The beginning of the year in the UK often consists of rain, snow and wind. None of which are ideal weather types for skateboarders. This can result in us having an irregular amount of free time on our hands and having to explore other avenues of outdoor entertainment. Whether it is on the slopes, at the beach or amongst the trees, we have the perfect footwear to help you along your way… That is the Vans Sk8-Hi MTE collection.
There are three different models of Sk8-Hi MTE, all designed to assist you through any adventure and help keep your feet dry and warm for the length of the trip. Ranging from the MTE-1 to the MTE-3, all three of these models have been tuned and refined to make sure they do not let you down on your adventures. The only thing you have to consider is how gnarly your adventures are going to be…
Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-1
The MTE-1 is the foundation of the range, however, it is far from being a stripped back boot. Not only does the MTE-1 maintain the styling of the original Sk8-Hi, it also upholds an understated look as it is designed to be worn anywhere without appearing out of place.
We have a Grape Leaf/Nubuck colourway of this boot, with a deep green upper, made from water-repellent treated leather, alongside white detailing atop a white and gum sole. At a glance, these are a great colourway Sk8-Hi, but when you look closer, you can just about make out the subtle changes that make this a perfect shoe for the outdoors. As casual as the MTE-1’s may appear, these boots come with features such as the reverse waffle lug pattern on the sole, designed to elevate the traction of the shoe by giving the sole a tread not too dissimilar to a winter car tyre. On top of the improved sole, these boots are designed to help keep your feet warm, regardless of the elements you are in, using a Primaloft insulation package placed on the inside of the shoe, giving the boots a microfibre thermal insulation system. Finally, the last thing you need when you are on an adventure is wet feet. These boots are fitted with a HydroGuard™ wrap, which creates a guard around your foot, helping prevent water from getting into the boot. All of these features, combined with the comfort of an UltraCush footbed create a perfect, stylish adventure boot, not created for anything too outlandish but can hold its own in most scenarios.
This takes us to the slightly more refined MTE-2’s. With these, we have two incredible colourways. Firstly, we have the Dachshund/Black colourway, (my personal favourite) a beautiful brown treated leather upper with black and white details found throughout. Then we have the Black/Orange colourway, a slightly more vibrant choice of colours, with tonal black uppers, mixed with red, blue and white details.
Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-2
The MTE-2 maintains all of the features of the MTE-1, however, some of these features have been refined and improved, for those less forgiving journeys. So, what actually makes these a more versatile version of the MTE-1? Firstly, the MTE-2 has an improved sole unit featuring an All-Trac™ built outsole, which is an all-weather rubber compound designed to vastly improve the traction and flexibility of the outsole, regardless of weather conditions. The waterproofing of the boots has also been improved, using the HydroGuard™ 360 waterproof membrane, which significantly raises the waterline of the boot and makes sure you are as protected from the elements as possible. When comparing the MTE-1 with the MTE-2, it’s clear to see that the MTE-1 has all the ingredients for a great adventure boot that can be doubled up for casual use, whereas the MTE-2 has taken the foundation of the MTE-1 and improved choice aspects, such as waterproofing and grip, for the more intense adventures.
Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-3
Then we have the Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-3.
If the MTE-2 is an improved MTE-1, what does that make the 3?!! Is it the ultimate boot? Designed to endure some of the most challenging climates and conditions whilst still looking great when doing it? I think so.
We have a Covert Green/Black colourway available with tonal green and brown uppers, white and orange details sat atop of a black and gum sole unit. This boot really does look like it can take whatever you throw at it. Vans have combined their extensive snowboard boot knowledge with two of the leading fabricators of outdoor materials to create their most technologically advanced winterized boot yet.
The MTE-3 has been adorned with both GORE-TEX and 3M to ensure that these boots are no joke. As you can probably tell by now, there are some really important features for boots such as these to possess. Features such as traction, water-proofing and warmth are vital, and the more refined these features are, the greater the all-round performance of the boot. The MTE-3 is fitted with a 3M Thinsulate™ lining for absolute premium warmth. Lightweight and extremely fine microfibres trap air and maintain warmth within the boot, but also allow for moisture to escape. For waterproofing, the GORE-TEX bootie liner is the ultimate waterproof addition to any boot, going so far as to promise that these boots will keep your feet dry in any condition. These premium materials combined with Vans’ knowledge of outsoles and grip create a boot with three different expert refinements.
Conclusion
These really are the ultimate evolution of the Sk8-Hi MTE franchise, packed with premium materials and technology thus keeping your adventure going. Vans really have made a great boot with the Sk8-Hi MTE-1, maintaining the original look of the Sk8-Hi but making them totally adaptable for the outdoors. The MTE-2 and 3 use the base layer of the MTE-1 and move further away from potential casual use as you go up in price points. Each boot is the ultimate boot, depending on the specific conditions the wearer intends to use them in. At the end of the day, only you will know which boot will suit you, but we have you covered regardless.
