Vans J-Lay Skate Shoe Review - Johnny Layton Signature Pro Skateboarding Shoe

The Vans J-Lay is pro skater Johnny Layton's first pro signature model skate shoe. For the most part, Johnny Layton simply took the classic Vans vulcanized skate shoe and changed its looks. But they do look great, and are based on a design that's been proven to work. Plus, these are some of the lightest skate shoes you'll find.

The Vans J-Lay is a comfortable, strong skateboarding shoe that will get the job done, and look good doing it.

That was Johnny Layton's primary contribution in these shoes - the design. They look good. He says that he was going for a 60's and 70's rock feel in these shoes. To me, they just look good. They come in three colors - a solid black style, black with teal splotching on the side panels, and black with white splotching. I got the black and white pair, and I like them a lot. On the heel is a strange corduroy patch with JL stitched into it - that part isn't my favorite - but the rest of the shoe looks very cool.

But style is only part of the story - being based on the solid classical design that Vans has developed over years of skateboard shoes, these Vans J-Lay shoes are serious skateboarding shoes. Solid stitching, double layers, and the Vans gummy waffle grip sole that's been proven to work all combine to make a good shoe. You'll shred the laces, and you'll eventually destroy the shoes with heavy skateboarding, but you'll have fun and look good while you do it. And there is one more bonus - the Vans J-Lay shoes are very light weight. That's one of the biggest draws to these style of skateboarding shoes, as opposed to the boxy moon boot puffy skate shoes you might see around. Those other styles will protect your feet, but shoes like these Vans J-Lay won't drag you down. They're one of the lightest skate shoes I've worn.