These skates are worth the money (maybe money). They are durable and well made. Anyone who complains about the smell overreacts. The wheels are rubber, that's what they smell like to me. To me they smell nice ;) There is a seam in the middle of each wheel, although for the price I didn't think they would pay for an extra process to make them "perfect". The stitching wears out with regular use. Overall they arrived and looked exactly as I hoped based on the description. The perfect upgrade for plastic office chair casters.