Sure Grip Stardust Skates Review

The stylish glittery aesthetic of the Sure Grip Stardust skates grabbed our attention right away. As outdoor skating enthusiasts always seeking the perfect recreational skates for bike paths and parking lots, their eye-catching design seemed ideal. In this Sure Grip Stardust skates review, we’ll share our complete breakdown after taking the sparkly plunge and putting them through their paces.

Table of Contents

Bedazzled First Impressions

Unboxing the Stardust skates, we immediately appreciated the dazzling glitter coating the vinyl boots and bold color options like pink, blue, and black. They looked ready to turn heads with their unique styling alone.

While the vinyl boot construction implied affordability over luxury, the materials appeared decently durable for outdoor recreation. The snug fit felt secure, though we noticed minimal interior padding for serious comfort.

The rock nylon plates offered a budget compromise likely sufficient for casual use. And the grippy 78A wheels seemed optimized for asphalt and pavement. Overall our initial take was positive, especially given the bargain $69-$135 price point. Dazzling budget skates!

Testing Their Sparkle on Local Trails

Excited to test them out, we laced up the Stardust skates for their first spins around the neighborhood’s paved trails and parking areas. Right off the bat, we noticed the snug fit—though it’s key to point out these skates come without ankle padding, a detail for those looking for additional support to consider. Nevertheless, the 78A wheels provided excellent grip, facilitating smooth glides, gentle carves, and seamless crossovers without any loss of traction.

The boots were very stiff at the beginning and we realize they require a break-in period. We also notice their limited interior padding though. After 30 minutes, pressure points became apparent requiring frequent re-lacing to relieve discomfort. Thick socks are a must for serious sessions.

The pliable vinyl boot allowed reasonable ankle articulation through turns. Yet the materials also showed scuffing easily from falls or toe drags. The abrasion-prone vinyl will definitely require toe guards for longevity.

By the session’s end, stability and traction impressed us but padding and materials proved lacking. Still, the dazzling attention they garnered along the trail offset some of the compromises. They were built for flashy fun, not performance.

How They Hold Up Over Time

After a couple of months of rotating the Stardust skates into our recreational lineup, their ideal usage became apparent:

Comfort

The thin padding leads to discomfort and lace bites during longer 60+ minute sessions. Adding thick socks or aftermarket insoles is mandatory to offset the minimalistic interior padding. They excel only for short sessions under an hour. Comfort rating: 5/10

Performance

While wheels offer a nice pavement grip, the budget plates and bearings limit acceleration and responsiveness. Agility is further hindered by the unwieldy vinyl boot materials. Fine for cruising but clumsy for tricks or precision footwork. Performance rating: 6/10

Durability

Our biggest letdown here. The glitter coating quickly wears off high-friction areas like the toe. The soft vinyl shows scuffing easily and lacks the ruggedness for frequent outdoor use. Replacing components regularly would be required for longevity. Durability rating: 4/10

Value

Given their budget price point between $69-$135, expectations must be set appropriately. For occasional short sessions under an hour by newbie skaters, they deliver good value. But lack of comfort and durability hurt value for serious use. Rating: 7/10

Technical Information

Boot Material: Vegan boot (vinyl)
Plate: ROCK nylon plate
Wheel Size: 62mm
Wheel Hardness: 78A
Bearings: ABEC 3
Toe Stop: Adjustable toe stop
Available Colors: Black, Light Blue, Pink
Price: 69$ to 135$ depending on the color and size.

The Pros and Cons

What We Loved

Unique sparkly glitter aesthetics
Snug, secure fit for newbies
Grippy 78A wheels great for pavement
Easy to put on/off like regular shoes
Very affordable price point

What We Didn’t

Minimal interior padding causes discomfort
Vinyl boots are not breathable or durable
Limited performance from plates & bearings
Glitter and exterior show wear quickly
Lack hooks for easy lacing

Who Should Shine in Stardust Skates?

The Sure Grip Stardust skates excel for:

Beginner or casual outdoor recreational skaters
Those wanting an attention-grabbing style
Skating sessions under 60 minutes
Flat outdoor surfaces like trails & parking lots

They’re likely less ideal for:

Intermediate to advanced outdoor skaters
Sessions over an hour requiring padding
Downhill skating or skate parks
Those wanting serious performance

But for short sessions on asphalt where fun trumps functionality, the Stardust skates deliver an affordably eye-catching style!

Our Final Take on Stardust Roller Skates

After evaluating several pairs extensively, we give the sure-grip stardust glitter roller skates a very fair 3 out of 5-star rating. The gorgeous glittery aesthetics bedazzle outdoor paths wonderfully but come at the cost of performance and durability.

We happily recommend them for beginners doing occasional short recreational sessions under an hour where attention-grabbing style outweighs comfort. They provide just enough function to match the flash. But improve padding and materials quality to excel beyond their dazzling veneer.

For newbies and casual hobbyists alike, the budget-friendly Stardust skates will spark smiles on local trails when used as intended. Just temper expectations around longevity, precision, and serious skating utility. Embrace their glittery whimsy and they’ll serve you well!

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