You should all have my head for not putting this review out sooner. The fact of the matter is that I've been looking forward to filming a review rather than convincing you with my words. I've come to the point where I feel like I'm hypnotizing readers instead of actually showing them how good some products really are. Unfortunately, the realities of life get in the way and in between scheduling dates and losing footage, the video review just couldn't get done. We made a valiant effort but it's all gravy…or wavy…Whatever. Anyways, back to the review.

I've had these King Foam insoles for about a month now and they're worth every dollar. They haven't gone thru any specific or major changes, such as flattening, deterioration or tearing. They've also been in and out of different model shoes in order to see how well they perform in different silhouettes. From cupsoles to vulcanized shoes, the King Foam insoles best quality is the ability to adapt.

Some information or advice towards using King Foam insoles are the following…Please note that I do not work for Footprint so you're taking advice from some fucker behind a keyboard who may be abusing his power….Just kidding.

As stated, these insoles should be used to increase comfort and support for those shoes that make your feet ache after a full day of standing or skating. I have a flat foot and I could tell you that they lowered the pains in my ankle from standing substantially but don't necessarily increase arch support. When Alex Figueroa first skated the C1RCA Widows, we went filming and he attempted a 50-50 to a large 6-foot drop. After several tries, he refused to skate it anymore after feeling some unwanted heel bruises coming together. Alex then skated the Widows with the King Foam insoles and felt a massive difference. Even though King Foam insoles thoroughly adapt to any model shoe, I'd say that they would work best with most vulcanized shoes rather than cupsoles. Traditional cupsole models always feature a patented formula for added protection instead of maximizing boardfeel, which explains the demise of its popularity since the 90's. The vulcanized shoe of today depends on a solid insole in order to subject your feet and lower back through the pain you put it through. Let's be honest, their isn't a better feeling in this world then boardfeel, but I can actually think of one better…..being able to walk when I'm 65. I'd honestly recommend, if they fit correctly, to put the King Foam insole underneath those paper thin stock insoles you're given when slipping on new shoes.



Since the demise of eS, I've paid homage to the late and great company by skating in Accels. These aren't the OG ones, they're the reissue series from last year with the Ortholite insoles and heel counter shank around the heel of the insole. No doubt that the stock insole is great but after skating a number of days in a row, my feet did started to feel sore. These King Foam insoles have the same depth in height as the stock insoles, but what sets them apart are their clean non-perforated bottoms.

Some insoles already come micro-perforated in order to add breathability and decrease the possibility of fungus build up in your foot. Unfortunately, these micro-perforated insoles do potentially lead to wear and the loss of buoyancy in the insole. The King Foam insoles do not have any openings or holes in them which may lead to flattening, ripping or loss of comfort. Another honorable mention is the weight to the insole. They don't have a remarkable amount of depth to them but supply enough cushioning if you plan to use the King Foam insole alone. This practically opens up endless possibilities to how you'd like to use King Foam insoles. Layered or Alone, the insoles perform remarkably.

As stated before, at $15.99, King Foam insoles are a must. Even if you don't intend on using them all the time, I'd suggest having them as a solid back up plan when it comes to skating large sets and/or drops.

Thanks to Jason at Footprint for getting this review together and expect more from FP in the near future. I hear they've got some crazy things in the works.

Ripped Laces success hasn't grown over night. It's taken hard work and dedication. We've been recognized for so much of our hard work that we're proud to say that Jerry Hsu himself has approached us to introduce his First Glance. The Hsu 2 Fusion from Emerica is next up in our list of reviews. We asked him to provide a few words on his new shoe and here's what he had to say... (photo below)


The Hsu 2 Fusion is the next shoe to be featured using our video reviews but more importantly it's the 2nd Asian shoe review we're doing this month. The first one is the Converse KA-ONE and we spoke on whether Kenny Anderson holds the key to eternal youth. Their is still no confirmation on this but hold tight, we'll get you your answers. Now, we're moving onto the Jerry Hsu 2 Fusion from Emerica. It's entirely the opposite of Kenny's shoe. Jerry reintroduces us to his mid-loving ways and adds a few bells and whistles to this shoe. It has an in-sown toe cap, which hids the stitching from any unwanted blow outs and has a very comfortable and refreshing silhouette. I'm extremely happy to say that this latest mid-top doesn't look like a halfcab so thank God for that. Oh, I almost forgot, here's the english version of what Jerry had to say about his shoe.


