Kobe Bryant Lakai

If any of you Laker fans tuned in to the Laker vs. Kings game on Saturday the 26th, you probably saw another All-Star line up besides the Lakers sitting courtside with the likes of Eric Koston, Guy Mariano, Biebel, Chris Roberts, Brian Anderson, Rick Howard, Mike Caroll and Mike Mo (sorry if I missed anyone).
Hook ups from The Maloof's ain't bad at all. Can we get a Playboy suite at the Palms for the next Vegas trip Mr Maloof? Lol.

Did you know Howard and Kobe are undergoing talks about playing for Lakai! Lol. Dig what the tees will look like.
Pic via E. Koston

Vans Syndicate Holiday Warriors

I love me a pair of Vans. I love a pair of Vans Syndicate even more. They're always coming out with some good shit with some good people. Targeted to the more OG's in the skate game (usually means 25 years old +, lol). Only sold at finer skate shops. I like that aspect of the shoe. The Syndicate line usually hosts classic Vans models with very nice material crossovers or special artist/skater collaboration. One of my favorite joints were John Cardiel's Old Skool Pendletons. Sickest/hardest ass Vans I own if you ask me.

(They're the first ones on the left)

I could go all day talking about my favorite Syndicate joints but I had to post this good ish the Syndicate crew is coming out with. Check the vid, then check the shoes. Sick. Vans Mountain Edition x Warriors. Love it. Pick these up if you're planning to launch a tactical strike at your nearest battlegrounds. lol.

Stussy Skate Team? Where Art Thou?

I'm blogging straight outta the Golden Nugget Casino here in Downtown Las Vegas. I figured the drinks are bottomless here as long as I'm around my gambling friends spread out through the whole casino. This weekend was a mini vacation. No work, no stress or anything. It's the first time I've ever gotten an 8 hour sleep in the city.
The guys from the Stussy warehouse out in Irvine, CA were out here for the weekend as well, doing a collective event with Stussy Las Vegas in the form of a sidewalk sale in the middle of the desert @ Las Vegas High. Picked up some threads and thought back. Damn! With how big Stussy is now (or has been) since someone bought the company off Shawn Stussy earlier this decade. WHY DON'T THEY HAVE A SKATE TEAM.


In 2004, Stussy had in my opinion one of the sickest, dopest skate team ever (in my opinion). The roster included Chocolate's Richard Mulder, Scott Johnston and Justin Eldridge, Workshop's Anthony Van Engelen, Listen's Danny Montoya and Chad Tim Tim, Habitat's Rob Pluhowski and Real's Kieth Hufnagel. Please forgive me if I left anybody out since it's been sooo damn long since I've seen the team in full effect.





To me it was how rad everybody on the team was and how diverse yet stylish skaters came to be. Also cuz it was a handful of my favorite skaters. Anyhow, with an average price tag of $24 a pop for a tee, you'd think Stussy could form another skate team. But to the epic proportion of the last team? Maybe not. I forgot to mention how the Stussy ad campaign was at it's best during this time.


Like I said, it was a mini vacation so nooo work. No skate shoes, no drama. Hope everyone had a good weekend. I know I did. See you all soon. Looking forward to the new year. Peace.

Inside the Skaters Closet: Vans Old Skool

Being from Southern California I've been wearing Vans shoes since I was in grade school. Just your typical $30 (then) tennis shoe that you'd wear for everything in a 10 year old's life. I always knew Vans were skate shoes but I had never skated.
The early 90's was when I picked up the stuntwood after being mind blown from watching "clips" of street skating on an ESPN show that played music with action sports back in the day. The Vans Old Skool was the first Vans / skate shoe that I was infatuated with at the time. Im not gonna front, I saw the older skaters wearing em and i thought they were the shit so of course i had to get a pair!
A big first half a year which included learning how to "Ollie" were in Old Skools. The grippy sticky vulcanized sole felt like the board stuck with you and made you Ollie higher.

As the years passed and the evolution of skate shoes progressed (climaxed right before the Osiris D3), we find ourselves back to the basics. Back to the vulc. And although the progression of skateboarding itself is at it's peak, the classics from then are as popular now than ever. Collaborations and new materials and colorways keep it fresh and new.

