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Skateboarding => Skate Questions => Topic started by: Space Cowboy on January 07, 2021, 12:00:00 PM

Title: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Space Cowboy on January 07, 2021, 12:00:00 PM
Usually the Cup sole or Vulcanized sole is a matter of opinion, but honestly, I've been swapping between both and can't feel any difference between them. I don't know if it's because I skate rails more than flat ground and tech or something. I'm curious why people prefer one or the other, and the difference noticed between them by other skaters.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mr. Stinky on January 07, 2021, 06:24:59 PM
Wait until you’re over 35 and it will all become clearer.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: LordManHammer on January 07, 2021, 08:08:30 PM
I try to get cupsoles if they’re on sale or a score at Ross..... lately

 I’ve been just getting Vulcanized because it’s all I can get.

My biggest complaint about vulk shoes are the separation between the rubber and the outer rubber layer.

Cupsole’s hold up well but the flaws are they’re kinda stiff by the time they break in they’re beat feeling.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: doomstation55 on January 07, 2021, 08:50:51 PM
No matter how many times I try cupsoles I can never get enough boardfeel. I picked up a pair of crockett his so maybe that will change my tune, until then I'll stick to vulcs.

This may be entirely due to effects of MS and me not having as much feeling in my right foot anymore, particularly in summer months when it's hot out (but I'm only able to skate for ~30 mins if it's that bad out anyway).
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: j....soy..... on January 07, 2021, 10:49:17 PM
I've kinda noticed some strange nuances about skating the Tyshawns/vulc....board feel sucks but you don't need to be as precise, like kickflips feel like my feet aren't set right, but it does matter because you can really force your foot.  Plus they don't flex out or give when you're flicking or moving them around.  I guess I just never thought that more support would lead to something equally as responsive.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: rocklobster on January 07, 2021, 10:55:49 PM
Vulc and haven't looked back since, but my feet scream in pain every night when I got to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Vulcs feel a little too grippy at the start but by the end of the first session they've reached the sweet spot of grip and flick.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: NORTHBYMIDWEST on January 08, 2021, 03:30:06 AM
I kinda go back and forth with cup and vulc shoes. I prefer the way cup soles look and the better protection you get but I love the board feel and flexibility you get with a vulcanized shoe. I've been wearing Half Cab pros for a while now and don't see that changing unless Nike makes Dunks more obtainable again.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: sbmfj on January 08, 2021, 05:29:58 AM
Cup all the way. Cant stand vulcanized or Vans.

Nike SB Team Classic has been a cup sole model Ive skate, had maybe 5-6 pairs, good but wear down really quickly. Loved the NB 288. Bought some 288s and some 440s for the spring. No more Nikes for now, wear down to quicky, however they skate quite well.


Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mbrimson88 on January 08, 2021, 06:28:14 AM
I am the opposite, so only Vans vulc soles all the way, mainly because I can manipulate them from new to fit and hold my busted old feet and ankles exactly how I need them, without my ankles rolling inwards.

Cupsoles and normal work boots often make my ankles roll in and if I am in them too long, I am not going anywhere in a hurry for a while afterwards.

There are probably lots of things I could be doing or buying expensive insoles or seeing doctors, but an angle grinder and some cardboard is all I need to make any new pair of shoes pretty much perfect within five minutes out of the box for every single session until they are retired and I set up a new pair.

Good quality insoles is definitely a plus though.  Having insoles that don't work for you is also a foot killer.

Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: NORTHBYMIDWEST on January 08, 2021, 06:35:33 AM
I am the opposite, so only Vans vulc soles all the way, mainly because I can manipulate them from new to fit and hold my busted old feet and ankles exactly how I need them, without my ankles rolling inwards.

Cupsoles and normal work boots often make my ankles roll in and if I am in them too long, I am not going anywhere in a hurry for a while afterwards.

There are probably lots of things I could be doing or buying expensive insoles or seeing doctors, but an angle grinder and some cardboard is all I need to make any new pair of shoes pretty much perfect within five minutes out of the box for every single session until they are retired and I set up a new pair.

Good quality insoles is definitely a plus though.  Having insoles that don't work for you is also a foot killer.

