Shoes With Symbolism: The DVS/Cassette Collaboration

Date: 7-23-2006
Author: Wakeskating.com Staff

Jim Leatherman recently announced a special shoe project between long time wakeskating supporters DVS and long time DVS supporters Thomas Horrell and Cassette wakeskates. After getting a chance to find out a little bit more about these shoes (like how to acquire a pair of these new shoes to sashe/dance, dance, dance around), it seems like this project is more than "just another wakeskate shoe." As you read on, you'll find out that loyalty and an irreplaceable style go a long way, as these limited edition shoes are almost a tribute to an original company and friend (though the public was kept in mind as well). They were also designed with thought and sincerity on behalf of a friend/teammate and long time company supporter.

With that said, I give you the legend of Walker and Texas Ranger...

WS.com: Who conceptualized the shoe collaboration project between Cassette and DVS, and why?

Jim Leatherman: I brought the idea up to Thomas a little while back to see if he was interested, and right away he told me he would love to see what we could come up with.

I guess out of any shoe model possible (like a single pro model or what have you), why a Cassette model?

In my mind, Cassette has always been the most creative board company in the market, and there has always been a tight bond with the Cassette and DVS teams. Making a collaboration shoe was the next step.

Given the difficulties Cassette has faced over the past year (from people thinking they were done, to two major team riders finding new board sponsors), how was it decided that the timing was right for this shoe to come out?

I think the shoe can help reinforce what Cassette stands for and how legit the company is. Yes, they have had problems, but nothing that would discourage us from doing this project. I think it's a tribute to all the kids that back both DVS and Cassette.

Who designed the shoes, from the graphic, to choosing the model?

Well, the shoes ended up being more of a surprise to Thomas. I chose both the Unison (Velcro) and the Gav Classic. The Unison is more of a Euro fashion shoe that kind of goes with the innovation of the Cassette board graphics. I put both the shoes together with help from one of our shoe designers and chose the color ways. The function of the Unison also helps because you don't have wet laces to deal with. The Gav is a Classic along with Cassette. The shoe is also one of the team’s favorite shoes to skate in. I chose croc skin because of those Florida boys.

What color ways will each shoe be available in?

If they ever become available the colors are still up in the air..I will be giving a few pairs away from the DVSWAKE.COM site next week.

Is this more of a skating shoe than a wakeskating shoe, or does it have any features incorporated to make it wakeskate friendly?

Well, the traditional wakeskate shoes have always been mesh, but I have been working with all sorts of perforated leathers lately for the sidewalls of the shoe. I took all the backing out of the leather to make it thinner and more water resistant. After that I put in a PU sock liner that does not soak water. It seems to work well.

Since each shoe is said to be "limited edition", what kind of numbers are "limited edition?"

Haha. Well, right now less than 40 pairs each.

Is there any special name for the shoe?

Not really. But we call them Walker and Texas Ranger.

Who will have access to the ultra limited "only-for-bros" croc skin model? Will the kids have to play some C-LO with a team member and try to win the shoes off of their feet?

That sounds like a good idea, I'll bring some dice to the tour stop in Reno next week (I'm serious). But for now they will only be special giveaways with the mags or the web.

holla at a balla2