From the Vans Old Skools to the Nike Blazer and the Addidas campus and even the likes of the DC Mantecca or the Etnies RAP. The classics remain supreme and a skater can always affiliate a certain time in their skate game with a particular shoe. My big ups to the Vans Old Skool.

Ive got a few pairs of old skools now and have been skating in them just for kicks. Which brings me to this question: How do you skate old skools without blowing a hole in the Ollie area the first session? And how long do they last you? Im gonna have to invest in some shoe goo or get sponsored. I'm guessing the pros go through em on the daily! Lol.


Here are my likes and dislikes for this weeks shoe feature Vans Old Skools:

My Likes: A Timeless Classic, to the status of the Chuck Taylor All-Star. Epicly will never go out of style. Comfortable. Grippy sticky soles that Vans has been so famous for. Something about rubber soles that at times, I feel I can walk forever in them as opposed to some of my other shoes with "air" cushion technology. Reasonably inexpensive. New colorways and collaborations keep popping up.

My Dislikes: The canvas uppers (including the ollie area) make it super easy to put a hole through one heavy session of skating. I wish they would back just that one area up for skating. In the meantime, I'll have to shoe goo that baby. They are no longer made in the U.S.A. The red label in the back bottom sole.

With that said, Get your roll on.

Anthony Pappalardo Cons signature shoe

Remember when Kenny and Chany skated for Cons back in the late 90's. I was just thinkin back to Converse's early attempts at the skate game. I didn't think the shoes were actually bad. I guess either they didn't push hard enough or kids weren't buying in. Anyhow, they got right this time around and this pro shoe has been a long time coming. Chocolate pro NYC local, Anthony "Pops" Pappalardo, head ambassador for the new Cons skate team gets the teams' first signature shoe. The shoe has got simple yet means business vibe to it. Vulcanized and shredible cool guy skating (like Pops).
I've seen Pops actually wear this shoe for a while but didn't know what the hell they were (turns out they're his!). The shoe in the picture is the upcoming model for product (red) which is an international aids campaign but the olny difference is the (red) logo. Definately keep your eye out for these and if any of you have a pair of those old kenny Anderson Cons from the late 90's, shout me a holler. Get your roll on.

Mike Carroll X FTC X Lakai

The best skate shop in Frisco and the best skater to come out of Frisco bring you the Lakai Mike Carroll select X FTC skate shop collabo. Carroll has been a founding rider of FTC since the get go. You really can't think of SF skateboarding without these two aspects in mind. Releasing exclusively at FTC shops and Carroll's house 12/12/09.

Circa Sierra Fellers Talon shoe release

If you're on the West side of the West side (Santa Monica). Drop into CCS at the 3rd St Promenade and grab some Circa goods. CCS, been holding it down for skateboarding for years now. Definately a great source for your online skateboarding need. They got great jeans too (for cheap) and better quality than that other retailer/mailorder skateshop that hire wierd ass non-skaters (but hot ass chicks) to work at the shop. You know the one......

Eric Koston sits and talks shoes

A recent sitdown with Eric Koston for Nike SB. More teasers/hints of what we can expect from the new Zoom Eric Koston SB. Check it.

Habitat Skateboards Skate Shoes

Habitat Skateboards, welcome to the shoe game. After 10 years of popping out stunt wood and producing the likes of Silas, Garcia, Getz, Gall, O'Conner, Janoski and other top pros over the years, the Ohio based DNA distribution company gets some sole.
In February, 2010, Habitat releases their debut of 6 model skate shoes with help from artist Charlie Harper to commemorate the release. The team will intially comprise of the teams ams Guru Khalsa, Marius Syvanen, Austyn Gillette, and Alex Davis (Due to the pros already having their own sponsors. obviously)
Check out some of the kicks below and keep an eye out for these to hit your shops. I think they'll hold up well on the wood.

Cons CTS Prevent This Tragedy X Thrasher Magazine

The Cons CTS (Chuck Taylor Skate) in my opinion are hands down the skate shoes of the year. I have like 5 pair of the OG black OX CTS'. Super excited when I heard the news about the collabo CTS with Thrasher Magazine for the upcoming feature, Prevent This Tragedy. Seems like the Cons CTS Suede gets the special treatment with the blue accents found in the movies ad.


