Sure Grip Malibu Skates Review

As artistic roller skaters for many years, we’re always looking for a quality skate at a budget-friendly price. When we heard about the Sure Grip Malibu skates, we were intrigued but skeptical – could an affordable skate provide the performance and comfort we need? In this Sure Grip Malibu skates review, we’ll share our first-hand experience after purchasing a pair and testing them out extensively.

We decided to put the Sure Grip Malibu skates through their paces to see if they lived up to the hype. Keep reading for our full thoughts on these budget-friendly roller skates!

Table of Contents

Unboxing the Malibu Roller Skate

When we first opened the box containing the Sure-Grip Malibu skates, we were pleasantly surprised by the clean, white vinyl boot design. The white boot looked stylish and modern, with subtle branding details. Though not made of leather, the boot appeared decently sturdy and well-constructed.

We ordered a size 7 based on the sizing chart, and the fit was snug at first try-on, but with enough room to break in comfortably. We have slightly wide feet, and the boot was able to accommodate them.

The 57mm 88A wheels looked small but suitable for indoor skating. The metal trucks weren’t top-tier but seemed to be a study. The fixed toe stops were on the smaller side, but removable if needed. And while the ABEC 3 bearings probably wouldn’t deliver super-fast spins, they seemed adequate for casual artistic skating.

Overall, our initial impressions were positive. At first glance, the Malibus looked like a fantastic value skate. We couldn’t wait to test their performance on the rink.

Taking the Malibus for a Spin

We eagerly took the Malibus for their first roll at our local indoor skating rink. Lacing up the trendy white boots for the first time, we again appreciated their simple yet stylish design. The boot felt snug but not painfully tight. The interior padding seemed sufficient for comfort.

Gliding onto the floor, we took it slowly at first to get a feel for the skates. The 57mm wheels provided a smooth, steady ride perfect for rhythmic artistic skating. The boots remained supportive without any uncomfortable rubs or pinches.

Once warmed up, we picked up speed, crossing over and executing turns to challenge the skates’ abilities. The Malibus responded beautifully! We were able to maintain balance and leverage the boots’ flexibility for maneuvers. The wheels held edges well without slippage while allowing slides when needed.

The 88A wheel hardness delivered a nice blend of grip and glide. We did notice the slower ABEC 3 bearings impacted spin time compared to premium bearings. But for recreational artistic skating, they performed adequately.

By the end of our first session, we were beaming – the Malibus exceeded expectations! We couldn’t wait to hit the floor again.

Long-Term Use Impressions

After logging over 50 hours on our Malibu skates, we’ve formed some solid opinions after breaking them in. We’ve skated them indoors (in our garage) and of course in the rink. Here are our thoughts after extensive use:

Comfort

The Malibu boot remains comfortable, though still fairly stiff. We recommend wearing thick socks while breaking them in. The interior padding compresses over time. Our feet get sore during 3+ hour marathon sessions. Those with wide feet may find the boot too narrow. We rate long-term comfort a 6/10.

Performance

The Malibu plates, wheels, and bearings continue to provide a smooth, stable ride. The boots allow great balance and flexibility for spins and footwork. We trust the skates to grip edges, swivel, and stop on demand. The slower bearings remain our only performance complaint. Overall performance earns an 8/10.

Durability

After 50+ hours of use, the Malibus shows minimal exterior wear. The boot lining has maintained integrity without tearing or wearing thin. The wheels have broken in well, rolling true while the bearings spin consistently. No signs of loosening or cracking plates either. We expect years of recreational use from them. Durability scores an 8/10.

Value

For under $130, the Malibu skates are a fantastic value in our opinion. They rival skates double the price in quality and performance. Sure, they lack the premium components found on high-end artistic skates. But the Malibus delivers reliable construction, performance, and comfort where it counts. We confidently recommend them to budget-conscious skaters. Value earns a perfect 10/10.

Technical information about the product:

Used for: Outdoor Skating
Boot Material: Vegan boot
Plate: Rock nylon plate
Wheel Size: 62mm
Wheel Hardness: 78A
Bearings: ABEC 3
Toe Stop: Adjustable toe stop
Price: 69$ – 135$
Available colors: Black, White
Sizes: Men – 3-11, Women 4-12

Weighing the Pros and Cons

The Pros of the Malibus

Very affordable at under $130
Great plate (Nylon probe plates with aluminum trucks) for indoor skating
Trendy white/black vinyl boot design
Extra support around the ankle
Smooth 57mm 88A wheels ideal for indoors
Reliable artistic skating performance
A great choice for beginner and recreational skaters

The Cons of the Malibus

Narrow boot may not fit wide feet
A stiff boot requires a break-in period
Padding compresses reduce comfort over time
ABEC 3 bearings limit spin times
Fixed toe stops are on the small side
Vinyl boots can wear out over time

Best Suited For

We feel the Malibu skates work best for:

Beginner and recreational artistic skaters
Skaters with narrow to average-width feet
Skating sessions 1-2 hours in length
Primarily indoor rink skating

The Malibus may not be ideal for:

Advanced artistic/dance skaters
Skaters want premium components
Those with wide feet needing a custom fit
Marathon 3+ hour skate sessions
Fast outdoor skating over rough terrain

But for casual indoor artistic skating on a budget, the Malibus are hard to beat!

Caring For Your Malibu Skates

To get the most out of your Malibu skates, be sure to care for them properly after sessions. We recommend wiping the boots down with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grime from the exterior. Use a leather conditioner or vinyl polish occasionally to keep the boots looking fresh.

Inspect the laces and replace them if they become frayed or damaged. Check that the trucks remain securely tightened before each use. Rotate the wheels often to distribute wear evenly. Clean and lubricate the bearings periodically to maintain spin.

With proper care and maintenance, your Malibu skates will deliver reliable performance session after session. Take the time to keep them clean, lubricated, and well-maintained, and they’ll roll smoothly for countless miles.

Our Final Verdict

After extensive use, we give the Sure Grip Malibu skates a 4 out of 5-star rating. What they lack in premium components, they make up for with reliable performance, great construction, and unmatched value. We’ll continue using our Malibus as our go-to skate for indoor sessions.

We enthusiastically recommend considering the Sure Grip Malibu skates for recreational skaters seeking quality and comfort on a budget. Both your feet and your wallet will thank you!

We hope you enjoyed our Sure Grip Malibu skates review, you can explore more reviews of other Sure Grip Skates and find out why they’re a fan favorite!