Did you get distracted filming this video? It ends up being about miniramp skating and your new board setup. Did Etnies actually say anything or just send product?
😂 you’re observant. They said they appreciate the feedback and that they are on the same page with a lot of it but it takes a long time for a big company to change course.
Hey Ben, I am a local skater. Where are these skate parks/spots? Its been more than a minute since I was a regular skater. 42 now. Just re-learned kickflip, healflip, the 360 flip is a work in progress. Those trasitions are looking pretty tasty. Flat ground with tired Dad legs is limiting.
Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy. Its a great way to encourage you to keep giving your honest thoughts, which we all appreciate and you’ve earned your trusted position in the community after all this time
man You gotta respect etnies for taking constructive critisizm and still blessing you with a giant box of product after you talked s*** on them for a half hour. LOL (agreed with all you said) now all i need is a better trick tip from u on how to do slide tail slides!!! much luv ben haha
I think they are taking example on last resort, which are very receptive to feedback, if not, fully built on feedback. Nowadays, in our new-capitastic world, customer feedback is the only thing that matters !! And it's great. The consumers builds the product.
Last Resort are so nice to deal with. I had a problem with the foxing tape on some shoes and they sent out another pair no questions. I sent them a message with a picture of the issue and they got back to me same day, didn’t ask me to return the ones I had. Literally the next day I had my replacement pair. Have to love it
I agree, he has shared in deep thoughts about skateboarding. Heck only the stuff about truck geometry related to board shape is worth gold. Not to throw shade on anyone but fashion is not my thing when talking about skateboarding and you can watch the 9 club episode with skate moss.
yo youre such an inspiration dude, youre the prime example of what not giving up on youtube can do. I see so many channels go hard for a couple years posting then stop when the traffics slow but youve overcome that a few times and some how are bigger than ever! Your contributions arent unnoticed man! You can honestly keep up with the best of them on flat and a ledge id love to see you get called up for batb influencers if they ever did it again. Congrats on all the recognition this last 2 years man and congrats on 100k
Maranas are amazing. I grew up skating them. They are good for anything. They don't feel bulky despite what most people think. You can skate low impact stuff with good enough board feel. Some thin flimzy shoes hurt my feet even after one day of low impact skating and the next day my feet are messed up. With these my feet never get hurt. No need to talk about big impact stuff. The insole + outsole foam combo is amazing. The upper lasts long too. I prefer the joslin version for having no rubber on the outside. It has rubber on the inside for when you wear through the sueuede.
you’re giving them a really valuable review. They can legitimately improve upon their models with the way you address every aspect of the shoes. Super cool man!
I haven’t skated in months, but I must say that miniramp session got me hyped to skate. It’s sick seeing how the few new tricks you learned really opened up your lines, and you’re skating faster than ever on that transition it seems!
The way ben was coming in on the axle stall revert,i was suprised he didnt slam earlier..it looked like it hurt!..@ first.."feels like it serves you right is so true..never looked at it that way..thanks ben!
Hi Ben. Congrats on making contact with Etnies! Well deserved 👍. I'd love to have the "storm trooper" shoes! I'm in the Vancouver area. Keep the great work man! 🤘
If a company doesn't take constructive criticism and use it to improve their business they don't care enough. Been rocking etnies for a while now. The joslins are the only shoe I've found that can put up with my abuse.
i have Joslins right now and maranas lasted wayyy longer for me personally but i still really enjoy Joslins. i think etnies is arguably the best skate company, but how is it that they have michelin soles, yet i got a hole in both of the soles (in Joslins) in only 3 months, while making every effort to not make one...
@@shawnskates i try to never use my foot to stop, especially now that i don't have money for new shoes lol. i guess it's just from adjusting my foot before tricks...
You absolutely shredded that mini daddy ben. Also good to hear that etnies is responsive and willing to listen to constructive criticism, I’ve had a pair of mich maranas and I liked skating them despite how bulky they were.
I get the same issue with Skate Pro versions of Vans that have the "Duracap" rubber toe. They last longer and all that, but if they don't fit right, and they're a bit snug, they won't stretch at all.
