Slip on skate shoe reviews

Well i’ve had so many pairs of what we call “slip on” shoes. I’ve had various kinds such as Vans, Emericas, and even Etnies slip ons. This isn’t going to be a HUGE review, but i’m going to critique the shoes personally based on my experiences….

Vans Classic Checkerboard Slipons

Appearance: Classic checkerboard look, from slip ons this is one of my favorite designs. And with the Vans “Off The Wall” emblem on the back, it makes it look even cooler.
Feel: They are really comfortable. However I don’t recommend low socks, I got cuts on the back of my foot. If you buy these and plan on skating or even just wearing them around, get middle sized socks.
Wear and Tear: Walking around in them for a few months and not skating them, the grip on the bottom started to fade. It wasn’t a horrible fade but you could tell the difference.
Skate and Tear: As I first skated in these, they definetly began tearing within days. The front of the shoe, on the sole, had a hole in them within 2 days of skating. And I didn’t even have that big of skate sessions, maybe an hour long session within those two days. However, i have a really big style of heelflip tricks and this was a major impact on the front of the shoe. The rest of the shoe was completely fine.
How long did they last?: After maybe five months I got rid of them. They lasted a good while with skating/wearing around.
Colors:This isn’t THAT important but for those who have never had the shoe, They come in Black/Grey, Black/Red, Black/White(As shown in picture), Black/Yellow, Blue/Black, Brown/Red, Brown/Tan, Green/Tan, Green/Black, Pink/Black, And there is also a rainbow scheme.

Fallen Rival - Jamie Thomas signature model

The Bottom Line

These are awesome skate shoes. Everything Fallen makes is high quality, but the Rivals in particular are excellent shoes for skateboarding. Made with plenty of features, like protected lace eyelets, Velcro strap, heel airbag + gel pad - not to mention thick padded tongue, heel collar, the works. These shoes are perfect for skating, unique, and well made.

Pros

• High quality - packed features, the Rival is a well made, durable shoe made from the best stuff
• Unique - Fallen shoes are only available at specialty skate shops. You won't find these in the mall
• Jamie Thomas signature model

Cons

• Being unique and only at certain shops means that you may have to travel to get a pair.

Description

• Jamie Thomas signature model, and Jamie Thomas's skate shoe line
• Synthetic suede or leather upper
• Thin rubber layer under toe cap for durability and protection
• Foam padded tongue and collar add comfort and support
• Internal tongue straps add stabilty
• Dual lacing system on the toe cap adds protection and durrability
• Shock absorbing heel bag plus soft EVA insole with gel heel pad for extra impact cushioning
• Sticky gum rubber herring bone sole for grip and flex
• Shoes come with a plastic Fallen logo template for spray painting
• Available in 4 color schemes - black, charcoal, "chocolate" (dark and light brown mix) and white

Guide Review - Fallen Rival - Jamie Thomas signature model

I've seen a lot of skateboarding shoes, and the Rivals are some of the best. When Jamie Thomas started up the Fallen shoe line, he decided to make true quality shoes, and the Rival skate shoe deserves the name.

First off, they're packed with all the features you'd hope to get in a good skate shoe, plus more. Double stitched synthetic leather or suede gives comfort and durability, while the padded tongue and tongue straps add to the comfort and stability. The heel features an airbag to absorb shock, plus a gel heel pad insole for even more. The sole is grippy gum rubber, scored for flexibility.

The shoes also feature extra lace protection on the toe - this is something I wish more skate shoes had. If you tend to wear down your laces, then this is a feature you should look for, and one you'll be happy to hear is on the Rival.

The Rivals also feature a Velcro strap that improves the shoe's fitting. In fact, I never tied these while I was reviewing them - I laced them up, gave the laces a half crossover and then used the Velcro strap to cinch them. Talk about comfort!

The Fallen logo graces the side and heel, with Thomas's name on the Velcro strap and Fallen on the tongue. All of these accents are simple, and stitched - meaning they won't rub off. They add a little extra quality.

And that's what makes these shoes so great. These shoes are packed with small features like these - the sum of which adds up to one great shoe for skateboarding. I highly recommend them.