The other CTS collabo features a dope ass black/gum sole colorway. OMG! I got nothing to say on these.
And for the G's who like a little gnarl in their skate game, well the first CTS suede mid with "Prevent this Tragedy" written on the side will do you right.


Keep an eye out for these to hit finer shops that carry Cons and check out the movie's trailers at Thrashermagazine.com The DVD will actually be free with Febuary 2010 issue of Thrasher Magazine, so cop cop cop. I think that's Baca on the Promo ad! Gnarl.

Lakai Manchester X Utility Boardshop Exclusive Colorway

Utility Boardshop is definately one chain of skate shops that have been holding it down on the west side for a hot minute. With Lakai riders Marc Johnson, Vincent Alvarez and Anthony Pappalardo(ex-Lakai rider), it's only right that Lakai shows the shop that have been supporting skateboarding and the shoes we skate in some love.
Lakai will be releasing a shop exclusive Manchester Select at Utility shops this holiday season. These Lakais are money. Trust me. My 4th favorite Lakai shoe after the OG Staples, OG Manchesters and the Cairo II X Popwar collabo. "Hurry up and buy!"-(In old Korean Liquor store owner voice)
Support your local skate shop. Support skateboarding.

I Love Goooooold. Emerica Stay Gold Pack

To commemorate the release of Emerica's new dvd, Stay Gold. The Reynolds cruiser, the Francis lo and the Laced get a dope remake with dyed canvas and spray painted soles. Dope. Wish they were individually hand done by the riders instead. That would be doper. Lol.

Nike Dunk Hi SB Considered Design "Gucci" (Sam Smyth)

The "Gucci" dunk hi designed by Girl Skateboards team manager, Sam Smyth 4 years ago as part of the Nike SB Team Manager Series. The design was X-ed and Girl handed the project over to Diamond Supply Co.'s Nick Tershey which was at the time still a part of the Girl family. Nick designed the "Tiffany" dunk that is now known and voted as the greatest dunk ever made.


The Gucci dunk hi that Sam designed became one of the most sought out dunks ever with a handful of samples floating around and hitting auction prices of $5K on Ebay. This week, Nike SB releases the Gucci dunk hi that Sam Smyth designed but labeled as the first of Nike's Considered Design for Nike SB.
Big thank you to Tetsuya for my 9.5's.


Considered Design is Nike's new commitment for production without compromise. Less production waste, environmental friendly materials, and super technical performance products. Only products that exceed the new "considered" standards will be labeled with Considered Design. Find out more about Considered Design at www.considereddesign.com

DVS Diamond Supply Jeron Wilson

DVS has been busy busy. DVS shoe co. and Nicky Diamond are at it again with this third Diamond DVS collabo. The Jeron signature kick gets the diamond "Tiffany" teal flare on black. The Jeron is always a winner in my book. The pack will include matching tee and backpack. Hittin shops early 2010.

Vision Street Wear Suede Hi's

I had a pair of these before I even skated. I remember my mom coping these for me @ Nordstroms when I was like 8 after seeing BMX-ers and Skateboarders wear them in BMX Plus and Thrasher mags. Nothing else to say but that Vision is a legendary skate shoe company. Respect due. The OG Suede Hi's are retro'd now at

Stephan Janoski Nike SB Blackcat

I just unofficially dubbed this colorway of a pair of SB Janoski's as the "black cat". Lol. Anyways, Who knows when this will ever hit shops as Stephan himself just got these in the mail. You can get your grown man on in these.

DVS X Chico Brenes "Chico Give Me my Money" Shoe

In conjunction with the L-R-G skate video "Chico Give Me My Money", head honcho of the LRG skate team and DVS' Chico Brenes will be releasing an upcoming DVS X Lifted Research Group X Chico Brenes Model.


Chico will be partying it up in Los Angeles for the release of the new Chico X DVS shoe on Thursday, Nov 19. Check the flyer below for further detail.

DVS Altamont Kevin Hoyle Sample

I've seen a few skateboard clothing company X shoe collabo's during my time but this one works with me. The collabo features the Munition model with the Altamont flare. Simple, yet perfect with the signature Altamont label stitched on the tounge. One of my favorite DVS models, so good for skating.

