22
September 2016
2022-11-23T09:45:27+01:00

With the éS Accel SQ the brand brought back a classic skate shoe with some updates. But will this new version of the éS Accel still have the same feel of the classic skate shoe from the past? Find out in my latest wear test!

The éS Accel SQ Shoe at skatedeluxe

The és Accel – A skate shoe classic

éS wrote skateboarding history wi the Accel. From the mid 90’s until early 2000’s, nearly every skater had this model on their feet at least once. I myself even remember skating a pair of Accels in black smooth leather while practicing boardslides in front of our garage. With that personal memory in mind, I was surely tense about how this reissue of the shoe would be, especially as part of éS Skateboarding’s comeback.

As of now, there are already three different models of the Accel shoe. Traditionalists will dig the Accel OG, which comes with the same construction as the original shoe. The Accel Slim offers a thinner edition and finally, the SQ gives you the Accel as a vulcanized model. We decided to take the Accel SQ out on the streets to test its skateability and leave all nostalgia behind to bring you an unbiased verdict.

The éS Accel SQ Shoe at skatedeluxe

Fit and Feel

Besides its iconic name, the Accel SQ doesn’t have as much in common with the original as you might think. The SQ model comes with a vulc sole instead of a cup sole. The form is noticeably slimmer and is built more subtly in terms of the cushioning. If you take a look at the Square Two – a model éS from the late 00’s – you’ll understand why it’s noted as an inspiration for the Accel SQ.

Right from the start, it was perceivable that the SQ runs quite large. You should order it at least a ½ size smaller. If you like your shoes in a tight fit, you might consider choosing the Accel SQ one whole size smaller than normal. As a highlight, the SQ comes with a large panel of velour leather at the toe area. When flicking your board, there are no disturbing stitches or such and you get a really nice boardfeel. That’s not the only benefit, though; the vulc sole also empowers you with great grip. You have to say that the Accel SQ is a great vulc model. It’s easy to break in and the shoe is very comfortable. Some could say that the impact protection of the SQ could be better, especially when you’re going for gaps and stair sets a lot. I personally was satisfied with the impact reduction which was way better than most vulc models I’ve tested before.

The éS Accel SQ skate shoe at skatedeluxe

Durability

When it comes to durability, the real strength of the Accel SQ lies in the toe construction, which is formed as one piece. As a result of this, the abrasion takes place on a solid part of the shoe and does not affect any stitches. The material on the outside is made of suede, which is also quite resistant. After ten intensive hours of skateboarding, you could see a small hole nevertheless. The lack of any damage on the sole really shows that the vulc sole construction of éS can take more than one hit.

éS Accel SQ shoes at skatedeluxe

Conclusion

As a development of the Square 2 model, éS delivers a great show for fans of vulc models even though the Accel SQ does not have much in common with the Accel model from the 90’s and 2000’s. The high level of comfort, in particular, left me with a good impression of the Accel SQ. It just felt really good to skate this shoe. As simple as that.

+

• boardfeel & grip
• comfort

• early sings of wear around the toe area

 

Über

“Skateboarding doesn’t make you a skateboarder. Not being able to stop skateboarding makes you a skateboarder.” Lance Mountain