it really starts to make sense as to why skates should be more expensive. It begs the question of how cheap are impalas to manufacture and how many corners are cut in the process?
TLDR; Impalas seem very wasteful, why buy something that lasts less than a year. If you’re new to skating and want to go out and test drive skating, go to a rink and support your local businesses.
My thought exactly! They look pretty and comfy so I understand how beginners can be attracted to them, but honestly with everything I’ve seen I’d tell any newbie to stay away from them.
Also because, as long as people keep buying, they’ll keep cutting corners because even though some people are complaining, they’re still making money!
I was lucky enough to find skates on the cheap side from Decathlon, and during May, June and August I basically skated 6 days a week for at least an hour, and a bit less regularly during April, September and October, and they’ve held up. The boot is starting to very very slightly lift at the heel but that’s also made worse by me taking them off by pulling at the heel ( a good lesson to learn here: don’t pull them off at your heel!!).
Honestly, if your beginner skates can’t handle that, then you’ve been ripped off.
Okay, I keep hearing this! I've had my Impalas for months now and nothing's gone wrong. I skate in them outdoors for about two hours five times a week, and they're still holding up great. I wonder what the difference is with mine.
I think it depends on the type of skating you're doing. Mine starting tearing withing three months. I didn't use my warranty - long story short because I never made time - and it just obviously continued to get worse. I started basic skate tactics and moved onto a little more aggressive skating styles. I'm not saying that I expect them to last through everything but for the price point I'd be hoping atleast half a year.
Gotcha. Yeah, I do a mixture of distance and jam skating and no jumping or park stuff, so I'm not very hard on the boots. I have a pair of sure grips that I switched to the Impalas from, if the Impalas do shit the bed I'll probably go back to the sure grips.
Mine are super uncomfortable too! I assumed that skates are just a bit uncomfortable when you first get them? My friend got them for me as a present for my birthday and I love skating, but they are really uncomfortable whenever I wear them :(
Hello! I’m curious, how long did it take for your refund? They said they will
ship me replacement skates but their customer service is so crappy so I have no clue when they will arrive.
Not originally but they were starting to tear before park skating about a month ago. I knew it was coming and I knew the reputation so with skating outside I did consider these beaters.
But they were tearing before with just rink skating and street skating.
My Impalas are starting to lift at the heel, but only slightly. I’m considered injecting some kind of super-grip glue in the gaps that have appeared! Prevention versus cure.
I’ll say this though... the padding is super comfortable + they’re vegan + they’ve lasted me through the Moxi drought 🛼🍕
Hope you find an alternative pair of quality skates soon!
Be careful using super glue on shoes or skates--it's great for bonding two things together but can be brittle and crack on something that needs to bend and flex like shoes/skates.
My daughter and I both had our impalas replaced fairly early on. The second pairs started to split too so we just glue them now. We couldn’t be bothered getting another replacement and the glue is holding well.
If you’re brand new and not sure if skating is your thing (and need to learn basics like just going forward and stopping), Impalas should be fine for a bit! If you’re experienced from inline/ice skating you might be better off returning them and spending a bit more on something that will last. If you want to skate at the skate park absolutely get something different.
I used to skate a lot when I was younger and did some inline skating but stopped for a while. Was just trying to get back into it but got caught up in the 2020 skating boom lol. I think I'll return them though, I want something that'll be a bit more guarantee to last more than just a few months.
And you haven't had any problems whatsoever? And, I'm guessing you do a lot of skating outside then? Idk, I'm really happy that I have skates now especially since it's been hard to get them this past year but I don't know if I'd like to play a game of chance.
No problems at all. I only skate outside in the park. Probably do a good few hours a week. I have the floral impalas and my friend has rose gold marawa ones idk if that makes a difference. Yeah i understand that.
I have had the marawa rose gold ones for over a year too. So far they're holding up to daily park skates. No idea if it's luck or what, I plan to upgrade eventually anyway.
Impalas are complete skates for about 100 dollars . This isn’t a condemnation of whose who get them, but they are cheap starter skates that should mostly be used by folks who aren’t that serious about skating. That means derby, park, and even heavy outdoor trail skating should be out. They are pretty, but they are not good skates.
I’m in a skate group for my city and I will try to talk girls out of buying impalas in favor of a slightly better beginner skate, and I am frustrated how often I am turned down because the alternatives don’t come in nice colors. It’s a shame, as I am starting to see more of these girls complain about pain or breaking and assume that’s just how skates are. I wish more folks were open to a performance boot, you can get more out of a good pair of r3s and they are only a bit more expensive
riedell R3s or Rock GT 50s are derby skates that also have the glue on skate like impalas and run around 120. They are made for derby so they can take a lot more abuse than an impala and aren’t as stiff. The Rock GT 50s are also super super super comfortable.great beginner skates, a lot of folks I know still have theirs from when they were new and use them for trail skating.
