Ripped Laces

Stevie Perez’s first pro model, the Flaco.

Despite some personnel shake-ups in late 2015, Lakai’s new line is looking stronger than ever.

First things first: Trunk Boyz alumnus and current GX1000er Stevie Perez is back on the scene with The Flaco, his inaugural pro model. The Flaco bears a passing resemblance to the Guy Mariano model of seasons past, but with some key differences.

First, forget a rubber toe cap: the Flaco includes a rubber ollie pad hidden beneath the suede sidewalls for enhanced durability. Like the Guy, The Flaco features a new last for Lakai vulcanized models, with a herringbone tread pattern and a primo pad in the middle to increase support.

Finally, out of all the models featured, the Flaco has the narrowest sole. Expect this shoe to result in some proper kickflips. The Flaco will be available in cream suede, black suede, grey canvas, or a special Chocolate edition midnight suede.

A high top version of a favorite, Lakai Fura High.

For those of you with perennial ankle issues, Lakai presents the Fura High. Like its predecessor, the Fura High has suede toepanels and a canvas heel area, but with the additional support of a high-top collar, notched to allow for a greater range of motion, and a huge logo. The Fura High will be available in black/grey suede and a weather treated black oiled suede. To those of you partial to the OG Fura, don’t fret; this hightop version is available in addition to, rather than in place of, the original.

The classic Griffin, available in tobacco, grey/navy & grey/gum.

Also here to stay are (both the Griffin and the Griffin XLK ) dual styles of the Griffin. We discussed the difference between the two models in a previous Agenda Sneak Peek, but in case you missed it: The original model was upgraded with a herringbone tread and a thicker XLK midsole. Both the vulcanized and XLK models are available in a classic black/white suede colorway, a handsome navy blue/white suede colorway, and a grey/gum colorway (canvas for the vulcanized model, suede for the XLK model). Additional colorways of the original Griffin are available, as well.

Taking designs hints from soccer shoes and dress shoes alike, the Salford will accommodate any look.

And finally, we reach the Salford. This Danny Brady-endorsed shoe is easily the pick of the litter this season. Designers tweaked the classic Manchester silhouette to create a longer shoe with a pointier toe. The original Manchester cupsole was swapped for the same vulcanized sole used on the Flacos (hopefully this information will silence the Slap message boards on the matter). The padded collar will keep your heel firmly in place, while the VHS print on the insoles will prevent heel bruise (and keep you nostalgic). A subtle logo on the sidewall ties the whole shoe together. The Salford comes in two colorways: black suede for the streets, and white leather for the club.

Part 2, coming soon. Other Agenda Sneak Peek articles.