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Skateboarding => Shoes & Gear => Topic started by: mattyc on February 28, 2011, 02:31:06 PM
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Is it just me or has the quality of Nike SB's diminished over the past couple of years. This past week the entire toe cap came off of my P-Rod 3's after only 2 months of my normal skating. My 4 pairs of P-Rod 2's all lasted me roughly 6 months each. The Problem with the 3'sis they look like they have a 2 layer toecap but only 1 layer consisting of 2 peices stitched together to look like a dual layer toecap....So once the stitching on the toe cap stitching tears, and you start getting a hole from kickflips...there's no second layer of suede underneath...it's pretty much just mesh. When I went to a shop to get a new pair of shoes, I tried on the the P-Rod 4's only to find out that they aren't true cupsoles. They're a cup/vulc hybrid. I tried on every style of SB's that the shops had in my size only to find out that most of the "cup soles" were actually this cup/vulc hybrid. Problem with the hybrid is they feel way more like a vulc than a cup. The thing that attracted me to SB in the first place was the comfort and skateability of their cupsoles (the prod 2). Mostly it's due to the airzoom pad they put in the heel of the Sole. All the hybrids only have the airzoom pad in the insole. They can't put them in the actual sole b/c they are produced more like a vulc sole than a cup sole. It's super frustrating because all of their shoes feel like vulc shoes. And I can't really skate well in vulc shoes. It just seems to me that NikeSB is trimming cost by eliminating "excess" material and using cheaper production methods (ie more vulc style sole production) in order to further maximize their profits. It seems like they don't really care about the day to day skate functionality, and they care more about what the shoe looks like, since (most likely) they make more money off sneakerheads than skaters. I'm just wondering if anyone else feels their shoe quality (as far as skating is concerned) has been going down.
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YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f20Ig9-Uba0#)
where is the quality control?
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Probably should move this in the shoe thread.
On a side note, Nike needs to slow down on producing so much bullshit colorways every month. The niche that Nike had back in the days was the limited amounts of sneakers they put out. I am sure I could be wrong but I feel like there was more thought into releasing certain shoes back in the hay day, whether it was for the sneaker collectors or the average skaters. At least go back to releasing shoes every season like your average skate/shoe company. I guess it wouldn't make sense money wise for Nike though.
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Never had a problem with any of my SB's, But I never buy prods shit, because it is shit.
Dunks are great cupsoles...so why not try those? Just shoe goo the stitching and your set for months.
If you want a nice thick cupsole get some salazars while you can.
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6.0's didn't appeal to any skaters because you could buy them everywhere, SB's only appeal because they were only available at skateshops. to shoeheads this means sb's are the hard to find boutique shoeline. That's why you get the what the dunks and lobsters and all the disgusting collectors shoes and why the prices keep rising. Ive had two pairs of sb nikes and the air sole broke both times (one had it in the sole the other was in the insole) and gave me fucking horrible pains in my heel.
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to mattyc, definitely get salazars while you still can, those are cupsoles with zoom air in the actual sole.
and while we're complaining about what nike is doing wrong, i'm gunna be the 5000th person to say make more pro models.
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Probably should move this in the shoe thread.
Honestly I forgot that other sections of the forum exist, since I usually lurk in the banter section every day.
On a side note, Nike needs to slow down on producing so much bullshit colorways every month..
Yeah, I don't even care what color shoe i wear, so long as they are comfortable and skate decent.
-mattyc
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Dunks are great cupsoles...so why not try those? Just shoe goo the stitching and your set for months.
The dunk tread pattern never seemed to me like it would be good for skating. Also they didn't have any dunks in my size.
If you want a nice thick cupsole get some salazars while you can.
They were actually the most comfortable of the shoes I tried on, but I just couldn't get over how ugly they were. I'd seen people talking on the forum last week about how ugly that shoe was, but I'd never really seen it in person. It was pretty bad.
-mattyc
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salazars are blowing my mind right now
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Dunks are great cupsoles...so why not try those? Just shoe goo the stitching and your set for months.
They just revamped the dunks sole for better grip. You could always order online...
(http://www.kicksonfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/nike-sb-spring-dunk-high-sole.jpg)
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just get some classics
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They just revamped the dunks sole for better grip. You could always order online...
That does look better than the one's i saw in the shop. Online wasn't an option b/c i needed them ASAP, Plus I shop local whenever possible.
just get some classics
Somehow they had no classics at all...which I found Odd. I ended up with a pair of Bruin's I wasn't too stoaked on. They'll do for now. I suppose.
