Was I wrong about Dunks?

[@sk8trrr_]

I learned 2 things from this video. 1. Dunks are actually good and I cannot wait to skate mine 2. Ben’s switch game is immaculate

[@theowainwright7406]

those nollie heels out the bank were insane

[@banksyofword]

growing up as a kid we would always wear our shoes first to make sure we used them fully before skating them and messing them up because shoes are expensive, so we would have a worn down set actively skating while using the fresh set for school and walking around casually so they'd always break in before skating, like i remember skating a "nike air force one" which brand new is too thick and terrible to skate in but after walking around in them for a whole year before skating in them made them break in really good.

[@RobSchlegel]

Exactly. Skating a shoe fresh out the box is crazy to me.

[@premeviews]

Im the same way, i have a few sets i skate in and a few i walk around in. I love wearing mine before i skate mine

[@likeSK8]

the most DAD review on the most BRO shoes 😆 your videos are the best. also loved seeing you skate with Dan recently. rad stuff as always Ben 🤘🏼🛹

[@Pastasash]

I have a crazy skate shoe rotation. Always have a dunk mid/high, OG Lynx, and blazer GT in my trunk to skate. Been skating dunks since day one so ive never had a problem with them, but I typically walk my dogs for a few weeks to help break in my shoes. Everything you said makes sense, i have much better flatground sessions and pop better in big cupsoles like the lynx. When i switch to GTs after being on dunks/DCs for a while I trip out at how much boardfeel there is and have to skate transition only for the first few mins to get used to it, but is definitely a summer shoe 😅

[@BrendanBFree]

I got dunks in rotation. Patties dunk lows, chord dunk highs, and I have like 10 retired pairs and some holey pairs that I use as slip ons.

[@hou5eheadjason]

I can relate , I usually prefer es accel ogs or any other es cupsole like the silo sc as well but I tried skating my nike bruins and it feels like skating in socks in landing flatground tricks feels to thin , I know exactly what you re talking about

[@eightyvijf]

Dunk high, lynx and blazers (high as well not the low ones) are for me personally the best skate shoes out there. All these shoes skate good, last longer than 2 months for me and actually look good. Aesthetics technically dont hhelp u skate better but I think it does give u more confidence in a way. And as we all know confidence is key in skating. Blazers and especially lynx's are best price to performance, if u can get dunks for under 100USD therye worth it too to try out but still overrated imo

[@driftlessskater5475]

The firm sole is so true. It’s all about levers. Vulcanized shoes are more like having a soggy board for your lever while cupsoles tend to be more like a firm board.

[@stalwartzero7001]

The move with dunks is to wear them around for a week or so while they’re crisp to get coffee, groceries, dinner etc.. then you rotate them in. I’d always keep two pairs. The ones I’m skating in the trunk

[@MotherFingerJones]

I was waiting on this one lmao. I recently bought a pair after watching your review to see if I had my nostalgia goggles on because they’ve always been my favorite skate shoe because it’s what I grew up riding in. They’re better than I remembered lmao. One new thing I noticed were how good my shuv it/scooping tricks are. Super consistent. Still isn’t worth the hype but if you can get them at retail they are accurately priced. Mine were around $115.

[@JonnyDIY]

Glad ur gettin some good weather up there! 👍 checked the old instagram, sad I didnt get to see u in Socal. Youll have to do a skate meetup one of these days, be fun 🤙

[@DMoney505]

Haven’t skated dunks yet, But can’t beat the comfort of the Accel Og’s!! Skating vulcs just hurts my feet. I agree on the firmness Ben, Been skating nothing but vulcs, Threw on my Accel og’s the other day and yes pop felt more crisp and more in control.

[@crownedinterror9]

I think the Accel is the greatest shoe of all time. Can't beat the combo eS put together with those...ultimate flick, ultimate padding, ultimate durability in the sole.

[@rainingblood304]

Accel OG gang! Legendary shoe. I try other shoes just to change things up but always come back around to the Accels

[@thepancakemann]

100% agreed with everyone in this thread.

