SIZING

The Lakai Carroll fits true to size; we recommend going for the size you usually wear in Lakai.

DURABILITY

Overall the durability of the Lakai Carroll was quite good, with some minor areas for improvements. There were three main points of the shoe that helped prolong the entire lifespan of skating. First off, the iconic Lakai Carroll toe piece cap was made out of a high quality suede, which wrapped around the toe-piece in the shape of a “T”. The shape of the toe cap and the way it was stitched proved to be very durable, especially since the stitching was purposely designed to be placed outside of the critical areas of wear. The sole in the toe area was also quite thick so it helped protect the suede toe from griptape contact and provided great flick. These two points only showed regular signs of wear after the 10-hour test. Another highlight that improved the durability was the lacing system, an iconic element of the first released Carroll. The hidden lacing system proved to work very well and even the seams in the midfoot area did not show signs of wear. With that said, the first loop was  exposed to griptape contact and showed signs of wear but didn’t completely rip. All in all, the durability of the Carroll good, and it’s performance after our 10 hour wear-test was expected.

CUSHIONING

Released as a reissue under their XLK cup-sole program, the revamped Carroll 1 features Lakai’s proven XLK cushioning technology. The cushioning is above average, thanks to the sole construction and the EVA-foam insole with an additional foam element directly in the heel area. Flatground skating felt extremely comfortable, and the impact from small to middle sized gaps was easy to absorb. However, the absence of a foamed midsole in the center and front-area does reduce the model’s ability to dampen high impacts in these regions if you’re skating larger sets.

SHAPE

Without completely redesigning an easy 2000’s shoe that so many have loved, the Carroll  XLK does feature a rather wider silhouette. The heel area has a good amount of padding which make this area wider but the shape of the shoe does taper towards the midfoot area, before narrowing down to the toe area and ending up in a nice round toe tip. The shoe’s aesthetic is still classic and looks incredible on foot.

Boardfeel and grip

The first half of the shoe from the toe tip to the arch is mainly responsible for the boardfeel. The Lakai Carroll is able to provide two huge benefits in this area. The first benefit is a thin front area with the removable insole as well as a thin sole itself. This causes a direct contact between foot and board. The second is the flexibility of the shoe, which allows for maximum surface area contact and causes the shoe to adapt well to the concave of the deck. The boardfeel and the grip are really balanced; you can feel the deck for feet positioning and concave pop and still feel confident with enough cushioning, which helps make bails bearable when you’re trying a trick. On top of that, Lakai keeps it classic with Carroll’s herringbone sole. The zig-zag pattern has also proven to offer a grippy connection between the deck and sole with a softer rubber compound mixture and deep grooves, and in this case, both are present. In addition, sole does have more rigid structure and ensures a certain wear resistance, with the result of a gimmick-less sole with good adhesion for a cupsole model.

COMFORT AND STABILITY

The most important features for a comfortable skate shoe include weight, ventilation and a well-crafted inner shoe area. Despite the outward appearance of it’s former model, the Carroll XLK is lightweight and the inner area is crafted very well. A very positive feature is the fixated tongue which helps keep everything in place and your feet secure. The shoe’ s upper has mesh elements which surprisingly resulted in very good breathability, especially in the toe and sidewall areas. As far as stability goes, the overall stability of the shoe is very balanced. However, despite the additional padding in the heel area that helped with securing the heel and comfort, the heel area did feel a bit wide cut and sometimes created a feeling of slipping out. The suede upper did not stretch out at all during the test, which means the sidewalls didn’t get too flexible and lose their shape, ensuring the shoe’s stability and maintain it’s full potential over the whole lifespan of the shoe.

SUMMARY

It was refreshing and nostalgic to skate the Lakai Carroll 1 with updated features; the shoe hit huge points with comfort, breathability, durability in toe area and boardfeel. The only recommendation would be a slight adjustment in the heel to maximize stability.

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Size

The Lakai Flaco 2 fits true to size.