Buy you a pair of "shoe stretchers" Ben. I've got some. Perfect for helping to break shoes in faster and for those ones that are just a tad too tight like it sounds like some of yours are 👍 PS- saw a 10 year old doing back tails and kickflip indys on the 10ft deep end of the bowl the other day 🤯 blew my mind
I'm happy they're willing to listen to someone directly in the skateboarding scene since IG comments/DMs/customer service feedback falls on deaf ears with Soletech, sadly. So many good ideas they're missing out on by not tapping into that. Ben, you can bridge the gap!
Hey Ben. I’ve been skating the Marana for years. When you first buy them they fita bit tight like you say… but… I wear them for a few weeks without skating them. This loosens them up a bit and then they are perfect. Maybe give that a try before you write them off?
I think Etnies should also let their designer throw a wildcard here and there, it’s been a while I feel like since a current-modern design has been the cool thing around and since the really big boys are playing it safe maybe Etnies might be in a good enough position to where they can shake things up a little …
Try the Estrella some time. The flick on fllatground flips is unmatched in my opinion. My favorite shoe in 20+ years so far. Had 3 pairs and 2 brand new. Don't want to go back anymore.
I hope they start making the Raps again. Basically, the MC Raps in all brushed leather/suede, no 93 on the heel, one and two color colorways, and no holes in the brushed leather/suede. It's why I like the black MC Raps. All black, you can't see the holes, the 93 is faint, and they are all brushed leather/suede (except for 1 small piece of smooth leather on the side). I agree, with your other video, too. The Scams, too!
One thing I do now to break in my shoes is actually stick them in the microwave for 30 sec, take out and flex around a bit and put back in for another 30 sec then put on , lace up and skate! I know it sounds crazy but actually learned it from P-Rod over on his channel! It def helps to stretch them out and mold perfectly to your feet.
just ordered a pair of Etnies last night after skating nothing but vans for 10 years. i decided to try something new and ordered a pair of Fps and unfortunately they are to big. so i was on the hunt for some new skate shoes and i got a sick deal on some Joslin X Bones
Hello Ben nice video, man so cool you got an answer from etnies. I'm waiting for your review on the new Aasics SB shoes, they just entered the skate industry.
It looks like unintended sponsored video but I like Sole technology brands anyway. They are truly core skateboarding company that gave a lot to skateboarders and skateboarding history. I'm curious if you can review their Sal Barbier 23 from 90's 😅
The side of the ramp you don't like is heavily shaded by trees. Coming into or out of shaded areas is huge in ball sports like baseball especially. So that totally makes sense. It messes with your vision.
31:19 After the G052 + Venture 5.6 lights combo, I might try the April 8.125" or 8.25" on the Ventures too, I guess. But I'm curious what you end up on :D
@@bendegros I also don’t have it at the moment, but the 8.25“ was very nice, so I might get the 8.125“ soon too. Had to adjust the back foot a lot compared to most BBS shapes though, but I kinda liked the quicker snap
I'm a 10, I live in NS but ill pay shipping 😁 I wanted to buy the Tan Marana but they didn't have them in my size when I looked the other day. I think I'm going to try some windrow's.
I used to use a hair drier to heat up the rubber toe cap on Maranas and push against it for 5 to 10 minutes with my feet to get them to adapt to my foot shape.
You and I must have the same exact size feet, the Etnies Marana’s didn’t work for me because 10.5 was too small and 11 was too big, same thing with the eS Penny 2’s sadly. The eS Swift 1.5’s feel great size 10.5 and so do pretty much all vans shoes, except for the Wayvees for some odd reason. The Zhaba’s feel awesome btw size 10.5, highly recommend. 🤙🏻
i had 2 pairs of the og mc rap in the jordan colorway, red/blk/wht leather, they were one of my all-time favorite skate shoes. i got them on clearance for like $30-$35 back then(mid-late '90s). i kinda thought they looked goofy, like clown shoes, but they grew on me. it's usually the loud/goofy colorways that go on sale for cheap, and i don't care bc they gonna get shredded anyway. i did get compliments on them though, or people thought they were jordans. the leather was so much more durable than the suede ones and the suede ones weren't even bad.