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Thank's for comparing them to the blazers! I've been skating Vans like for the past 7-10 years, a few pairs were good, but somehow the Blazers I skate now are waaay better (and I hate to say so). Maybe I'm biased because of all your videos skating and recommending them but I really love them. Everything feels good in them, especially flips and transition feels so good. They might be a bit to narrow though. Long story short: Shit, I now want to skate dunks aswell too

[@jcondition]

I gotta throw my hat in for the Joslins as well. The break-in period is short. Board feel and cushioning are adequate. The upper flexes well yet still provides enough protection. Definitely worth a try.

[@MuzluPattes16]

I would love to see a review on the 97A Spitfire F4 wheels, Bones Formula X wheels and tensor (not the mag lights) standart aluminum trucks.

[@premeviews]

I ironically have some F4's and tensor trucks, that all ive skated both since i was younger. I love them

[@MuzluPattes16]

@premeviews I know tensor mag lights break easy and they are meant to be light first and lasting second, so they break. I also saw the alloys, they are the best cheap skateboard trucks I recommend to beginners, but never saw the tensor aluminums. I like 99 spitfires so much, they are sticky but they slide at the same time it's so hard to explain. I really wonder how 97's are.

[@MuzluPattes16]

@premeviews I know tensor mag lights break easy and they are meant to be light first and lasting second, so they break. I also saw the alloys, they are the best cheap skateboard trucks I recommend to beginners, but never saw the tensor aluminums. I like 99 spitfires so much, they are sticky but they slide at the same time it's so hard to explain. I really wonder how 97's are.

[@MuzluPattes16]

@premeviews I know tensor mag lights break easy and they are meant to be light first and lasting second, so they break. I also saw the alloys, they are the best cheap skateboard trucks I recommend to beginners, but never saw the tensor aluminums. I like 99 spitfires so much, they are sticky but they slide at the same time it's so hard to explain. I really wonder how 97's are.

[@WilliamC1978]

Not to mention how good they look. That first park with the long marble ledge is super sick!

[@jeremypaschall4757]

I LOVE DUNKS with my 39 year old feet and knees. I do find the flick pretty lackluster though.

[@TRENTERSs]

honestly love dunk SBs, i know a lot of people give them hate but i find them so comfy and they have dope colorway's and they skate nicely with me. gone through 4 pairs

[@Krossd1]

Seeing you all swooshed up after that video of you not wanting to wear a pair of nikes is pretty funny. Couple thousand dollars later and here we are lol.

[@crmesson22k]

Saw your video with Dale and Dan. Cool collaboration man.

[@claysoggyfries]

I have some Chicago dunks and they hurt the bottom of my feet alot when I first started skating them. But as I kept skating them, they wouldn't hurt the bottom of my feet

[@theramplocal]

Blazers are so good, main problem for me is they are hotter than the heat of 1000 suns

[@lazyk1751]

Everything you said about the dunk is a perfect description of the Etnies Joslin as well, if you want to save a little cash ;)

[@clorb1939]

you'd be surprised by the amount of boardfeel you get from the accel og

[@tohiab5003]

happy to see people on the internet change their mind, glad that you made this video even after saying everything you said in your last dunk video.

[@marokokisetter]

you've convinced me to dig into the garage and skate my dunks that I stopped using in 2020.. I realized by replacing the insoles with some footprint orthotic game changers, they've been an enjoyable cloud like combination that gave me a lot of pop and stability when skating .. as well as confidence doing tricks.. i do agree totally about it skating better as time passes - appreciate ya man

[@antsoswag]

I might get those i soles glad to see some people love them

[@andrewhightower]

My takeaway is basically just: skate some maranas and be happy. Those are my Goldilocks cup sole, in terms of padding, durability and style; plus the flick is perfect right out of the box! in my experience at least. You’re looking consistent as ever! I’m liking the skatepark lines, they really give a glimpse into your, technical, style of skating.

[@andrewhightower]

Also, I just found a pretty fresh pair of adidas superskate at a local thrift store(made in 2005)have you heard of/ skated them// any thoughts on them?). I noticed the tread, while being a cup sole, is almost identical to the gt blazers that you featured in this video. I’ve been skating them(with non-abrasive grip so I can skate them forever!) for 2-3 seshs and I’m honestly impressed. They have proper padding and support and great flick (they are leather which is basically indifferent from suede, minus the fuzziness of course😛). I just thought I’d let you know lol.

