Emerica containment thread

[Kook Me Amadeus]

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They scrap it because people aren’t buying it. EmericaTM has been pretty clear about that.

[close]

I feel like that should be an easy take away without him having to say so.

Yeah, it may be obvious to you, but for people who actually wear the shoes, it’s sort of out of left field because they’re completely great.  It definitely sucks, and I think it’s healthy and even productive to voice displeasure about it.  Maybe the feedback leads to some constructive changes going forward.

[DarkPools]

As businesses operate, it should be somewhat obvious that when something is discontinued it is because it didn't sell well. However, that's not that obvious because other reasons factor in for why products get discontinued that may never come to light: factory issues/technology/lack of materials/rider input (if it's a pro model) etc.

The average consumer doesn't usually have  intel on the numbers behind the scenes for companies. If they're not shopping all skate shops and seeing if certain models are sitting/getting marked down on a regular basis, they may wonder why it's being dropped.

Further, companies may have different quota thresholds for what justifies being discontinued, so a bottom line for Emerica looks different compared to Nike or Vans, etc. Also, it's a pro model throwback so there was never any guarantee it would stay in long term (unless it outsells everything they offer)

Finally, some models do better in their follow up season than the initial drop because some time has passed and they garner more attention/praise. Hoping for that to be KSL's case to keep it around, but so be it if it can't stick around.

I'm bummed the KSL will eventually phase out but I bought a few pairs, and I'm pleased with how well they skate/feel. I haven't bought any shoes since December (and I'm gonna go all of 2023) so I can't spend my $ to support/keep it in, if I wanted to. When they're gone, I'll go back to my Maranas/Joslins since those always work for me.

[Kook Me Amadeus]

Well said.  Yeah I wish I could support the KSL more too.  I’ll try to stock up at the next drop, but will probably also look for more of the original black colorways, those are too good.

[LebowskisRug]

I had the last Reynolds G6. Honestly I thought they were subpar. They had a ton of cushion and the board feel was bad from it- not the supportive cushion you get out of some modern cupsoles. After breaking in they reminded me of the cupsoles of yesteryear which was to just put a big layer of foam into the midsole and call it a day. They lasted a long time, but didn't do anything for ankle stability. It wasn't the worst thing I've skated, but I never bought another pair.

I wanted to like the idea of the Wino Cup and unfortunately I couldn't get them a half size down and my normal size felt too big. The only other shoe I've tried from them recently that is a cup was the KSL. I had 2 friends that bought them and had numerous problems with the build quality. Overall they felt somewhat like the Reynolds G6 I had- just a thick layer of foam that would eventually mush out somewhat but the board feel was nonexistent. I am comparing them to the modern NB and Vans cups I've tried that have more forefoot board feel, a more solid rearfoot with just as much cushion, and they have more ankle stability in my crude ankle roll test.

I think all the Emerica cups look nice, but they need to step up their midsole construction and the fit and feel of the shoe if they want to charge what they are. It's sweet that they last long and I like their silhouettes, but I'm not at the point where I'm going to buy something for brand nostalgia if it doesn't perform up to par with similar options.

[DarkPools]

I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushion & stability arr somewhat subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actual build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

[Kook Me Amadeus]

DarkPools, I feel like you speak for all of us Reynolds/KSL people, you really have a way with words, my friend.

[Sila]

I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushiom stability is a quality that is subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actually build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

I've had a couple pairs now and I definitely feel like they are sub par

[Roisto]

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I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushiom stability is a quality that is subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actually build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

[close]

I've had a couple pairs now and I definitely feel like they are sub par

I was just thinking of this after seeing some video with that one newer dude on Emerica & Toy Machine (I think) (not Hoban) skating Omen His and that they’re really a similar type of a shoe as Last Resorts but better quality.

Last Resorts mostly look slightly better though and Emerica releases a ton a garish colorways while Last Resort keeps it cool but still release a lot of colorways. Last Resort has done so much better marketing-wise but Emerica is better in quality.

I like how the Omens look personally as I do the Last Resorts. Going forward I’ll definitely rather buy the Emericas as I’m not happy with the fit or overall quality of the Last Resorts. Both companies are cool IMO and I don’t care if other people think my shoes are trendy or cool as long as I like them personally.

[DarkPools]

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I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushiom stability is a quality that is subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actually build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

[close]

I've had a couple pairs now and I definitely feel like they are sub par

Can I ask for examples on how?