Time for the Degros signature Etnies. Just saying. Ben put in the work Etnies. Take the advice and drop a new Ben spec shoe with some nice color ways and see what sells. I know a few thousand sales that are pending. Lol.
Just getting back to skating after a meniscus injury. Hearing you talking about being scared of a trick, i feel the exact same. Hurt myself during ramp skating aswell, just doing simple stuff in ramps now feels suuuper scary. Any advice on getting over that fear factor that ive built up? Also did you have long term issues with pop after your injury? does it still hurt in the knee after longer sessions?
I think Etnies with Michelin outsoles are more durable. The Swift have a bit wider toebox. If you're between sizes with éS and Etnies, the Swift might be for you.
did you ever get rid of the shoes? I'm 10 3/8 so I can fit in shoes that run small, I'm always willing to pay for shipping and stuff. shoes be crazy expensive these days p.s love the content bro
Did you get distracted filming this video? It ends up being about miniramp skating and your new board setup. Did Etnies actually say anything or just send product?
😂 you’re observant. They said they appreciate the feedback and that they are on the same page with a lot of it but it takes a long time for a big company to change course.
@@bendegros thanks for the reply. Love your content 🙏
Hey Ben,
I am a local skater. Where are these skate parks/spots?
Its been more than a minute since I was a regular skater. 42 now. Just re-learned kickflip, healflip, the 360 flip is a work in progress.
Those trasitions are looking pretty tasty.
Flat ground with tired Dad legs is limiting.
Yeah I didn't know what happened lol.
As skateboarders, we should keep SoleTech alive lots of nostalgia for the brands with us old heads.
Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy. Its a great way to encourage you to keep giving your honest thoughts, which we all appreciate and you’ve earned your trusted position in the community after all this time
man You gotta respect etnies for taking constructive critisizm and still blessing you with a giant box of product after you talked s*** on them for a half hour. LOL (agreed with all you said) now all i need is a better trick tip from u on how to do slide tail slides!!! much luv ben haha
Through the lines he was very positive on them though.
Congrats Ben! Kudos to Etnies for listening. Tells a lot about the company.
Ben speaks.. the industry listens.
Ben needs to speak on behalf of us to all the big names In our industry.
@@eatassonthefirstdateBen for skate president.
@@benjamind4574Ben, president of the United Skates.
@@boogie.. Wouldn’t complain about that either.
Ben for Supreme Leader of the International Drywallers Union.
That’s awesome when companies take the time to respond and even send a hook up!
I think they are taking example on last resort, which are very receptive to feedback, if not, fully built on feedback.
Nowadays, in our new-capitastic world, customer feedback is the only thing that matters !!
And it's great. The consumers builds the product.
Last Resort are so nice to deal with. I had a problem with the foxing tape on some shoes and they sent out another pair no questions. I sent them a message with a picture of the issue and they got back to me same day, didn’t ask me to return the ones I had. Literally the next day I had my replacement pair. Have to love it
Great content! We need a nine club episode with Ben Degros❤
I agree, he has shared in deep thoughts about skateboarding. Heck only the stuff about truck geometry related to board shape is worth gold.
Not to throw shade on anyone but fashion is not my thing when talking about skateboarding and you can watch the 9 club episode with skate moss.
Better a Bunt one, 9C is wack
AGREED! NINE CLUB LESHGOOOO!!!
This!
yo youre such an inspiration dude, youre the prime example of what not giving up on youtube can do. I see so many channels go hard for a couple years posting then stop when the traffics slow but youve overcome that a few times and some how are bigger than ever! Your contributions arent unnoticed man! You can honestly keep up with the best of them on flat and a ledge id love to see you get called up for batb influencers if they ever did it again. Congrats on all the recognition this last 2 years man and congrats on 100k
Thank you ❤️
you are a great skater ben. i love your content and i hope more companies bless you with product. you are honest and objective
Maranas are amazing. I grew up skating them. They are good for anything. They don't feel bulky despite what most people think. You can skate low impact stuff with good enough board feel. Some thin flimzy shoes hurt my feet even after one day of low impact skating and the next day my feet are messed up. With these my feet never get hurt.