Vans Rowley XL2 Skate Shoes Review

Vans Rowley XL2s are the upgraded version of the original Vans Rowleys, which are Vans best selling skate shoe. Rowley XL2s have an updated look, a grippier waffle sole, are comfortable and are freakishly light. Easily one of the best skate shoes now on the market, Vans Rowley XL2s are going to make a big impact.

Features

Vans Rowley XL2s are fully skatable machines:

• Leather upper with suede uede toe cap and edging
• strong puffy tongue
• thickly padded heel collar
• Coolmax liner inside shoe's upper wicks moisture away from foot
• New Comfort Control system in the footbed enhances comfort and ventilation of the foot
• New Footframe helps hold heel in place
• Midsole is made of very flexible, very light EVA, and incorporates an air vent
• Outsole complete with classic Vans waffle tread and made of Vans California Rubber
• Seven different styles currently available

Style

Vans says that the new Rowley XL2s style is influenced by Japan. Honestly, I'm not sure I know what that means, but they do look awesome! Seven different color schemes are available, from bright solid blue or red, to earth toned slashed with black. I tried out the brown and white pair, and I love 'em. The toecap is suede, and so is the edge running up along the top of the upper, while the rest of the upper is action leather. The colors are subtle and strong at the same time. Perhaps that's what's Japanese about them.

Super Light

The most impressive feature, to me, was how light these shoes are. They honsetly tripped me out. Vans has a reputation for making light skate shoes, but to have all the above features, plus light? With the strong upper, the padding, everything, the Rowley XL2s are simply lighter than seems possible. I don't get it, but somehow Vans has managed to re-work one of the most popular skate shoes of all time, make it all around a little better, and yet reduce its weight. I don't understand it, but I like it!

Drawbacks

Now that I've sung the praises of Vans Rowleys XL2s, let me tell you about a couple of things that I didn't like about them. These are small issues, but you're probably reading this hoping to get a balanced view of these shoes before you buy them.

Vans Roley XL2s have nothing built in to protect their laces. I hate breaking shoe laces while skating, so I noticed this. It's not a big problem, but skaters should know that they will likely break several sets of laces in these shoes.

Vans Rowley XL2s are also a little narrow at the toes. One reason I love skate shoes, apart from skating in them, is that skate shoes are usually so wide and comfortable. Rowleys XL2s are a little narrow at the point - not a big deal, but something to mention.

The Bottom Line

Vans Rowley XL2s are easily one of the best skate shoes on the market. These little complaints of mine should sound weak enough to show you that if that's all I can come up with for drawbacks for Vans Rowley XL2s, then these must be great! And they are - they are comfortable, look awesome, are super light, and they will have a strong grip on your board. I highly recommend them, for skaters of any level. And to top it all off, they aren't that expensive.

Globe CT-IVs

The Bottom Line

Chet Thomas has been a pro skater for a long time - he owns Darkstar, and has a long history of making great shoes with Globe. The CT 4s are perhaps the best so far. You may spend more for these shoes, but try them out, and you want want anything else. Beyond being ridiculously comfortable, the shoes are enhanced with various features that add to their skatability and durability. Chet has a huge reputation in skateboarding, and he put all his knowledge and experience into these shoes.

Pros

• Comfortable - these are some of the most comfortable shoes made. Period.
• Durable - with multiple layers of leather and reinforced rubber sections, these shoes should last
• Proven - CT IVs have been on the market for a while, because they're so well made

Cons

• Unless you find a great deal, CT IVs will cost you a lot as compared to other skate shoes

Description

• Step-in neoprene sock liner with memory foam
• Reinforced ollie areas and toe cap
• Nitrocel 3 ICS sole with PU air midsole
• Triple stitched, double layer toe cap
• Segmented ollie protection insert, hidden front eyelet
• Chet Thomas signature model

Guide Review - Globe CT-IVs

Skate shoes come in all kinds of crazy shapes and designs, and it can be hard to know which ones to buy. Most sports require some special type of footwear, and skating's no different - except that skateboarding rips shoes apart, and if your skate shoe doesn't fit well, your performance will suffer.

