Anyone have a recommendation for a NB first-timer? Liking the DC Kalis SE and the Vulc model, does NB have anything that combines the cushion of a cupsole with the grip of vulc?
440s are good like everyone says. But they're probably not like the DC Kalises. The toe is a bit more square, and for me they were surprisingly stiff out the box, took a while to break in but were great after they finally broke in.
I'd suggest 913 if you want cushion. Again I've never skated DCs so have no idea how they compare. 913s have less boardfeel than a fully broken in 440 (though still plenty sufficient imo), but definitely a bit more cushion and they're not as low cut and seem to have a more similar for factor to DC kalises. I have a few small nits to pick about the 913s but overall they're a great cupsole shoe that'll be good for your feet.