Update 4 October 2020
Note that there are now new colourways/styles of "Ever Stitch" that contain real animal-source leather, i.e. not all "Ever Stitch" styles are leather-free.
Updated 10 April 2020
The skate shoe company éS has a shoe called "Accel Plus Ever Stitch". "Ever stitch" refers to a material that is woven fabric. This fabric is not amazingly strong but with the extra rubber/Thermothane toe pieces it works really well. Also, the newer version of Ever Stitch used on the "Accel Plus Ever Stitch" and the "Swift Ever Stitch" in black seems to be stronger than the Ever Stitch used on the "Swift Ever Stitch" in blue.
"Accel Plus Ever Stitch" grey/red
"Accel Plus Ever Stitch" blue/grey
I haven't tried the "Accel Plus Ever Stitch" yet. I'm currently skating my second pair of éS "Swift Ever Stitch" (blue) which is a really great skate shoe, that you can skate straight out of the box. The soles are not indestructable, especially if you have new grip tape - but which soles are?
I would assume the "Accel Plus Ever Stitch" is quite similar to the "Swift Ever Stitch", but the new thermothane toe piece on the "Accel Plus Ever Stitch" might be stronger than the rubber used on the "Swift Ever Stitch".
I also recommend using some type of shoe goo alternative such as Ripcare. Ripcare is a sort of German shoe goo that stinks a lot less and that works a lot better for fixing ollie and kickflip holes than shoe goo. Even though the clear Ripcare is clear at first, once it has dried it turns whitish(which is completely fine). Ripcare does "stink" a little though (fumes), so ventilation (in my case the bathroom window) is recommended.
I also recommend using some type of shoe goo alternative such as Ripcare. Ripcare is a sort of German shoe goo that stinks a lot less and that works a lot better for fixing ollie and kickflip holes than shoe goo. Even though the clear Ripcare is clear at first, once it has dried it turns whitish(which is completely fine). Ripcare does "stink" a little though (fumes), so ventilation (in my case the bathroom window) is recommended.
I switched from "All Star Gum" (from France) to Ripcare because All Star Gum seems to be unavailable at the moment.
Back to the éS "Accel Plus Ever Stitch" ...
The two new-ish colourways are "grey/red" and "blue/grey".
These two and all other "Ever Stitch" ("Everstitch") éS shoes are leather-free, i.e. free from animal-source leather/suede. éS don't use the term "vegan-friendly" anymore - since very recently - and there might be some components of these shoes (such as the glue?) that might contain animal-source components. But this is not sure at all. They are working on more transparent info for the future.
Anyway, leather-free is a big step forward, and good enough for me. Thanks éS for offering these leather-free options.
Here's the description of the "Accel Plus Ever Stitch" from the éS website:
Grey/red"DESCRIPTION
As one of the most demanded éS shoes, the ACCEL Plus Everstitch progresses quality, function and style to new realms. Featuring an ankle strap for additional support, the velcro strap provides a snug fit and stability that will increase the confidence in your riding. The lightweight and breathable STI Everstitch upper is reinforced with a Thermothane toe piece for durability
PRODUCT DETAILS
Item Code: 5101000160/096
Color: Grey/red
Features:
Inspired by the Accel Plus
Velcro strap for snug fit
Everstitch upper for breathability and durability
Hotmelt quarter panels
Heel lock padding prevents heel slip
Thermothane toe cap for durability
Energy Foam insole
Hidden lace loops
400NBS rubber outsole"
Blue/grey
"DESCRIPTION
As one of the most demanded éS shoes, the ACCEL Plus Everstitch progresses quality, function and style to new realms. Featuring an ankle strap for additional support, the velcro strap provides a snug fit and stability that will increase the confidence in your riding. The lightweight and breathable STI Everstitch upper is reinforced with a Thermothane toe piece for durability
PRODUCT DETAILS
Item Code: 5101000160/433
Color: Blue/grey
Features:
Inspired by the Accel Plus
Velcro strap for snug fit
Energy Foam insole
400NBS rubber outsole
Everstitch upper for breathability and durability"
Now, I was wondering ... What the hell is "Thermothane"?
The company Avmor's website states: "THERMOTHANE is a unique aqueous thermoplastic-urethane sealer specifically formulated for the protection of interior non-resilient surfaces [...]. THERMOTHANE does not contain flammable solvents, it is odourless, fast drying and slip resistant. This water based emulsion sealer is available for industrial and institutional use where rugged durability and chemical resistance are required and when non-yellowing, odourless and waterproof properties are essential."
As stated above, I have tried the rubber toe piece ("Swift Ever Stitch"). I have not tried the Thermothane toe piece ("Accel Ever Stitch"). But I'm keen.
See two older colourways here: black/blue (2018) and black/teal (2019)
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Update 20 April 2020
There is one newer colourway:
Accel Plus Ever Stitch - Grey White
DESCRIPTION
As one of the most demanded éS shoes, the ACCEL Plus Everstitch progresses quality, function and style to new realms. Featuring an ankle strap for additional support, the velcro strap provides a snug fit and stability that will increase the confidence in your riding. The lightweight and breathable STI Everstitch upper is reinforced with a Thermothane toe piece for durability
PRODUCT DETAILS
Item Code: 5101000160/370
Color: Grey/white
Features:
- Inspired by the Accel Plus
- Velcro strap for snug fit
- Energy Foam insole
- 400NBS rubber outsole
- Everstitch upper for breathability and durability