-mattyc
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Probably should move this in the shoe thread.
On a side note, Nike needs to slow down on producing so much bullshit colorways every month. The niche that Nike had back in the days was the limited amounts of sneakers they put out. I am sure I could be wrong but I feel like there was more thought into releasing certain shoes back in the hay day, whether it was for the sneaker collectors or the average skaters. At least go back to releasing shoes every season like your average skate/shoe company. I guess it wouldn't make sense money wise for Nike though.
nike's big thing is the limited edition aspect of all their shoes
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you don't have to sign off everytime you comment.
- thepman.
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you don't have to sign off everytime you comment.
- thepman.
No idea what you're talking about. I haven't logged out....ever.
-mattyc
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Get some Janoski's
-BT
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never had a problem with my nikes. but i've never skated p-rods. i would say two months is a extremly long life for � pair of skate shoes!
zoom fb's are up next for me, looking forward to it!
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Get some Janoski's
-BT
are those actually that durable? ive heard that they are all hype but then ive heard that there the best
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you don't have to sign off everytime you comment.
- thepman.
No idea what you're talking about. I haven't logged out....ever.
-mattyc
oh wow
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Probably should move this in the shoe thread.
On a side note, Nike needs to slow down on producing so much bullshit colorways every month. The niche that Nike had back in the days was the limited amounts of sneakers they put out. I am sure I could be wrong but I feel like there was more thought into releasing certain shoes back in the hay day, whether it was for the sneaker collectors or the average skaters. At least go back to releasing shoes every season like your average skate/shoe company. I guess it wouldn't make sense money wise for Nike though.
nike's big thing is the limited edition aspect of all their shoes
And that is what I mean. Nike's are hardly limited anymore and they make way more shoes then companies like Lakai and Emerica. Plus limited edition shoes are not where it's at no more. If you notice even companies like Jordan, they are releasing tons of old shoes to feed the buyers out there. Nike SB lost their lack luster because of that. They can literally just put out shit on a monthly basis because they know it will sell like hot cakes.
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salazars are blowing my mind right now
Same, I won a pair and that was the only way id ever skate Nike but these are so good! Ive been trying to make these last with shoe goo for as long as possible, now they look like the biggest pieces of shit but they skate so nice!
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So many kids round here love the janoskis. But the main dude I knw who loves em has some seperation in the toe stitching area on top of your foot and he hasn't been skatin em for that long... Just get some ?S =)
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Probably should move this in the shoe thread.
On a side note, Nike needs to slow down on producing so much bullshit colorways every month. The niche that Nike had back in the days was the limited amounts of sneakers they put out. I am sure I could be wrong but I feel like there was more thought into releasing certain shoes back in the hay day, whether it was for the sneaker collectors or the average skaters. At least go back to releasing shoes every season like your average skate/shoe company. I guess it wouldn't make sense money wise for Nike though.
nike's big thing is the limited edition aspect of all their shoes
I don't disagree with you that the colorways are dumb, but why would you be saying that they should stop doing it....when you also say that whatever they produce month to month will sell like hotcakes (ie makes them money).
-mattyc
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never had a problem with my nikes. but i've never skated p-rods. i would say two months is a extremly long life for � pair of skate shoes!
zoom fb's are up next for me, looking forward to it!
I literally only skate in my skate shoes...so the soles don't get worn down by normal walking stuff. Then I skate them till the lack of tread starts getting in the way of skating. Usually that's at least 4 months. These still had ton's of tread, but the tocap blew out b/c of shitty design.
-mattyc
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you don't have to sign off everytime you comment.
- thepman.
No idea what you're talking about. I haven't logged out....ever.
-mattyc
lol
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i like how salazars look
and you're a complete fag
- anti hero
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Probably should move this in the shoe thread.
On a side note, Nike needs to slow down on producing so much bullshit colorways every month. The niche that Nike had back in the days was the limited amounts of sneakers they put out. I am sure I could be wrong but I feel like there was more thought into releasing certain shoes back in the hay day, whether it was for the sneaker collectors or the average skaters. At least go back to releasing shoes every season like your average skate/shoe company. I guess it wouldn't make sense money wise for Nike though.
nike's big thing is the limited edition aspect of all their shoes
I don't disagree with you that the colorways are dumb, but why would you be saying that they should stop doing it....when you also say that whatever they produce month to month will sell like hotcakes (ie makes them money).
-mattyc
I guess I am just speaking on my own personal preference. I haven't bought a Nike SB shoe in ages and even people that I knew that bought SBs also stopped as well. There is just nothing special about them, but Nike does what it needs to stay in business and appeasing someone like me is pretty much regular.
