A COFFEE BREAK WITH THE VANS ANDREW ALLEN SLIP ON (
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I recently decided to check out the Andrew Allen ("AA") Slip-On... here's my thoughts after a session or two and a coffee or two (or three or four)
Toe ShapeThe biggest difference between the AA Slip-On and a Vans slip-on pro is the toe cap and the toe shape. Whether it's an after-effect of having the toe cap or a conscious decision, the AA Slip-On's toe is both wider and shallower. For wide feet (like me), this means my pinky toe doesn't rub against the sidewall and the shoe fits snugger on top of my foot.
So, compared to the regular slip-on pro, I think the AA fits better/snugger... which helps when you like your slip-ons to be tight rather than move around on your foot.
Sidewall/CanvasI'm a fan of canvas, especially on Vans. On the AA, the canvas seems stronger/stiffer than on the classic versions, and it has the 'ol DuraCap stuff underneath. If you look at the photo below, you can see where the DuraCap is under the canvas.? I'm pretty lightfooted when it comes to shredd'n up shoes, so there's actually not a whole lot of wear yet... but it looks like the DuraCap is gonna give em a little more life when I get there
Compared to Cons slip-onWhen I first saw the AA slip on, I assumed it looked pretty close to the Cons slip-on. But, nope, the Cons slip-on has higher sidewalls/foxing, while the AA has an actual toe cap. I couldn't skate in the Cons slip-ons because they are just too beefy and stiff and heavy. ?
The CollarA common complaint with Vans is the collar of the shoe gives blisters or is too hard/sharp. The AA is very comfortable thanks to the leather collar... it also helps that the shoe fits a bit more snug than the regular slip-on pros like I explained above.
InsoleLunarlon from the Cons slip on on the left. AA ultracush insole in the middle, and an average Adidas insole on the right.
Final ThoughtsThe AA isn't a revolutionary new shoe from Vans, but for me, it fits and skates better than the regular slip-on pros because of the wider/shallower toe area. I'm definitely going to try to grab a pair of the navy ones if I can find em. Hopefully it'll become a regular staple in the line-up.
AA shreddin