Curious about the angle grinder......
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mbrimson88 on January 08, 2021, 08:30:17 AM

Curious about the angle grinder......

I put the shoe in a bench jam (like a vice) with the sole up, then grind off about 2mm of the white vulc trim all round not really touching the gum, but take off a bit more (maybe 5mm and some gum) on the outside edge and round the toe, so the shoe feels super rounded and "well skated" but the gum sole is still unworn in the main area.

People are often horrified when I try to explain it to them, but almost always when they try the shoe on, they understand how nicely worn in it is.

Cardboard to shape an "orthotic" heel piece that goes under the pro insole I put in, cut and folded to sit higher on the inner side and raise the whole heel a bit more than the toe, as the insole is fairly flat.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: NORTHBYMIDWEST on January 08, 2021, 11:24:46 AM
Expand Quote

Curious about the angle grinder......
[close]

I put the shoe in a bench jam (like a vice) with the sole up, then grind off about 2mm of the white vulc trim all round not really touching the gum, but take off a bit more (maybe 5mm and some gum) on the outside edge and round the toe, so the shoe feels super rounded and "well skated" but the gum sole is still unworn in the main area.

People are often horrified when I try to explain it to them, but almost always when they try the shoe on, they understand how nicely worn in it is.

Cardboard to shape an "orthotic" heel piece that goes under the pro insole I put in, cut and folded to sit higher on the inner side and raise the whole heel a bit more than the toe, as the insole is fairly flat.

Pretty interesting, makes sense but I would have never thought to try that haha
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: codymacfan on January 08, 2021, 02:08:04 PM
Back when STI was putting System G2 impact gel in everything, I would 100% say cupsoles are my favorites. The Emerica Herman G6 was my favorite shoe of all time. These days, insoles in every shoe are much better and some vulcs feel as stable as cupsoles. I've also skated newer cupsoles that felt thinner than vulcs I've skated before. Overall, I'm probably still a cupsole guy because of the easier flicking.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Surf The Earth on January 08, 2021, 02:13:43 PM
Always been a Vulc guy, but these new Crockett Hi's I just bought got me thinking that might be no longer be the case
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mesteezo on January 08, 2021, 02:58:51 PM
I can't skate vulcs because they give me serious metatarsalgia. Cupsoles feel like pillows for the feet and knees.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mbrimson88 on January 08, 2021, 07:16:21 PM
Always been a Vulc guy, but these new Crockett Hi's I just bought got me thinking that might be no longer be the case

Aren't they the "wafflecup" sole, so actually a cup sole made with the waffle sole grip.  I have never cut any up to check, but that is how they are marketed.

Best of both worlds, apparently.

Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: j....soy..... on January 08, 2021, 11:01:49 PM
Angle grinder makes sense a brand new pair of halfcabs with those sharp sidewalls seems like an accident waiting to happen.....

Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: The real veganshawn on January 12, 2021, 05:13:33 PM
Currently skating cupsole that feel like vulc. I had plantar fasciitis and couldn't skate vulc for almost a year, now I use extra insoles if I skate vulc.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: SneakySecrets on January 13, 2021, 03:40:56 AM
Cupsoles: Boil for 5 minutes, bury in clay for a week, belt sander, rinse and then tumble dry.

Vulc: Toaster oven on medium for 3 minutes/start to smell fumes, freezer overnight, give both a little kiss, tumble dry.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: lazer69 on January 13, 2021, 08:53:54 PM
I skated vulc for years before I got back into cup soles. I usually wear my shoes for at least 3 weeks before I skate them and they are good to go. After 1 skate sesh theyre set. I feel less impact which helps with my bad ankles. I still will skate some vulcs though since either way i stay low impact.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Space Cowboy on January 14, 2021, 02:33:44 PM
Cupsoles: Boil for 5 minutes, bury in clay for a week, belt sander, rinse and then tumble dry.

Vulc: Toaster oven on medium for 3 minutes/start to smell fumes, freezer overnight, give both a little kiss, tumble dry.

Thank you so much I needed this, how long do you let the Vulc thaw for before tumble dry?
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Skatebeard on January 15, 2021, 01:52:24 AM
I've got very flat feet and wobbly ankles, so cupsole every time for me personally. Being a bit older I appreciate the extra cushioning and general support.

