From our November 2011 issue:
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
KA-ONE
BY CONVERSE
$60
converseskateboarding.transworld.net
Words by Ben Kelly
You ever get a chance to finally meet your favorite pro, and he turns out to be a total dick? Yeah, we know, it sucks. It's like getting food poisoning at your favorite food spot. Or buying a new car and having it break down on the drive home. Or more like hooking up with the hottest girl you've ever seen, only to be scratching uncontrollably at a red bumpy rash-you know where-a few days later. Pro dickdom is not something we condone. But on the flip side, there are those pros out there that can be so cool, so appreciative, and so-not-a-dick, that when you meet them they somehow instantly become your favorite (and if they were already your favorite, then that's a straight catapult into legend status).
So, what does this to-be-or-not-be-a-dick lesson have to do with the Converse KA-One? We're happy to inform you that Kenny Anderson has always been a pro of the so-not-a-dick sort. Honestly, he's one of the raddest pros you'll ever encounter. And we love it when our favorite pros aren't dicks-for starters-but also put their signature on great product. And Kenny's first pro model shoe, since being reunited with the brand, is-like "the perfect man," himself-nothing less than legendary.
Soccer Inspired
Soccer inspired, but made for skating, the KA-One comes equipped with Kenny's vision of the perfect toe: "I've always liked that soccer-style shoe and that kinda cup sole. It's probably the only cup I can really skate in."
Keep It Classic
"Converse has always made classic shoes and you don't want to steer away from that," Kenny said. That explains the simple but classic design.
WHAT WE LIKE
EDITORS' PICKS
This is called What We Like, so an editors' pick edition might seem a little redundant. But this is the stuff you'll see us repping on the daily. Just like you can tell a lotabout a man by his shoes, you can tell about by his board, trucks, socks, shades, and jacket, too.
1. RFI Reese Forbes
By Quiksilver
Picked by Blair Alley
"Timeless style just like Reese. Red leather!"
2. Era Pro Classics
By Vans
Picked by Ben Kelly
"Possible my favorite classic of all time."
3. Lance Mountain Jacket
By Nike SB
Picked by Skin Phillips
"Plaid Harrington jacket with a sweet turquoise paisley. Classic."
nikeskateboarding.transworld.net
4. Reserve
By Stance Socks
Picked by Joey Shigeo
"I love this shit."
5. Jon Allie Robot
By $lave
Picked by Joey Shigeo
"Seu Trinh's new favorite board company."
6. Kenny Hoyle State Of Mind
By Expedition One
Picked by Ben Kelly
"The best wood, and an amazing illustrated series."
7. Ben Gore
By Stereo
Picked by Kevin Duffel
"Awesome graphic. Awesome skater. Well deserved."
8. Cairo Foster Pregnant
By enjoi
Picked by Kevin Duffel
"Too true. You'll understand when you're older."
WHAT ELSE WE LIKE
BART SIMPSON'S SETUP
Have you seen this Santa Cruz x Simpson's collabo series? All legal, all genius. Time for a Bart My Ride on the site.
SHWEET SHWOOD
These classic Wayfarer styling with the luxuriousness of real hardwoods make these shades light, comfy, and good looking.
MALTO 2
"I wanted to do a cupsole, but with the still clean and classic look of a vulcanized," says Malto about his new etnies pro model. We're backing.