[@andrewhightower]

It turns out the shoes are pretty narrow and totally suffocated my feet. Now I loosened the laces as much as I could and they seem to be better. I’m hoping they work out because I really like the way they skate and the way they look. The leather seems like a classy-ish look while looking and feeling sturdy almost like a pair of boots

[@mikerobinson6654]

Maaan bro you get me so flippin hyped to sk8 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾💯👊🏾! That sess you were killin it💪🏾 God bless you man

[@Billyblazer252]

I wear dunks around the house for while before I skate em

[@davidlizom7556]

Dunno if you're actually skating better in the Dunks or not but they do look damn good for your skating. Keep it up Ben!

[@johnglow7845]

It's ok to change your mind we appreciate your honest ben dope video 👍

[@skateparkreality]

Looking forward to what you and Joa put out later. This one ripped!

[@mercyme3400]

I skated dunks before madly in love with blazers, but now i switch back to dunks and realize how pleasant dunks are bc the pointier and more responsive flick

[@drad2856]

I think a firm sole makes skating narrow boards much easier as it provides the stability which the board does not give you. That said, I don't like either narrow boards or bulky shoes 😀 I have a bulky pair of shoes which didn't work for skating, but are so comfortable shoes to wear every day, even in Winter

[@Sumunuhriginal]

You could skate regular dunks instead of SBs if you want something slimmer but a similar style.

[@helmutdschulnigg5798]

You skate really well! 👏Wow! 🙌 I am skating sb dunks for 18 years now and can say that they are my favourite skateshoe since i started 26 years ago. I agree that you have to wear them a few weeks before skating because they feel stiff and narrow. I totally agree that they offer some really good protection and the cupsole glues to the grip. They are durable and look extremly good! ☺️ At the moment i prefer the highs because i need the ankle protection. They are much easier to get and are not that popular. 😉 For all skaters: Nike is restocking the black gum and white gum version of the dunk low sb since 2023. Hopefully skaters can get their hands more often on them! 🙏

[@Garcias_Finest]

You the man Ben!!!!🙌🏽

[@jeremypaschall4757]

Being a 39 year old skater, Dunks are the only shoes my ankles can deal with. I shove in orthotic in and I can 6-7 hour straight.

[@maxochavez5854]

Great to see you back shredding and in your element Ben!!!! Maybe a review on the Es Silo Sc’s ?? Much love from Vegas 🙏🏼❤️ #Raddads

[@TheDealer1228]

Re: Instagram dilemma - What I've done to help with Instagram specifically is A) limit myself to going on only once a week. I usually go on Sunday morning to catch up on posts from people I follow, which only takes like a half hour, bringing me to my next point B) Really curate your feed. For me, Instagram is a "safe zone" away from the toxicity of other social media platforms, so I mostly just follow musicians, artists, and skaters all of which don't post that often, along with a handful of people I know IRL. And if someone starts posting too much negative or political stuff, I just unfollow because I don't want that energy on that feed. It's really helped in giving me the opportunity to enjoy the platform because my suggestion feed is also just music-related stuff and skate clips.

[@gabrielherrera4643]

I’m skating the pawnshop dunks, and the weak point was that the two pieces of leather are just connected at the stitching and it flaps open to create a big hole on the toe.

[@v_bryce]

It helps if you reinforce that seam with shoe goo!!

[@gabrielherrera4643]

@@v_bryce i already crazy glued the seems before skating them and it still blew out

[@gravemane]

Yeahhh that dunk was a show piece rather than to be skated, suede dunks only! 😌

[@v_bryce]

@@gabrielherrera4643 the shoe goo is a game changer I promise

[@v_bryce]

@@gravemane idk man, I love me an all leather dunk! all suede is sick too tho :)

[@crayolafosho856]

great review! what pants are you wearing in the first skate session?