I would take staying injury free and supported over board feel any day of the week, i've had vulcs as casual shoes in the past and even walking around for a few hours isn't a particularly enjoyable experience!

I have noticed a big difference between the leather and suede versions of the same cupsoles though (I've skated three pairs of DC Maswell back to back, two suede and one leather), leather definately stay stiffer for longer, and last longer, but I like the way suede cupsoles soften up after a few weeks of use...down side there is they tend to blow out on the toes quicker than leather.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: fs1/2cab on January 15, 2021, 11:08:29 AM
A few weeks ago I walked around for 4 hours with vulc shoes, my hip hurt so bad I had to sit around for a while before I could continue to walk. Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mbrimson88 on January 15, 2021, 04:10:49 PM
A few weeks ago I walked around for 4 hours with vulc shoes, my hip hurt so bad I had to sit around for a while before I could continue to walk. Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?

From having many issues with ankles and other lower body parts, the main thing is having correct alignment with your ankles, so any shoes will give you more issues if your ankles are turned in, even cup soles.  The old doctor recommended orthotic shoe insole was rather expensive and quite hard in the heel, but by working out how much angle I needed, I pretty much made my own with cardboard to sit under my insole of choice and it works a treat, as well as being free.

Just one thing I realised for myself, but is not necessarily going to work for everyone, but going to one of those shoe fitter places, or even the sports shoe store to have the footprint checked and then they recommend something from there helps too, so you can see what you need.

I have seen but never bought the orthotic insoles from Footprint or other places but I have heard they work wonders too.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: fs1/2cab on January 16, 2021, 12:18:04 PM
Expand Quote
A few weeks ago I walked around for 4 hours with vulc shoes, my hip hurt so bad I had to sit around for a while before I could continue to walk. Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?
[close]

From having many issues with ankles and other lower body parts, the main thing is having correct alignment with your ankles, so any shoes will give you more issues if your ankles are turned in, even cup soles.  The old doctor recommended orthotic shoe insole was rather expensive and quite hard in the heel, but by working out how much angle I needed, I pretty much made my own with cardboard to sit under my insole of choice and it works a treat, as well as being free.

Just one thing I realised for myself, but is not necessarily going to work for everyone, but going to one of those shoe fitter places, or even the sports shoe store to have the footprint checked and then they recommend something from there helps too, so you can see what you need.

I have seen but never bought the orthotic insoles from Footprint or other places but I have heard they work wonders too.

I have those orthotic insoles from footprint, but only for skating. Haven't thought about putting them in my working shoes ^^ but I still want to see a doctor and maybe get, you know legit medical insoles.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: theloniousmonk on January 16, 2021, 06:10:25 PM
A few weeks ago I walked around for 4 hours with vulc shoes, my hip hurt so bad I had to sit around for a while before I could continue to walk. Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?
My vote is footprint insoles inside an emerica pour in g6. The spanky shoe feels great as far as cushioning in the midsole, and this combo gives me better board feel than my Rowan pro’s, and way better impact protection. The few dc cups I tried had too slim of insoles to fit the footprints, and the flick is more rounded than most sole tech. Etnies joslin or marana both have good midsole as well.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Skatebeard on January 18, 2021, 02:43:47 AM
I had to switch away from FP gamechangers to Remind Destin insoles... 3 ankle rolls in 6 months in the FPs, they were tilting my feet outward too much whilst also raising them too high in the shoe, that coupled with fairly weak ankles just made a perfect storm for ankle rollage.


Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: SneakySecrets on January 18, 2021, 03:36:25 AM
Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?

Just go for it dude, I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: rocklobster on January 18, 2021, 10:44:56 PM
Expand Quote
A few weeks ago I walked around for 4 hours with vulc shoes, my hip hurt so bad I had to sit around for a while before I could continue to walk. Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?
[close]

From having many issues with ankles and other lower body parts, the main thing is having correct alignment with your ankles, so any shoes will give you more issues if your ankles are turned in, even cup soles.  The old doctor recommended orthotic shoe insole was rather expensive and quite hard in the heel, but by working out how much angle I needed, I pretty much made my own with cardboard to sit under my insole of choice and it works a treat, as well as being free.

