Thanks for the tips, Art, Smartass, and everyone.
Mind me asking how long you been using the 420's for?
I haven't actually skated either the 868 or the 420 - I'm just trying them out on my hardwood floor to keep them in returnable condition. I keep buying stuff blind online when I see a sale hoping to find one that works for me because my local never stocks these. The uppers have been fine or I'm sure they would break in but I can pretty much tell when a sole has no give.
My local might have the 533v2. I know they've got the 913 but I'm straight up never going to pay full price for them and I feel like a scumbag "showroom-ing" at a non-chain store.