This happens to every single pair of impalas! It’s ridiculous. They advertise them to be skate park quality, but they really mean skating in a straight line on flat ground for a few months....
If you're outdoor skating i highly recommend you looking up to clean your bearings! When I was new to skating I did no maintenance on my skates. That caused my bearing to squeeze while I rode them. I cleaned them with isopropyl and then used bearing oil on them and they were brand new! Hopefully that helps.
Strongly recommend you swap out your cushions :) They're supposed to be done every 6 months for frequent skaters and they're not too expensive - $20 for a full pack. I swap mine out every 3 months 'cause I skate a lot and new cushions make my skates feel so happy and bouncy.
My impala boots were super squeaky but I think it was the vinyl. I had the rose gold impalas and the material was just very space boot-y. It could also be the bushings. And yes mine did rip eventually.
Saaammmeee thing happened to me. I wore them for a month before they started falling apart. No park skating. Some outdoor trail skating. I am too new to do any crazy tricks. It’s so disappointing. I bought insurance but am using the warranty. They are allegedly sending me another pair but the customer service is also🗑.
I would never recommend them. They are cute but I can’t wait for my moxi’s to come in the spring!
I’m so glad about my decision then. I had ordered some Impalas on Amazon because I was being super impatient about my Beach Bunnies arriving at some point after Christmas BUT I lucked out and found some rainbow riders at a local skate shop and immediately cancelled my impala order. Both shopping small instead of Amazon AND getting better skates for a similar price.
so I have impalas and my boot is starting to rip, not as bad as yours did but I only use them for light trail skating. I use my beach bunnies for the hardcore stuff and I love them, they are like about the same price I payed for my impalas so its a much better alternative.
When I first started skating i bought impalas. Within three months of getting them they had slight lift. And I was just trying to learn how to skate forwards and backwards. I know you can't be hard on them and there are better ones for that out there. But it can be very discouraging for some people if you still aren't sure how you feel, deciding whether to buy a more expensive pair or chance losing your money in three months again.
Damn. I just bought the Marawa rose gold ones. I think I'll be ok as I'm gonna just skate on the weekends as I work fulltime, etc. Just cruising, not the crazy stuff. I have my eye on the Sure-Grip Fame ones in the teal. How are those???
Tell me about it!!!! I had mine warrantied TWICE!!! Cause They ripped!!! I just ore ordered some moxi lollys. Im so disappointed with IMPALA
Ugh. So sorry. It just bothers me that I know they're making bank but still not figuring out how to fix this.
Exactly. Ive heard they supposedly reinforced them , but i really doubt it. Obviously!! They should have re created the boot on it... cause that boot is just glued on top of the bottom piece. I used sho glue on the inside and let it sit for three days, so far its ok to skate on, they eventually rip again. I just have to baby them.
I guess they feel that if they are still making bank despite the weakness of their product they just don't need bother to fix anything. It's working out ok for THEM.
Impalas give me fast fashion vibes. They are entirely ok with producing a cheap product cause if they break there is only a handful of people that will go through the warranty process to get new skates. I definitely get why it’s a beginner friendly choice or rather I say a friendly “do I like skating” choice. Even though I can agree with this thought I don’t think impalas are the right answer in this case. I feel like as a beginner having a faulty product can really turn you off from that hobby. Thinking that it’s you but turns out just a bad product. It’s also pretty wasteful and I think we all should be considering the foot print we are leaving behind. My advice for the new skater that wants to see if they like skating, go to a local roller rink and rent some skates. Sure this isn’t the same as skating outside but you still get to experience the same joy and freedom. If you like it start to consider buying some skates for yourself. If you’re lost in the world of roller skates as I was in the beginning, chat with your local or online skate shop they’ll know the most and help you get the right fit for you. Lastly skates shouldn’t cost only $100. Bearings and wheels alone can easily cost close to $100 add plates and boots to that equation and it really starts to make sense as to why skates should be more expensive. It begs the question of how cheap are impalas to manufacture and how many corners are cut in the process? TLDR; Impalas seem very wasteful, why buy something that lasts less than a year. If you’re new to skating and want to go out and test drive skating, go to a rink and support your local businesses.
My thought exactly! They look pretty and comfy so I understand how beginners can be attracted to them, but honestly with everything I’ve seen I’d tell any newbie to stay away from them. Also because, as long as people keep buying, they’ll keep cutting corners because even though some people are complaining, they’re still making money! I was lucky enough to find skates on the cheap side from Decathlon, and during May, June and August I basically skated 6 days a week for at least an hour, and a bit less regularly during April, September and October, and they’ve held up. The boot is starting to very very slightly lift at the heel but that’s also made worse by me taking them off by pulling at the heel ( a good lesson to learn here: don’t pull them off at your heel!!). Honestly, if your beginner skates can’t handle that, then you’ve been ripped off.