The review should be out by the end of the month with a full video behind it. Oh and btw, we're looking to get this shit hole off blogger and make it legit. Any graphic designer out their wanna make some mula....? Hit us up at RippedLaces@gmail.com

Peace.

        So as in the post below, I told you that September was going to be crazy. Normally, if you've been checking on Ripped Laces, you've notice that we've been know to give out a sneak peek of our up and coming reviews. This just goes to show that you never know when some exclusive review will be coming through the door. The Prod 5 review just sort of fell on our lap. Originally, we were going to have 2nd Nature skate shop owner and man of newly found Quartersnacks fame, Doug Brown aka "Pretty White Boy Number 1" do the review but seeing as how he's a busy man, we went with the only back up plan possible, Chris Pierre-Jacques aka Lil Chris.

Despite his short time on earth, Chris has earned his reputation as the local ATS (All Terrain Skater). He's been killing everything in his path for as long as I've known what woman want, meaning forever. I'd like to think that Chris came out of the womb flicking his foot so it must've been a natural transition from the chooch to the board. Now, because this isn't our traditional review where myself and the reviewer receive a pair of shoes, their is only so much I can say about the shoe seeing as how I actually didn't get a pair. Normally, companies send us shoes for review but thankfully Chris took the initiative and supported his local skate shop.

Screen shot of Chris Pierre-Jacques doing our latest video shoe review.

I'm looking to hit you over the head with so many updates this September. We've got the following reviews coming out this month:

• King Foam insoles in-depth written and video review.
• Adidas Adi-Ease review and how canvas is going to be the next trend.
• Supra Skytop 3 shoe review and why you should spend your parents money on it.
• Converse Ka-One video and written review.

At the very top is a photo of 2nd Nature Family and 5boro flow rider Chris Pierre-Jacques ripping up the next video review we're hosting. Any guesses? The video is going to be up this week. Keep posted. On another note, check this out. It's the greatest thing I've ever recorded, totally topping the first steps of my unborn child, without a doubt.



For the full collaborated video, check out Jenkem Mag's article

Peace!

These are the "House of Marley" brand headphones. It's a new brand coming on to the market started by the Marley's to tap into the ever-growing headphone market. They sent me these headphones to do a review on there quality and sound but truthfully I'm no professional in that field. I mostly deal with letting you guys know what shoes suck and what will last you for your buck. So, because I cannot test these, let alone keep them, what should I do with them? Originally I was going to give them away in a contest format. The format was going to consist of contestants smoking a lot of fucking weed and then doing the best tricks possible on video. Maybe even to the sounds of the late/great Bob Marley. Unfortunately, I have to ship these headphones back to the "House of Marley" making this only an idea fading away into existence.


So now, I'm temporarily stuck with these headphones, that I can't keep or give away, but I must review them. Here's my review:

This type of "House of Marley" headphones are a high-tech in-ear design for deep bass and sound proof performance for maximizing the listening experience. When I wore them to skate, I couldn't hear shit but the music and the vibrations from my rolling wheels on the crusty ground. There is additional information on their site but they fail to show you how the headphones come after purchasing. The HOM headphones come equipped with a eco-friendly sack for storing your headphones for all occasions. More importantly, I tested how much weed the sack could hold. This Rasta inspired, eco-friendly sack can contain a quarter ounce of that good sticky icky, which translates to about 7 grams. Perfect for a stylish weed storing system.

For additional info, check out www.thehouseofmarley.com