No need to talk about big impact stuff. The insole + outsole foam combo is amazing. The upper lasts long too. I prefer the joslin version for having no rubber on the outside. It has rubber on the inside for when you wear through the sueuede.
Im trying to decide between the Joslin and Marana and im leaning towards the Joslin.
you’re giving them a really valuable review. They can legitimately improve upon their models with the way you address every aspect of the shoes.
Super cool man!
The coolest part is that ben is gonna give away that one pair to a homie in the area. Real comrade sharing the wealth ❤
In my experience, the Marana will stretch.. I walk them in for like 2 weeks and they are perfect.
I haven’t skated in months, but I must say that miniramp session got me hyped to skate. It’s sick seeing how the few new tricks you learned really opened up your lines, and you’re skating faster than ever on that transition it seems!
The way ben was coming in on the axle stall revert,i was suprised he didnt slam earlier..it looked like it hurt!..@ first.."feels like it serves you right is so true..never looked at it that way..thanks ben!
Hi Ben. Congrats on making contact with Etnies! Well deserved 👍. I'd love to have the "storm trooper" shoes! I'm in the Vancouver area. Keep the great work man! 🤘
...Or the other Maranas from min 8:30. Cheers.
I'm rocking a pair of kingpins thanks to you Ben. I'm loving them.
That Degros court park is looking mighty nice Ben. And you still have some expansion space. Glad the knee is getting better.
I love the Maranas Michelin, durable, protect my feet and I still have good board feel.
Those yellow and white shoes that you were skating are so freaking gorgeous.
PPS- the random bandaid!!! 🤣💕👍
If a company doesn't take constructive criticism and use it to improve their business they don't care enough. Been rocking etnies for a while now. The joslins are the only shoe I've found that can put up with my abuse.
Greatest skate shoe out there hands down.
i have Joslins right now and maranas lasted wayyy longer for me personally but i still really enjoy Joslins. i think etnies is arguably the best skate company, but how is it that they have michelin soles, yet i got a hole in both of the soles (in Joslins) in only 3 months, while making every effort to not make one...
@@thatguy5233do you use your heel to stop on really rough ground or something like that?
@@shawnskates i try to never use my foot to stop, especially now that i don't have money for new shoes lol. i guess it's just from adjusting my foot before tricks...
@@thatguy5233 you got the wiggly feet.
Nice one, Etnies!! Definitely hooked up the right guy :)
You absolutely shredded that mini daddy ben. Also good to hear that etnies is responsive and willing to listen to constructive criticism, I’ve had a pair of mich maranas and I liked skating them despite how bulky they were.
That nollie inward heel at 28:40! Nice pop dude!
Right on!!! Stoked they hit you up and responded so quickly
Rad company
I get the same issue with Skate Pro versions of Vans that have the "Duracap" rubber toe. They last longer and all that, but if they don't fit right, and they're a bit snug, they won't stretch at all.
Buy you a pair of "shoe stretchers" Ben. I've got some. Perfect for helping to break shoes in faster and for those ones that are just a tad too tight like it sounds like some of yours are 👍
PS- saw a 10 year old doing back tails and kickflip indys on the 10ft deep end of the bowl the other day 🤯 blew my mind
Your such a genuine dude awesome videos lately ben even made me laugh a little
I'm happy they're willing to listen to someone directly in the skateboarding scene since IG comments/DMs/customer service feedback falls on deaf ears with Soletech, sadly.
So many good ideas they're missing out on by not tapping into that. Ben, you can bridge the gap!
I love it when "one last try" turns into three hours of 'I refuse to give up!'
Also, heck yeah, Marana Michelins FTW 🤙
Hey Ben. I’ve been skating the Marana for years. When you first buy them they fita bit tight like you say… but… I wear them for a few weeks without skating them. This loosens them up a bit and then they are perfect. Maybe give that a try before you write them off?
