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.

The post Lakai Vincent appeared first on Weartested - detailed skate shoe reviews.

Many models stood out in 2013, a complete list is hardly possible. Here are the first four from our personal top 8 in 2013 (no particular order).

Nike SB Project BA

The Nike SB Project BA is an outstanding model in 2013. Brain Anderson deserved to develop a shoe with Nike SB and he did a very good job. The model has innovative features like the Lunarlon sole, a running shoe inspired design and a great balance between cushioning/comfort and board feel. Try the Nike SB Project BA and be surprised how good it is.

Lakai Vincent

Vincent Alvarez has delivered one of the best parts in Pretty Sweet in 2012. This year it got honored by Lakai giving him his first pro model. Inspired by the OG Lakai Manchester the model comes as close as possible to the original form with a new design. Watch his Chocolate Skateboards introduction clip, get his shoe and go skate – you won’t regret it.

Vans Chima Pro

Since Chima Ferguson was always skating the Vans Authentics he is one of those guys that took model-loyalty to new levels: However, Vans managed this year to create a pro model for Chima that resembles the Authentic silhouette, but possesses its very own style and look. The review is online, read it and get yourself a pair of the Chima Pro for the summer.

adidas Busenitz ADV

Dennis Busenitz is one of these constants in this universe that helps us restore faith in the future of skateboarding. Adidas skateboarding and Dennis Busenitz have developed with the Busenitz Pro an outstanding model, and they managed to repeat it in 2013 with the Busenitz ADV. The Adidas Busenitz ADV keeps it simple and clean, but doesn’t lack originality. Watch his part in the “Diagonal” video, go out and skate the Busenitz ADV.

part 2 coming soon

The post weartested skate shoe recap 2013: part 1 appeared first on Weartested - detailed skate shoe reviews.