Enter the Globe CT-IVs. Designed by Chet Thomas (thus the CT), these shoes are perhaps the most comfortable skate shoes available. They're made a little wide, and with nice, comfortable support. They don't have a tongue, but rather a step-in sock liner with memory foam for a perfect fit. Once you wear CTs for a little while, other shoes will seriously feel tight and hard. It's like your feet get addicted to them, and it's nice. This is by far these shoes greatest feature, but they're packed with others as well. The midsole is molded polyurethane with PVC shanks for additional support and Nitrocel™ cushioning. The point is, these shoes are incrediable. I've had a pair of CT-IVs for over a year, and though a tube of ShooGoo is all that makes them wearable, I still refuse to throw them away.

But comfort isn't all these shoes have. They're technically well built, using leather, synthetics, neoprene - all the good stuff. The toe caps are tough, though the black of the leather will fade pretty quickly if the shoes get wet a lot from rain or snow. The shoes have stylish built in ollie protection, and are well stitched.

Osiris Chino Jerry Hsu Pro Model Skateboarding Shoes Review

The Bottom Line

Osiris Chino skateboarding shoes are flat out nice shoes for skateboarding. These shoes are built tough, light, stylish and with a great board feel. Osiris Chino skateboarding shoes are the Jerry Hsu pro models, and in my opinion by far his best pro model skateboarding shoes yet.

Pros

• Strong - Osiris Chino skateboarding shoes are easily the toughest Osiris skate shoes I've reviewed
• Style - Osiris Chino skate shoes have a strong, confident, simple style
• Pro Model - Osiris Chinos are Jerry Hsu's pro model skateboarding shoes

Cons

• Not much - except Osiris's trademark flimsy laces. You'll likely have to replace them.

Description

• Suede leather double and triple stitched uppers
• Sticky gum herring bone soles with Osiris symbol in the heel
• Padded tongue with stabilizing tongue straps
• Higher topped ankle cuff adds support, with padding on the sides for comfort
• Jerry Hsu pro skateboarder model skateboarding shoes
• Low padding in the sole - less comfort but stronger board feel and response
• Weak laces balanced by leather lace eyelet reinforcement flaps
• Available in black, white with black ollie stripes, or black and white with red ollie stripes

Guide Review - Osiris Chino Jerry Hsu Pro Model Skateboarding Shoes Review

Jerry Hsu is only 22 years old, and already has several pro model skateboarding shoes out in his name. And like I said above, the Chino is easily his best skateboarding shoe yet (read about the Hsu 2s).

First off, the Osiris Chino skateboarding shoes are simply built tough. With strong suede leather uppers, double stitched with a triple stitched reinforced toe cap, Chinos are built to take a pounding. But that's not all. Osiris Chino skate shoes also feature extra reinforced lace flaps - I just love these things. Lace them with your laces inside the flaps and they should keep your laces from ripping up when you ollie and to flip tricks. In fact, this almost makes up for the flimsy laces that the Osiris Chinos come with.

When testing these shoes, the first thing I noticed was how flat out comfortable they are. Osiris Chino skateboarding shoes are moderately high topped, with extra padding around the sides of the ankle. This adds support, but also a pile of comfort. Add the padded tongue and flexibility of suede - you ahve some sweet shoes.

And for skating? Osiris Chinos are light and tough, with a great sticky gum sole (that works) and the classic gum wrap around the base that helps grip your board when doing tricks that just use the edge of your foot. Plus, Chinos have subtle ollie grip strips built into the sides.

All of this adds up to seriously great skateboarding shoes. If light, tough and grippy is your style, check out Osiris Chinos.

DC Griffin - Colin McKay Signature Skate Shoe Review

The Bottom Line

DC Griffins are well worth their price. First off, they feature DC's new Super Suede, the new suede material designed by DCShoeCoUSA that's making a ruckus in the skate shoe world. But besides being made of better material than most skate shoes on the market, the Griffins have close to the perfect list of features - Velcro strip, lace protection, double layered triple stitched toe cap, Heel support, padded tongue with stabilizer straps - the DC Griffins have it all.

Pros

• Super Suede - this new DC innovation is incrediable. It really does last longer.
• Features - the Griffin comes with several features that add specifically to skating
• Strong - besides the Super Suede, Griffins come with double layered triple stitched toe caps.
• Cool - Colin McKay helped design the Griffin, and he knows what looks sick. The Griffin looks good.