[@mateosmithy5668]

Ben, was cool seeing you hanging with Dan and company…

[@nickwillett5493]

I cant remember if I commented this on the first dunk video, but you HAVE to break dunks in way longer than other shoes. I did not enjoy skating mine until they were well well well worn in.

[@incsk8]

I can't stress enough how much I love 808's, I'd love you trying them

[@ItsMe-vg4vj]

Seems legit. Early 90s shoes were bulky and had harder quicker inputs without the "feel" of todays. I do like mids for the protection but ended up with cheap asics to get width options and some feel for getting back into skating after a long time.

[@jouhajohnny]

Heelflip tricks looking real goodd with that board and dunk combo

[@H0tDawgWater911]

Dunks are my fav, been skating them since like 2010…… they take me a couple weeks to truly break in

[@SunshineSlappySmackie]

the Tiago 808 sounds like the shoe you need, it got me out of a shoe funk and now I'm in the Goldilocks zone constantly

[@Daggermouth8k]

Try out the adidas Tyshawn lows! they have cloudfoam which makes them super comfy

[@ElmStreet]

those blazer lows look clean in that colorway

[@frayedinsanity]

Hey Ben, love your channel and all your reviews on shoes. I've actually bought a few pairs based on your recommendations. But I'm very curious of your opinion on DC shoes.

[@markstaud]

Those Why So Sad? and Reverse Papa Bears are going for a combined $900+ now in my size, Lol. Nike should release a few colourways every quarter that aren’t limited quantities, so normal skaters could get a hold of them. Still can’t believe I bought them on sale like 14-15 years ago from a bargain bin. Just block the Instagram comment section and it’s 99% less toxic.

[@ejlopez6637]

I definitely do like a puffier shoe. When there is some puff around the collar I can really pop heelflips. I’ve theorized that it’s because with the same heelflip motion as normal, you end up flicking with more surface area and grip. Instead of focusing on one point (the little spot right where the why so sad logo) but with a puffy collar, the padding compresses and you make contact with the whole side of the shoe from that same logo to the top lace hole. I actually noticed that while skating some og es accels. The slims are great too. You said they’re paper thin, but have you actually seen them in person? That’s a great shoe. I thought they were medium puff shoes. Perfect cupsole too. Anyway, I think I commented this in the last dunk post, but I’d be interested in seeing your opinions on the lakai Telford low. It’s basically a knock of dunk. I really liked them. I want to try the updated sole on them though.

[@0Failure00]

Lakai telford highs are top tier

[@Palm.crete.visuals]

You have to try the Nike sb ishod wair’s They have that Goldilocks bulkiness that you was talking about. They are by far my favorite looking and skating shoe I’ve had so far

[@micksterminator3]

I had two blazer highs, two classics, and a pair for dunks like 13 years back. Definitely liked the classics the best. They felt best of both worlds. Rigid cup sole with a thin outer but puffy tongue. I do remember the dunks being stiff now that you mention it. The blazers were terrible cause they were stiff leather but that's all leather shoes.

[@OutlandishMojo]

Park your car on them over night, seriously. They'll be mint in the morning.

[@Filip1ve]

I used nikesb janoski shoes for walking over 1 year and then used them to skate and they felt perfect. It was until the day shoes were just worn out that i changed them out. Defenetly something that is good to do, walk in the shoes and use them normally before skating with them! And you defenetly have a good point on firm vs soft sole!

[@fernandoreyes680]

I can tell you you're right about Accel Slims. They're too thin for me. Just started skating the éS Swift 1.5 and they're the closest to dunk bulkyness from what I've tried from éS. And you can find some colorways for around 30 bucks

[@Drivewaytohell]

The Quattros are $$

[@fernandoreyes680]

@@Drivewaytohell I was between those and the Swift 1.5. I might get the Quattros after I'm done with this pair

[@Drivewaytohell]

@@fernandoreyes680 I had the swift 1.5 and the quattros have a little more puff, esp on the tongue. Theyre perfect.