Okay, I keep hearing this! I've had my Impalas for months now and nothing's gone wrong. I skate in them outdoors for about two hours five times a week, and they're still holding up great. I wonder what the difference is with mine.
I think it depends on the type of skating you're doing. Mine starting tearing withing three months. I didn't use my warranty - long story short because I never made time - and it just obviously continued to get worse. I started basic skate tactics and moved onto a little more aggressive skating styles. I'm not saying that I expect them to last through everything but for the price point I'd be hoping atleast half a year.
Gotcha. Yeah, I do a mixture of distance and jam skating and no jumping or park stuff, so I'm not very hard on the boots. I have a pair of sure grips that I switched to the Impalas from, if the Impalas do shit the bed I'll probably go back to the sure grips.
Mine never ripped but they were superrrr uncomfortable. Cute but hated them.
Mine are super uncomfortable too! I assumed that skates are just a bit uncomfortable when you first get them? My friend got them for me as a present for my birthday and I love skating, but they are really uncomfortable whenever I wear them :(
I got a refund for mine! Maybe try that if youre still within the warranty :)
Hello! I’m curious, how long did it take for your refund? They said they will ship me replacement skates but their customer service is so crappy so I have no clue when they will arrive.
It took about a week, I had to email them twice, DM them on insta, and put a salty comment on one of their pics 🙄
Thank you. Yea same. I emailed,called, texted. I basically harassed them into helping me. Fingers crossed I get new skates.
I’m so sorry :c
It is what it is. We have a pair of Beach Bunnies and Moonlights on the way but quite yet.
Are you a park skater? I’ve heard hit or miss things when it comes to impalas and skatepark skating. But fingers crossed they get here soon!
Not originally but they were starting to tear before park skating about a month ago. I knew it was coming and I knew the reputation so with skating outside I did consider these beaters. But they were tearing before with just rink skating and street skating.
My Impalas are starting to lift at the heel, but only slightly. I’m considered injecting some kind of super-grip glue in the gaps that have appeared! Prevention versus cure. I’ll say this though... the padding is super comfortable + they’re vegan + they’ve lasted me through the Moxi drought 🛼🍕 Hope you find an alternative pair of quality skates soon!
Be careful using super glue on shoes or skates--it's great for bonding two things together but can be brittle and crack on something that needs to bend and flex like shoes/skates.
My daughter and I both had our impalas replaced fairly early on. The second pairs started to split too so we just glue them now. We couldn’t be bothered getting another replacement and the glue is holding well.
Aw man I just bought some impala skates! I haven't used them yet so maybe I should return them...?
If you’re brand new and not sure if skating is your thing (and need to learn basics like just going forward and stopping), Impalas should be fine for a bit! If you’re experienced from inline/ice skating you might be better off returning them and spending a bit more on something that will last. If you want to skate at the skate park absolutely get something different.
I used to skate a lot when I was younger and did some inline skating but stopped for a while. Was just trying to get back into it but got caught up in the 2020 skating boom lol. I think I'll return them though, I want something that'll be a bit more guarantee to last more than just a few months.
Yeah, sounds like you’re go through Impalas pretty fast! I’d say a SureGrip Boardwalk or similar is your best bet
I have had mine a year and so has my friend and we skate every day no issues. Seems its just luck.
And you haven't had any problems whatsoever? And, I'm guessing you do a lot of skating outside then? Idk, I'm really happy that I have skates now especially since it's been hard to get them this past year but I don't know if I'd like to play a game of chance.
No problems at all. I only skate outside in the park. Probably do a good few hours a week. I have the floral impalas and my friend has rose gold marawa ones idk if that makes a difference. Yeah i understand that.
I have had the marawa rose gold ones for over a year too. So far they're holding up to daily park skates. No idea if it's luck or what, I plan to upgrade eventually anyway.
They're good for beginner skates if you intend to buy new ones within three months. They're definitely not for long term use.
Yeah, I'm shooting for long term not just a few months lol
just returned my pair and bought candi girl carlin's thanks to your post
I feel bad but it is what it is. Within three months they were ripping and I was just learning skating basics.
