Here is about a third of Ted Schmitz and Ryan Lay's conversation with Vans Footwear Design Director of the Skate Category Neal Shoemaker. Neal's an old friend of ours and we had an awesome time talking about the process of how pro shoes make it from the design room to the shop shelf. We also talk about the best skate shoe of all time—The Vans Slip-on Pro (don't listen to the other people on this show when they gas up the Blazers). Oh, also I think the Slip-On talk is behind the paywall. Whatever.
Have a listen and if you're interested in pursuing something in footwear and design in skating. Reach out to the show
[email protected] and we'll give you Neal's email. Just make sure the subject line says "Please Give Me Neal's Email. I Promise I Won't DM Him"