Categories
Skateboarding Product Reviews

Etnies Jameson HTW Winterized Boots

jameson_htw_etnies_winter_boot_black

Are you on the lookout every winter for a simple pair of boots? Not to skate in of course, because it’s rare to find a crossover that works, just a clean and simple boot that deals with the shitty British deep freeze and dampness for 5 months straight. The kind of boots that don’t make your feet wet. Boots that don’t have heels or super thick soles that take forever to put on and make you feel like a stupid goth twat. Do you ever feel this seasonal anxiety?

The chances are that I’m on my jacks on this one, but for those who agree that this feeling exists I can safely say that those frustrating days are long gone, because etnies have totally smashed it with their Jameson HTW. I’ve personally been a big fan of the Jameson range from their very first offering, which include the SC, Bloodline, eco, eco 2 etc – they’ve always delivered a killer shoe to skate in but these new winterized numbers are next level and guess what? You can even bloody well skate in them too. Question is though: why did it take so long? Perfection always takes time and with 30 years experience in the game, etnies are now looking to up their game across all of their ranges and nailing it too.

jameson_htw_etnies_winter_boot_black

These boots are ridiculously comfortable as soon as they hit your feet but not too bulky like some other winter boots I’ve reviewed in the past. These are skate shoes with amazing waterproofed gum compound on the outside, mirrored by insulated, quick dry material on the inside. The tread on the sole is a little deeper than your average skate shoe allowing you more stability on slippery surfaces too – like ice and snow. Once back indoors, you can stick your shoes on a radiator when wet and they will dry pretty quickly. They are also easy to clean just with a wet rag, or in the washing machine on a low heat, but the best fact of all is that you don’t feel like you are lugging around any weight – just like wearing a skate shoe.

I opted for the jet black ones (as I once was a stupid goth twat) but these also come in brown tan and also black with white soles as you can see in the photos. No joke, these are the best winter boots I’ve ever had on my feet and made by the skaters of Soletech, for skaters. Just don’t tell anyone else how good these are, and that they are only £85, otherwise you will see them in your local high street shops by February and your Dad will be wearing them.

Zac

jameson_htw_etnies_winter_boot_black

etnies_jameson_HTW

Categories
Skateboarding Product Reviews

SUPRA Douglas boot

The clocks have gone back, the Autumn has kicked in and inevitably the Winter will be inviting us into the big chill here in the UK over the next 2 months. For some it’s a bleak period, for others it’s a joyful season, but for many of us, preparation for cold, winter nights ahead starts now in terms of clothing and shoes.

SUPRA are one step ahead of the other shoe brands this year and have released a series of boots so you can combat pretty much any weather system when off your board. Question is, are these for you? What do you wear when you are not skating? Are you the commercial sports style person? Do you like a shoe? Are you partial to a boot? If it’s the latter then get ready to be introduced to Supra’s newest range of footwear designed to heavy duty wear off the griptape. A boot that is so durable that you can hike in them, as i found out a month ago whilst visiting Lulworth Cove down on the South coast.

These Douglas boots are all terrain vehicles, designed to tackle hillsides, puddles, dancefloors and pretty much anything that this planet will serve up. So far, they are not even fazed by the tasks that they have been put through so far, they look exactly the same as they did when they jumped out of the box, and when they have got dirty, these boots are so easy to wipe down and clean up.

I have noticed that I have formed bigger calf muscles in these last 6 weeks of wearing them daily, as the Douglas are heavy but not like foot bricks. They are kind of like Black Sabbath, but within the first 4 albums. None of that (debatable) average shit they released afterwards that you can never actually remember. They come with tough metal eyelets, leather laces, heavygauge stitching, a gusseted tongue (ooh missus) and they are super warm and comfy once on your feet.

If you are looking for a winter boot this year, the Douglas could well be your best option. Keep and eye on Supra as they are making some big waves in an area where a lot of other skate brands are just repeating themselves right now. These come highly recommended this winter. Pick them up in the Supra shop as they now deliver direct to the UK.

Zac

Lulworth Cove, October 2011- no problem for the Douglas.