Durability

With main contact points for durability in mind, the Lakai Flaco 2 features two suede upper panels for the toe and lateral area of the shoe. The edge of the toe panel is fixed to the lateral suede side panel with double stitching, but in a critical area of abuse. However, after our 10 hour test, the shoe showed only abrasion on the vulcanized sole and the stitchings between the two suede panels were still completely intact with no ripping. The suede panel is not only thick, but made of high quality, which significantly improves the durability. Under the suede itself is an additional support element to even further improve durability and provide a second line of defense when the suede has a hole. The lateral side panel part going towards the heel of the shoe is made of canvas, which will usually reduce the durability performance of the shoe. However, the designers at Lakai took care of this problem by shifting the side panel’s seams as far back on the shoe so that the griptape has almost no possibility to get in contact with the canvas. A notoriously vulnerable spot along the upper eyelets of the shoe has shown sign of wear during the test. To sum it up, the durability of the Flaco 2 can be evaluated as good because the areas that showed wear from our 10-hour test are not the most critical parts.

Cushioning 

Lakai modernized their vulcanized sole, and patented it as PARA-MOUNT outsole technology which utilizes dual density cushioning to absorb high impacts. Though the crafted midsole construction has the goal of adding cushioning especially in the heel area, the feeling of the sole construction is a bit too direct to the feet, offering only average cushioning. The sole can absorb regular impacts from flatground and medium sized gaps with no problem. It is a vulcanized sole with typical vulcanized cushioning but has the advantages of a cupsole with regards to the support of the foot. The DELUX-LITE sockliner is made out of a foam to improve cushioning, fit and comfort. The insole  has a solid thickness with the aim of offering a softer feeling of cushioning for the heel. Overall, the cushioning of the shoe was average.

Shape

The shape of the Lakai Flaco 2 is a classic and slim silhouette. As a result, the shoe is cut very close to the foot in all areas. The model offers a enough space in the toe-area, the midfoot section, as well as the heel area, which improves board contact without compromising stability.

Boardfeel and Grip

Lakai’s sole construction can be described as a classic vulcanization. The PARA-MOUNT outsole technology has average cushioning but offers a great boardfeel for the feet. The thin sole in the toe area leads to a very minimal amount of material between board and foot, which makes the boardfeel incredible. The hex-tread design aims to offer a greater flexibility for increased board feel and maximum grip; due to the sole’s flexibility the shoes adapts very well to the concave of the board and as the sole is pressed onto the griptape, the grip of the shoe performs extremely well.

Comfort and Stability

When it comes down to comfort, the slim silhouette of the shoe provides a solid foothold. When worn and skated, the foot feels quite secure and is hugged tightly by the shoe due to two elastic strips that hold the tongue in place. With that said, the Flaco 2 keeps its form extremely well, which upholds the great workmanship put into this Lakai model. Unfortunately, breathability of the shoe is not that stellar. Even though cushioning wasn’t fully focused on, the vulcanized construction lives up to a solid feel of stability. The arch in the middle part of the shoe is reinforced for additional support which helps to make the shoe feels stable.

Summary

The classic silhouette of the Lakai Flaco 2 excels with its durability, grip and also boardfeel. It’s only minor flaws are its average cushioning and breathability.

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A skateboarder with his experience and skills knows what’s essential when it comes to the product he skates in. Teaming up with Lakai’s design team including Scott Johnston and Jeff Mikut, there can only be good results. Enjoy the review of Guy’s new Pro Model the Lakai Guymar.

Sizing

The Lakai Guymar fits true to size.

Durability

The Lakai Guymar has a clean toecap design. When skating, a one-piece suede toecap typically offers good durability and also provides a nice edge for flick trips. This stands true to the Guymar, which after skating, did not show any noticeable signs of wear. The lateral part of the shoe is canvas, which often reduces the durability of the shoe. However, the designers at Lakai took care of this problem by shifting the one-piece toecap’s seams as far back on the shoe so that the griptape has almost no possibility to get in contact with the canvas. As a result, the stitched Lakai flare and other design elements have also been shifted back, thus further improving durability, especially in combination with the canvas material. A notoriously vulnerable spot along the upper eyelets of the shoe have also proven to be very durable. The only parts of the shoe that showed signs of wear was the rubber in the toe area, especially in the kickflip zone, as well as the sole, which lost a bit of its profile. To sum up, the durability of the Guymar was evaluated as very good.

Cushioning

Lakai modernized their vulcanized sole, branded it as VLX, and introduced it with the Guymar. Though the crafted midsole construction has the goal of adding cushioning, the feeling of the sole construction is a bit too direct to the feet, offering only average cushioning. The sole can absorb regular impacts, but nothing more and nothing less. It is a vulcanized sole with typical vulcanized cushioning but has the advantages of a cupsole with regards to the support of the foot. The insole is way thicker in the heel area compared to the toe area, and has the aim of offering a softer feeling of cushioning for the heel.

