Project Vulcanized - Vox Dreamland Trooper

Welcome to the second review in our series, Project Vulcanized�this time we take a look at the new Dreamland Trooper by Vox.

Vox is a fairly new player in the shoe game and have made a name for themselves in the vulcanized game. In fact, the majority of their shoe line is vulcanized. This includes pro models for Dan Drehobl, Peter Hewitt and artist / skate legend Neil Blender.

Let�s not beat around the bush, at first glance it�s clear to see the Trooper is heavily based on the Vans Half Cab�just cut a bit lower. Nothing wrong with that, as the Cab a popular and great skating shoe, it just needs to be said. The Dreamland model Trooper I pushed around in featured suede upper, which wore quite well and took a heavy pounding from my griptape.

Overall, I found this is a much stiffer vulcanized shoe. Some may like the stiffer upper, but I found it restrictive. That stiffness made the overall break in period much longer. After about a week the shoe did hit it�s stride and I could finally feel that the sole was thin enough for good board feel and response. I did appreciate the tongue of the shoe, which seemed to be just the right thickness.

The Dreamland concept is a good one; with Vox donating a portion of each pair of shoes sold to support the Oregon based skate park builders. It only makes sense to reward those who have done so much for skateboarding�outside of pros. I�m down for pro shoes, but there is something special about breaking that mold.

If you want to learn more about what Vox is all about, check out this very detailed interview with Vox Owner Ed Domini.

- Chris

05/04

07/07 - Old Man Army Body Bag
07/01 - Crimson Skateboards
05/31 - Project Vulcanized - Etnies Shecker 2
05/20 - Project Vulcanized - adidas Super Skate
- Full Archive




October 11, 2008