Just one thing I realised for myself, but is not necessarily going to work for everyone, but going to one of those shoe fitter places, or even the sports shoe store to have the footprint checked and then they recommend something from there helps too, so you can see what you need.

I have seen but never bought the orthotic insoles from Footprint or other places but I have heard they work wonders too.

Second having proper sports / orthotic insoles to correct foot and arch alignment, which in turn corrects your knees and hips to prevent pronation. Footprint insoles provide more cushion and slight arch support, I personally would go with stiffer ones from Super Feet that have a rigid plastic layer to correct flat feet. I feel that has helped reduced my instances of ankle tweaks, knee and calf fatigue.

If don' think most people will need custom insoles, off the shelf ones from performance running stores should suffice for skateboarders.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Peepeeboy69 on January 24, 2021, 03:37:05 PM
i used to be team cup all the way i like how they're usually higher on the ankle and provide more stability kind of. Stepping in a low vulc makes me feel like ill roll my ankle walking

I used to think boardfeel was a marketing gimmick to sell thin cheaply made shoes

I skated a thinner cup i bought on sale that i hated at first because it offer less impact protection but end up liking it very much. Boardfeel is not a scam!
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Uncle Flea on February 05, 2021, 10:50:05 PM
Cups for sure.

Vulcs are fine if you got a good insole especially fp. I can't afford Fp anymore.

I been getting vulcs because it's all I can get
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: DarkPools on February 06, 2021, 12:09:45 AM
A few weeks ago I walked around for 4 hours with vulc shoes, my hip hurt so bad I had to sit around for a while before I could continue to walk. Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?

That's not a bad idea but I'll throw some options out right now.
What I notice that makes the cupsoles comfy is:

a) adequate padding throughout and not too thin. I personally don't like cups or vulcs that give zero support in padding in the collar/heel cup. It's so frustrating seeing all these paper thin vulc/cup uppers on shoes nowadays.

b) a sole that's in between hard and soft. Something like a Kalis S, Marana, NB 868/1010, Joslin 1, Joslin 2, Evant, Silo (one of the comfiest to chill in, imo), Tyshawn, Reynolds G6, etc.

c) A dense but somewhat squishy insole: G6, Pro Foam 1, STI Energy, State Footwear, etc. I tend to see shoes that have harder soles with foam insoles are not that comfortable, where softer soles with PU, dense insoles are comfortable, albeit somewhat thin. A cupsole that's in between those two ends for a sole compound with a quality insole is a dream come true, to me. *heart eyes*

Also, most vulcs get floppy and become so unpredictable so quickly. I can skate in a SoleTech cupsole for nearly 2 months and the structure is not that compromised. In fact, a broken in "floppy" cupsole from certain brands protects you better than a large number of brand new vulcs (Nike vulcs, Cons vulcs, Hufs, Adidas, etc.)

There's plenty of board feel in cups once you find the right combo of sole thickness/insole to flex. They break in so well, too.

This is gonna sound weird but I feel like I get better grip from cupsoles where I have to put more effort to put my foot into place/push harder when setting up compared to vulcs where they are so responsive it can be overwhelming. Does anyone else notice this or am I crazy?