[@rmhfpv9225]

i find the accel slims take forever to break in the outsoles. They feel so numb compared to Lakai Camridges, Nike Ishods, Blazers zoom, NBs,

[@fernandoreyes680]

@@rmhfpv9225 all of those are super thin to me lol I prefer bulkier shoes. éS Accel OG is probably my favorite skate shoe ever

[@sergiochaotik221]

the summer fit looked real cozy in Dan's video :)

[@Extraschmedium]

Please do a review of the Lakai Telford. Would love to see how they compare to dunks.

[@MrPeach1]

Even though I walk around bare foot I still got alot out of this vid. Keep it up.

[@jamesberkeley390]

Im loving the videos Ben Degros

[@goop6007]

wearing your dunks creates moisture in the sole so the longer you wear them the more comfy and easier they get to skate i like to beat up my dunks before i skate them

[@bryanadamsVGC]

Enjoy your vids ! subscribed !

[@alltroutdout7746]

I LOVE SB dunks my self, the only problem is..... the Hype Kid clowns are ruining it for us skateboarders with their re-sell b.s.

[@josegurrola9021]

You look like Carlos Ribeiros doppelganger skating those blue dunks. Good session

[@driftlessskater5475]

I think I said in the last comments section that they are probably my favorite shoe for skating, but never skate them because they’re so hard to get. I’m currently skating the éS Evant, but I’m wearing around a pair of the NB# 808 Tiago. I’m super hyped to skate them. I really can’t do vulcanized shoes.

[@rmhfpv9225]

The only skate shoes I’ve owned that break in within a day or two are Lakai Cambridges and Nike Ishod SB. The Ishods stock insoles are a bit too thick in the heel so a thinner insole from old shoes is perfect

[@edsoncharlotin8755]

Same issue with the ishods but he skates alot of big things. so i see why he got that bouncy insole.

[@rmhfpv9225]

@@edsoncharlotin8755 Totally. The shoe is a great design as is for a top level skater, and for me with a thin insole put inside it's a great shoe too. I've given some Nike Blazer zoom mids a try for the past month and they just won't break in like the Ishods. It's amazing how much better my kickflips are with the Ishods than the Blzrs. I'll have top try a thinner insole in the Blzrs, but the stock is not really thick to begin with.

[@Mcstanky]

My man you should try DKL skating grip it’s rubber grip tape ( if you haven’t tried yet).. I love it

[@pointlessfailure]

I know you remember the time when shoes were bulky and meant to last, but Nike changed all that. Nike introduced the idea that "skateablity" was more important than durability and thus released low quality shoes that ripped up faster. My first pair of shoes I ever bought with my own money was Airwalks with "Michelin" tire rubber on the toe cap, probably lasted 6 months of heavy skating (around 96). It really saddens me that you can't get a durable pair of shoes for skating anymore, everything is "light" and cheap then going for 100+ dollars.

[@drc022800]

The amount of cushion is perfect in these not too much but enough to make my foot feel safe when I kick my board away or if it gets hit by the board. I cant wear thin skate shoes anymore because it feels like im wearing paper

[@zayboyy2931]

Some more Ben content is always good content

[@cortkynard9742]

The dunk mids and dunk high are the best try em out if ya can find some

[@32srt32]

Going from a vulcanized shoe to a cup sole, I usually feel they don't grip as well until they start getting wear spots that help them grip better.

[@henridiop8446]

You should try the high tops once, for some reason, they feel a bit more slim on the feet and of course has good board feel !

[@francville6667]

What happened to Ted ? Does he still skate?

[@DTC1138]

Ben have you tried the Etnies Marana Michelin? That thing is virtually indestructible, a little stiff in the beginning and takes time to break in but I am loving them. I'm a big Emerica fan and had a G6 Reynolds which I loved.

[@6rid_]

i’ve skated a pair of nike dunk for about 8 months. i love em. at first wasn’t skating a whole lot but recently i have been skating a lot more and just been applying a lot of shoe glue. normally shoes last me like a month or two so i feel like i got my moneys worth even if i paid a ridiculous price. my shoes still got life too

[@idmhead0160]

Back from LA already???

[@kkfarmedkk]

Test some more New Balance shoes man. Best durability of any skate shoe on the market at the moment, imo.