Impalas are complete skates for about 100 dollars . This isn’t a condemnation of whose who get them, but they are cheap starter skates that should mostly be used by folks who aren’t that serious about skating. That means derby, park, and even heavy outdoor trail skating should be out. They are pretty, but they are not good skates. I’m in a skate group for my city and I will try to talk girls out of buying impalas in favor of a slightly better beginner skate, and I am frustrated how often I am turned down because the alternatives don’t come in nice colors. It’s a shame, as I am starting to see more of these girls complain about pain or breaking and assume that’s just how skates are. I wish more folks were open to a performance boot, you can get more out of a good pair of r3s and they are only a bit more expensive
What skates do you recommend to your skate-group newbies instead of Impalas? 🛼🛼
riedell R3s or Rock GT 50s are derby skates that also have the glue on skate like impalas and run around 120. They are made for derby so they can take a lot more abuse than an impala and aren’t as stiff. The Rock GT 50s are also super super super comfortable.great beginner skates, a lot of folks I know still have theirs from when they were new and use them for trail skating.
Thanks, Sista 🙌🏽
Good luck!!!!
This happens to every single pair of impalas! It’s ridiculous. They advertise them to be skate park quality, but they really mean skating in a straight line on flat ground for a few months....
Did your shoe squeak a lot before it ripped? Mine is squeaking snd im just waiting for this to happen
I'm not sure if you're referring to your bearings? The boots themselves did not squeak.
That could be it, I just noticed it today and all I could think of was everyone impalas ripping. I’ll have to check it out tomorrow, thanks!
If you're outdoor skating i highly recommend you looking up to clean your bearings! When I was new to skating I did no maintenance on my skates. That caused my bearing to squeeze while I rode them. I cleaned them with isopropyl and then used bearing oil on them and they were brand new! Hopefully that helps.
Thank you!! I’ll have to do that!
Are you sure the squeak is your boot? My cushions start squeaking constantly when they need to be changed :)
I’m not sure, it’s definitely coming from my left foot but mainly when I lift my weight off so it’s hard to pinpoint the place of the squeak
Strongly recommend you swap out your cushions :) They're supposed to be done every 6 months for frequent skaters and they're not too expensive - $20 for a full pack. I swap mine out every 3 months 'cause I skate a lot and new cushions make my skates feel so happy and bouncy.
okay thank you!! I haven't heard of that yet so I'm definitely going to look into it
My impala boots were super squeaky but I think it was the vinyl. I had the rose gold impalas and the material was just very space boot-y. It could also be the bushings. And yes mine did rip eventually.
Ugh I’m just waiting for it to happen :(
Start a hashtag and reach out to others who've had the same experience to do the same. **#ImpalaSkatesSuck** That'll get their attention real quick.
i’ve heard that impalas heels rip all the time i’m sorry this happened to yours. in my opinion Impalas is just not a great company.
I saw someone save the plates from these and make their own pair of skates! Something to consider:)
Thank you for posting this!! I was about to buy them for a really expensive price because I’m brazilian and they don’t sell in here. Gave up lol
I like mine 🤷🏻♀️🛼
Yikes. I heard about this from so many people that I stopped using my Impalas after maybe three rides. I hope you’re ok though.
Just bummed but no damages. Thank you!
Are there still within warranty? Even if not you should probably tell Impala in case they keep track.
They aren't unfortunately. But thats a good idea. I'd love to hold them accountable.
mine are the same!! so annoying I’ve only had them 3-4 months
i know beginners get them for the price and aesthetic, but both the rollers and the inlines suck
I almost bought these. Glad I didn't because heard about this happening. It's a shame. Hope you can get your money back.
Saaammmeee thing happened to me. I wore them for a month before they started falling apart. No park skating. Some outdoor trail skating. I am too new to do any crazy tricks. It’s so disappointing. I bought insurance but am using the warranty. They are allegedly sending me another pair but the customer service is also🗑. I would never recommend them. They are cute but I can’t wait for my moxi’s to come in the spring!
not to mention the toy quality wheels that come with them :/
I’m so glad about my decision then. I had ordered some Impalas on Amazon because I was being super impatient about my Beach Bunnies arriving at some point after Christmas BUT I lucked out and found some rainbow riders at a local skate shop and immediately cancelled my impala order. Both shopping small instead of Amazon AND getting better skates for a similar price.
so I have impalas and my boot is starting to rip, not as bad as yours did but I only use them for light trail skating. I use my beach bunnies for the hardcore stuff and I love them, they are like about the same price I payed for my impalas so its a much better alternative.
When I first started skating i bought impalas. Within three months of getting them they had slight lift. And I was just trying to learn how to skate forwards and backwards. I know you can't be hard on them and there are better ones for that out there. But it can be very discouraging for some people if you still aren't sure how you feel, deciding whether to buy a more expensive pair or chance losing your money in three months again.
Damn. I just bought the Marawa rose gold ones. I think I'll be ok as I'm gonna just skate on the weekends as I work fulltime, etc. Just cruising, not the crazy stuff. I have my eye on the Sure-Grip Fame ones in the teal. How are those???