MIDDLE SCHOOL SKATE SHOES IN NEED OF A RE-RELASE

Last week, Green Label recently posted a solid list of Old School Skate Shoes that Need Re-Releases.

While I enjoyed their picks, after reading the article i came to the realization that most of the skate shoes I want back come from more recently in skate history. Here are a few of my picks from 1999-2008 that I wouldn't mind getting the Accel treatment:

Savier Brad Staba 2002

Fuck what you've heard, Savier made some great shoes. The Brad Staba pro models were some of the most comfortable skate shoes ever made (check out the collar padding), lasted forever and had a look that was way ahead of their time. It's the future now, I'd like my futuristic shoes back, please.

Adidas Gonz Slip-On 2008

Yes, they did re-release these, but the Gonz Slip-On's Adidas put out in 2008 didn't have that annoying rubber ollie patch that's featured on the current version. The soles on these got nice and soft after breaking in and absorbed impact extremely well for a vulcanized sole. They made a Navy pair that looked badass, unfortunately the internet does not seem to have any record of them. 

éS Contract 2003

Okay, forget the foam soles, those have always sucked on skate shoes. I appreciated these mostly for aesthetic reasons, people just looked cool skating these. The burnt yellow & blue colorway was very distinctive at the time, it made these look like a classic running shoe you dug out of your dad's closet.

Nike SB Zoom FC 2003

These were perfect for those of us who have narrow feet and high arches. The sole had a tread pattern that was great right out of the box (although it did wear down quickly). Plus there was a Gino colorway. The re-released versions of these were not at all like the originals. The current soccer-style SBs, the Lunar Gatos, are a step in the right direction, but it'd be best if we had these back with an upgraded sole. 

Emerica Marc Johnson  1999

Whenever anyone waxes poetic about the éS Accel, I feel it's my duty to remind them the these were better. Better cushioning, better breathability, better style, better everything. They brought these back for a minute in 2009 without the backing of Mr. Johnson (kinda weird?) but as Sole Tech picks up steam I'd love to see these as a constant offering from Emerica.