Skating is one of the most popular recreational activities in modern times. I started skating when I was 8 at a skating rink and it was the most fun I ever had. But you can only have fun when you have the right skates to go along with it.
What is the difference between Rio Roller Skates and Impala Skates? The major difference between both the skating brands is related to Pricing or Affordability, Availability of the Product, Accessories, and the different and unique variety that the brands offer their clients.
So let’s dive into the article to know which skates you should buy to have the most fun!
What Is Rio Roller Skates?
Rio Roller Skates is a brand of roller skates. It was established in 1990 with a motive to provide the best roller skates to all age groups. You can use their skates for skating inside a rink or outside on the streets.
Not many companies provide such skates which are perfect for indoor as well as outdoor skating. They have a wide range of collections that involve quad skates, roller skates, skating accessories, and safety pads as well.
What Is Impala Skates?
Impala Skates took the world by storm as they launched their site in 2017. Impala Skates is another brand of skates that is popular among beginners. Their quirky colors, safety pads, and accessories are a huge hit among people who are into pastel shades.
The pastel shades are the new colors which everybody wants to buy. Interestingly, even though they are new to the market and have targeted youngsters with their quirky shades, their designs are pretty retro.
Why Should You Buy Rio Roller Skate or Impala?
Buying skates is a big deal. I bought my first skates once I realized that I like skating and rink skates are messing with my feet. They were causing me discomfort and I did not like their fit. So I knew that if I want to enjoy skating more, then I have to buy my own skates.
Thankfully, both Rio and Impala were there to help me. Here’s why:
Affordability
Skating at rinks is just for fun and pleasure but you have to rent skates every time. Renting skates at rinks for a single day can cost you $15. So it is always better to buy your own skates which are affordable.
Rio Roller Skates and Impala Skates provide you an opportunity to buy skates that are affordable. If you are planning to take skating seriously or want to skate on a regular basis even for fun then you should definitely buy skates instead of renting them.
Excellent Designs
Roller skating is all about style and having fun. Both Rio and Impala offer excellent designs that would leave you speechless.
From vivid and pastel colors to adorable designs, both of them can suit your personality well!
Overall Performance
Apart from design, your performance also matters. Both Impala and Rio Roller Skates offer a comfortable and smooth rollerskating experience. There’s no doubt why most people consider them as some of the best brands out there.
Rio Roller Skate vs Impala Skates Differences
Let’s take a look at all the differences between Rio Roller Skate and Impala Roller Skates.
Affordability
Rio Roller Skates are more affordable than Impala Skates. The price range for different skates varies. Rio Roller Skates range from $90 to $150 on the other hand Impala Skates range from $100 to $200.
Availability
For Rio Roller Skates, you cannot order from their site. They have their skates in various sports shops so you have to go, try, and buy them. For Impala skates, you can even order them on their site. In the times of Covid, this is the best option that I can suggest.
They have a home delivery option as well, so go ahead and order those shoes. You can choose the ones which are not very pricey and practice in the lockdown to acquire a new skill.
For Rio Roller Skates, you will have to go to the shop which is not that feasible during this time. You can try and see if the shoes fit you or not. If there is no lockdown at your place, then I would suggest you buy them right away!
Different Collections
Rio Roller Skates specializes in Quad Skates which have four wheels and a toe stopper at the front. They have very little variety of roller skates, so you do not really get an option in this. On the other hand, Impala Skates have a huge variety. They specialize in Quad Skates, In-Line Skates, and even Skateboards.
It is a win-win option if you buy from Impala Skates for their different variety. You will not have to go to different stores to get the stuff. How amazing is that!
Accessories
Impala Skates goes over and above in their accessories collection. They do not stop at only skating gears but also venture in different pins, tote bags, and masks to lure the customers.
Rio Roller Skates only mean business. Their collection is strictly limited to skating gear. You can get roller skates bags, extra rollers, adjustable stoppers, leg warmers, chassis, and a lot more stuff.
Rio Roller Skate vs Impala Skates Pros
Both Rio Roller Skate and Impala Skates have their own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each one below:
Pros of Rio Roller Skates:
1. Affordability
Rio Roller skates are affordable. It comes in everyone’s range and it is better to invest in these skates than renting the rink skates which are uncomfortable and can probably give your foot some problems.
They do not cost you an arm and a leg rather if you rent from the rink, that will be more expensive.
2. Quality
Rio Roller Skates is a worthy name in the skate business. It has an experience of 30 years which amounts to a lot. Its reputation is the reason why people have been trusting them for 3 decades.
Their quality is superior to Impala Skates. I have heard reviews from so many people who have practiced on their skates and even after a couple of months, the skates remain in good condition.
3. Availability
Rio Roller Skates are available worldwide at major sports stores. They even have a store locator option on their site on which you can check if there is any store that delivers to your place or is nearby that you can access.
