Date: 4/25/03
Author: Brian Davies

I was excited when I got the chance to review a pair of wakeskate specific shoes for a couple of reasons. One, I wanted to see what a company could do to make a pair any better than a normal skate shoe, and, two, my old Converse All-Stars just aren't going to be around forever!

Appearance

When I picked them up out of the box, I immediately figured out why they call it the "Bling." I wasn't sure if I should take them wakeskating or go to the break dancing contest down the street! The shoes definitely have a basketball or cross trainer look to them. The shoes come in two different color patterns; white, red and tan or blue and black. The upper part of the shoe appears to be constructed of a synthetic leather material, with accents of shiny plastic to give it that "bling" effect, and the soles are constructed of a soft gum rubber.

Features

After examining the shoe, I couldn't believe how many appealing features it had to offer. The first thing I noticed was the cinch style lace system. The system is very similar to that of a wakeboard binding. Simply pull the string tight and cinch down the plastic piece. That's it. No more conventional laces!

Since I've only worn skate shoes prior to this test, I didn't know how important drainage was in the shoes until I got these wet. The soles of the Bling shoe have several drainage holes that adequately drain the water out of the shoe and, because of that, you don't feel like you are wearing cinder blocks while skating or swimming in the water.

To make the shoes comfortable, a mesh liner was installed to hold your foot in place. There are two loops conveniently placed in the tongue and behind the heel to assist in putting the shoe on. The shoe also has features similar to a conventional skate shoe. The laces are hidden to prevent tear from griptape and the ollie area of the shoe is adequately reinforced from wear and tear.

Do they work?

The shoes have a nice stable feel on the skate. They are not so thick that you can't feel the board, but thick enough to absorb some of the shock on the landings. Ollies were easy and I did not notice any difference between the Bling and any other shoe I've worn. The shoes stuck well to the griptape surface on my skate and slipping was never a problem.

Conclusion

The shoes have some very appealing features like fast draining soles, quick and easy lace cinch system and stable, but grippy, soles. The only thing I did not like about the shoe is the appearance and the fact that they seemed to take a long time to dry. However, the inner soles can be removed which may aid in that process.

So would I recommend these shoes to you? I think I can answer that by saying that I gave up the old pair of Converse and am currently wearing the Bling shoe. For comfort and functionality, they definitely get my vote.

You can check out the "Bling" online at www.313footwear.com for more information.

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