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.