Just got a flashback to you painting a ceiling with a sore back. Said "Ow" so many times in that video
I think Etnies should also let their designer throw a wildcard here and there, it’s been a while I feel like since a current-modern design has been the cool thing around and since the really big boys are playing it safe maybe Etnies might be in a good enough position to where they can shake things up a little …
Hilarious
I’ve been building my house watching you never realizing you were one of my childhood skate heroes
Ben and Ted 🙌
Congratulations Ben!
Your nollie inward heels are dope
Try the Estrella some time. The flick on fllatground flips is unmatched in my opinion. My favorite shoe in 20+ years so far. Had 3 pairs and 2 brand new. Don't want to go back anymore.
I've been thinking about trying a pair but for me it's hard to come off the Joslins.. I think I'll have to pull the trigger tho..
Big Ben improving skate shoes with ease
I hope they start making the Raps again. Basically, the MC Raps in all brushed leather/suede, no 93 on the heel, one and two color colorways, and no holes in the brushed leather/suede. It's why I like the black MC Raps. All black, you can't see the holes, the 93 is faint, and they are all brushed leather/suede (except for 1 small piece of smooth leather on the side). I agree, with your other video, too. The Scams, too!
One thing I do now to break in my shoes is actually stick them in the microwave for 30 sec, take out and flex around a bit and put back in for another 30 sec then put on , lace up and skate! I know it sounds crazy but actually learned it from P-Rod over on his channel! It def helps to stretch them out and mold perfectly to your feet.
just ordered a pair of Etnies last night after skating nothing but vans for 10 years. i decided to try something new and ordered a pair of Fps and unfortunately they are to big. so i was on the hunt for some new skate shoes and i got a sick deal on some Joslin X Bones
Omg im waiting for my marana to arrive. Glad you liked it more than the joslins! You got me more excited.
Hyped I was part of the last videos comment section lol I'm wearing some Marana's rn!
Great hearing that feedback about the shoes!
Cool. Very cool. Especially the mini ramp stuff.
Hello Ben nice video, man so cool you got an answer from etnies.
I'm waiting for your review on the new Aasics SB shoes, they just entered the skate industry.
Ben, can you do an honest review of the new Andy Anderson deck, hopefully it’s not too soggy lol
100k now ?!
damn!
keep it up!
brown/gum doesn't necessarily make me think of Tom Penny but it definitely makes me think of Sole Tech. They do it best.
Woah! Ben's officially sponsored by Etnies. Now we just need that welcome to the team street part 😉🥳
Getting shoes as a person who makes youtube videos is not the same as being sponsored.
@bendegros I know man just kidding around. Sorry I thought the wink would give that away haha. Stoked for you getting hooked up them shoes. Enjoy! 🫡
Thanks Ben I like the last etnies you skated .think the quarter pipe railing needs a 2by4 on top to.
I know it does. Just can’t be bothered to put one there😅
2:44 is that even a thing? Are there dedicated bmx shoes, and if so, what makes them bmx shoes?
The Etnies Hook-ups shoes were my favorite
Living the skate dream❤
I sent your video to Don the day you posted it. haha
the purple mc rap highs with michelin sole look sick, even with the 93
It looks like unintended sponsored video but I like Sole technology brands anyway. They are truly core skateboarding company that gave a lot to skateboarders and skateboarding history.
I'm curious if you can review their Sal Barbier 23 from 90's 😅
I would if I could
Sole Tech needs Dad on the product test team. Thanks Dad❤
Son :)
@@bendegros ❤️
The side of the ramp you don't like is heavily shaded by trees.
Coming into or out of shaded areas is huge in ball sports like baseball especially. So that totally makes sense.
It messes with your vision.
Even when it’s in the sun I still land less on that side.
31:19 After the G052 + Venture 5.6 lights combo, I might try the April 8.125" or 8.25" on the Ventures too, I guess. But I'm curious what you end up on :D
I wish I had the April 8.125
@@bendegros I also don’t have it at the moment, but the 8.25“ was very nice, so I might get the 8.125“ soon too. Had to adjust the back foot a lot compared to most BBS shapes though, but I kinda liked the quicker snap
I wish Ben would come to my local and just “show off” he’s so damn good bruh
Shoes 👍
Ramp sesh 👍
Exhausted 👍
Flat seah👍
More Exhausted 👍
Ben givin 'er 👍
Cheers dude 🤙
Thanks Daryl🙂
the brown/gum etnies always look good
Marana is my first Etnies shoe ever and I love them.
