Category: Skateboarding

I’m not really sure why I’d never picked up a pair of Duffs before. Perhaps it was the negative connotations that emerge from the name ‘Duff’, that caused me to simply not acknowledge their existence as a skateshoe.

Which is slightly bizarre considering I’d always take notice of their adverts, which boast a sense of humour similar to the unstoppable Enjoi co. and there’s tons of sick skate rats rocking those creptillians:Louie Barletta, Adam Alfaro, Ben Reamers, and of course The Kid back in the day. My complete dismissal of the shoes just doesn’t make much sense at all. Of course, this all changed once the Zac shoved a box into my hand and told me to shred them to pieces.

The shoe itself, in all its brown colourway glory, is tastefully refined, offering a simple design that doesn’t demand any uncouth sneers from passers by in the direction of your feet. These shoes certainly are not for any ‘check me out and chill’ conch bags. These low-key beauties slip on in an almost seductively comfortable fashion, and results in a good firm grip around your foot, leaving you with a good supply of ankle movement and vast amounts of board feel.

The inconspicuous mesh tongue keeps your feet cool, while the well-concealed heel safe gel that boasts great arch support acts as a barrier to any nasty heel bruises. The sole is solid, giving you a good amount of grip, but enough give to make those quick feet changeovers no hassle. And no bad words can be said about suede uppers, I just won’t have it.

All in all, a very consistent, durable and delicious looking shoe. I love it. It certainly has made Duffs a much more substantial blip on the shoe-dar. Now stop fucking reading about it and get some on and go skate before the winter comes a crashing in.

9/10.

Joe Moynihan

The first time I saw this board, like most of Krooked’s back catalogue of graphics, it had a pleasing effect on my eyes. The second time I saw this board it twas under my feet having me considering if I had really messed with my 7.76″ equilibrium! I’ve never ridden a rig this wide, boy she’s a big’un!

Within minuets of riding this slugger, I knew that variety IS the spice of life. A not too aggressive concave twined with rather mellow nose and tail makes this deck carve like a dream and not shy of any flip-pokery. Initially the 31.2″ length made my eyes water a little, but even this remedied within minutes, in fact anything shorter, with this width would be like riding a plate!

This is the first Krooked board I’ve had the pleasure to ride, and believe me I’m not a man to use the word pleasure often. With a hand full of very sketchy, misplaced footed landings and not a single stress crack or quibble in sight. I will be a repeat customer.

Ultimately, this board is a great all-rounder, particularly good at slashing all them sexy new concrete parks popping up all over, and simultaneously satisfying both the ‘grip it n rip it’ and ‘I think this ones going on the wall, so when guests come round it may just spark off some conversation other than the appalling summer were amidst rant’ camps.

‘Get it straight, ride Krooked’

Robin Hayes