Sizing

The DVS Nica fits true to size, even though people with wider feet might choose to go up half a size.

Durability

The DVS Nica features a one piece toebox and simple sidewalls that doesn´t offer much. The suede itself is grippy but unfortunately ripped quickly after doing flip-tricks. DVS knew how to deal with that by cleverly treating the Nica with a plastic toebox which withstood heavy griptape abuse with ease. Grip did decrease once the suede was torn, but overall was still fine. The sole itself showed hardly any signs of wear and performed stellar, no worries about durability problems here.

Cushioning

The Chico Brenes Pro model features a well designed sole, with foam padding at the heel area, honeycomb inspired structures in the midsole and a thin sole in the crucial frontfoot area for increased boardfeel. The insole seems rather thin at first, but keeps its shape pretty well and does everything one would expect from it. The foam-circle in the heel area helps to absorb strong impacts as well.

Shape

The DVS Nica is a slim cut shoe that does not end up in the usual pointy tip that most slim cuts do, but instead a well rounded shape. Its slim silhouette along with its shape stability from the cupsole construction and plastic toecap provides the skater a very snug fit. This of course also means that people with wide feet might choose to go up one size or at least try this shoe on at the local skateshop first.

Boardfeel and grip

The cupsole construction in combination with DVS’ FlexFeel tread technology promises cushioning without sacrificing boardfeel. However, this is something that takes a while to actually happen. After some breaking in by walking around and easy pushing through the streets, the grip and boardfeel get more and more ready for skating. With that said, the DVS Nica started to shine more and more especially during the end of our testing time of 10h.

Comfort and stability

The cupsole construction in combination with the insole and snug fit leads to a very comfortable wearing experience. Even the dreaded ventilation problem was addressed by incorporating a mesh tongue, which worked just fine, and better than one would expect from a shoe with a plastic toebox. The heel-lock is amazing, thanks to the mesh padding around this whole general area. The cupsole construction also prevents the shoe from losing its shape, something that happens with a lot of vulc models. Something that took a little to get used to was the rather stiff toebox area.

Summary

The DVS Nica is a classic cupsole model with modern features that shines when it comes to stability and durability, however it takes some time to break in.

Tester, writer, photos: Stefan Lind

Translator: Edan Qian

The post DVS Nica appeared first on Weartested - detailed skate shoe reviews.

Etnies

Etnies revealed at the Bright Tradeshow a mix of both very technical and classical models. Etnies has extended the Marana “Bloodline” with the introduction of a vulcanized Marana version, as well as an even more technical Marana model.

Emerica

After Emerica’s perpetual streak of releasing new models in the last two years, it was deemed time to facelift a model, or two. Righteously so, the Reynolds and the popular Bryan Herman Pro Model “G6” have been updated with a classic vulcanized sole. Thus, the Emerica collection has broadened even more and the #HigherQuality campaign starts this year in the next round.

HUF

HUF has outgrown the small shop in San Francisco for several years now and has earned their place in the skateboard universe with not only their clothes, but also their shoe collection. Last year, the team has expanded with the addition of Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder. Dylan is known for his extravagant shoe and clothing style, most notably after the release of his model with pre-HUF sponsor, Gravis. HUF was not afraid to back Dylan’s style and has helped design him another unconventional model. In addition, HUF showcased new colors for the already established shoe models and new additions to their clothing collection.

Vans

Vans had one of the largest booths and focused, like many other companies at Bright, on already established models for fall 2014. Our focuses were mainly on the Chima Pro and the recently released Gilbert Crocket Pro model. However, a new model that will be introduced this year will be the AV Classic, an Anthony van Engelen signature shoe. The model features a classic design with a lot of hidden technological attributes such as a Duracap element in the typical ollie-hole area.

DVS

DVS is fully back and that will continue in 2014. They were one of the few companies that presented several new models, including a new model for Chocolate Pro, Chico Brenes. Likewise, Torey Pudwill will get a shoe that comes with a Velcro closure which is aimed to protect the laces and also improve the stability.

Part 2 coming soon…

The post Weartested at Bright Tradeshow: part 1 appeared first on Weartested - detailed skate shoe reviews.