After etnies have given the Marana a Michelin sole update, they now introduce a new, slimmer model: the etnies Veer. In this review we have tested if the etnies Veer really comes close to the highly praised etnies Marana.
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etnies Veer – The features
Like the Marana or the Joslin, the etnies Veer comes with the durable Michelin performance rubber outsole. The sole convinces not only with durability, but also with a multi-directional tread pattern and forefoot flex for improved flexibility. The removable Foam 1 insole is a foamed polyurethane footbed that works with the EVA midsole to provide cushioning and impact absorption.
Toe- and Heelcap have two layers of suede to ensure durability in the most stressed areas. The thin padded tongue in combination with the collar lining provides a comfortable fit. In addition, the etnies Veer has perforated sidewalls, which promises good ventilation.
First impression & fit
At first sight the etnies Veer seemed to me like a narrower version of the etnies Marana. A little bit slimmed down with a simple construction: a classic skate shoe with a cupsole and leather reinforcements. After I took the shoe in my hand for the first time, I immediately noticed the pleasantly low weight. The Veer has a regular fit and is “true to size”. The relatively slim silhouette offers surprisingly much space. For narrow feet the shoe might be a little wide, because it felt a little too loose on the foot for my taste.
The first steps in the Veer were very comfortable and surprised me positively. This was not only due to the weight, but also to the preformed and soft Foam 1 footbed. In addition, the flexibility in the forefoot is emphasized by the profile of the Michelin sole, which was noticeable from the beginning and contributes to the comfort.
Performance | Boardfeel, grip & support
Because of the Michelin outsole and the Foam 1 footbed, parallels can be drawn to the etnies Marana or Joslin in terms of performance. The flexibility in the forefoot together with the Michelin sole provides a good boardfeel and stability in general. The tire-inspired profile of the Marana provide excellent grip. However, the cup sole needs a little break-in before it shows its true face.
The sole was a bit stiff at the beginning. But after a few sessions with the Veer I had excellent control over my board. The relatively thin foam insole offers enough cushioning for street spots & skate parks. The Michelin sole even take Primo landings very easily and are hardly noticeable. People who like to jump stair sets and gaps should maybe go for the etnies Marana, which offers even more impact protection and cushioning. The perforated sidewalls with vent holes provide comfortable ventilation.
Durability
The pictures speak for themselves. After about 15 hours of wear testing the etnies Veer, only slight wear on the Ollie area and on the ankle region is visible. The Ollie area and the toebox are covered by double stitched suede leather. The extremely resistant panels are in the right places and ensure a long durability of the upper. The seam on the toe cap is slightly loosened, but does not affect performance or durability.
To see wear and tear on the Michelin sole, you have to look closely. The wear on the sole profile is minimal to barely noticeable. The outside of the cup sole showed only slight wear of kickflips. All in all, after 15 hours of skating the cupsole is still very stable and at the same time flexible without appearing too unstable.
Conclusion
In summary, the etnies Veer has convinced very much. The narrow version of the etnies Marana convinces with the same positive characteristics without the big construction and silhouette. The etnies Veer is an agile & relatively light skate shoe, which convinces especially by its high durability. The Michelin sole keeps what it promises and is extremely grippy and durable.
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| grip | wide fit |
| light weight | cupsole needs to break-in |
| good ventilation | |
| durabilty |
I would recommend the shoe for any terrain. Comfortable, light & durable, the etnies Veer has something for every type of skater. If you are looking for a classic, well thought out skate shoe that is durable, the etnies Veer is the right choice.