And look at Adidas. They come out seasonal, make good colorways, have dope shoes and they still sell like crazy. They're pretty much what Nike SB used to be....in a small way anyways.
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Probably should move this in the shoe thread.
On a side note, Nike needs to slow down on producing so much bullshit colorways every month. The niche that Nike had back in the days was the limited amounts of sneakers they put out. I am sure I could be wrong but I feel like there was more thought into releasing certain shoes back in the hay day, whether it was for the sneaker collectors or the average skaters. At least go back to releasing shoes every season like your average skate/shoe company. I guess it wouldn't make sense money wise for Nike though.
nike's big thing is the limited edition aspect of all their shoes
I don't disagree with you that the colorways are dumb, but why would you be saying that they should stop doing it....when you also say that whatever they produce month to month will sell like hotcakes (ie makes them money).
-mattyc
I guess I am just speaking on my own personal preference. I haven't bought a Nike SB shoe in ages and even people that I knew that bought SBs also stopped as well. There is just nothing special about them, but Nike does what it needs to stay in business and appeasing someone like me is pretty much regular.
And look at Adidas. They come out seasonal, make good colorways, have dope shoes and they still sell like crazy. They're pretty much what Nike SB used to be....in a small way anyways.
I wasn't into SB's for a while...then I put on a pair of P-rod's and they felt awesome. Like they were already broken in. SB's are the only skateshoes I've ever owned (other than a random pair of adio's i got years ago) that I haven't had to replace the insoles.
-mattyc
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I love this thread ;D
-DMS
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I haven't skate a single pair of nikes in my life
too expensive and hard to find in my country
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you just bought the wrong pair...dunks and blazers look pretty damn durable. the prod vulc shit is of course going to be less durable than his previous cupsole models. this goes for pretty much any brand.
also, the prod shoe is not aimed at the sneaker head. selling a prod is like 1/40th of any other nike sales at the shop i work at. the sneaker heads want dunks. the sale wall wants prods.
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Nike "quality" has been going downhill for years. Pretty much everything in the world has though. I would never buy a house that was built in recent years, at least around my way.
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you just bought the wrong pair...dunks and blazers look pretty damn durable. the prod vulc shit is of course going to be less durable than his previous cupsole models. this goes for pretty much any brand.
also, the prod shoe is not aimed at the sneaker head. selling a prod is like 1/40th of any other nike sales at the shop i work at. the sneaker heads want dunks. the sale wall wants prods.
the 3's (which are cup soles) were the one's that tore up super fast due to the lack of a second toecap layer. The 2's lasted nearly twice as long simply because of the double layered toecap. The switch to the less durable vulc type, and the skimping on excess materials (like 2 toecap layers) is why I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a decline in the quality of SB's.
I'd still skate the shit out of 3's. They were super comfortable....and I could superglue the toecap stitching to keep it from pac manning on me before the soles were worn out. Only problem is they don't make them anymore.
-mattyc
-mattyc
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(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb178/rotationstation/justdoit.jpg)
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was it two months ya say?
sounds about right for most shoes
especially my favorite ones
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you just bought the wrong pair...dunks and blazers look pretty damn durable. the prod vulc shit is of course going to be less durable than his previous cupsole models. this goes for pretty much any brand.
also, the prod shoe is not aimed at the sneaker head. selling a prod is like 1/40th of any other nike sales at the shop i work at. the sneaker heads want dunks. the sale wall wants prods.
the 3's (which are cup soles) were the one's that tore up super fast due to the lack of a second toecap layer. The 2's lasted nearly twice as long simply because of the double layered toecap. The switch to the less durable vulc type, and the skimping on excess materials (like 2 toecap layers) is why I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a decline in the quality of SB's.
I'd still skate the shit out of 3's. They were super comfortable....and I could superglue the toecap stitching to keep it from pac manning on me before the soles were worn out. Only problem is they don't make them anymore.
-mattyc
-mattyc
Questioning the quality of an entire footwear brand based off your experience with one shoe model in an uncontrolled environment seems a bit off base. Was it the summer or winter? We're you skating daily or weekly?Do you do a lot of flip tricks?We're you not with the other pairs?Do you wear other shoes around and then only skate in these or are they worn everywhere?So many other things attribute to a shoes durability,it seems odd to expect the exact same performance out of a completely different shoe that's being used in a similar manner but with a multitude of variables. If you skated only prod 2's and then they started exploding on you in a week or so I'd say you had a valid concern. Plus maybe you progressed, and it shows in how long your shoes last.The product isn't always to blame, it's all in how you use it.