Cons

• The footbed has little / no arch support, like most DC shoes.

Description

• Colin McKay pro signature model skateboarding shoe
• Super Suede - super suede is DC's own innovation that is 50% stronger and lasts longer
• Velcro strap at the top of the laces allows for custom and easy fitting
• Lightweight padded mesh tongue with internal stabilizers
• Patent-pending DGT rubber sole design adds board control and durability
• Lower lace eyelets feature extra layer for lace protection or added strength
• Thermoplastic urethane (TPU) heel stabilizer for added heel support
• Available in three color styles - black / gun metal, gray / white, white / light gray

Guide Review - DC Griffin - Colin McKay Signature Skate Shoe Review

DC Griffins are now one of my favorite skate shoes. I really enjoyed testing them. They have just about everything that I could want in a skate shoe - almost as if I had custom ordered them.

The only drawback with DC Griffins is their lack of arch support. The footbead isn't completely flat, but neither does it have a strong arch support. For most people, this won't be a problem. but if you have high arches, you might notice. That's it. That's my only complaint!

As to what makes the DC Griffins so great - the list is huge, read it for yourself! The biggest, most innovative special feature is the new DC Super Suede. If you haven't heard about it, let me fill you in. DC has spent the last few years developing a new type of suede that looks and feels like regular suede, but that last longer and is more durable. According to DC, Super Suede is 50% more durable. When we're talking about skateboarding, where effectively every time you ride your board you're rubbing your shoes against sand paper, that's a huge improvement. In testing, I found this to be absolutely true.

The soles feature DC's DGT technology, where certain areas of the sole are made of rubbers with various durometers. The softer rubber is at the toes for greater board control, while the heel is made of stronger rubber.

The DC Griffins by Colin McKay have everything you want, plus some extras. Everything about the DC Griffin shoes is focused on adding to your skateboarding experience. Try them out.

Emerica Reynolds 2

The Bottom Line

The Emerica Reynolds 2 is a solid, classy skate shoe. Designed by Andrew Reynolds, these shoes have all you need. A tough leather upper, thick padded tongue, heavy duty reinforced lace eyelets, padded heel collar – all of these and more add to the shoe and make it solid.

Pros

• Solid design that’s been tried and proven
• Comfortable - Thick padded tongue and heel collar
• Durable – metal lace eyelets, double stitched, multiple layers of leather

Cons

• No special hype or new advances – it's a straight forward skate shoe
• Unprotected laces

Description

• Designed by pro Andrew Reynolds
• Full leather double and triple stitched upper
• Thick padded tongue with elastic stabilizing straps
• Full length polyurethane midsole
• EVA insole with removable arch support
• Metal reinforced lace eyelets
• Zig-zag tread pattern with flex grooves
• 400 NBS stitched gum rubber outsole
• Traditional skate shoe design with simple style
• Sizes 6.5 to 14 for adults, 1 to 6 for youth

Guide Review - Emerica Reynolds 2

The Reynolds 2s are very good, basic skate shoes. They are very durable, have all the padding you want, and look good. They don’t have many extra bells or whistles to tempt you to buy them, but with the Reynolds 2s, that’s ok.

The Emerica Reynolds 2s are made with strong leather, and double stitched, with triple stitching in many places. For an extra bonus, the lace eyelets are reinforced with metal – these shoes have everything you need and can take a pounding.

They also look good - they have a simpler style. Reynolds 2s come in several styles, each different and each classy. For all the styles, the Emerica logos on the heel and tongue are stitched in, and the larger side panel Emerica logo is subtle. The shoes don’t yell to the world that you’re a skater, but they work great for skating.

The drawbacks are small. The laces are weak and unprotected near the toes. There’s no rubber from the sole wrapped up on the toe. No special grip on the upper to help with ollies. No heel airbag. These are all great things to have, but in truth you don’t need them. The Reynolds 2 is a simple, strong skateboarding shoe.

The Reynolds 2s are also available in youth sizes – the Tilts are the only other Emerica skate shoe available in kid’s sizes. Usually, only the best shoes get reproduced in youth sizes – they have to work well and last long enough for parents to want to come back and buy Emerica shoes again. It’s a good hint to how good these shoes are.