I have been selling, donating, and finding ways to get rid of my vulcs. I have a few I'm keeping but it's cupsoles all the way for me. I still have some and may consider selling them to Pals on here if I can figure out the right way to set that up.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: topfrog10 on February 06, 2021, 10:38:11 AM
I had to switch away from FP gamechangers to Remind Destin insoles... 3 ankle rolls in 6 months in the FPs, they were tilting my feet outward too much whilst also raising them too high in the shoe, that coupled with fairly weak ankles just made a perfect storm for ankle rollage.
same thing here. fp gamechangers were taking up way too much space in my shoe despite being the same height as my stock insole, also pushed my foot way too far out and resulted in an ankle sprain. i got them replaced with the 3mm non orthopedic ones from fp to try out and those honestly aren't feeling much better except now my hell hurts like a bitch after a sesh. i can't personally reccommend fp but don't have a substitute that i've found works yet.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: FrozenIndustries on February 06, 2021, 06:44:30 PM
I removed my post about liking vulcs with a good insole as much as cupsoles. I've been skating cupsoles exclusively for weeks and I can't believe how much better I feel, and also how much more stable they feel while skating. Plus it rules to just be able to skate something out of the box.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: fuhkin_powahfood_kid on February 06, 2021, 07:20:13 PM
Got my first cups in December, Accel slims. I want to buy half cabs again, they're wide and loose, I like seeing them when I look down but man, skating since in cupsoles my feet don't hurt anymore. Looking forward to trying the #440s I've got on deck.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: fulfillthedream on February 06, 2021, 11:22:18 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/hyoy0yN.png)
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: kimura on February 07, 2021, 05:00:10 AM
Ive recently discovered cupsoles and its been a huge difference. Ive got a noob question.
How can you tell if a shoe is cupsole when shopping online? Ive been looking for stitching on the side of the soles but apparently there are cupsoles manufactured that dont have that.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Fhk on February 07, 2021, 05:27:43 AM
Ive recently discovered cupsoles and its been a huge difference. Ive got a noob question.
How can you tell if a shoe is cupsole when shopping online? Ive been looking for stitching on the side of the soles but apparently there are cupsoles manufactured that dont have that.
Just come here and ask before ordering. I promise you someone here will have your answer.  :)
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mbrimson88 on February 07, 2021, 06:09:07 AM
Ive recently discovered cupsoles and its been a huge difference. Ive got a noob question.
How can you tell if a shoe is cupsole when shopping online? Ive been looking for stitching on the side of the soles but apparently there are cupsoles manufactured that dont have that.

I guess shoes in general are getting closer together, when there used to be such a divide between the thin vulc soled shoes and the big chunky cup soles triple stitched and all that, but now wafflecup and all the other mod cons in the R & D areas of the shoe companies which are making shoes seem not quite at odds or extremes with one another.

The easiest way if you cannot see the shoes in person is to look up other pics of them, as most retailers will only have limited pics like the side silhouette, some will have the full top, bottom, or 360 view spin option too, so you can see all over the shoe.

I am sure asking on here would never get old as there is always someone to help with any question as well.

Most vulc soles will have a thinner look to them and often but not always an overlapping strip that seems different to the sole.

A lot more cup soles have a few more tech looking additions to the sole or round the sole area, so although it might not look like a big old stitched on piece, it will often have more going on in the middle, or round the back or little tells that show the performance aspect.

Many should have something in the fine print in the manufacturer listings, website or social media too, not just the generic single pic with minimal info from some shop sites.

Probably too much info, but that should be a good start.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: kimura on February 07, 2021, 09:45:00 AM
Thanks for the great answers Pals. That helps.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Lloyd Braun on February 07, 2021, 04:59:20 PM
All the pros people mention for Vulc is what I personally dislike about them. Board feel, in my opinion is secondary to support. I find cups soles in general to be much more supportive and keep their form for longer. I want a shoe that feels solid, not that flops around and is so thin I can feel stepping on rocks. Board feel is less in a cup sole but more than adequate. I got used to it overtime and in my case learned to prefer it. Id rather have the support that keeps my feet and legs from getting super sore and be able to skate more frequently.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: gsosa on February 08, 2021, 03:36:03 PM
Cupsoles all the way. I made the switch like 6 years ago and have skated only skated 1 pair of Vulcs which made my feet hurt after days of heavy skating, and a pair of Lakai Furas that I had as chillers and would skate when cruising around which were pretty sick not gonna lie but didn't feel as supportive. I actually switched back to cupsoles because they made my feet safer, lasted longer and look doper (IMO).
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Xen on February 08, 2021, 04:11:24 PM
Currently skating cupsole that feel like vulc. I had plantar fasciitis and couldn't skate vulc for almost a year, now I use extra insoles if I skate vulc.

I can't skate vulcs because they give me serious metatarsalgia. Cupsoles feel like pillows for the feet and knees.

Main reasons why I [should] stay away from Vulcs. Switched to vulc last Jan (FP insoles) and had both the above happen (+plus a fucking heel spur) around June (Rowans/DC). Couldn't skate for longer than an hour or two at a time. I do wear some slipon pros around the house like slippers to keep the pain away tho, hardwood floors and bare feet just exacerbate those issues.

