As an experienced skater, I understand what it feels like to have to choose between two or more different types of skates; and because there are a plethora of skate brands to choose from, it can be a bit complicated. In any case, when it comes to good skating boots, it’s all about having a pretty good understanding of the factors that affect each particular skate brand.
In this blog, I intend to give you everything I’ve got concerning the pros and cons of Impala Skates when compared to those of the Chicago Skates. Having used both skates frequently, I can say that I’m in a good position to analyze their differences.
Personally speaking, I have used the two skates extensively and I can say that they are both great; but I have a slight preference for the Impala Skates. They each have their pros and cons. Both skates are good for beginners and are both good for indoor and outdoor use. However, they are not good for wide feet. In terms of cost, the Chicago skates are cheaper, as they can be purchased for as low as $50, while the least expensive impala skates can be obtained for $100.
However, I prefer the Impala skates because of the sense of comfort I get from using them. Again, the impala skates are made of a vegan material known as polyurethane; unlike the Chicago skates which are lined with leather. Thus, the Chicago skates are more wildlife and environment-friendly.
Impala Skates Explained
It might interest you to know that impala skates are made of 100 percent vegan material. This vegan material is known as polyurethane.
Globe International founded Impala Roller Skates in 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. This company is also known for its women’s streetwear and surfs.
RELATED: Impala Roller Skates – History & And Where They Are Today
As interest in skating has consistently expanded, the market for skates has additionally developed essentially. This rising interest in skating has definitely been aided by the emergence of the impala skating line. To stand apart from the group, organizations, for example, Impala Skates need to stick out. Impala Skates is an Australian skating line that plans agreeable skates, particularly for fledglings.
In this informative youtube video, Pixiewixie teaches you how to prep Impala roller skates for the first time.
The interesting thing about Impala Skates; which makes them stand apart from other different brands that make skates is that they put plans in place to give more with regards to color, style, and variety.
The impala model for inline skates is known as the Lightspeed model. I have one of these and I have found that they come in different colors. Mine is pink. These are outfitted with plastic boots, ABEC-7 bearings, and discretionary heel brakes.
Impala skates can have up to 95A hardness, making them good for both indoor and outdoor skating. I found the padded tongue to be good for extra comfort. However, the padding and tightness of impala skates make them unsuitable for wide feet.
In my experience, impala skates are pretty water resistant and can be hard-wearing, all thanks to the PVC covering. This also serves to give a better balance and control.
In general, impala skates are good for beginners who are just learning the ropes. In my opinion, Impala skates should be used for indoor and outdoor skating but not for skate parks; they aren’t built for the “high impact stuff”.
Impala skates are available in sizes 1 through 14. They come in different colors such as pink, aqua, or sky blue. Some popular impala skate models include:
- Impala Lightspeed Inline Skates: These are my favorite; they are designed to be resistant to shock at the soles. They are of top-notch and extraordinary appearance.
- Impala Holographic Roller Skates: Fitted with ABEC7 bearings, these are highly stable and beautiful. However, you should stick to your indoor and outdoor skating locations with these.
- Impala X Cynthia Rowley: These skates offer a good value for money with acceptable durability; however, they are not wear-resistant.
- Impala Roller Skates Midnight: What I love the most about these is the amazing brakes. They are also highly stable and equally affordable. However, they are best fitted for women.
Other Impala skate models exist but these are the ones that are more popular.
Chicago Skates Explained
The Ware brothers established the Chicago roller skates organization in 1905. Thus, Chicago skates are one of the oldest types of skates available having been around since 1905. My dad once told me that he used Chicago skates. One thing I really love about Chicago skates is that they are really cheap; while also of good quality of course! I got my Chicago skates for $50!
Chicago skates are outfitted with ABEC precision bearings, amazing urethane wheels and professional 5/8 toe stops. Thus, it’s clearly worth your money. However, I found Chicago skates to be a bit old school. They felt heavy on my feet. Initially, I also found them a bit difficult to wear.
Chicago skates come in different varieties, models, and colors. Chicago skates can come in black, white, or golden colors. Some popular Chicago skate models include:
- The Chicago 805: My personal favorite. This famous Roller Rink Skate from Chicago is decisively intended for gliding and is likewise a well-known choice for all-around arena and social skating for quite a long time.
- Chicago 800: This is another popular rink skate. Equipped with ABEC1 bearings and leather-lined boots with aluminum plates and urethane wheels.
- Chicago 400: This skate comes with vinyl boots and an adjustable toe-stop. It can be obtained in white color with 608 z bearings.
- Chicago Pulse Light up: I’ve seen this one in gold color. It is quite fanciful and therefore popular among kids. It has urethane wheels. It has blazing and battery-powered LED lights on the exterior.
It is important to note that all Chicago skates are good for both indoor and outdoor use.
In general, Chicago skates offer a great deal of balance and control; although not as much as the impala skate line.
Why Would you need plastic or super glue
So, if you’re an avid skater, like me, you’ll definitely get to that point at which the sole of your skating boot rip apart; or the part close to your toe. Shoe goo is popularly used to prevent this from happening but you know what I use? Simple, super glue!
