-Dan Q

We just got in a new drop from Nike SB. We got in an obsidian and navy blue dunk low, a noble green and razzle (red) blazer, and an anthracite and black Janowski, and a khaki and boulder (brown) Janowski. The new Blazers are a standout among others with a solid green suede upper and razzle (red) laces. It looks like they would last forever, but good enough to be your everyday casual shoe .  With the new Dunks Nike throws in this dark blue to contrast the black and it works really well, they also use the same materials from the Grips on the toe cap which only makes it that much better.

We also got two different pairs of Stefan Janowski’s pro model in- one SB and one premium. The SB shoe that informs you it is “for daily use,” is one of the cleanest shoes I have ever seen. It’s super low profile khaki upper with boulder (brown) trim is simple but classic, not only that, but the leather on it is so plush it resembles the leather on a jag interior, no joke. But apparently its not useless for skating either, actually Nike and Stefan thought it necessary to remind us its for “daily use” on the tongue. The other Janowski model is all black with a black sole and is considered a premium because of its soft wool upper. To me this is the kind of shoe I would consider a staple and could do anything in or go anywhere with.

With sizes from 8 to 12 and limited stock, the shoes from this drop will be gone soon, so come in ASAP and snag your own. I cant think of a better way to spend that Christmas money than to hop into a new pair of these Dunks or Janowski’s anyway, so come in and check it out.

-Braxton

The Skytop: a shoe embraced by skaters and fabled amongst sneaker enthusiasts, yet still subject to the “What is that on your feet?” response from the majority of the general populace. Although the Supra crown logo does not yet carry the same clout as the Nike ‘swoosh’, Muska’s brainchild is definitely beginning to transcend skateboarding and become an icon. Skytops have been spotted worn by the likes of P.Diddy, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Drake, Lamar Odom, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Slash, and, erm… Lindsay Lohan and Pete Wentz. The fact remains that the Skytop is rapidly establishing itself as a facet not only of skateboarding, but fashion culture as well. When word of the Skytop II and its ensuing world tour was released, VIERA Ride Shop, always at the forefront of cutting-edge skateboarding news, sent some of its best representatives to the Miami tour stop to investigate.

The Wait

The Skytop II’s Miami release was held in M.I.A., well-hidden but reputable skate shop in South Beach. Unlike previous Supra releases attended by VIERA delegates, the Skytop II event wasn’t a hyped, energized, borderline mob scene, but rather a very calm, very low-key shoe sale. Amidst palm trees, seagulls, and quizzical looks of passersby, Skytop II seekers spent a few languid hours waiting in line. Some talked, some were absorbed by head phones. Some rolled blunts on the sidewalk, some skated. Some were kids misted in sweat, faces flushed from the skate to the shop, and others were sharply-dressed  well-to-dos, whose car payments were likely more than the average skater’s rent. The uniting factor of the group, however, was much more important than its differences:  we were all a bunch of Supraheads waiting for Muska to show up with our shoes.

The Release

And show up, he did. Muska showed up, rocking a pair of custom Gold Skytop IIs, covered in graffiti style scrawling. Along with Muska were the usual Supra bigwigs; Angel Cabada, the owner and mastermind behind Supra and Kr3w, Ashley Nichols, brand strategist for the Supra company, and TJ Bradley, the Florida rep for Supra, Kr3w, and Deathwish. Having never met the Muska before, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect from him. All too often, when one meets a celebrity, one is disappointed to learn that said celebrity is actually a tool in real life. However, on behalf of VIERA, we are happy to report that Chad Muska isn’t just cool, he’s cool in real life. Muska  was having as much fun as his Skytop fans were, posing for pictures, giving daps and hugs, and signing whatever you’d offer him. A man’s dedication autographs says a much of his character, and his was no exception: An autograph from Muska isn’t merely a signature, but is a personalized, involved, graffiti –style gift, perhaps as if to say, “Thanks for buying my shoes”. The shoes were doled out, and history was made. The Skytop II was in Florida.

The Shoe

Now, if you’re considering the Skytop II as the latest edition to your collection, there are a few things of which you should be cognizant, the first and foremost of which is that this is NOT the latest colorway of the original Skytop. This is the Skytop II. It is a new shoe. It looks different, it fits different. It’s a new specie entirely. For starters, it is much higher. Higher than we had expected. In fact, the Skytop II is taller than the TK Society. Other major stylistic differences include the extra-long tongue with the two large holes  in it, and the thick horizontal stripe wrapping back around the heel of the shoe. We’re not saying that it’s bad (actually, we think it’s pretty sick), but just be warned that it is NOT the same shoe as the antecedent whose name it bears. The Skytop II also has a more secure, less roomy fit. It has a way of hugging the foot, providing support without being constrictive. It’s comfortable, it’s cool, it’s the Skytop II. Bounce on over to VIERA for your very own pair releasing later in Spring 2010!

-Jay

This might be a stupid mag award but in the skateboarding community it has become a huge honor. Some explain it as the Oscar of the skate world. So, if an actor can win multiple Oscars simply based on their performance through out the year, should the S.O.T.Y. be thought of in the same way? Is it an annual award for the year’s best skater or is it more than that? I have come to the conclusion that yes, it is handed out as an MVP award, but because of the level of respect surrounding it, the recipient is deemed a skateboarding legend. Most critics argue Thrasher should have given it to someone new who has never won. Yet, if you asked me who the top skater of this year was I would with out a doubt say Cole. Actually I can’t even think of a comparable second place.

He won every contest he entered which includes: Thrasher’s own Wallenberg contest “Back to the Berg”, Maloof Money Cup, the Dew Tour, and Battle at The Berrics 2. This list may seem short but in each of these contest Cole went up against the absolute best in the business. However, some say the award should not be based on contest wins, but we live in different times where being “core” does not necessarily get you anywhere. Pros have to do the Dew Tour and X-Games every once in a while, because when it comes down to it, “it’s all about the Benjamin’s.” Cole was also awarded with the “Readers Choice Award” from Transworld Skateboarding and had his very own “Battle Commander” on The Berrics. Despite the controversy, I’m stoked for Cole because no one deserves this more than him and I’m excited to see where he takes his skating in the future. Be sure to check out the new video “Strange World” to see the latest from Cole and the rest of the Zero team.

- samptron

-Dan Q

-Dan Q

- sampson

The street course is redesigned every year for the Tampa Am contest, and this year will be only the second time the contest will be held in December, the first was last year, and every time before that was January. The Tampa Am is historically one of the biggest amateur events, that if you win, you are bound to have some big-time recognition. Some of the more famous guys to have won the Tampa Am are, Mike Peterson, Colt Cannon, Caswell Berry, and Kevin Long (Spanky). Last year Ryan Decenzo took the title as Tampa Am champ. His career flourished even more as he did really well in the Dew Tour this year, just as Viera’s own CJ Dixon did. CJ is also entering the Tampa Am this year and you guys should get on over to Tampa on the weekend of December 3rd-6th to support and check out the 16th Annual Tampa Am presented to you by Nike SB.