This review should've been done so long ago, if not by me then atleast another shoe review site. I mention this because the Vans TNT 5 is a shoe that's been constantly requested everywhere; forums, facebook and from word of mouth. I'm not giving in to the "power of the internet" but I've actually found time to do it myself. During the C1RCA review and the insole review war that took place, I was trying to schedule my friend to do this review but unfortunately different schedules and miles came in between having this review done sooner.

Why the fuck do I always tell you these things?
 You must have grown on me but anyways heres your first glance at the Vans TNT 5.

I actually came by some down time in between reviews not to long ago and got the chance to skate some Vans Old Skools, which inspired me to get this review done. Vans often gets shit for the similarities in all of their skate shoes, rightfully so, but they do have an untested and unquestioned formula for making great skate shoes. Simplicity......it's simplicity, nothing else. The TNT 5, like most Vans shoes, has everything where it needs be. By tomorrow I should be at a week of skating and I'm really excited to put out this review. (below are preliminary photos before skating)

Here are some "FYI" facts, from my point of view, incase you are impatient enough to wait for the full review and want them NOW! Don't blame you.....bro.

• Right away the shoes feel really comfortable. They have a nice fit and they were true to size. Upon skating, the comfort was still there but the first couple of ollies happen to shifty over on me. I found that this happened because of the early "bulky" feeling I got from these new shoes. It only happens because the shoe doesn't yet have a damaged or scratched surface for the shape of your board to follow. This happens to be common among most shoes when breaking in so don't be scared or be a pussy or whatever. Into the 2nd hour of skating the shoe was fully broken in and I had an awesome slappy session as I became more and more comfortable with the shoe.
• Despite looking slim, the shoe feels somewhat heavy but is a good sign of protection. The shoe has padding in the heel, throughout the tongue and this "stock" insole is incredible. I haven't weight it yet so don't even bother asking, hoe.

More details to come as the Vans TNT 5 review wraps up this month.
By the way, this band should be zillionaires, seriously.

I'm not sure how many of you are actually interested in the C1RCA Gallant review. I understand why most of you may be apprehensive towards believing in a brand like C1RCA. It's well know by Mall Grabbers and I know none of us want to be socially related to those skaters that have been skating because of it's MTV popularity.

But on the other hand, it's a shoe from one of the most technical, stylish and respected skater's in skating today. There are so many skateboarders that don't get enough recognition and maybe I'm coming from a east coast perspective, but this shoe has been entirely slept on by the skate community. Hopefully, this review will contribute to some "changes" as far as showing what C1RCA footwear has to offer. I've been skating the Gallant's for over 5 weeks because of it's great durability and performance but have generated 4 weeks of data on it's performance. As usual, it was skated 5 days a week for 1 hour a day.

C1RCA Gallant Details:

• Low-Profile cupsole 
• Fusion grip outsole rubber
• C1RCA herringbone outsole 
• Elastic centering tongue straps
• EVA insole