I always assumed these skates had poor build quality, kind of like Impala skates and other budget brands. But then I watched this YouTuber who helps new skaters pick out gear. She actually got a pair of Candi Girl Carlins because they had most features she recommends (except they don’t have adjustable toe stops). After testing them out, she said they felt sturdy and well-made. I know they look nice and lots of people buy them, but are they actually comparable to something like SureGrip Boardwalks when it comes to overall quality and construction?
I had Candi Girl Carlins for about eight months before upgrading. They’re way better built than you’d expect for the price. The plates handled regular rink sessions and outdoor skating fine, though the kingpin got loose after heavy use. Boot materials felt solid compared to other budget skates - stitching never came apart on me. Honestly though, comparing them to SureGrip Boardwalks isn’t fair since there’s a huge price gap. Boardwalks have better leather and hardware, but if you’re just starting out or skating casually, Carlins are solid value. They won’t fall apart like some cheap brands, but they’re still entry-level - you’ll hit their limits as you get better.
Been skating three years and tried several brands including Candi Girl. The Carlins actually surprised me - they’re way better than those flimsy Amazon skates. Boot construction’s decent and the vinyl holds up fine with regular use. They fall short on the stock bearings, wheels, and toe stops compared to higher-end skates. But the core structure’s solid enough that you can swap out components later. They’re not Boardwalk quality in terms of materials or longevity, but they’re real skates that’ll work great for most beginners without costing a fortune.
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