Preview 2013: Converse, Emerica, Adidas, Lakai, HUF, and more....

We have spent some time researching shoes that are being released in 2013.  I have come up with 5 shoe brands that are most likely going to be featured in a review during 2013.  Some of them have already been released, and others are going to be released sometime in the coming year

These Shoes Are:

Converse:  KA-ONE VULC

The Converse KA-ONE VULC is a revised version of Kenny Anderson's original Converse pro model.  It differs from the original KA-ONE in many ways:  The KA-ONE VULC features a vulcanized sole with a skate specific rubber outsole with the classic Converse tread pattern.  It has a narrower shape and has shed any excess paneling around the ollie and kick flip area.  It has an Ortholite Sockliner to boost comfort.  This shoe will most likely be featured in a checkout due to the simplicity of the shoe.

The Converse KA-ONE VULC was released in summer, but will have many new color ways in spring 2013

$60

Emerica: Reynolds and Reynolds Low

The Emerica Reynolds is a new shoe designed by Andrew Reynolds Himself.  It has a mid top silhouette paired with a cupsole construction that feature the high rebound G6 foam and an outsole design identical the Emerica Herman G6 minus the primo pad.  It has no extra layers of material around the toecap.  The "Cool Air Intake" that is featured on the Herman G6 has also been implemented into the inside panels of this shoe.  It resembles a mix between the Reynolds Cruisers, and Emerica Westgate, but with the technology of the Herman G6.  The Reynolds Low is simply a low cut of the Reynolds Model

Reynolds

Reynolds Low

Expect the Reynolds in June 2013, and the Reynolds Low in July 2013

I would expect the price to be around the same as the Herman G6.   Most likely around $85

Adidas:  Busenitz Vulc or Busenitz ADV

The original Dennis Busenitz pro model from Adidas had much success.  Adidas decided to breathe some fresh air into the Busenitz by adding a vulcanized sole into the mix.  The vulc sole will promote boardfeel just like the tapered cup sole of the original Busenitz and will allow more grip, but might sacrifice some durability.

Adidas Busenitz Vulc

The Busenitz ADV is a completely different model from Dennis and Adidas.  It feature a one piece nubuck toecap and ollie area with the exception of the classic three stripe branding from adidas.  The collar is moderately padded with pods of padding to fill in the many crevices and contours of the human foot.  The tongue seems thinly padded, but has hidden pods of padding to protect the top of the feet without gaining weight from a padded tongue.  A thin molded sock liner sits inside the shoe.  All of this is featured on top of a vulcanized outsole with a new tread pattern called "Vector Grip".

Adidas Busenitz ADV

Both Busenitz Vulc and Busenitz ADV will begin to appear in skateshops in January.  Some shops such as Tactics have them stocked on the website already.

Busenitz Vulc: $64
Busenitz ADV: $85

Lakai:  Howard and Howard Mid

Lakai has made a comeback lately.  They have been making some great shoes accompanied with well thought out designs.  For example:  The Linden, The Marc, The Mariano.  Two new shoes will be no exception,  The Howard, and Howard Mid.

Lakai Howard in black suede
Photo Credit: Ripped Laces www.rippedlaces.com (I did not take this photo, nor do I own rights to it.)

The Howard is a shoe designed by Scott Johnston and Rick Howard.  It features a tapered XLK inspired sole with new dual density sidewalls for added durability.  The upper consists of a suede one piece toecap with the Lakai Flare on a sidewall with canvas hits near lace holes.  This is all connected by double stitching.  If this shoe is constructed like the Marc Johnson pro model the sidewall should be glued on as well.   From what I have heard the new XLK sole is incredibly flexible and durable.

Howard Mid in the Lakai x Fourstar colorway

The Howard will also have an update consisting of a mid top silhouette.  The Howard Mid looks like a cross between the Marc and the Howard.

A pre-release of a limited color way of the Howard took place to celebrate the release of the Girl/Chocolate video "Pretty Sweet" only select shops had them.  If you didn't catch them in time you can expect these to be released along with the rest of Lakai's spring 2013 line in the coming months.

The Howard Mid will be a part of the Lakai Fall 2013 line.  Expect it around late summer or early fall.

Howard: $72


HUF:  Joey Pepper Pro Model                                                                                                                

"HUF is pleased to announce the release of Joey Pepper's first ever signature shoe, The Pepper Pro. Designed in strict accordance with Joey's direction, The Pepper Pro incorporates a skateboard-lifestyle aesthetic that specifically meets his demands, with a vulcanized construction, the Joey Pro Model is equipped with an extra toe wrap for durability, reinforced Ollie panels for wear-resistance, and features nylon webbing along the sidewalls.  A perforated toecap and mesh interior lining provides breathability, while a padded ankle cuff offers added support.  Highlighted by gold eyelet accents and foil signature detailing, The Pepper Pro also features a custom Pepper "Dear" Logo on the tongue and insole inspired by Joey's outdoor lifestyle."

                                                         -HUF

This was taken from the HUF 2013 catalog.  I would expect the Pepper Pro to be released relatively soon.  It will be featured in the 1st drop of the spring 2012 line

HUF Joey Pepper Pro should be priced moderately.  HUF makes quality shoes, so anything you buy is going to be top notch. 

We are currently working on a HUF Mateo shoe review right now so be on the lookout.

So, those are only a mere glimpse of what is coming in 2013.  Here are some other shoes that we are looking at

Vans: Half Cab Lite

Fallen: Rambler (James Hardy Pro Model)

DC:  Mike Mo S

Nike SB: Eric Koston 2

Globe: Mahalo (Mark Appleyard Pro Model)

Etnies: Gilman (Cairo Foster Pro Model)

I really hope you enjoyed this sneak peak/preview of what is going on.  More will be posted about 2013 in the near future.  Especially from Emerica, HUF, and Lakai's 2013 catalogs.I am hoping to attend Agenda Tradeshow in NYC, if so there will be an overflow of 2013/2014 info that will be posted

-Walter