Nike Dunk Pro SB Shoe Review

Nike's most popular skateboarding shoe, Nike Dunk SBs have all the the high quality design features that Nike offers. Nike Dunk SBs have been available for over 3 years now, and come in over 65 different color variations and styles. No other skateboarding shoe has so much variety. I really enjoyed testing these shoes out - I used the Nike Dunk Low Pro SBs. They were just thin enough to give great feedback, but also strong enough to not wear through durring testing.

Nike Dunk Pro SB Features

Nike Dunk Pro SBs are well made, and deceptively simple feeling skateboarding shoes. All are double stitched, action leather and suede. From there, each of the Nike Dunks has its own style. Like I said, there are over 65 different styles of Nike Dunks available at this moment - some are high tops, like the Dunk High Pro SB, with the stylish old school solid profile sole. Others have a more sporty look, like the Dunk Low Pro SB with stitched sole and a multi purpose design. Nike even has Baby Dunk SBs that only come in baby sizes.

Nike Dunk Pro SBs are most definitely skatable. The thin Zoom Air soles give great board feedback while still maintaining cushion. The only problem here is that the uppers are fairly thin - you will wear out your Nike Dunks pretty quick if you do a lot of flip tricks. But this thin-ness is what allows for better control. It's a trade off.

Nike Dunk Pro SBs are also more long and narrow than most other skateboarding shoes. If you have wide feet (like me), you might want to get a half size larger shoe than you usually would. You also might want to stop by a show and try them out before you buy them, just to make sure you get the right size.

Nike Making Skate Shoes

Only a few years ago Nike decided to enter the skateboard shoe market (Read about it). One of their first shoes was the Nike Dunk. Dunks were originally basketball shoes (thus the name "Dunk") back in the 80s, but the shoe worked fairly well for skateboarding too, having a flat sole that allowed for good board feel. Since the Dunk's evolution into a skateboarding shoe, the letters "SB" have been added to signify their link to Skateboarding. Nike Dunks now feature the Zoom Air sole, suede toe caps for better board grip, and nice puffy tongues.

However, since the start Nike has had the stigma of a big company coming into skateboarding just to make some money. I was apprehensive at first about Nike skate shoes, but I like the way they've gone about it. Instead of making cheap crap skateboarding shoes and trying to undercut the skate shoe market, Nike has taken the high road. Nike Dunks have their own unique style, and while some of their shoes look like a pack of crayons left on a stove burner, some of them look pretty cool. And all of them are well made. Whatever your take on Nike being in the skate market, it is nice that they actually took the time to make skateboarding shoes that work well.

The Bottom Line

Like everything with skateboarding, you should do what you want, and express yourself. If you like the look and feel of Nike Dunk Pro SBs, go for 'em. I like the strong response and board feel that Nike Dunk SBs give, and some of the colors are sick. It's also ice to have a pair of skate shoes that can double for other sports - most large puffy skate shoes don't work that well for other sports. And, to top all of this off, the Nike skate team is very strong with guys like X Games gold medalist Paul Rodriguez.

Nike Dunk Pro SBs work great for skateboarding, are comfortable, and there are so many out there that even your grandma could find a pair that she likes. Not many skate shoes last for three years on the market, but Nike Dunk Pro SBs are still going strong. There's a reason for that - Nike spent some time on these, and is dedicated to making sure Nike Dunk SBs work well for skateboarding. I really enjoyed testing these shoes out. They get scuffed up fast, and I can see that they will wear out sooner than puffy moonboot skate shoes, but the responsiveness and feel are perfect. I would prefer if they were a little wider, but that's only if I'm looking for something to whine about. Nike Dunks work - see what you think.

IPath Skateboarding shoes

I-Path has an Earthy style all their own. Check out the I-Path Cats - they claim they're the most comfortable skateboarding shoes around. Full suede upper stained to natural browns with strong stitching and cord laces, the I-Path Cats look almost like moccasins. And that's the idea. If you're looking for a more quiet, earthy, or comfortable style, check out I-Path's lineup of skateboarding shoes.