Anyone wanna gimme some feedback on 272 and 306 compared to Vans skate or even 440
Ok, I have all three and a bunch of Vans. Love it or hate it the Vans pop cush is much thicker and more comfortable walking around and in the heel impact area than any of the 272/306/440 (in my opinion). The NB advantage is in the comfort and fit of the upper part of the shoe especially in the front half toe box area. The 306 has the widest most rectangular shape of the three and are my preference for skating, the sole is much thinner than Vans but not as floppy as the 440 probably due to being a vulc. The 272 has a little bit more of an athletic shoe (snug) fit and a bit of a heel lift with the new sole design. The sole seems a bit thicker than the 306 to me. The 440 is the most form fitting upper but as you noticed is a bit thin, it's not just the insole though I found the soles and front foxing (I know it's not technically foxing because it's molded) to be a bit floppy for my shape of foot especially for a cup. The 440s have become my go to chill shoes.
As far as padding goes they are all somewhere between an old skool and a Rowan. Obv Rowans and Half Cabs have a lot more shoe material for padding in the upper and overall more rigid than all of the NBs. I'm a transition/park skater so can't help too much on flick but again the Vans are overbuilt in that foxing area, NBs have a lot less material there.
If you have more specific questions or need pictures of any of these I'd be happy to help. My 272s are not yet skated and I have a pair of replacement 306s on ice (in addition to my well worn pair of 306s).