Finally some pro vans that actually fit (me). These don't feel like your standard Vans out of the box (none of that stiff vulc curve and bulk, obviously) - I swear, I've ridden tons of shoes that 'are broken in out of the box' and they've all been bullshit to compared to these. I threw them on, literally out of the box, and went skating with zero issues or adjustment period.
Pros:
No break in required (upper is a thin mesh, not a lot of padding)
Grippy/Excellent board feel
Sockliner
Duracap? (jury is out)
Cons:
Couldn't find them in Dress Blues; I slept =(
Insole is garbage (not a 'cush' but screened with 'ultimate waffle' so they are trying to let the shoe do the work (like how the berle is supposed to do)
Sides:
Major/Insta-crease at the toe box
At first they sort of felt like they were causing some over pronation but that went away
Didn't jump down shit so no idea on impact feel
Durability (even if they blowout fast I'll still skate them as they feel too good).
Wide-enough at the head of the metatarsals (where my feet are widest) yet narrow in the arch
True to size (I'm looking at you crocketts, TNTs, and berles)
Might need more ventilation for you sweaty feet people? There are only two open mesh areas on either side, mid-shoe, tongue and toe are not ventilated
I'll throw up a pic once they start to show enough wear to get a better idea of what to expect.