I've been skating in Sk8-HIs for years. Kind of panicked when I heard they were getting a redesign. I *just* got a pair of the new Skate versions a few hours ago. Vans employee stated that there "are still a lot of Pros around, but they are not in production anymore, and are now mostly being sent outlets." As I type this I am wearing my new pair of skate SK8-HIs. They feel...stiffer...than the Pros, and not really in a good way. Toe box on the left shoe is borderline uncomfortable right now. That has never happened with my Pros before. My standard operation procedure is wear a pair of new shoes around (not-skating) for like two weeks before I skate in them. Based on an out-of-the-box experience, so far I like the Pros better. I'll update as the situation unfolds...