Shape

The Guymar has a great shape and features a slim silhouette. This leads to a shoe that is cut very close to the foot in all areas. The model offers a good feeling in the toe-area, the midfoot section, as well as the heel area, which improves board contact without compromising stability.

Boardfeel and grip

Lakai’s VLK sole construction can be described as a modern vulcanization combining the advantages of both cupsole and vulcanized soles. Traditionally, the edge of a cupsole is characterized by a rounded out edge along the sole whereas a vulcanized sole has sharper edge. Lakai developed a vulcanized sole with a round edge that imitates the feeling of a cupsole. In addition, the height of the sole decreased from heel to toe, offering a very direct and good boardfeel. The sole needs some hours to develop its complete flexibility to result in a good grip.

Comfort and stability

When it comes down to comfort, the slim silhouette of the shoe provides an outstanding foothold. When worn and skated, the foot feels quite secure and is hugged tightly by the shoe. The inner part of the model is almost seamless and helps reduce the possibility of pressure spots. A minor weakness regarding the comfort of the model is Lakai’s choice of hard materials. Unfortunately, even with two ventilation holes on the inner medial side, the breathability is not that stellar. With that said, the Guymar keeps its form extremely well, which upholds the great workmanship put into this Lakai model. Even though cushioning wasn’t fully focused on, the VLX vulcanized construction still offered the stability of a cupsole model.

Summary

The Lakai Guymar excels with its durability, stability and also boardfeel, defining itself as one of the best skate shoes in 2015 for now. It’s only minor flaws are its average cushioning and breathability.

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Nike SB Lunar Oneshot: Best Boardfeel

 d

Emerica Leo Laced: Best Grip

 c

Lakai Echelon: Best Design

 c

HUF Dylan: Best Durability

c

Vans Rowley Lite: Best Comfort

 c

adidas ZX Vulc: Best Stability

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Let’s start with the important questions: what shoes are you wearing right now and why?                         Right now at this moment I just got done skating the park out back of the office. I was skating in the new MJ and I’m switching now to my fresh new pair of MJ’s that eventually I will skate it.

h

You underwent a transition from being a pro skater to a full time footwear designer. What were the biggest challenges related to that transition?                                                                                                                       I really didn’t have an challenges while making the transition. I was very much looking forward to a more structured day. A year later though, thats when I realized what freedom I once had and how that won’t  be coming back for a long time.

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What’s the most valuable lesson you learnt as a footwear designer over the years?                                         I would say give everything a chance. At first you might be given a project that sounds just horrible. But you can also take on the challenge.

h

What are your biggest influences besides skateboarding, what inspires you?                                               Really its my friends and the people around me. I love to people watch and see what their doing gear wise.

If you could design a shoe for any other „sport“ than skateboarding, which would it be and why?               Probably it would be a soccer shoe.  For one I love soccer even though I can’t really play. The whole personal style when it comes to the players. The second reason I’d like to design a soccer shoe is because you can skate in soccer shoes. So I’d like to make the best for both all in one.

h

Lakai had already in the past shoes that were not primarily designed for skating. What sets the Echelon line apart?                                                                                                                                                                 It’s encapsulating its own look as far as branding and overall feel.  In the past Lakai has only been focused towards hard core skaters. As the brand matured I felt we needed create a separate category for the guys that once skated and now work a young professional job. Also for the guys that never skated and just want an alternative to the big brands.  Echelon stands on its own. It relies on quality and classic styling with an original twist. Branding takes a back seat to good seasonal colors and textures.

h

A design process usually includes killing some of your „darlings“. Are there any Echelon samples that you liked but that didn’t make the cut?                                                                                                                     Oh for sure but thats always been a apart of the process. Who knows maybe one day they’ll make the light of day. Either way those projects always help getting us to where we want to go.

Besides the tendency to more mature and sophisticated skate shoe styles as resembled in the Echelon line, which new influences will we see in 2015 an beyond in your opinion?                                                         We’ve established a headline project for each season to set the mood of the whole collection. I’m very happy with the catalogs as they’ve become something worth collecting. The catalog itself is as important to me as the product.

h

Are there any particular projects with Lakai that you are looking forward to in the next months?                     Next thing to come out is a Chocolate 20 year collection.

h

h

Thanks to Lakai, Kelly Bird and Scott Johnston!