I've had a handful of KSL, Reynolds G6, Marana, Joslin, and I can easily say they all contend with competitors' top of the line cupsoles for quality, durability, and comfort. They all feel better or as good as: Dunks, Forum, Tyshawn, 1010, Fastbreak, 440, Busenitz, etc. Again, that's my own (overly stated) view, but everyone is welcome to their own opinion.

 I've gotten tired with people delivering their personal negative opinions about soletech brands as fact. That's why I'm "defending" them so heavily. I've personally found gold with a number of soletech shoes and I rarely venture away from them lately because they treat me so well on board.

Thank you @Kook Me Amadeus !! Appreciate the compliment and happy I can help communicate on behalf of the fellow G6 enjoyers

[Sila]

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I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushiom stability is a quality that is subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actually build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

[close]

I've had a couple pairs now and I definitely feel like they are sub par

[close]

Can I ask for examples on how?


I've had a handful of KSL, Reynolds G6, Marana, Joslin, and I can easily say they all contend with competitors' top of the line cupsoles for quality, durability, and comfort. They all feel better or as good as: Dunks, Forum, Tyshawn, 1010, Fastbreak, 440, Busenitz, etc. Again, that's my own (overly stated) view, but everyone is welcome to their own opinion.

 I've gotten tired with people delivering their personal negative opinions about soletech brands as fact. That's why I'm "defending" them so heavily. I've personally found gold with a number of soletech shoes and I rarely venture away from them lately because they treat me so well on board.

Thank you @Kook Me Amadeus !! Appreciate the compliment and happy I can help communicate on behalf of the fellow G6 enjoyers

Of course! I already laid it out in the main LR thread. But of all vulc shoes I've owned they were probably the least durable. Both pairs of mine in canvas and suede had issues just from a few days of walking. Most notably the canvas that tore after three days. The suede just bagged out very fast. And the grip on both felt kids dangerous as there were a couple times I slipped on metal grates. I walk the same paths a lot and that hasn't happened in any other shoes yet for me. I never bothered skating them. People seem very hot and cold when it comes to Last Resort.

[LebowskisRug]

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I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushiom stability is a quality that is subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actually build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

[close]

I've had a couple pairs now and I definitely feel like they are sub par

[close]

Can I ask for examples on how?


I've had a handful of KSL, Reynolds G6, Marana, Joslin, and I can easily say they all contend with competitors' top of the line cupsoles for quality, durability, and comfort. They all feel better or as good as: Dunks, Forum, Tyshawn, 1010, Fastbreak, 440, Busenitz, etc. Again, that's my own (overly stated) view, but everyone is welcome to their own opinion.

 I've gotten tired with people delivering their personal negative opinions about soletech brands as fact. That's why I'm "defending" them so heavily. I've personally found gold with a number of soletech shoes and I rarely venture away from them lately because they treat me so well on board.

Thank you @Kook Me Amadeus !! Appreciate the compliment and happy I can help communicate on behalf of the fellow G6 enjoyers

I saw someone in the shoe thread post the same defects my friends pair had- the eyelets in the upper became unstitched from the upper. The one random person I saw at the park in them had the same issue as did my friends. One friend also had the sole start peeling from the upper.

Frankly a shoe that just stuffs foam in is subpar. I'll include Vans there. That's just being lazy. You can mix multiple foam thicknesses and densities into a midsole and nearly every decent athletic shoe company can or does do it. The "tech" is common and being able to offer more arch support, a cradled heel, and thinner but higher density forefoot offers more overall foot stability, which leads to less soreness and more effective cushioning. G6 was nice when it first came out, but just putting some in is like Vans pouring PopCush in instead of putting in a midsole.

Just look at the cutaways on WearTested.

[Shrinedescender]

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I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushiom stability is a quality that is subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actually build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

[close]

I've had a couple pairs now and I definitely feel like they are sub par

[close]

Can I ask for examples on how?


I've had a handful of KSL, Reynolds G6, Marana, Joslin, and I can easily say they all contend with competitors' top of the line cupsoles for quality, durability, and comfort. They all feel better or as good as: Dunks, Forum, Tyshawn, 1010, Fastbreak, 440, Busenitz, etc. Again, that's my own (overly stated) view, but everyone is welcome to their own opinion.

 I've gotten tired with people delivering their personal negative opinions about soletech brands as fact. That's why I'm "defending" them so heavily. I've personally found gold with a number of soletech shoes and I rarely venture away from them lately because they treat me so well on board.