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better late than never
(http://www.proof7.com/p7nyc/images/fuck_nike_king-thumb.jpg)
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i wanna get some of the new dunks but theyre so expensive
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funny you should post this. i feel my bruins i am skating currently are wearing out faster than my last pair, which i had maybe a year and a half ago.
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Questioning the quality of an entire footwear brand based off your experience with one shoe model in an uncontrolled environment seems a bit off base. Was it the summer or winter? We're you skating daily or weekly?Do you do a lot of flip tricks?We're you not with the other pairs?Do you wear other shoes around and then only skate in these or are they worn everywhere?So many other things attribute to a shoes durability,it seems odd to expect the exact same performance out of a completely different shoe that's being used in a similar manner but with a multitude of variables. If you skated only prod 2's and then they started exploding on you in a week or so I'd say you had a valid concern. Plus maybe you progressed, and it shows in how long your shoes last.The product isn't always to blame, it's all in how you use it.
I agree that basing an assumption based off of experience with one model of shoe in an uncontrolled environment is off base, but that's not exactly what I was doing. I was posting my experience to see if anyone else had similar experience with the brand. All of your questions are totally valid and but I'd ruled most of those variables out. I'm in my late 20's and only get to skate 1-3 times a week for 2-4 hours a session, so skate shoes/decks/etc can last a while for me since I haven't had time to do the skate every day thing since high school. This also means, progression doesn't happen all that quickly. My skating habits haven't changed much over the past 7 years since I started whole the 9-5 work routine. I also have a shoe graveyard that streches back a couple years, so I know exactly how my skating tears up shoes. If you look at the wear of this particular pair of prod 3's compared to the wear on the previous pair of shoes i skated (prod 2's) there's a significant difference in the amount of wear. Simply put: I skated this pair of shoes (prod3's) for half as long as skate shoes usually last me, and the kickflip/ollie areas have about 4 times as much wear as my previous pair of skate shoes (prod2's). I think it's fairly reasonable to expect the newer version of the same model shoe to last about the same amount of time as it's predecessor.
-mattyc
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i wanna get some of the new dunks but theyre so god damn expensive
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(http://www.dontdoitarmy.com/images/menu_r1_c1.gif)
(http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy49/chillout227/justdoit.png?t=1298951467)
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I have a pair of Janoskis now, they skate super well, but dont hold up. I heard they are going to bring back the Air Harbors. I really hope they do because they skated very well, and hold up.
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Somehow they had no classics at all...which I found Odd. I ended up with a pair of Bruin's I wasn't too stoaked on. They'll do for now. I suppose.
-mattyc
if you were upset about all the cup/vulc hybrids because you don't like vulcs...why did you buy one of Nike SB's thinnest vulc models?
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Somehow they had no classics at all...which I found Odd. I ended up with a pair of Bruin's I wasn't too stoaked on. They'll do for now. I suppose.
-mattyc
if you were upset about all the cup/vulc hybrids because you don't like vulcs...why did you buy one of Nike SB's thinnest vulc models?
Awesome, thanks for pointing out how much of an idiot I am. I totally thought these bruin's were the hybrid crap, but you're totally right, they are full vulc. After I tried on the Prod 4's and realizing they were a hybrid and they weren't comfortable at all. I told the guy at the shop i wanted to try on all the SB Cups, so I assumed everything he was bringing me was what nike was classifying as cup. Looks like the guy just didn't realize they were vulc and I just assumed they were hybrid, since they totally looked vucl. After internet searching it looks like the Prod 4's and the blazer cupsoles are the one's i tried on that were the hybrids.
-mattyc
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i wanna get some of the new dunks but theyre so god damn expensive
dunk lows are $83, mids $87, and highs are $93. But those are for a non-premium pair
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Let's ask google
(http://www.onedigitallife.com/images/nike_ad.jpg)
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free shane o'neill!
-NowhwereInLife
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the first sbs i had were thje newsprint blazer low and they lasted forever i even skated em yesterday. if i could get a pair of blazers nowadays i would know for sure if the quality had changed.
i did have a pair of classics recently and they were garbage, mostly due to the material that composed the actual shoe. they felt like some rice paper kinda sides or something, combine that with the super thin and cheasy insole and they were total garbage.
and i totally know what your sayin about the p rod 3, my brother got the normal black/red/whites and they look like theyd be really durable, but something they did in the toe causes them to rip up really fast. as far as i can tell though the sole on that shoe is really good.
