About Arbor:
Arbor launched their brand in 1995. They started as a snowboard company and added skateboards a few years later. They’ve stayed true to their roots, making high quality, handmade, environmentally friendly snowboards, skateboards and now footwear.
Shoe reviewed: Foundation LX (Brown Leather/Gum)
Size: 11
MSRP: $89.00
Specs from Arbor:
- Premium Hormone Free, Free Range Leather, and Canvas Upper
- Vulcanized construction with Regrind Rubber
- Premium Leather Lining
- Responsive Polyurethane Sock Liners for Lasting Comfort and a Smooth Ride
- Internal lacing option for lace protection
Recommended for:
Anyone looking for a great looking, environmentally friendly shoe, filled with comfort and durability.
Review:
I’m always on the lookout for durable/comfortable shoes that I can wear to work, skate in, etc. Arbor recently launched a footwear line for men and are expected to release shoes for women soon. I am a big fan of Arbor’s products, as they are loaded with style, durable and are eco-friendly.
I wasn’t sure what to think when I learned Arbor would be coming out with shoes. But after a few months of wearing my Arbor Foundation LX shoes, Arbor knocked it out of the park. Arbor really did their homework! They took all the features you’d want in a skate style shoe and constructed the Foundation LX out of top-notch, eco-friendly materials.
Typically after a few months, I find something disappointing about a shoe: packs out quick; the sole has worn fast; stitching coming undone; or just cannot hold up to the rigors of skateboarding. The Arbor Foundation LX has held its own in every category. Not only does it make a great skate shoe, but they dress up nice enough to wear as a casual work shoe.
The Foundation LX features a Hormone Free, Free Range Leather mixed with canvas. The leather not only looks good on this shoe, but it was placed in strategic areas to ensure durability. The canvas keeps the Foundation light and breathable.
The sole on the Foundation series is constructed from vulcanized Regrind Rubber, which has proven to be extremely durable and has great grip to keep your feet locked in while skating. It’s held up to everyday use, skateboarding and longboarding with minimal wear.
Inside the shoe is lined with leather and a polyurethane sock liner. A lot of skate shoes have very little cushion so you have more board feel but you pay the price on big impacts. The Foundation insole is removable and is really soft, providing a lot of comfort and impact protection for your feet. When I removed it I was surprised to see a map and coordinates. Upon investigation, they are coordinates and a map to Arbor’s headquarters in Venice, CA. That’s a unique touch to an already great shoe.
Being constructed of mostly leather, the Foundation LX did take a little bit to break in and were fairly stiff right out of the box. I did find them to fit true to size.
Overall:
With this being Arbor’s first dip into the footwear world, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But they took everything you’d want in a skate shoe, added Arbor’s knack for great looking products, found a way to use eco-friendly resources and delivered a great looking, durable, everyday shoe. The Foundation LX makes a great skate shoe with everyday style. Next time you are in the market for shoes, check out the offerings from Arbor, your feet will thank you.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Good board feel
- Very Comfortable
- Minimalistic design
- Great style
Cons
- Stiff until broken in
| Price: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Design: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Overall: | (4.5 / 5) |