Now that my feet are fully healed up, I'm going straight to cupsoles.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mcidraque on February 16, 2021, 11:04:45 PM
Wait until you’re over 35 and it will all become clearer.

haha word up! started to feel your point around my 31st birthday but yeah, pretty much that
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: Mcidraque on February 16, 2021, 11:10:36 PM
Expand Quote
A few weeks ago I walked around for 4 hours with vulc shoes, my hip hurt so bad I had to sit around for a while before I could continue to walk. Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?
[close]

This is gonna sound weird but I feel like I get better grip from cupsoles where I have to put more effort to put my foot into place/push harder when setting up compared to vulcs where they are so responsive it can be overwhelming. Does anyone else notice this or am I crazy?


you're not alone on that feeling, totally happens to me as well
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: rocklobster on February 16, 2021, 11:30:15 PM
Expand Quote
Expand Quote
A few weeks ago I walked around for 4 hours with vulc shoes, my hip hurt so bad I had to sit around for a while before I could continue to walk. Is there like a place on here where we can discuss the most comfy cupsole shoes? Maybe an idea for a thread? Anyone down for that?
[close]

This is gonna sound weird but I feel like I get better grip from cupsoles where I have to put more effort to put my foot into place/push harder when setting up compared to vulcs where they are so responsive it can be overwhelming. Does anyone else notice this or am I crazy?

[close]

you're not alone on that feeling, totally happens to me as well

Feeling this too, first cup sole in 2 years and the reduction in responsiveness on the flick is quite liberating. I flick out very hard during kickflips and with a vulc it feels like my shoe catches way too much board. With a cupsole it doesn't catch the grip as hard, so coupled with a hard flick, the board flips just right.

The difference is grip seems overrated, but I did swap from plain black grip to Jessup and a fresh cupsole from a Shoe Goo'd vulc. The thicker sole did feel like it wanted to hold the deck better ledge tricks, especially noticeable when I was coming off a slide or grind. Maybe the extra padding and grip from DC's pill pattern gave me the confidence to stomp the exit.

Padding is definitely way better too, my feet aren't aching when I go to use the toilet in the middle of the night. Board feel takes a hit but I haven't tried a lot of tech tricks to feel the difference.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: artskool on February 18, 2021, 12:47:14 PM
I think there are variations in shoe design that make a bigger difference in feel between just vulc. vs. cupsole. Cheap vulcs are heavy, flat-footed, and make my feet hurt walking around, and generally don't fit my feet that well. A good cup like the adi 3ST 003 feels thinner and more flexible on my foot than any vulc.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: radcunt on February 28, 2021, 10:30:25 PM
I've skated Nike GT Blazers for years but recently swapped to Vans Half Cab Pros.  They're way more comfy, but I find myself skating worse in them as i'm so used to the paper thin Nikes.  I want more support still thought than the Nikes, so i'm looking at Cup soles.  What Cup soles give a good middle ground?
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: fs1/2cab on March 01, 2021, 12:22:25 PM
I've skated Nike GT Blazers for years but recently swapped to Vans Half Cab Pros.  They're way more comfy, but I find myself skating worse in them as i'm so used to the paper thin Nikes.  I want more support still thought than the Nikes, so i'm looking at Cup soles.  What Cup soles give a good middle ground?

I made a thread for questions like that.
https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=115395.0 (https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=115395.0)

Personally I like Manchester XLK or XLK soles by Lakai in general.
Title: Re: Cup sole or vulcanized
Post by: radcunt on March 01, 2021, 03:23:33 PM
Expand Quote
I've skated Nike GT Blazers for years but recently swapped to Vans Half Cab Pros.  They're way more comfy, but I find myself skating worse in them as i'm so used to the paper thin Nikes.  I want more support still thought than the Nikes, so i'm looking at Cup soles.  What Cup soles give a good middle ground?
[close]

I made a thread for questions like that.
https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=115395.0 (https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=115395.0)

Personally I like Manchester XLK or XLK soles by Lakai in general.

Thanks! Posted there too.