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Somehow they had no classics at all...which I found Odd. I ended up with a pair of Bruin's I wasn't too stoaked on. They'll do for now. I suppose.
-mattyc
if you were upset about all the cup/vulc hybrids because you don't like vulcs...why did you buy one of Nike SB's thinnest vulc models?
Awesome, thanks for pointing out how much of an idiot I am. I totally thought these bruin's were the hybrid crap, but you're totally right, they are full vulc. After I tried on the Prod 4's and realizing they were a hybrid and they weren't comfortable at all. I told the guy at the shop i wanted to try on all the SB Cups, so I assumed everything he was bringing me was what nike was classifying as cup. Looks like the guy just didn't realize they were vulc and I just assumed they were hybrid, since they totally looked vucl. After internet searching it looks like the Prod 4's and the blazer cupsoles are the one's i tried on that were the hybrids.
-mattyc
I mean honestly next time I'd recommend getting the blazer low or mid CS, if you're hell bent on sticking with SB and cupsoles. They skate about as well as regular blazers, but last a little longer because of the cupsole. But personally I'd just switch brands if I were you. I got the emerica G-Code and that's probably my favorite cupsole shoe. Or just wait for the new Manchester XLK's, those are bound to be nice.
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its because they want you to buy more shoes but this isn't just nike, this is every skate shoe company out there.
why make a shoe that will last forever when theres no money in it? could you imagine a car company making an automobile that never breaks down? why would you ever need to buy another one then?
the worse they make them, the more often you'll buy them. most companies have figured out that its better to spend money on advertising to build up their brand name/recognition rather than producing a quality product. this formula has been working for a long time, not just for shoes but in everything we consume.
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its because they want you to buy more shoes but this isn't just nike, this is every skate shoe company out there.?
why make a shoe that will last forever when theres no money in it?? could you imagine a car company making an automobile that never breaks down?? why would you ever need to buy another one then?? ? ?
the worse they make them, the more often you'll buy them.? most companies have figured out that its better to spend money on advertising to build up their brand name/recognition rather than producing a quality product.? this formula has been working for a long time, not just for shoes but in everything we consume.? ? ? ?
? ? ?
hence why there are loads of shoes at the moment that have soles about 10mm thick and canvas uppers, been waiting for the gravis dylan slip in suede for ages the canvas just dont last
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I mean honestly next time I'd recommend getting the blazer low or mid CS, if you're hell bent on sticking with SB and cupsoles. They skate about as well as regular blazers, but last a little longer because of the cupsole. But personally I'd just switch brands if I were you. I got the emerica G-Code and that's probably my favorite cupsole shoe. Or just wait for the new Manchester XLK's, those are bound to be nice.
The only thing that keeps me wanting to stick with nike cupsole is the airzoom. That's what makes them super comfortable. I'm pretty sure the blazer cupsoles aren't airzoom.
-mattyc
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'Es and DC both make shoes with impact gel and airbags in the heels. I know those brands aren't "hip" among the skinny jean crowd that makes up skaters today but whatever. At least they're making some shoes with padding and impact support, triple stitching, and double/triple layered ollie areas. You can also improve any shoe by spending ~$20-30 on a pair of better insoles.
It doesn't surprise me that Nike skate shoes aren't the most durable or that the quality has gone down since they were introduced. In other sports, like running or basketball, Nikes have been known as shoes that wear out fast and are kinda cheaply made.
I've never had a pair of SBs because I just started skating again and they didn't even exist when I last skated. The only models I would even seriously consider are the Salazars and the Zoom Tres (discontinued). Dunks seem okay and the new Kostons might be good (or not). Personally I don't know why everyone thinks the Janoskis are so great...they look like wannabe boat shoes and the thin, floppy design can't be that comfortable.
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I don't know why everyone thinks the Janoskis are so great...they look like wannabe boat shoes
hahahaha. Yes. exactly.
-mattyc
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janoski materials/quality seem to be getting better as time goes on. take for example how flimsy the burgundy pair were from last year to the brown rattan this year. janoskis are the only sbs i skate, but from what i know, quality is still great
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Janoski's feel pretty good to skate in. I like the Omar's a lot though. Never thought that was an ugly shoe. My only small issue with them is the toe seems to deform pretty fast. Most durable Nike's I've ever gotten. Janoski's last a week or two of skating every day. Omar's lasted a little over a month and still had a little life in them. Nike's quality today, as poor as it may be, is still way above any of sole tech shoe's I've skated (Leo's and Hsu's).
