Thursday 14 April 2016

Save your sole

13th April 2016

Somebody must have thought of doing something about the durability of skate shoes. Skateboarding has been around for quite a while now, and there are about a million skateboarders in the United States alone.

A bit of research revealed a few very interesting designs.


A few simple and classic designs such as the Vans and DC work very well and are, as it says, classic.
Image via Vans
Vans Chima Pro

Chima Ferguson's first pro shoe on Vans was influenced by other Vans classics he's been skating in for years but made with updated materials. For instance the canvas has been reinforced with Duracap, to skate as tough as suede and rubber. Also an insole with gel heel pads provide better support today than in years prior.



Image via DC
DC Mike Mo S
Mike Mo Capaldi was trying to make something lightweight that was really flexible because he enjoys skating floppy shoes, so he went with a no-sew suede upper, a Unilite midsole and an X on the front part of the sole for extra stretchiness. The eyestays are reinforced with TPU and a basketball-influenced mesh tongue helps with ventilation. 

While shoes like Osiris and Emerica decided to take a different path but still withhold functionality and support for the skater.
Image via Osiris
 Osiris Bingaman VLC

Osiris stepped in a new direction with Taylor Bingaman's shoe, the Bingaman VLC, a modern-looking mid top with a vulcanized sole. The upper is made of suede, nubuck and mesh, with a hidden lacing system that protects the laces. There's also a perforated neoprene sleeve on the inside for ventilation and comfort. The insole is made of dual density polyurethane and the midsole is made of compression molded EVA. There's a deep stash pocket in the tongue along with a velcro strap for support.


Image via Emerica
Emerica Reynolds

Supportive and functional, the Reynolds is simple-looking on the outside, but really technical on the inside. The G6 foam in the midsole is for comfort and protection, and a cool air intake system in the side panel reduces feet sweat and moisture.

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