Supra has always tried to balance their shoe collection with technical and basic models to cater all kinds of skater preferences. The Avex is influenced by the technical side, with a technical design and modern features. This is an exciting step and more than enough reason for us to test the Avex with all that we got.

Sizing

The Supra avex fits true to size.

Durability

The two-piece design has both advantages and disadvantages when it comes down to durability. The absence of material overlapping along the front half featuring durable suede is highly durable. The second part consists of mesh and reduces weight while also increases durability. Its placement in the mid-foot area, however, is some kind of a weak spot. Depending on your method of flipping and ollieing, this section might be prone to ripping, as such happened in one of our sample models. The shaft frayed rather easily, too. The sole on the other hand showed no weaknesses, after our 10h test not a single bald spot could be found. Overall, given the benefits and drawbacks of the design, durability can be described as average.

Cushioning

No matter what, cupsoles are still supreme to vulc when it comes down to cushioning. The Supra Avex featuring EVA foam all over its sole is another prime example for that, cushioning was good. The difference in thickness between heel and toes ensures solid cushioning in the heel area whilst maintaining great boardfeel in the toe area.

Shape

Despite the cushioning, the silhouette of the Avex is rather slim. It fits tightly and ends in a pointy toe. This shape ensures good control and flipping tricks is as easy as can be.

Boardfeel and grip

One advantage of this model is the boardfeel. The slim insole combined with a thin sole in the toe area ensures direct contact between foot and board. Even though the heel is significantly thicker, boardfeel is quite balanced and even cushioning in the thin areas is still pretty good. Although the sole gets flexible with wear, the grip is average. There is room for improvement in this field, especially during the first session.

Comfort and stability

The padded heel leads to a solid heel-lock without restricting movement, thanks to its rather low cut. The inside of the shoe is pretty much seamless, reducing the chance of rubbing or pressure marks. The usually underappreciated area of ventilation is a big plus here too; especially because of the mesh sidewalls and tongue, heat and humidity get transported well. Another important feature is weight reduction. The model is light thanks to the tech materials used in the Avex. Stability can be described as average. During the 10h of testing the shoe didn’t lose shape, but a did lose its stability.

Summary

The Avex is a well designed and important addition to the Supra skate shoe collection. Thanks to its technical elements, boardfeel and comfort are its notable strengths. Slight weaknesses can be found when it comes down to durability and grip.

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Lakai

As always, the design team led by Scott Johnston has come up with great ideas and designs for 2014 such as a new Marc Johnson shoe. The model is very simple which is exactly what Marc Johnson seems to like about footwear. In addition with the Madrid comes a rather technical model that features Lakai’s XLK cupsole. The lateral and heel area is made out of air-permeable material and has a welded flare.

Adidas

Adidas, like every year, presented very appealing and stylish new colorways of known models such as the just-released Silas SLR and the very popular Busenitz vulc. One of adidas Skateboarding’s highlights at the tradeshow proved to be the ZX vulc. The model is inspired by the ZX running shoe series from the 80s and has now been adapted and reformed to skateboarding needs. In addition to the shoe models, the adidas booth offered a wide range of  clothing to be released throughout the year such as jackets, T-shirts and shirts.

Supra

Supra showcased established models such as the Ellington in, for Supra’s standards, rather modest colors. A focus next year is on the Terry Kennedy Pro model, the Stacks and Stacks vulc. We have already looked at the Stacks vulc in more detail and you’ll be able to read the result soon on weartested.

Dekline

Dekline is known for their plain and simple designs. Up until now, they were almost exclusively defined by vulcanized soles and narrow, shallow cuts. Now Dekline has  followed the trend towards cupsole models and brings to the table a model that stands out from their usual collection, the Dalton.

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