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Janoski's feel pretty good to skate in. I like the Omar's a lot though. Never thought that was an ugly shoe. My only small issue with them is the toe seems to deform pretty fast. Most durable Nike's I've ever gotten. Janoski's last a week or two of skating every day. Omar's lasted a little over a month and still had a little life in them. Nike's quality today, as poor as it may be, is still way above any of sole tech shoe's I've skated (Leo's and Hsu's).
if you get nikes "tech shoes" they tend to be a bit bulky but they last a really long time.
if you get nikes "fashion shoes", they ain't lasting for shit. comfortable yes, durable no.
and though its harsh, i have to agree with your last statement. i like almost every rider under the sole tech umbrella but their shoes don't last at all, not even as chillin shoes, its a shame.
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I want to like sole tech. I've skated probably 10 pairs of Hsu's and they all fell apart quickly. Sole pealed off and all sorts of weird shit that normally doesn't happen to the shoes I skate. I went through a pair of Leo's in two days just skating flat ground, but those were meant to be flimsy shoes so I'm not surprised.
I might be the only dude on the planet that liked the Nike E-Cues. Boardfeel wasn't the best but you could skate a pair of those for ever, and since they were unpopular, you could usually score them for 30-40 bucks a pair at shops.
(http://defekt.se/media/2011/01/ecue.jpg)
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I want to like sole tech. I've skated probably 10 pairs of Hsu's and they all fell apart quickly. Sole pealed off and all sorts of weird shit that normally doesn't happen to the shoes I skate. I went through a pair of Leo's in two days just skating flat ground, but those were meant to be flimsy shoes so I'm not surprised.
I might be the only dude on the planet that liked the Nike E-Cues. Boardfeel wasn't the best but you could skate a pair of those for ever, and since they were unpopular, you could usually score them for 30-40 bucks a pair at shops.
(http://defekt.se/media/2011/01/ecue.jpg)
you are not alone my friend. i've skated at least 6 pairs of e-cue/urls and i loved each and every pair.
the biggest problem was breaking them in because the rubber mesh was so tough but once you broke them in they were great.
i've looked around but haven't seen them anywhere otherwise i'd scoop them all up.
oddly, i have the original test samples of these shoes sitting in my apartment....
(http://i55.tinypic.com/14wvyg1.jpg)
notice theres no nike logo on the shoe whatsoever. no way to tell but the mesh was originally thin and flexible so they could see how the shoe would wear out.
(http://i52.tinypic.com/xlwdnn.jpg)
inside was the only place "nike" was stamped....not for resale son!
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If you haven't tried Sole Tech cupsoles from the 90s then you don't really know what made people want to skate them in the first place. Unfortunately a lot of the shoes they are doing now are vulcs or very thin cupsoles.
I'm skating a pair of these Sagas now, and they seem to be fairly durable. The sole is a bit thinner than I would like though...probably not as good as what 'eS was doing in the 90s. I really wish they'd go back to tech shoes and make the cupsoles just a little thicker.
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If you haven't tried Sole Tech cupsoles from the 90s then you don't really know what made people want to skate them in the first place. Unfortunately a lot of the shoes they are doing now are vulcs or very thin cupsoles.
I'm skating a pair of these Sagas now, and they seem to be fairly durable. The sole is a bit thinner than I would like though...probably not as good as what 'eS was doing in the 90s. I really wish they'd go back to tech shoes and make the cupsoles just a little thicker.
I've skated many a pair of ?s accels, but I always had to get insoles for them b/c the insoles sucked. My favorite SoleTech shoe was the OG SLB 23's. In High school I use to tell people they were the new jordan's. The re-release on etnies a few years back was also really good...but then they discontinued them again. The new ones that the re-re-realeased are "lifestyle" whatever that means.
-mattyc
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Nike's have always been good purchases, haven't had any problems with them.
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STI insoles are pretty thin these days...I think it's a concession to the whole "boardfeel" obsession these days. No big deal, most of the insoles are removable and you can put any insoles you like in there. I just got Sof Soles for mine and they seem to be a bit better.
The old Sals were a favorite of mine too. I had at least 2 pairs of them back in the mid 90s. Everyone was skating those shoes then. I missed the boat on the reissued ones...they looked to be slimmed up compared to the old puffy OGs. I really wish they'd reissue the SLB high tops too.
I also liked the old Etnies Screws a lot, can't get those anymore either.
Accels were sort of like an update version of the old Etnies Rap lowtops. Sadly, Accels are about all that remains of the old Etnies lineup.