I had noticed the etnies' in the last video. This explains how and why.
The Maranas look good on you for sure
We need some Kingpin clips! 😍
I’m looking forward to the Degros x Rap Collab 😁
6:33 whenre we getting a slappy front crook tutorial! i got bs but fs is eluding me
I'm a 10, I live in NS but ill pay shipping 😁
I wanted to buy the Tan Marana but they didn't have them in my size when I looked the other day. I think I'm going to try some windrow's.
The Etnies LO's from the 90s were my favorite shoe. I wish they would remake those...The Windrows look pretty close to them
Love it when ben is feeling good!
I used to use a hair drier to heat up the rubber toe cap on Maranas and push against it for 5 to 10 minutes with my feet to get them to adapt to my foot shape.
I was like “i gotta skate mini ramp right now” but then you slammed right after, i was like “ok, flatground session”😂
I accidentally played this video with headphones at full volume
I personally think axle/50-50 to fakie is easier coming in off the back truck like a pivot, less risk for hanging up on the front. To each their own!
You and I must have the same exact size feet, the Etnies Marana’s didn’t work for me because 10.5 was too small and 11 was too big, same thing with the eS Penny 2’s sadly. The eS Swift 1.5’s feel great size 10.5 and so do pretty much all vans shoes, except for the Wayvees for some odd reason. The Zhaba’s feel awesome btw size 10.5, highly recommend. 🤙🏻
That back heel at 6:14, I liked that a lot
The MC Rap Lo X Bones are a very comfortable shoe.
Man I saw the joslin 2's the other day they look so good, so sick with the velcro.
Now all I need is for my local shops to restock on Etnies. Been wanting to try them for quite a while now.
The slam! I went “ oooooooh “ 🤣
3:27 that's "I work in construction" shoes. LoL
i had 2 pairs of the og mc rap in the jordan colorway, red/blk/wht leather, they were one of my all-time favorite skate shoes. i got them on clearance for like $30-$35 back then(mid-late '90s). i kinda thought they looked goofy, like clown shoes, but they grew on me. it's usually the loud/goofy colorways that go on sale for cheap, and i don't care bc they gonna get shredded anyway. i did get compliments on them though, or people thought they were jordans. the leather was so much more durable than the suede ones and the suede ones weren't even bad.
Time for the Degros signature Etnies. Just saying. Ben put in the work Etnies. Take the advice and drop a new Ben spec shoe with some nice color ways and see what sells. I know a few thousand sales that are pending. Lol.
Ben please do a quick front crook tutorial if u get a chance.I just want to hear ur perspective on the trick.
I love it when Ben uploads
Woah those rap highs are kinda sick
Brown and gum is the best color way
Etnies gang (Joslins)! If only it was as easy to choose your board setup.
Just getting back to skating after a meniscus injury. Hearing you talking about being scared of a trick, i feel the exact same. Hurt myself during ramp skating aswell, just doing simple stuff in ramps now feels suuuper scary. Any advice on getting over that fear factor that ive built up? Also did you have long term issues with pop after your injury? does it still hurt in the knee after longer sessions?
Much love for the brown E!
I’m gonna buy a pair a etnies for my next shoe. For no other reason then they are backing you.
That's at least 8 years of Maranas they've sent you.
Uncle of the skate community
I'd love to get your input on the eS swift 1.5s. That's what I've been skating in and they're my favorite cupsole right now.
They look like a great shoe. I would try them.
I think Etnies with Michelin outsoles are more durable. The Swift have a bit wider toebox. If you're between sizes with éS and Etnies, the Swift might be for you.
Got serotonin when I saw the video length
did you ever get rid of the shoes? I'm 10 3/8 so I can fit in shoes that run small, I'm always willing to pay for shipping and stuff. shoes be crazy expensive these days p.s love the content bro