Impala

Brand Highlights

"Launched in Melbourne Australia in 2017, Impala is driven by a team of girls with a passion for skating. With a nostalgic throwback to the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s, Impala is bringing back the yesteryears of skate." - Impala team

About Impala Rollerskates

Owned by Globe International, Impala makes roller skates, inline skates and skateboards, and sells through a vast retail network. They're a highly charitable brand, supporting causes that are aligned with the brand's identity and values. Get it Vegan doesn't consider their skates eco-friendly, and they are primarily manufactured in countries without strong labour laws and health and safety regulations.

What materials are used to make Impala roller skates?

According to Impala, the following materials are used to make their roller skates: PVC Upper, heel and sole; metal speed lace eyelets; aluminum alloy trucks and baseplate; 58mm 82A durometer nylon core urethane wheels; ABEC 7 bearings; PU brake stopper. These materials might vary from one model to the next, but each product will list the materials used in its description on their website. UPDATE: As of 2023, their "Samira Quad Skate" uses Wolverine suede.

Are Impala roller skates eco-friendly/sustainable?

Sustainability doesn't seem to be top-of-mind for the mass-marketed Impala. None of the materials they use would be considered particularly eco-friendly, as they are not organic, recycled or compostable.

Does Impala use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Impala uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Impala use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if Impala uses recycled, recyclable, compostable, or other forms of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. We’ve asked them for details regarding the materials they use for packaging their roller skates, and are currently awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out Impala roller skates?

We’ve asked the Impala team if they currently have, or are developing, a skate recycling program, and are awaiting reply. In the meantime, Get it Vegan recommends either trying to have them repaired, donating them to someone in need, or taking them to a clothing recycling depot (if available in your city), which can strip the skates down to their recyclable components.

Does Impala promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

It's unclear which slow fashion (ethically made, long-lasting, small batch production) or circular economy principles Impala follows as a brand. We do know they are mass-marketed, distributed globally, don't use eco-friendly materials, and don't make their roller skates in regions with strong health, safety and labour laws, which are all elements that go against a circular and slow fashion model.

Where can I buy Impala roller skates?

According to Impala, their roller skates are currently available "across the globe at a store, or online, near you" - in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, USA, Canada, Europe, UAE & Asia. You can visit their store locator for more details, and to find a retailer near you. They can also be purchased on Amazon (just be sure not to buy their non-vegan "Samira Quad Skate").

Do Impala roller skates ever go on sale?

Yes - when visiting their website, we noticed certain models of roller skates on sale (up to 50% off). You can check their website's store locator to find retailers close to you that might have them on sale.

Are Impala roller skates ethically made?

We've asked the Impala team where their roller skates are made, and are awaiting reply. We do have production information available from their parent company however (Globe International), which states, “The vast majority of our products are manufactured in China, the USA and Mexico with long standing third party supplier partners. Other items representing less than 5% of overall production are produced in factories across Italy, Slovenia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh and Australia.” With such a global footprint, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not Globe/Impala ensures their various factories enforce all international and local labour laws, regulations and fair working standards to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. On their website, Globe outlines specific regions in which it knows human rights violations systemically occur, and claims that it won’t knowingly source cotton for their products from those regions. You can read more about Globe's social responsibility policies here.

Is Impala a charitable company?

Impala quite a charitable - according to the brand, they work with charities and causes that they feel passionate about and are aligned with who they are as a brand, which include: Dangerous Females (Australia), Sea Shepard (Australia), Decks for Change, Australians in Film (USA), Hermosa Beach Education Foundation (USA), GOOD WORLD POWER OF PEACE (USA), REACH (Australia), Dili Skatepark (East Timor), Boarding for Breast Cancer (USA), Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (Australia). They have also partnered with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) to donate to their tree-planting program - planting three trees for every one tree they harvest in the making of their skateboards (an additional product in their lineup).

Impala Product Range

Impala makes roller skates, inline skates, skateboards, socks and various accessories with a throwback vibe. They primarily market to women (and make extended sizes in women's), but also make kids's and men's models. They have a wide range of colours and prints, including holographic styles, and even do artist and celebrity collaboration editions.