That was my first burning question too. At first I could only afford cheap Chicago skates from a thrift store, then one came apart after a few months, because their uppers are glued to the soles! My step up became the Sure Grip Fame, which were still affordable, sewn together, and takes adjustable toe plugs, BUT... the wheelbase is shorter which I only noticed after I bought them. That makes them less stable at speed, but better for spot skating (dancing, spins). Also my Chicago Bullets were flat low tops while these have heels and high tops, which is also better overall. Depends what you're going for but yeah, lots to look at. Learn as you go, but it's nice when others can help.

@Paul Schmidt Yeah I have the Sure-Grip Fames, and they're doing much better than the Chicago Bullets I had... those things just fell apart. The Fames track straight, don't pinch anywhere, feel good, have leather uppers sewn to the sole, the toe plug instead of the stop, etc. all improvements over the Bullets.

When I was younger I was told I had scoliosis, but I persisted as though I didn't, so I'm not sure. About ten years ago I started having sciatica pain and it got bad enough to warrant an operation, which helped. I just do a lot of stretching and flexibility stuff. I was on opioids for years but since the doctors don't like to prescribe them I've been off for a year now, and I actually took up skating despite the pain... ironically it actually seems to help me, so keep trying different things - physical therapists should help.

@Liz Fillmore It was like the Twilight Zone episode of the idyllic small town absent any people. I had the whole giant park to myself, again. Perfect weather, peaceful, quiet, like time stood still except for me skating. Sorry, I have to celebrate when I get a good day.

@Liz Fillmore Oh I see you're in L.A., so you know the temps been nice here with the Santa Annas.

@Alyssa Cravy Hmm, last year I tried to get an outdoor group going with newbies, whoever, either kinds of skates, during the summer, open to anything. I had just started again and I was all happy and eager. I thought we were ripe for it too, but though I got 8 people to join they didn't bother to do it. I also got lots of negative "don't do it you'll kill yourself!" type comments from everyone else... so, good luck. Maybe things are different now or there but just so you know, you might not get as many enthusiastic people as yourself. If I were closer I'd be first to join your group, and I'd actually show up and skate. I'm still skating outdoors but still alone... the people are just dead here (Ventura county, Ca) except for the rink, but I can't afford a lot of that ($15.50 per 2 hour adult session) and I have to tolerate the music they inflict on us... it's supposed to be fun. So I'm happy to skate outdoors for free, especially as it was 83 degrees today, clean parks around, cement basketball courts, bike paths... I don't know why people have to make this difficult, but everyone here (at Sk8shot Society) is cool.

Getting back to your question, if I may pose some more, are you basically a beginner? How hard are the wheels compared to the ones you were used to? Did you adjust (maybe loosen) the trucks as needed before you went to use them? Do you warm up and stretch before you skate, stuff like that?