I've skated many a pair of ?s accels, but I always had to get insoles for them b/c the insoles sucked. My favorite SoleTech shoe was the OG SLB 23's. In High school I use to tell people they were the new jordan's. The re-release on etnies a few years back was also really good...but then they discontinued them again. The new ones that the re-re-realeased are "lifestyle" whatever that means.
-mattyc
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If you haven't tried Sole Tech cupsoles from the 90s then you don't really know what made people want to skate them in the first place. Unfortunately a lot of the shoes they are doing now are vulcs or very thin cupsoles.
I'm skating a pair of these Sagas now, and they seem to be fairly durable. The sole is a bit thinner than I would like though...probably not as good as what 'eS was doing in the 90s. I really wish they'd go back to tech shoes and make the cupsoles just a little thicker.
I should try some of the cupsoles from sole tech to see if they flake apart as bad. I used to skate the 'es Creagers, Quattros, Koston 1, Koston 3, Accels, ...every kind of 'es shoe I could get in the sale pile.
Damn faster, how'd you come by those? Pretty sick! Im going to buy a pair of the denim ecues this week just for a keepsake.
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I missed the boat on the reissued ones...they looked to be slimmed up compared to the old puffy OGs. I really wish they'd reissue the SLB high tops too.
The original re-issue were virtually identical to the original, except being under the etnies label instead of the 'es label. Also the SLB logo on the sheild on the original re-issues weren't that crazy puffy rubber thing. The new re-re-issue are super trimmed down on padding (no puffy tonge) and don't have a good tread patter. Those other SLB's were tight and should get re-issued, but I thought they were mids, and not hi's.
-mattyc
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Damn faster, how'd you come by those? Pretty sick! Im going to buy a pair of the denim ecues this week just for a keepsake.
i don't like dropping names so i'll just say they got left at my crib.
i saw those demin e-cues on ebay as well as few others, i just wish i had bigger feet.
speaking of 'es, i'm a sucker for those square ones. if i see them on sale i almost always buy them. they're a bit on the heavy side and the sole doesn't last very long but i still like them.
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Matt,
The first Sal 23 low tops were Etnies, not 'eS. I had pairs of both. The main differences were the logo on the tongue, the sole tread pattern, and the 'eS versions had these weird gel heel things that were glued to the insoles. The glue on the heel gel things wasn't very good and they would end up slipping around so I just took them out.
Yeah, mid top/high top...anything that's not a low top is basically the same to me because I mostly wear/have worn low tops. But I'll probably wear more mids/his in the future because I could use the extra ankle support.
See link from an old CCS catalog:
(http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/724/ccs6.jpg) (http://img51.imageshack.us/i/ccs6.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
The original re-issue were virtually identical to the original, except being under the etnies label instead of the 'es label. Also the SLB logo on the sheild on the original re-issues weren't that crazy puffy rubber thing. The new re-re-issue are super trimmed down on padding (no puffy tonge) and don't have a good tread patter. Those other SLB's were tight and should get re-issued, but I thought they were mids, and not hi's.
-mattyc
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Matt,
The first Sal 23 low tops were Etnies, not 'eS. I had pairs of both. The main differences were the logo on the tongue, the sole tread pattern, and the 'eS versions had these weird gel heel things that were glued to the insoles. The glue on the heel gel things wasn't very good and they would end up slipping around so I just took them out.
Yeah, mid top/high top...anything that's not a low top is basically the same to me because I mostly wear/have worn low tops. But I'll probably wear more mids/his in the future because I could use the extra ankle support.
See link from an old CCS catalog:
(http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/724/ccs6.jpg) (http://img51.imageshack.us/i/ccs6.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
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The original re-issue were virtually identical to the original, except being under the etnies label instead of the 'es label. Also the SLB logo on the sheild on the original re-issues weren't that crazy puffy rubber thing. The new re-re-issue are super trimmed down on padding (no puffy tonge) and don't have a good tread patter. Those other SLB's were tight and should get re-issued, but I thought they were mids, and not hi's.
-mattyc
Man, I'm pretty sure I remember the SLB's being one of the very first of the 'es line. What year was that link from, b/c 'es official website claims (like i was remembering) that they the 23 was launched in 95 on es'
http://esskateboarding.com/blog/2005/07/21/1995es-footwear-launches/ (http://esskateboarding.com/blog/2005/07/21/1995es-footwear-launches/)
-mattyc
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Speaking of Nike, how is the durability of Janoskis compared to some Vans Chukkas or AV6 ??