Nike Blazer SB HUF

Just wanted remind you that the Nike Blazer SB X HUF will release today November 7, 2009 at HUF stores in San Francisco and Los Angeles. These will not be available online or at other skate shops which sucks for those that live in anywhere except SF and LA but where there's a will, there's a way.

The shoes are $90.

Official Nike Zoom Eric Koston SB

(click to enlarge)
The most recent Nike SB ad in Transworld Skateboarding features Eric Koston in his first official media ad. This ad also gives us a teaser of the official Nike Zoom Eric Koston SB shoe. (although the picture is not clear enough to read, it reads "Zoom Eric Koston SB"!! yeeeaaaah. No official pics of the kick is released yet but I'll keep you updated. You heard it here first!

Clae Footwear X Stussy LA Exclusive

Clae is not a noobie to the skateboard shoe game. I repeat, Clae is not a noobie to the skateboard shoe game. If you don't know about them, then you were probably born in the 90's. That's okay. (Aint' nothing wrong with being born in the 90's).

Clae started off as a skateboard shoe in the late 90's and kind of went underground for a few years (Hopefully will do an upcoming article on the company soon). A couple years ago I started seeing more of the brand in finer skate shops. Their latest drop, November 6, features an instore exclusive of the Kennedy model to the Stussy LA chapter store @ La Brea. Stussy LA is also an official Clae footwear dealer. Check em out. Drop in or drop em a line if you're not in the area. I'm pretty sure they'd be happy to help you out with phone orders.

Stussy LA

112 S. La Brea

Los Angeles, CA

(323) 933-2251

Clae.com

pic via Eddie Cruz

Upcoming Vans Ray Barbee 92 Re-Issue

The Vans old skools is my favorite Vans model and takes me back to before I even picked up a board. Wish they were still made in USA but whatevs. Ray Barbee and his upcoming Old Skool 92 Re-Issues with a clean as hell look for all the OG's out there. Check these at your finer skate shop.

Vans Syndicate Mountain Edition

The Vans Syndicate crew have been on the DL recently but I doubt they've been slackin off as proven with this preview of an upcoming mountain edition syndicate which features the classic "syndicate" touch. Clean and upscale. Hoping to see some more this holday season. Tune in.

Fred Gall Signature Ipath + Grasshopper Classics

Always want to support all the skate shoe companies and Ipath is no stranger to the skate shoe game. Always on point with some of the best kicks on or off the stuntwood. OG Workshop head Fred Gall out with his signature Ipath Fred Galls. Yeaaahh!

Get some at Ipath.com


Ipath Grasshoppers and Ipath Cats are Da shit! If you didn't know, now you know. I'd walk up to you and high five you if you were wearing these. Awesome!

Skate Mental Dunk Hi & Todd Jordan Dunk Hi's

Brad Staba and the boys at Skate Mental have been so busy skating they don't even know that their website is off-line! However, considering they are all riding for Nike SB, It's only obvious that they break out one for the team. This will be the second collabo from their first dunk mid "heavy mental". This colorway reminds me of doo doo. I'm thinkin that's what Staba had in mind.


While we're on the subject, skate shops around Southern California just got their shipment of November Nikes which includes Todd Jordan's "bloody gums" dunk hi and red bruins today. My pair came with a gold swoosh (made for Supreme). These are to be an instant classic. I love Todd Jordan and that he always wears dunk hi's.



pics courtesy of ABM @ Nonfactory.

Blue Nike Stephan Janoski SB

Got this pic a few days ago from Stephan Janoski but now it's all over the net. I usually like posting new pics asap but was kinda busy. There's really not much to say about this except nice. When's it comin out?

Es Footwear Royal Trucks Collaboration

Royal trucks rider and hand rail monster Justin Eldridge and Habitat's Danny Garcia are teaming up with their shoe sponsor Es footwear with a Royal X Es Collabo. 3 new models will be given the Royal flare, Eldridge’s Theory 1.5, Danny Garcia’s Garcia 2 Mid, and the Tarmack team shoe.

Eldridge 1.5 X Royal (We saw this shoe get the Chocolate skateboards flare last year as well)


Danny Garcia's Garcia 2


Tarmac Team Royal