Globe has come out with some new vegan skate shoes, and the Austyn Gillette pro shoe seems particularly interesting: three colourways, and all three are canvas. [Update: There are non-vegan, i.e., real animal-source suede colourways of this shoe. They also have a part canvas and part suede upper.]
I had never heard of Austyn Gillette being a vegetarian or vegan, and he might not be (as most people aren't). The Globe website also has some other Austyn pro shoes (not sure how recent) that are made of leather.
The price of these shoes is a bit higher than usual. But I like the idea of an all canvas shoe with rubber caps in the skate-relevant places. But the design of these shoes could be a bit too flimsy for some people maybe, no padding around the ankles.
I more ideal skate shoe concept in my opinion would be like an éS Accel Slim with an all canvas upper but an etnies x Michelin (super durable) outsole ... and some rubber caps ... even though rubber caps only last that long and I end up using Ripcare (something like Shoe Goo) anyway.
Gillette Olive Cream
The Globe website describes the "Gillette" pro shoe like this: "The Gillette represents everything Austyn wanted in his pro shoe. It’s built on Globe’s tried and tested Super-V™ outsole with custom foxing tape and toe bumper, all made using Bloom™ Trek Rubber for an eco-friendly enhanced board feel and added durability. Featuring our new Lux Shockbed™ insole; fusion-welded synthetic suede liner; Globe’s Flex-Resin Formula Rand wraps and tonnes of other tech features — every detail of the Gillette is considered, making it a highly functional skate shoe. The Globe Gillette in Olive Cream is composed of Waxed Canvas, Synthetic Leather (Vegan), Mesh and Bloom™ Trek Rubber. Available In Small Sizes."
Gillette Black/Cream
"The Globe Gillette in Black/Cream is composed of Waxed Canvas, Synthetic Leather (Vegan) [the "leather" is only the little strip on the heel], Mesh and Bloom™ Trek Rubber."
The sizing of this shoe is comparable to typical Sole Tech (Emerica, Etnies, éS) sizing. This is a vulcanized sole. Comfortable shoe. Comes with a thick insole (similar to what éS typically have). I personally took the original insoles out and put some thin FP insoles in. I haven't skated them yet. For any future versions, I would recommend making the heel a little more comfortable - it's just the thin canvas and IF you have some injuries/inflammation problem with your Achilles heel, it could be slightly uncomfortable.
Austyn Gillette on the cover of Thrasher (April 2023) wearing this vegan colourway of his shoe:
Gillette Antique White
"The Globe Gillette in Antique White is composed of Waxed Canvas, Synthetic Leather (Vegan), Mesh and Bloom™ Trek Rubber."
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Update 18 April 2024:
There are several more recent colourways of the Austyn Gillette and some of these may be vegan - the Globe website, however, does NOT label them as being vegan. Like the three colourways above (which Globe lists as vegan) all of these shoes have a "leather" strap on the heel. This strap is synthetic leather in the three colourways above but this may or may not be the same in these more recent Gillette colourways (below):
Gillette - Cream/Graphite/Former
Note: This shoe is a collab with "Former" and has a "3M reflective patch" on the tongue. 3M is a company that conducts animal experiments.
Gillette - Dark Olive/Black
Gillette Mid - Black/Cream
Gillette Mid - Cream/Black
Gillette Mid - Dark Olive/Black
Gillette Mid - Graphite/Former
Note: This shoe is a collab with "Former" and has a "3M reflective patch" on the tongue. 3M is a company that conducts animal experiments.
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Liaizon Hemp/Regrind Gum
Globe website says: "Inspired by the classic loafer this vulcanized slip-on is designed for skateboarding featuring Globe’s Shockbed™ insole for impact control and Super-V™ outsole for enhanced grip and board feel. The Globe Liaizon in Hemp/Regrind Gum is composed of Hemp, Cotton and 3% Recycled Rubber Outsole. Available In Small Sizes."
LA Knit Black/White
Globe website says: "The sequel to the Los Angered originally designed for Dion Agius, the second coming has morphed into a preferred high top of our skate team. Now featuring TENCEL™ Lyocell an extremely comfortable and breathable upper, Globe’s Shockbed™ insole for impact control and Super-V™ outsole for enhanced grip and board feel highlight the details of this future classic.TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from sustainably-grown eucalyptus plantation wood and processed in a closed loop system that avoids the high levels of chemical waste. The Globe LA Knit in Black/White is composed of Tencel, RPET and Bloom™ Trek Rubber."
Surplus Black/White/Rage
Globe website says: "The SURPLUS in Black/White/Rage A utilitarian [!] vulcanized skate silhouette featuring Globe's Shockbed™ insole for impact control and Super-V™ outsole for enhanced grip and board feel. Tested and developed for skateboarding by our team, this evergreen staple is essential." If that doesn't convince you ...