It’s always a good option to try and buy the product since you can be satisfied with your choice. The color profile, fit, and size all can be checked easily without any issue.
4. Great for Beginners
Rio Roller Skates were my first skates ever. I knew that this is not just some recreational activity. I genuinely wanted to learn a new skill. So these are perfect for beginners who are venturing into the world of skating. You can skate inside the rink easily and with their Rose skates, you can learn dance and figure skating as well.
Impala Skates
1. Availability
For a world that has become digital in its approach, Impala Skates are the best option. You can order them from the site and try them in the comfort of your house.
If you feel that there are some issues with the skates then they have a return policy as well. In the covid times, this option is much better than buying the skates offline.
2. Collection
Impala Skates offers you a one-stop solution with their products. You can buy quad skates, in-line skates, and skateboards at one site. You do not have to place orders at different sites for different products.
Their collection is edgier and quirkier than Rio Roller Skates as they offer LED lights rollers as well. This element is new and unheard of and sets them apart from other skate businesses.
3. Hybrid
Impala Skates are considered hybrid as you can use them in the rinks and even on the roads. You can learn figure skating and roller skating as well. Hybridity is a huge advantage to this company.
4. Optional Brake
The most unique feature of Impala Skates is the optional brake feature in In-Line skates. These are roller skates and have a brake at the back end side which is really helpful for a beginner.
Rio Roller Skate vs Impala Skates Cons
Rio Roller Skates
1. Collection
Their collection is pretty good but I honestly feel that they can improve their collection and keep it more up-to-date. Their colors are fantastic but their basic color like black is bland and the styling is a bit boring as well.
2. Designing
Rio Roller Skates have a huge reputation and people prefer them as a beginner. But if you are someone who looks for style and design, then these skates are a bit bland for you. The kind of glam and glitter that is available in Impala Skates is missing in Rio Skates.
Impala Skates
1. Quality
There have been a lot of reviews regarding heel tearing away.
Although Impala Skates are hybrid yet after using them on roads, their quality seems to deteriorate quicker. People prefer to invest in Rio Roller Skates because even after skating on roads, their condition remains intact.
2. Affordability
Impala Skates are expensive as compared to Rio Roller Skates. Although their basic range only differs in $20, their higher range has a significant difference in price.
Best Rio Roller Skates
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best Rio Roller Skates.
| SkatesDescriptionRio Roller Signature + Skates These skates have sturdy heels and boots and it gives amazing grip to your feet. The outer covering is made from PVC so you know that the product is going to be good and not uncomfortable like the leather skates. They come with an adjustable stopper which is another great trait. But you can use these only for normal skating and not for dancing or jumping, and leaping. | |
| Rio Roller Artists Skates | As the name suggests, these skates are unique and have beautiful artsy floral designs on them. Again these are the best selling options as it is good for entry-level skaters. I honestly love these skates for their beautiful color, shade, and design. Although I have heard great things about this product, some reviews suggest that they are not great on the road. So choose wisely! |
| Rio Roller Rose Skates | The most beautiful skates in the entire collection are the Rose skates. The rose color pops out of all the colors. They are really good for dancing as they have elongated boot styles. They provide flexibility and a good grip as well. Their colors are amazing as well but the only issue with the product will be its affordability. They cost around $150 which is a tad bit expensive. |
Best Impala Skates
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best Impala Roller Skates.
| Skates | Description |
| Impala Quad Skate- Marawa Rose Gold | The Marawa Rose Gold skates are a sight for the sore eye. The holographic design on it and its overall color are popping. People have been raving about these skates and they go out of stock as soon as they are back in stock. The only complaint about this product is its consistency. Some customers have reviewed that the piece they got was wobbly and painful. |
| Impala Lightspeed- Inline Skate Fairy Floss | These skates are super cute and honestly, most people are buying these just because of that reason. It comes with optional brakes and a plastic outer body. The main issue that people are facing with this product is its sizing. Most of the users have complained regarding the difference between the sizes listed on the website and the sizes they received. |
| Impala Jupiter 37” Longboard | Longboard basically means a skateboard so if you are into this then do go for this. There have not been many complaints but some users have said that it is a bit uncomfortable to use. The color and design are catchy but I would recommend it if you see better options available in the market. |
How to Make Your Decision?
To make your decision, you should first make a list of what matters and what does not while choosing skates. You have two completely different options with you.
Rio Rollers Skates have years of experience and people still love them as their first skates. Impala skates are new to the market and while there are many excellent reviews, there are a few complaints as well.
So, keep this in mind while buying the skates. The best option for you is to try and buy. Go to a store and try the Rio Roller Skates and for Impala, order them online. If you do not like the fit then return it. But always buy those skates which are comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Finally, we have come to the end of this article which weighs in everything, from pros and cons to differences and what you should and should not buy. Both skating brands have great reputations and products.
My suggestion to you would be to select the product after you try and then buy it. Both the products have their advantages and disadvantages, now it is all up to you.