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I'm not sure when the catalog page came out '94 maybe? I got it from this web page:
http://thehundreds.com/blog/uncategorized/back-in-the-day-when-i-was-a-teenager/ (http://thehundreds.com/blog/uncategorized/back-in-the-day-when-i-was-a-teenager/)
I started skating in '94 and I distinctly remember getting Etnies Sal 23s as my third pair of skate shoes (first two pairs were Vans old schools and Airwalk Tony Hawks). My younger brother got the same exact pair as me when I got my Sals, black Etnies Sal 23s. I even remember the skateshop where I got them because it was the only legit shop in town at the time.
After my black Etnies Sal 23s wore out, you couldn't get them anymore and the skateshop had the new 'eS versions of them. I got the white 'eS ones then. They were one of the first 'eS shoes, but that model just came out on Etnies first. I can promise you that. Anyway, if you need more proof, I'm pretty sure you can see dudes skating them in Second Hand Smoke, and that video came out in '94. I'm sure you can find more proof in old mags, or just ask older skaters, or contact Sal himself.
Just found this Sal Ad from '94...
http://skate.ly/library/ads/etnies-sal-barbier-1994 (http://skate.ly/library/ads/etnies-sal-barbier-1994)
This webpage also has them listed under the 1994 section of the history thing:
http://etnies.com/history/ (http://etnies.com/history/)
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I'm not sure when the catalog page came out '94 maybe? I got it from this web page:
http://thehundreds.com/blog/uncategorized/back-in-the-day-when-i-was-a-teenager/ (http://thehundreds.com/blog/uncategorized/back-in-the-day-when-i-was-a-teenager/)
I started skating in '94 and I distinctly remember getting Etnies Sal 23s as my third pair of skate shoes (first two pairs were Vans old schools and Airwalk Tony Hawks). My younger brother got the same exact pair as me when I got my Sals, black Etnies Sal 23s. I even remember the skateshop where I got them because it was the only legit shop in town at the time.
After my black Etnies Sal 23s wore out, you couldn't get them anymore and the skateshop had the new 'eS versions of them. I got the white 'eS ones then. They were one of the first 'eS shoes, but that model just came out on Etnies first. I can promise you that. Anyway, if you need more proof, I'm pretty sure you can see dudes skating them in Second Hand Smoke, and that video came out in '94. I'm sure you can find more proof in old mags, or just ask older skaters, or contact Sal himself.
Just found this Sal Ad from '94...
http://skate.ly/library/ads/etnies-sal-barbier-1994 (http://skate.ly/library/ads/etnies-sal-barbier-1994)
This webpage also has them listed under the 1994 section of the history thing:
http://etnies.com/history/ (http://etnies.com/history/)
Ah... looks like I just wasn't around for the original issue of them. I didn't start skating till 95, and I didn't them till the 'es line started. I remember getting california skate express or CSS and seeing them in there. Then my friend got the SLB mids, and they were tight. I also didn't see SHS till 95, but I do remember that shoe being everywhere in that video. Thanks for the correction.
-mattyc
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(http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/724/ccs6.jpg) (http://img51.imageshack.us/i/ccs6.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
all of those shoes > anything out today
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When the Sal low tops were released by eS they had the eS logo instead of the 23, or at least the pairs i had did.
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I have a pair of Janoskis now, they skate super well, but dont hold up. I heard they are going to bring back the Air Harbors. I really hope they do because they skated very well, and hold up.
really, i heard that too, i always liked how the harbors looked, but never got any. hopefully if the do bring them back they add some more shit on to it so there even better, and not make them too expensive
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you don't have to sign off everytime you comment.
- thepman.
No idea what you're talking about. I haven't logged out....ever.
-mattyc
oh wow
(http://scienceblogs.com/guiltyplanet/Shame.jpg)
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you don't have to sign off everytime you comment.
- thepman.
No idea what you're talking about. I haven't logged out....ever.
-mattyc
oh wow
(http://scienceblogs.com/guiltyplanet/Shame.jpg)
now i'm starting to doubt what actually happened here.
-NowHereInLife
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A note on being a noobie. I've been a lurker here for a few years, But haven't ever posted. I tried joining once but never got my verification email. When I tried to sign up today, i found out that my initial registration did in fact go through, I just never got the email. That said. I know there's a hesitancy to comment on posters who aren't part of the actual community of users, b/c 90% don't post more than a couple times...and usually on their own threads, and they never actually try to be a part of the community. Just want to say that I'm not going to be like that. I'll actually stick around and be part of the community.
-mattyc
Pick up a pair of Zoom FP's. They seem indestructible.