RiedellCrew Roller Skates - Outdoor Quad Roller Skate

Update: after breaking in these skates and changing out the stock bearings, I’m giving them 5 stars. They are comfortable, responsive and stylish. I’ve been skating on them for about a month (every other day for an hour or more) and love them. Who cares about a nylon plate? If I want to do park skating, I’ll worry about that then.Initial impressions- I grew up skating for hours on toy quality skates on our sidewalk and occasionally some rentals at the rink, so I am nowhere near a skate snob. When my kids asked to get into skating, I originally decided to go with Impalas for the $100 price point. While my foot technically fit, I knew immediately that they wouldn’t work. The pressure from that boot was painful to the point that I couldn’t wear them for more than ten minutes before I was packing them up and asking for a refund.These were my second choice. A higher price, for sure, but the quality seemed better and sizing was more straightforward. (I typically wear a women’s 9.5 and ordered an 8.) Right out of the box there was a significant difference between these and the Impalas. There was some stiffness in the boot but nothing overly pinched or felt painful. A few adjustments to the wheels and trucks and I was happily rolling away with my daughter. It will require a break-in period to get rid of that initial stiffness but they are comfortable and responsive to movement.One star off because I would have liked a metal plate for the price point. But given that I have no intention of hitting the skate park anytime soon, these are going to be more than enough to get me out at the local rink and hike/bike trail.If quality becomes a concern, I will update over time.

I bought these skates for skating around my neighborhood on well maintained asphalt roads. I've skated a few days now and overall I'm happy. I have an older model of Riedell ice skates and find them quite comfortable, which is why I purchased these.Out of the box, these are not comfortable. The leather boot is quite stiff and difficult to lace at first. As the skates wear to your feet, they will gradually adjust. For me, it took about 2-3 hours to be comfortable, but I'm still noticing changes.The stiffness of the boot is helpful while skating. The support helps keep my ankle stiff instead of bending and hurting itself. A stiffer boot would be needed for higher level jumps, but if you're skating at that level, you're probably not reading this. I personally find this safe for the occasional crack in the road or small hop.WEAR LONG SOCKS. At least during the initial period of breaking in. It will wear the skin around your heels and the edges. The tongue of the boot is backed by a rubbery, spongey material. I personally dislike this against my skin, but socks or another barrier prevent this issue.You may want to adjust the trucks and wheels. I thought the wheels were good as-is, but I did loosen the trucks to allow the skates to bend.While I am happy as these are, it is my intention to upgrade eventually. The plate (black matte bit on the bottom) isn't made of the sturdiest material. From some research, flexing it in a jump landing or being on toe stops can eventually cause breakage. I'm not an expert, just an invincible teenager, so do your own research before you get hurt and sue me. The trucks are lightweight nylon. Lightweight is good, nylon is not durable. A lightweight aluminum alloy will allow me to keep the weight but be more sturdy.Because these skates are modular, it is possible to buy parts as needed without a total replacement. Boot, plate, wheels, bearing, etc.

Great leather skates to start in. Riedell boots are always comfortable. I upgraded the plate for more responsiveness but not needed for outdoors or beginners. I also have indoor 101a wheels to switch when skating indoors. Great value for the skate. If Riedell boots are in the budget, you will not be disappointed. Everything else can be upgraded eventually if you choose