Thank you @Kook Me Amadeus !! Appreciate the compliment and happy I can help communicate on behalf of the fellow G6 enjoyers

[close]

Of course! I already laid it out in the main LR thread. But of all vulc shoes I've owned they were probably the least durable. Both pairs of mine in canvas and suede had issues just from a few days of walking. Most notably the canvas that tore after three days. The suede just bagged out very fast. And the grip on both felt kids dangerous as there were a couple times I slipped on metal grates. I walk the same paths a lot and that hasn't happened in any other shoes yet for me. I never bothered skating them. People seem very hot and cold when it comes to Last Resort.

I have two pairs of Last Resorts and as soon as I took them out of the box I knew I couldn't skate them (or have a session in them at least). Both are canvas pairs that felt super thin and non-durable. Though they've molded to my foot over time, they fit awkwardly in different ways at first. Anytime I've tried to skate them more than just around crusing, the canvas ripped at the mere presence of my griptape, and heel slippage and a stiff sole/hard rubber made them super uncomfortable to skate in. I'm only a few months into casual use with them and the glue connecting the upper to the outsole is already starting to go. I'd buy them again as chillers since I like the way they look and I respect Pontus' mission with the brand, but I think they're far from being skateable shoes at this point.

Every Soletech shoe I've ever bought has been skateable out the box; with the exception of the Joslins which needed a day or two of walking around in to break in. Plus, I know I can put a beating on the vegan suede jawns for about two months before my shitty flip tricks make them unwearable.

[Gray Imp Sausage Metal]

love my KSLs, perfect fit and feel for my feet and I get regular comments on them which never happens with any other shoe I wear.
I don't skate nike (or modern day adidas) but I don't think there's much difference in them quality wise between the NB 420sI previously had I had. Emerica feels better quality wise than eS these days if I'm being honest...

[Firebert]

Emerica's G6 cupsole is my favorite (the best imo,) however I agree that the consistency in the quality is not there. I've 6 different colorways of Reynolds G6 left and they ALL fit and feel slightly different. Half the time the right shoe fits differently than the left shoe - and I know its not just me because I've tried to give some away to my friend who said the same thing, and read reviews that mirrored my sentiment.. According to quick search in emails, I have had to return 2 pairs of shoes every year since 2017 (their customer service is always great.)

All that said, I still think the shoes are great if and when they fit right, just try them on before you buy them.

[thehogsniper]

I mean it's the same people defending the same companies over and over. Personally, I don't have enough experience with soletech to continue weighing in on the whole ordeal but I can say the limited experiences have not been impressive. I know my shoes and I know quality, and certainly there are probably some great models within the lineups, but what I have personally tried on didn't leave me wanting to buy more. I'm open minded now on the whole thing so one day I know I'll circle around to it, but for the time being I'll probably just stick with what I know works instead of throwing more money out on stuff that I can't try in person. The hook-ups Marana Etnies killed my feet, the Accels had loose suede out of the box (no cushion), and the Gamma lost their upper shape after a month. I'm open to trying more one day, and hopefully a few more retro models come out in the future.

[Kook Me Amadeus]

I mean it's the same people defending the same companies over and over.

So it’s Slap?

[SlapTM]

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Been on a few pairs of the KSL G6 at this point. Please don’t ever stop making them.

[close]

is someone gonna break it to him

[close]

Holy shit you’re bitter!  I kinda love it though, it’s pretty entertaining.  Just wish you would share your “skateshop guy” insights fully instead holding out on us / making us read between the lines!


KSL is going away after the next drop so still some time to stock up.  EmericaTM suggested it was a legacy/throwback colorway so likely something black and basic, which is a small positive in a sea of “how the fuck do you scrap one of your best shoes”

Yes, something black and basic. However, it's a throwback colorway of the KSL Dos versus the original KSL.

[pops]

I've moved more into cups this summer and I really hope for KSL to stay. Right now I'm yet to find a similar fitting alternative but there's also a shortage of KSLs/Spanky.

[Jawn Gyatti]

Has anyone at Emerica ever confirmed how Phelps always had a pair of MJs? Did he stock up, have a secret hook up at the company, or will the world never know?     

[Sk.A.T.A.N]

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I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushiom stability is a quality that is subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actually build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

[close]

I've had a couple pairs now and I definitely feel like they are sub par

[close]

Can I ask for examples on how?


I've had a handful of KSL, Reynolds G6, Marana, Joslin, and I can easily say they all contend with competitors' top of the line cupsoles for quality, durability, and comfort. They all feel better or as good as: Dunks, Forum, Tyshawn, 1010, Fastbreak, 440, Busenitz, etc. Again, that's my own (overly stated) view, but everyone is welcome to their own opinion.

