Recently jumped on the skating craze? If you’re confused about what gear to get, our recommendations on skaters, helmets, and more can help.

I (Lydia Horne) have been skating for years, and I felt like an 80s Brooke Shields sailing through Central Park in the Impala Quad Skates. They’re a great pick for hitting the roller rink; novice skaters will enjoy the ankle support and big gummy toe stop. Impala packs a lot of boot here, but you get an uber-comfy interior and well-padded sides. Fair warning, I went half a size up from my normal shoe size, and it’s a good fit. Being a quad skate, I felt like I had to take wider turns and come to more gradual stops than inline skates. But take heart: The Impalas are lightweight enough to practice crossovers and spins, neither of which I mastered, but I did manage my first strut.
As a newcomer, I (Louryn Strampe) have been using thinner skate boots since I joined the fad in April 2020. Impala’s quad skates felt awkward at first. The boot is heavier and more rigid than some other skates I’ve tried. Once you get used to the heft, you’ll appreciate the stability around the ankle; it’s great for beginners. If you find that you want these skates to be more flexible for better artistic movements, try taking them to your local roller rink and ask the folks there to adjust your mounting plate. Another plus for the Impalas? They’re gorgeous. I tested the holographic rose gold pair and felt like Princess Peach’s badass older sister.