Source: Men’s Westsider 2.0
I own the original Westsider and it has become one of my go to sneakers on a daily basis. It’s extremely easy to keep clean and the premium feel can be paired up with any apparel I choose. The one issue that I have with the shoe is that on rainy days, which is every other day in Memphis during the spring, the outsole doesn’t grip as quickly and I may slip on flat surfaces before the soles get sticky. Outside of that, the one piece construction of the upper is perfect.
The Westsider is never going to be mistaken for a performance model. It is purely a fashion casual sneaker, but the addition of the 2.0 Vibram® rubber cupsole with texture for traction and durability, moves the brand closer to skate and creates an elevated competitor to Vans. While skate brands often utilize sturdy canvas builds with reinforced layers, a shoe made of premium leather and is one piece can actual shape to the foot creating a more snug fit that takes away foot slippage inside the shoe. The antimicrobial insole offers some cushioning and the heel has a smooth suede to reduce irritation at the Achilles.
My one concern is the toebox shape. In my 1.0 version there is ample room for the toes to splay. The addition of the Vibram outsole seems to have streamlined the toebox and I have to wonder if those of us with big feet will feel some pressure because of this new shape and if there is a break in time for the premium leather. While, it doesn’t look like COMUNITYmade is making any plans to blend performance with luxury, handmade in the U.S. quality, I think some thought should be placed into creating or collabing with Vans on a truly premium skate experience for a consumer who still rides every now and then, but doesn’t quite have the joints of their younger selves. Check out the new Westsider 2.0