Pictures: Lakai Limited Footwear

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Camby Mid

The Camby Mid is our first candidate. Based on the already known Lakai Camby, the mid top version is a result of a modern facelift. The toe box and ankle-high design give this shoe a classic desert boot flair. The sole is tried and tested; the much loved vulcanized Lakai Select. This technology fits the shoe perfectly – being simple and comfortable. The Camby Mid still combines simple design with clever details. The heel is reinforced with a leather patch and the inner lining features fine patterned fabric to improve comfort. All this leads to the Lakai Camby Mid being a shoe with a classic silhouette and clever design features.

Albany

The Albany is a completely new family member of the Echelon Line. The shoe features a slim and very low silhouette. The vulcanized sole with a thick foam insole completes the very simplistic approach without compromising comfort. The leather tongue, waxed lace loops and lateral leather patch along with the tonal color ways emphasize the focus on design and comfort. This is also obvious by the lack of major logo placement or branding.

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Pant: WeSC Eddy Chino (www.wesc.com)

T-Shirt: WeSC Dubby Stripe (www.wesc.com)

Socks: Stance Belen (www.stance.com)

Shoes: Lakai Echelon Camby (www.lakai.com)

Hat: HUF 5panel cap Cord Box Volley  (www.hufsf.com)

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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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Lakai Vincent

Despite their relatively young history, Lakai has already dropped designs that can be hailed as classics. Lakai started off strong with Rick Howard’s first select model, the „Staple“, and has carried that momentum all the way to Scott Johnson´s signature models and more recent designs. Still, with no doubt, all of those models are trumped by the OG noteworthy Lakai Manchester, which has been inspired countlessly by other companies.

Things have changed with the newest baby in Lakai´s cradle of shoes. Vincent Alvarez’s first signature model has been purposefully influenced by the Manchester, and the outcome is immaculate. Although the influence of the Manchester is evident, the Alvarez is not a simple copy but rather a new model with its own character, just like Vincent Alvarez himself. Whether or not this pro shoe model of a true „skater´s skater“ lives up to its hype will be addressed below.

Skateboardmsm Schuhtest by weartested: Lakai „Alvarez“ a Skateboard video by SkateboardMSM

Sizing

The Lakai Vincent fits true to size.

Durability

One of the most prominent design techniques to improve durability in skate shoes nowadays is to reduce seams and overlapping materials. The dark side of this is the limitation faced trying to give a shoe a really outstanding design. Still, the Vincent manages to create a distinct recall value. The Lakai flare and other design elements have been set back, thus improving durability, especially in combination with the material.

Even the (sometimes) vulnerable part along the upper eyelets of the shoe has proven to be very durable. The outsole is also a little thicker than with most vulcanized soles, again improving durability. However, the toe area does not feature the usual rubber-layer which increases the vulnerability of the area with regard to abrasion caused by flip-tricks. The pattern of the sole is also deep and did not show any blank spots.

Cushioning

Vulcanized soles typically have weaker cushioning than cupsole models. The Lakai Vincent, however, redefines this preconception. It combines great cushioning with amazing boardfeel, due to its thinner construction in the frontal area of the shoe. The honeycomb structure also distributes the impact force more widely and allows the sole to absorb more forces without adding weight. The insole itself was quite flattened after 10 hours of skating, but since this attribute of the shoe can be easily swapped out, this should not be of great concern.

Shape

The Vincent features a slim silhouette, just like the OG Manchester. This leads to a shoe that is cut very close to your foot and improves board contact without compromising stability. The pointy toe improves flick and allows you to control flip tricks very well.

Boardfeel and grip

The sole construction in the first third of the shoe is very thin, creating great boardfeel, especially in combination with the great flex of the sole. This flex usually also improves grip, and this is true for the Vincent. The grip of the shoe is great without being too much and doesn´t weaken thanks to the deep pattern of the sole.

Comfort and stability

When it comes down to comfort, the slim silhouette of the shoe provides an impeccable foothold. The nearly seamless inner part of the shoe combined with Lakai’s use of soft materials, greatly improve shoe comfort. Unfortunately, weight and ventilation are not that stellar; the shoe is rather heavy when compared to the industry standard of models nowadays. Nonetheless, the Vincent keeps its form extremely well, which upholds great workmanship put into this Lakai model.

Summary

The Lakai Vincent is a stable vulcanized shoe that excels in terms of grip and flick. Smaller design flaws such as weak ventilation are balanced with great durability and cushioning.

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