[@Iloveyoumotherearth]

Holy shit ben, your skating is so good right now

[@Quesly1]

that park with the long ledge looks so good

[@MarcelNinety]

Still nice skills , still motivated , respect 🙌

[@rwirtz77]

Exactly, i'm skating these new half cabs, thick and sturdy, lots of protection but i'm dreading breaking in a new pair, i think i may order another and wear them a little and maybe skate them a little so when i do start skating them its not another episode of attack of the new sneakers.

[@jonbonjovi_is_happy]

I wonder what you would think of the Nike Ishods, because they bill them as a “vulcanized cupsole”. Maybe the best of both worlds between a blazer and a dunk? I wanted to pick up a pair when they were on sale but opted for blazers because I know I skate well in them.

[@stephenlamley541]

My all time favorite shoe is the gorge green dunk high sb pro decon love those shoes highly under appreciated. My favourite when money enters the equation is the sb blazer mid got over 10 pairs.

[@andrewvasquez2164]

Glad you came arround 💪💪

[@banty3430]

I think you are onto something with the stiffness increasing your pop. You should look into the carbon fiber plated running shoes that have been coming out recently. They have a higher energy return with each step and their performance have been nearly proven considering the most recent marathon world records. Maybe some brands are already looking into the carbon fiber plates effect on jump height. A strong platform supporting your foot could help decrease any energy leak through the arch and ankle

[@taneltolsting2900]

Hey another theory poping up here. Less firmer soles means you might want to have a bit steeper kicks deck, compensating the lack of pop. Firmer sole shoes can let you have that regular angled tail. I personally prefer that first option. It makes sessions a bit shorter, because legs get tired faster, but I'm in lack of time for sk8ing anyway.

[@Jahhead]

Where do you get your blank decks from?

[@ChadRexlogan]

I used to be able to find in the very early 2000’s regular dunks for R200 in a Nike outlet store in South Africa which translates to around 10 US dollars today, for some reason no one wanted them and so I’d skate them not knowing the arrival of SB’s were around the corner and I must say they were incredible although the shape of the dunks if I’m not mistaken were different the toe box was rather wide and far flatter than the dunks now a days, well atleast it seems that way. Anyways just order a pair for a bazillion dollars I’ll let you know what’s changed.

[@e-money.]

DC Lynx OG has a lot of the same experience, you really gotta wear them 2-3 weeks before you even skate them otherwise you are in for a rough time break-in-wise... but gahd dayum, once you break those suckers in they feel great for months

[@tride.design]

Not a fan of nikes but I mentioned in your dunks video that I was surprised that P Rod would ride them so often if they were so bad. PS nice to see you with Dan, Daewon and Dale recently

[@gravemane]

They actually aren't bad, I've skated in SBs since 04' and only had issue when I fully skated em just like any shoe 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@flyguyrose]

Ben skating in baggy pants and some dunks is a beautiful thing

[@pyankura]

You should try the Puig shoes with the lace covers. They seem to last very well and have really good feel for the life of the shoe.

[@rgbgamerboi181]

Hey Ben, if you still have those SB Dunks I’d like to buy them from you since they’re impossible to get for retail and I would skate them (I believe they’re a 10.5)

[@GT1981IL]

Mate have you tried regular non SB dunks? Or even nike by you dunks? Which have softer materials.

[@guitarwi3rdo]

Chunkier shoes are alot like work boots: once you break them in they don't feel like bricks anymore. That being said, if you CAN work in them, that would probably be a great way to break them in prior to skating them

[@craigbailey77]

I can’t find SB Dunks in Canada anywhere? Any help would be appreciated!

[@rscicchitano02]

For Blazers and other shoes where primo sucks, are you into using FP insoles? I’m skating some FP shoes now and I was surprised to land a good primo and it didn’t hurt.

[@fakiewilly]

I still have never skated dunks but they do look really good in footage.

[@fusefire8200]

I skate normal dunks not SB’s simply because they’re so hard to get

[@localjoe]

Ben have you ever tried the Telford from Lakai? I feel like they are between an accel OG and slim like a dunk but slightly slimmer. You might like em!