Under The Palms

Vans Syndicate Derby "S" - Navy / Warm Grey colorway...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McoHOdG0Ylo

Got the black/lake blue colorway in the mail today. Kinda disappointed in the overall level of quality. The blue heel tab is a slightly different shade of blue from the blue heel detail and that irks me. I went back and looked at the promo shots and noticed it in there, too, so I guess it was just subtle enough that I didn't notice it til I had them in my hands. The blue part of the insole just seems kind of slapped in there and is already peeling up in a few spots, so we'll see how that holds up. The materials are ok, but nowhere near what I've come to be used to from the syndicate line. Pretty much on par with my GR zero lo's as far as the suede and canvas.

The one nice surprise was that I do like the sleek little envelope that the laces come in and there was also a little metal clip that is advertising the dri-lex. Not sure what the clip's purpose was, as it was just floating in the box, but it's kinda neat. I am interested to see if I notice anything different with the dri-lex, too, since I don't think I have any Vans with that feature yet.

Overall, the price is nice (especially since I got mine for $40 shipped), but I feel like these really aren't anything special. If they were any more than what I paid, I don't think I would've gotten them anyway. I kind of wish they were zero lo's with the color highlights at the heel, since I just like that model so much more. Might as well have just called them part of the Pro series, although lots of recent Pro's seem to have even better materials lately, too (albeit pricier than these were I guess). Still a nice, simple shoe that will be nice to wear to work or whatever I guess.

But Kyle, you failed to mention anything about the comfort or feel. That's what I feel that this shoe has going for it, regardless of the level of quality of the materials and colormatching!

Well, I think that's what I was getting at comparing it to the Pro line. To me, it feels just like a Pro. Of course, most syndicates as of late have had the same insole, so the comfort value between recent syndicates and pro's has been similar. But it's been the materials that have really set them apart.

I haven't given it an extended wear yet, of course, but the insole is the same and it feels the same on foot so far. The dri-fit might add a level of comfort I guess, but since I haven't given it a full wear yet, I can't comment on that. I know it's silly to totally post a review like that without a full wear, but honestly, the color matching and materials are pretty important to me when it comes to a line that has the reputation of going above and beyond for each release.

That said, I'm totally stoked for the authentic 69 release... Those look on par with with what I'd expect from syndicates! Buttery looking suede, great detailing, and I'm sure just as comfortable.

great feedback rocketgoof! and there are some more tonal / mellow versions coming later on, so the colors won't be as much of a contrast issue in the future.

Iv'e got a couple kids here who have really put the shoe through the ringer, ill try to snap a photo next time they are in the shop....a good kickflip cross section so you can almost see the shoe layer by layer, as if it was cut in half.

Sounds awesome! I'll definitely look forward to those pics.

And I really don't want more tonal/mellow versions... There's plenty of that out there. My main draw to the black/lake blue colorway was that extra hit of color on the heel. Put out some neon stuff and my interest would actually go up. haha I just want them to be able to match the colors! You'd think that they'd be able to match the rubber that's going to be practically side by side on the same part of the shoe.

sure enough! the sleeve tags on our silo tees are cyan blue, so I can empathize with the little color pop.

it irks me too when production doesnt match up perfectly. just had that discussion in the shop the other day about something recent, cant recall off hand, but my reference was back to a DC (i know, i know) collection and there was a shoe, a new era cap, a hoodie/tee, and a backpack that all featured a black/gray camo pattern with red logoing. All made at different manu and ALL had a different take on the tones/pattern. QC disaster. if you put it all side by side it was just downright embarrassing.

LoL, imagine having different patterned camos for each piece of apparel. People will be like "yours is fake, son!"

So I've worn mine the past couple days to work. Definitely love 'em as a work shoe! I commute a little over a mile to and from work on foot, one way or another, so I like a shoe that looks nice and is comfortable but holds up to wear and tear, so these fit that bill. The issues that bothered me initially aren't as noticeable on foot, although I still think they should've been resolved for the actual release in the Syndicate line, but whatever. It's definitely a pair that I'd still recommend getting if it suits you!

New Colors? Or just color alterations..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VANS-SYNDICATE- ... 23234769e5
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VANS-SYNDICATE- ... 2a23b193d0

Yeah I saw these earlier, thought of the same thing

10/1 release colorways for holiday....stay tuned!

Black and burgundy is looking good.

that blue suede is so buttery, it was hard to photograph it and get the right color...the texture is definitely there....they are almost a bit more nightshade, like the futura dunk low...

A little late here, but I have the grey ones from when they first came out, and there really comfy. Im not quite sure how they skate, have any of you guys skated in yours yet?