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| The new Ka-One Vulc, due out SP '13. |
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Converse has been going through some massive fucking changes. The recent resurgence of the brand is thanks to some re-organizing of ambassadors and priorities on the brand side of things. After all, there was a huge drop in popularity after a lack of marketing on behalf of select members of their illustrious team. They simply weren't getting enough coverage and as a result, it left most of us, if not all, disappointed = Translation: We needed more
Fowler 360 flips footage. With the recent addition of
Jason Jessee &
Mike Anderson, the momentum that Converse once had should resurface, if not double, so long as those dudes put out some quality footage or a full length video somewhere down the line. As for now, Converse does seem stronger than ever especially after announcing to us that they are strictly a skateboarding brand. All of their endorsed athletes from their Basketball history have since found a home with Nike with the exception of Dr. J & now Converse is dedicating their program fully to skateboarders. In few words, that's just fucking awesome.
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| A seamless stitched toe & a new outsole make up the Ka-One Vulc. |
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The Ka-One was one of our favorite shoes
to skate because of it's durability, traction & all around feel. Well, unfortunately that's all gone now. Like a baby removed from his beloved teat, we're left crying, baffled and wondering what happened...? More confused than anything, we're wondering what brought on this decision. We spoke to the dudes over at Converse & after exchanging some words, we found out that this time next year, the original Ka-One cupsole is done for good. This is a surprising move more than anything since the revival & popularity of the cupsole. With the loss of the Ka-One, the Converse catalog is now all vulcanized & it's left us wondering if that's a good idea...?
Whether it is or isn't, we were calmed down & reassured because apparently Kenny is already working on his next pro model, which we heard is going to be a cupsole & should be in production about this time next year. Looking forward to it.
I dont know why it's awesome that a company would drop support for their original influence (basketball) to support something they never had their hearts set on until nike bought them up and nike themselves have NO place in skateboarding as it is.
ReplyDeletedon't be fooled by all the money they drop on buying up skaters from other companies to build a team. Or the money they spend on research and development. The shoes might be great, but the companies are a piece of shit.
why would you let core companies like ES go out of business just to let some sport shoes brand from the 80's and 90's suddenly take on the skateboarding market, sell it out, and take all your money? Nike/Converse don't care about skateboarding, they care about money, and they will RUIN skateboarding, like the banks ruined Wall St, just to make a dollar.
what it all boils down to is, if you support nike/converse/adidas as a skateboarding brand then you don't give a shit about skateboarding.
That isn't completely fair. I'm not defending anyone, but adidas actually isn't that bad. They make good shoes, have a pretty mellow team, and so far they haven't completely screwed over their riders.
DeleteNike and Converse, however, have chosen to BUY the "All Star" team (see what i did there?)Although the shoes actually are decent, they don't treat the riders very well (Stefan for example). I will fully admit that Nike and Converse have no place in skateboarding.
These companies didn't ruin the industry, they almost helped it. They not only pay their riders top dollar, but they actually have progressed shoes as far as design and technology.
I do find it hilarious when the kid that has a pair of dunks or janoskis to match every outfit complains about the "core" companies being "taken over". More times than not, that kid wasn't even on a board when 'Es and Emerica were in their prime.
i would like to know how a shoe companie trying to make more money with footwear its going to ruin skateboarding, whats ruining skateboarding are contest, tell me about the kids trying to do tricks with scoring like its fuckin street league...
Deleteabout buyin nikes means that i dont care skateboarding, fuck that thats bullshit.
éS went out of business because of bad choices and no incomes, and a drop out of sole tech, everybody loved the old days és but werent really into the new lines.
Sorry. But I agree with the original poster here. Nike, Converse, Adidas all have no business being involved in skateboarding. They didn't give a crap about skateboarding til it became the next big thing and now they got their money hungry hands all over it. And when the trend is done, then what? They are out and HOPEFULLY some of the real companies will survive thru it. That's how it damages skateboarding. They are like Walmart. The swoop in and destroy. Nike had a shirt in CCS when they first got involved in skating. It said "jocks need not apply". You serious? A nike shirt? The proof is right there, they sold out their target demographic to make, or TAKE, money from skaters. When this trend dies off just like it did in the early 90's, out they go. I'm not gonna say bad things about people or say you're wrong for wearing and supporting Nike, I just want people to think about it. Just starting to feel like skateboarding is losing its soul. No, like its being stripped away. I really can't wait for it to go back to being "uncool" to skate. I miss those days. For Nike, this is our world. They're just passing thru it. They can only take from it how much we let them.
Deletei mean what would you guys know about how they treat their riders? and if they actually do not support skateboarding? you guys don't REALLY know the guys who work there. This is all just assumption, because people are just mad that our original sick ass skate shoe companies are going out of business. i mean trust me, i get just as mad but as long as their into skateboarding, the team riders skate, i'm just hyped for it
DeleteWorst idea ever to drop the KA Ones, those are one of my favorite shoes ever. None of these vulcs look nearly as good as the KA Ones.
ReplyDeleteHey everybody, go buy Lakai, Huf, Fallen, Circa, Emerica, or Vox. Also Converse is not a "skateboarding brand", they're a brand that dipped into skateboarding. Backing the top anons comment, that these companies have no interest in sustaining their skateboard branches for too long, once things slow down they out.
ReplyDeleteStill think JJ was a strange pick for the team. I guess he needed to pay the rent, but it's not like they're going to be getting any extra coverage in the mags due to his addition to the team. I'm a big fan of the dude, but he makes an appearance like twice a year, and it's pretty much never on an actual skateboard.
ReplyDeletedude it's blowing up in here. heads are going in!! comment warz!
ReplyDeleteo doyle rules!
Not to forget they had a strong fan base long before they "dipped" into skateboarding. Next to Vans most skateboarders back in the day swore by their Jordans and Chuck Taylors, including pros. Only difference now is they're getting paid and acknowledged for it.
ReplyDelete