Riedell Crew 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.

I love these skates! They ride smoothly outside and they offer great support for my ankles. I like my trunks just a little loose, and I find that these skates respond well to my adjustments. Not only that, but they're cool to look at too! The tumeric is a nice and vibrant color!

5/28: Upgraded from 3-to 4 Stars! Following a disappointing Amazon Warehouse fulfilment experience (from the Riedell Storefront-read below); I contacted Riedell directly to advise how their vendor delivered sub-par skates. Riedell customer service immediately sent me a new pair, which I received in 3 days (US shipping). Perfect, brand new, Pristine skates! Perfect fit. The only challenge I had was adjusting the toe stop - but eventually was able to do so - Riedell puts them on very tightly. I will update again after I get chance to skate-test them. Sadly - I twisted my ankle the day before receiving my replacement pair - lol.5/20: I ordered these skates from the Riedell storefront on Amazon. The skates I purchased as "NEW" - were not. (paid full price of $250. US). Upon opening the outer box/carton - inside was missing the usual "Riedell" skate box. The skates were loose in the box; wrapped in brown craft paper. The skates were not in their usual plastic bags; there was no manual or warranty card/proof of purchase included; and no skate key (these are all standard packaging by Riedell).I believe the pair I received were either customer returns, or store samples that were passed-off as "new" by Amazon (or maybe Riedell?). While they did not appear to have any major wear - there were some very minor scuffs on one toe, the wheels were not pristine, there was dirt/soot/dust (looked like some grains of sand) on the surfaces of the base and toe brake indicating shelf/display storage. They also had hair stuck to the insole of the boot - like would come off your socks if you had a pet (not unusual if these were a pro-shop sample for try on; or a customer return).I am not opposed to purchasing gently used sporting goods - as long as the actual condition is properly disclosed, the product carries the full manufacturer's warranty, and the price is reflective of the "open box" condition. I will be returning these because I refuse to pay full price for used goods.On the Plus Side (which is why I did give 3 stars)... The skates appear to be made very well, genuine leather, well padded on the inside, and already laced/ready to go! Despite Riedell being a US company and their website saying "made in the USA" - the boot portion was stamped as "made in Taiwan". I did try on the skates - and they fit my wide feet very comfortably. I suggest going up one size if you have wide feet.I did not skate "test" them as I knew I'd be returning. I cannot provide a performance review (but if you search YouTube - you will see many great reviews on their performance - both first impression & long term use).Good luck in your search for the perfect skate for you!