 I've gotten tired with people delivering their personal negative opinions about soletech brands as fact. That's why I'm "defending" them so heavily. I've personally found gold with a number of soletech shoes and I rarely venture away from them lately because they treat me so well on board.

Thank you @Kook Me Amadeus !! Appreciate the compliment and happy I can help communicate on behalf of the fellow G6 enjoyers

[close]

I saw someone in the shoe thread post the same defects my friends pair had- the eyelets in the upper became unstitched from the upper. The one random person I saw at the park in them had the same issue as did my friends. One friend also had the sole start peeling from the upper.

Frankly a shoe that just stuffs foam in is subpar. I'll include Vans there. That's just being lazy. You can mix multiple foam thicknesses and densities into a midsole and nearly every decent athletic shoe company can or does do it. The "tech" is common and being able to offer more arch support, a cradled heel, and thinner but higher density forefoot offers more overall foot stability, which leads to less soreness and more effective cushioning. G6 was nice when it first came out, but just putting some in is like Vans pouring PopCush in instead of putting in a midsole.

Just look at the cutaways on WearTested.

Tbf most of the vans tech is only on the insole because most of their shoes are Vulcs. The vulcanisation process bakes the shoe so you can’t put any foams into the shoe otherwise it will melt. The insole is the only way around to have some tech on them since it’s only put after the shoe is “baked”.

[Mr. Pickles]

I honestly would have picked up those maroon slip ons if it wasn’t for the OJ logo. Nobody wants collab shoes.

[moonordie]

Has anyone at Emerica ever confirmed how Phelps always had a pair of MJs? Did he stock up, have a secret hook up at the company, or will the world never know?     

Secret hook up, his MJs had the thrasher pentagram on the tongue.

[Kook Me Amadeus]

For those in US, a decent price (and size assortment) for the black/green KSL from Theory Skate and Snow

https://theoryskate.com/products/emerica-ksl-g6-black

[Jawn Gyatti]

I honestly would have picked up those maroon slip ons if it wasn’t for the OJ logo. Nobody wants collab shoes.

Collabs that no one wanted are the best way to buy skate shoes on the cheap later.

[flintstagram]

Can we take a moment to gather opinions on the Phocus? I’m a little confused, but a bit intrigued as well. They aren’t what I think of when I think of emerica, but part of me thinks they’re kind of sick. That sole looks like straight foam though.


https://emerica.com/collections/footwear/products/phocus-g6-black-white-gold-6101000151-715

[JM]

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I think it's a preference thing ^

the Emerica shoes just don't seem to work for you but are in no shape/form objectively "bad" or "subpar." The build quality is there, save for your rare cases of having issues on the KSL. I've worn 4 pairs, and skated 2 of them. Never had the issues you and your friends described. Seen other people here on Slap and in person rocking them and never had those same issues. Maybe you all should have contacted (if you didn't) Emerica customer service to see if those were defective pairs, tbh.

The G6 foam in the midsole is easily some of the best tech out there. Beats Nike's Zoom Air, beats anything Vans does in their cupsoles/Cush insoles, better than most of the stock NB insoles (contends with top NB cups/tech), beats Adidas standard midsoles (contends with the Forum/Tyshawn), and still offers board feel once they're broken in. Metric of boardfeel being the deciding factor of whether a shoe is "good" or not seems odd, because it's subjective. You buy a legit cupsole from Emerica and then complain it doesn't have a specific level of boardfeel offered in thinner cupsoles from NB (440, 508, 288s, etc.) That seems like such a weird comparison. Unless, you're grouping 1010/808. Those have less boardfeel than the G6 cupsoles, but people still like em.

Like any good cupsole, they need to be properly worn, then skated to experience how good they are.

The Reynolds G6 had such a locked in heel cup, though. That shoe was ankle stability 100%. The KSL is diet Reynolds G6 in terms of similarities (for anyone curious about a comparison). Same sole, but different upper. I've found it to be really stable and supportive. My feet rarely hurt walking in or  after skating in the KSL or Reynolds G6.

Cushiom stability is a quality that is subjective and shouldn't be painted across the board that Emerica makes bad cup soles with no stability, because that's plain wrong.

People regularly confuse preference issues with actually build quality issues on shoes and it's kinda annoying.


