Celebrating twenty years as a pro, constant innovator and street skate legend, the Nike Koston 2 maintains Eric Koston ‘s legacy of performance breakthroughs in skateboard footwear and once again redefines the design status quo. Koston and Nike Skateboarding worked closely during the creative process.
“We go back and forth the entire time until it’s done — until we can’t tweak it any more basically. I’ll print out a design and start sketching on it or shoot a photo and send it back. We’re pretty extensive until we get the finished product.” — Eric Koston
Few shoes take punishment like those made for skate, and Koston puts his signature models through the ringer. Extreme force, abrasion and 360 degree contact are all part of the daily routine but when you need board feel, flexibility and precision movement on top of that, things get a bit more difficult. A union of durability and style, the Koston 2 merges skate shoe needs with running shoe insights. Thanks to Eric himself, increased ventilation and comfort were where not to be compromised.
“The breathability was something I wanted to add, because the Koston 1 didn’t focus on that. Fit was another concern with me and I wanted it to fit better with an inner booty that’s all connected to the tongue as one piece so it fits snugly.” – Eric Koston
Inspired by Eric’s interest in the Nike LunarGlide+ running shoes, the support was also drastically augmented, decreasing the likelihood of heel rub and the blisters that come with it. As Koston notes, “The heel counter was another part of the fit. There’s a heel counter hidden under the suede. That’s another technical feature and there’s a mesh window to give it some flex so when the heel crashes, the heel counter is designed to stay at the point of your foot where it should be at all times.”
The heel counter also helps to lock in the foot, “You see guys bail and their shoes go flying off. With my shoe you can tie loose but yet designed to stay on your foot.”
What did manage to remain on the 2nd generation Koston was the Nike Lunarlon sockliner, delivering dynamic cushioning to help absorb any impact. This go around the sockliner has been anatomically redesigned allowing 360º support and protection keeping your ankles safer during primo landings. Lastly, zonal flex grooves have been added to an updated tread pattern to increase longevity and flexibility during tricks. A clean toecap constructed with TPU reinforced suede enhances durability.
“We kept it pretty simple so it wouldn’t tear apart. There is a seam in the forefoot, but when it wears it breaks down — it doesn’t tear away.” – Eric Koston
The product of a complete overhaul ready for the rigors of the ground, gaps and stair sets, Koston’s insight and enthusiasm for innovation is present in every element of the Nike Koston 2.
The Nike SB Koston 2 retails for $90 USD and is offered in multiple colorways. Available at select retailers and skate shops beginning April 1, 2013.
Source: Nike, Inc.