So, while the location of the wear and tear may vary depending on your skating habits, techniques, type of floor, etc; I found out that treating my skates (Whether impala or Chicago skates) made them last a bit longer.
If you want to find out the best location for applying your glue, you can spot an old skate that had some wear and tear. Careful inspection will reveal the right spots. For me, it’s somewhere between the soles and the toe.
Personally, speaking, I apply the glue on the parts that I know are most susceptible to wear, after which I start using my skates. Whenever I detect any wear or tear, I’ll also add more glue to the location. I found that doing this aids in improving the longevity of my skating boots.
The super glue dries quickly and gets hard, just like plastic.
As for plastic wheels; there is really no need for those in your impala or Chicago skates. I say this because Impala and Chicago skates are made of polyurethane wheels. Polyurethane is by far superior to ordinary plastic as a wheel material.
Take for instance this YouTube video, it provides guidance for how to change the wheels on Chicago roller skates since the wheel aren’t good for outdoor skating.
Plastic wheels are extremely hard. The harder the wheel is, the less grip it has meaning the surface requirements to have more grasp to redress. Likewise harder wheels move substantially more vibration on rough and hard surfaces into your feet. So, just avoid the plastic wheels!
Impala Skates vs Chicago Skates Differences
Well, one big difference between impala skates and Chicago skates is the cost. I bought my Impala Lightspeed for about $100 while I purchased my Chicago skates for just about $50. So, in terms of cost, if you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider going for the Chicago skates.
As for comfort, they are both relatively comfortable skates. However, because of the nature of the padding and softness, I experienced better comfort using my Impala skates. This comfort translates to better control and balance because you can only achieve better control of your skate when you are comfortable in it.
Another significant difference is the durability. Although both skates are not quite durable, I found my Impala skates to last longer. At least it lasted for a little more than a year before I started noticing significant levels of wear. However, the Chicago skates began losing some components after about a week. Firstly, It was the wheels then later on the toe brakes. In any case, I simply replaced these parts myself and the Chicago skates served me for quite a while after that.
In addition, Impala skates are made entirely of vegan material. This material is known as polyurethane. In contrast, Chicago skates are lined with some leather and this is not so environment-friendly.
In terms of establishment, Chicago skates have been around for quite a while; Chicago skates were established in 1905 while Impala skates just came into the scene in 2017.
In summary, these differences are tabulated below:
| Criterion | Impala Skates | Chicago Skates |
| Affordability | Cost more, about $100 | Cost less, about $50 |
| Durability | Are more long-lasting | Have a lower durability |
| Material | Made entirely of vegan material | Have some leather material in them |
| Comfort | Generally more comfortable | Less comfortable compared to Impalas |
| Establishment | Established in 2017 | Established in 1905 |
A few similarities can be said to exist between impala skates and Chicago skates and these include:
- They are both suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- They both do not require plastic wheels, since they have polyurethane
- They are relatively affordable , compared to other skates
- They are very suitable for beginners
- They are available in various sizes and colors
- They are available for both men and women
Impala Skates vs Chicago Skates Pros and Cons
Impala skates are not good for wide toes made my friend’s toes go numb and my feet throb genuinely horrendously. They are not adequately wide, and when he tried to go for a higher size, the shoes were longer than his feet. The same goes for Chicago skates, they are not good for people with wide feet.
Chicago skates have issues with their bearings and wheels. I had to change mine, but apart from that, they’re relatively okay. Impala skate on the other hand gave me no issues with the bearings.
Impala skates are pretty comfortable, giving me that sense of balance and control whereas the Chicago skates didn’t really give me as much sense of comfort. What? With the feeling of weight on my feet.
Both impala skates come in very fanciful designs and diverse colors meant for both men and women. Even children can use their skates.
In terms of shock absorbance, impala skates are highly shock absorbent; at least when compared to their Chicago counterparts.
Finally, the Impala skates are made with entirely vegan material in contrast with the Chicago skates which have some leather incorporated into their design. In summary;
The pros of Impala skates include:
- Durable and don’t require much fixing
- Are lightweight
- Made entirely of vegan material
- Do not require breaking in
- Are stylish
- Offer great stability and control
The cons of impala skates include:
- Can be expensive
- Not suitable for skate parks
- Not really good for professional skaters
The pros of Chicago skates include:
- Are very affordable
- Offer good quality
- Have some vegan components, but not entirely
- Come in various sizes and colors
- Offer easy turning and control
The Cons of Chicago include:
- Not suitable for people with wide feet
- Not recommended for professionals
- Can feel “heavy” the feet
How to make your decision
The decision on which type of skate to use depends on you. If you are on a tight budget, I’d recommend the Chicago skate line but if you can afford it; the Impala skates will offer a great deal of comfort at just a little more cost.
For newbies to the world of skating, both types of skates are good and should be used indoors. They are not fit for high-impact skating as is done in skate parks or other public places.
For people with wide feet, my advice is that you stick to suede boots as neither impalas nor chicagos can do the trick for you. They are made of materials that aren’t easily stretchable.
However, I’d recommend the impala skates if you can afford them.
Finally
Impalas or Chicagos? The choice is yours; you can either go for more comfort and pick the impalas or you can go for affordability and choose the Chicago skates. Anyone of them will be pretty good for a beginner in skating.
