First Impressions: Easily the most comfortable shoe I have ever put on brand new. Most shoes require a little breaking in. These shoes felt like they were already soft and broken in right from the beginning.

I’ve taken them out skating about 10 times now, and here’s my further opinion on the shoes.

The Good. Super comfortable. I can feel my board.

The Bad. Thin sole. I’ve already got some bruising from them, but not that bad.

What is Don’t Do It? Here’s what their website says:

This website is dedicated to keeping sporting good companies from infilitrating our surf, skate, and snow industry. It is targeted at keeping them from “taking” from our industry, after we have built and cared for it with blood, sweat, and tears.

Sure, there are many different opinions of what people consider “selling out” to be. Most are harmless, and the benefits and pitfalls are subject to argument. For example, a soda company-harmless. Even a car company, a video game, or a tv show. While these things may seem lame, and have nothing to do with our industry, it’s all subject to personal opinion, and the bottom line is that these companies are not “taking” anything away from us, and at the same time, are willing to “give” for the association. They are not a competitor and don’t intend to be a competitor in our industry. Sporting goods companies’ intentions are solely to take.

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Let me add a bit of my own comments. What they mean is that there are no “skateboard” drink companies. Well, ok, I think Salman or someone was trying to start one, but you don’t need a drink to skateboard, you know? It’s not part of skateboarding. Shoes, clothing, skateboard hardware, etc. are the core elements of skateboarding, and when we support companies that are not real skateboard companies who sell these products we are allowing them to make money at the expense of those companies that were created by skateboarders, which almost always do a better job at product development and which help preserve the unique culture of skateboarding.

Buying Nike SB products means that over time, skateboarding’s culture will become more like that of the jocks at your high-school. I’ve gotten over hating jocks, I have some friends who are/were jocks, but I sure don’t want skateboarding to become the next jock sport.

These probably aren’t shoes for you to skate in, unless you can afford going through shoes fast. I haven’t skated in them for that fact. They’re too comfy for just wearing around, so I’m going to try to preserve them for a while.

So here’s what really matters:

1. They look good, at least with white laces. Use black laces at your peril. They might look ok in the photo but the toe is so small that for some reason when you use black laces the shoes make your feet look really small. Or maybe I’m getting taller. White laces change everything, trust me.

2. They feel good. Nothing pointy on the insides poking your feet, no lumps, plenty of room to move your toes around, etc.

If you’re looking for a good pair of walking around or chill shoes, then these are a good choice. If you want some good skating shoes I’d go with something that’s designed for it. These don’t have any of the fancy heel cushioning or that stuff. Just a plain flat sole.

I’m doing a website for Mike over at Union in Highland so he was nice enough to flow me a pair of these Fosters from Lakai. Yep, just like the photo above. Black and white.

The short review. They feel great, they look great, and they’ve got a super-rubber toe that despite it’s thickness and durability doesn’t feel heavy. The shoes are super light.

The longer review. The first thing I thought when I saw them was “Man, that toes looks like solid rubber, these are going to be some hard, tough, heavy shoes that I’m not sure I’m going to want to skate in.”

After skating them, I realize that while they are pretty durable (if you want shoes that will last, get these for sure), they don’t feel durable while you’re skating. That is, they’re not heavy, they aren’t thick feeling–they’re super light and feel great.

The first thing I noticed was that these shoes don’t have a problem my last Lakai’s had, which was little parts on the inside that poked into my feet and hurt. These shoes are quite possible the most comfortable skate shoes I’ve ever had. Seriously.

They’re pretty grippy, although I have had a few times when I’ve felt like they were slipping on my tape, as though the rubber on the soles was too hard, but nothing too bad.

One thing these shoes have that I’m not sure if I like or not are some lace protectors. You have the option of using them or not. Unfortunately, if you don’t use them then your laces wear out faster than if they weren’t there at all because your laces go over them and stick out farther.

If I was going to change anything I would have probably just taken off the lace protectors, and I would have left the white area off the sides, but that’s just because I’m a bigger fan of all black shoes, I guess.

All in all, they’re good, and I think they’re probably one of the best shoes out there if you’re price conscious and want something that’s going to last.

Ultimately, you’ve got to figure out which shoes work for you. We all have our own preferences about look, feel, padding, high-top, mid, low, durability, lace protectors, color, material, gel, air, insoles, straps, laces, ventilation, brand, etc. But here are some basics to take into consideration:

1. Safety. 100% safety with skate shoes is a myth. You can roll your ankle or get a heel bruise no matter what shoes you’re wearing. And to tell the truth, if you’re in a position where you’re going to roll your ankle, you’re probably going to roll it no matter what shoes you’re wearing. I would not buy skate shoes based on safety. Then again, I haven’t tried the gel padding in the soles yet to help prevent heel bruises. Maybe if eS sends me some samples (hint, hint) I could be converted.

2. Durability. Also a myth. Yes, some shoes last longer than others, but the differences are slight in most cases. Think about it–you’re scraping your shoes with sand paper. In some cases, you’re doing it for several hours every day. Of course your shoes are going to wear out fast. Most sponsored skaters who get free shoes will go through a pair each week. I wouldn’t buy shoes because of durability. Although I haven’t had a chance to try out DC’s new suede yet (hint, again), so once again, maybe I could be convinced with this “revolutionary” new stuff.

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So what’s left? Really, when it comes down to it you should buy shoes based on how they make you feel. That usually has more to do with comfort and looks than anything else. If they’re comfy, and they look good, then go with them. You’ll probably be happier with them, even if you roll your ankle and they wear out quickly.

Read all about it at Transworld Skateboarding Business News.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Element Enters Shoe Market

Posted 05.27.2005

Irvine, CA – May 26, 2005 – Element Skateboards today announced the expansion of its brand into the footwear category. A full line of Element shoes will be launched at the Actions Sports Retailer show in California in September, and will be progressively released to the company’s international markets thereafter.

“Shoes have always been on our agenda,” said Element Founder and President Johnny Schillereff. “We feel that the time is now right for Element to enter this category. The line has been in development for some time and we are looking forward to bringing it to the market. Shoes are a natural extension to the Element brand and we will focus on delivering a fresh approach in design, functionality and performance.”

The line will reflect Element’s core beliefs in product development for skateboarders and follow in the footsteps of its success in hardgoods and apparel.

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So, good or bad? Well, regardless of whether the shoes are bad or good, what’s the market going to be? Skaters, or the general public? Element is a pretty popular brand, even with non-skater types. But who’s going to be on the team? Would Jeremy or Bam leave Adio? Would Tosh leave Emerica? Would Vallely leave…hmmm, does Mike ride for a shoe company after getting the boot from Etnies? Maybe there’s the first guy. Hopefully Nyjah will stick with eS.