Last Resorts look like shit to me, look like they're poorly made , and don't seem to last from what I've observed. However, I don't like Vulcs anymore and how thin those shoes are, so I know to separate my opinion from what's fact.  They're not poorly made and not subpar, they're just not for me. Same for anyone who doesn't jive with the G6 cupsoles.

KSL G6 flicks superbly, is comfortable, pretty durable, looks good (not too simple and not too tech), feels supportive but still gives me more than adequate board feel, and fits my foot well. They don't really need to figure out how to update their fit necessarily if it works for so many people.

[close]

I've had a couple pairs now and I definitely feel like they are sub par

[close]

Can I ask for examples on how?


I've had a handful of KSL, Reynolds G6, Marana, Joslin, and I can easily say they all contend with competitors' top of the line cupsoles for quality, durability, and comfort. They all feel better or as good as: Dunks, Forum, Tyshawn, 1010, Fastbreak, 440, Busenitz, etc. Again, that's my own (overly stated) view, but everyone is welcome to their own opinion.

 I've gotten tired with people delivering their personal negative opinions about soletech brands as fact. That's why I'm "defending" them so heavily. I've personally found gold with a number of soletech shoes and I rarely venture away from them lately because they treat me so well on board.

Thank you @Kook Me Amadeus !! Appreciate the compliment and happy I can help communicate on behalf of the fellow G6 enjoyers

Josl1n's are the best shoes ever made.   Oops, wait... is that unpopular opinion fodder?

[Murge]

Can we take a moment to gather opinions on the Phocus? I’m a little confused, but a bit intrigued as well. They aren’t what I think of when I think of emerica, but part of me thinks they’re kind of sick. That sole looks like straight foam though.


https://emerica.com/collections/footwear/products/phocus-g6-black-white-gold-6101000151-715

Man I honestly was not a fan. But the white ones look good to me and and the black ones look good top down  and when I see them on foot they look good. So they have grown on me but I can’t really pull off sporty shoes. Idk maybe.

It kinda looks like if a Herman and Cortez fucked.  It’s definitely growing on me.

I do wish the toe cap was under the suede. But that’s just me being picky. I like how one piece toe caps look. 

They more it reminds me of a herman with a toe cap the more I realize I’ll probably end up trying it.

[SlapTM]

Can we take a moment to gather opinions on the Phocus? I’m a little confused, but a bit intrigued as well. They aren’t what I think of when I think of emerica, but part of me thinks they’re kind of sick. That sole looks like straight foam though.


https://emerica.com/collections/footwear/products/phocus-g6-black-white-gold-6101000151-715

I know everyone has had their own opinions on the Phocus G6 but want to point out that after all the G6 talk in here, the Phocus has the Pour-In G6 midsole which is the first new G6 outsole in years. Haven't skated it myself but have heard it's great from those who have.

[flintstagram]

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Can we take a moment to gather opinions on the Phocus? I’m a little confused, but a bit intrigued as well. They aren’t what I think of when I think of emerica, but part of me thinks they’re kind of sick. That sole looks like straight foam though.


https://emerica.com/collections/footwear/products/phocus-g6-black-white-gold-6101000151-715

[close]

I know everyone has had their own opinions on the Phocus G6 but want to point out that after all the G6 talk in here, the Phocus has the Pour-In G6 midsole which is the first new G6 outsole in years. Haven't skated it myself but have heard it's great from those who have.

They are a very tech looking shoe from you guys, which seems like a huge departure aesthetically, but I’m not mad about it! I like to see new things.

I hope to find a pair at a shop sometime soon to get a look in person. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before I pick up a pair. I see G6 cupsoles and it’s like my wallet just opens automatically.

[flintstagram]

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Can we take a moment to gather opinions on the Phocus? I’m a little confused, but a bit intrigued as well. They aren’t what I think of when I think of emerica, but part of me thinks they’re kind of sick. That sole looks like straight foam though.


https://emerica.com/collections/footwear/products/phocus-g6-black-white-gold-6101000151-715

[close]

Man I honestly was not a fan. But the white ones look good to me and and the black ones look good top down  and when I see them on foot they look good. So they have grown on me but I can’t really pull off sporty shoes. Idk maybe.

It kinda looks like if a Herman and Cortez fucked.  It’s definitely growing on me.

I do wish the toe cap was under the suede. But that’s just me being picky. I like how one piece toe caps look. 

They more it reminds me of a herman with a toe cap the more I realize I’ll probably end up trying it.

I’m with you on the toe cap, but I’ve also skated multiple pairs of maranas and thought they were great. I do like the flick of suede more, but a toe cap certainly isn’t a deal breaker for me.