Probably one of the more surprising shoes of 2013, the Hammer has some stronger qualities then most would ever expect. It’s a cupsole model, with a vulc feel that’s incredibly light and durable. Even though we’ve only covered a very small percentage of Supra footwear on RL’s, their catalog of durable skate shoes speak for themselves. As for the brainchild of Jim Greco, we expected the Hammer to be as simple and straightforward as possible but in light of our review, we found out that it’s a bit more complex and well thought out than we expected.
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Supra Hammer Review With Nicasio Fernandez
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Sizing & Support
As you might expect with any cupsole, you’re going to have to get a half size bigger in the Hammer. Even though we mentioned the Hammer’s bulky demeanor in the video, that doesn’t reflect in the sizing of the shoe. Even if you’re looking for a more snug fit in the Hammer, you should still go with our half-size up recommendation.
Comfort & Cushion
The Hammer fits and feels like the majority of shoes you’d find from Supra. Their signature “S” pattern tread mark features some flex grooves that’ll make breaking-in the Hammer that much easier. It’s wider shape makes for a comfortable fit and the cushioning around the shoe isn’t too overwhelming. The tongue cushioning is at a medium degree of thickness, along with the collar of the shoe. You’ll even find some padding within the canvas side panels that’ll probably help slow down any wear from ollies and heelflips.
More than anything, the most supportive feature in this shoe is the SUPRAFOAM midsole. It’s cushy enough to squeeze between your hands in order to see the impact support work. With each impact, it’ll return back to it’s original shape and form without flattening out. Many companies have been finding use of this material but Supra is the one brand that lets you see it in action, as you skate and as you take those impacts.
From the start, we were apprehensive about the durability of the outsole but it proved us wrong and held up. From the box (left) to 50 hours of skating (right)
Boardfeel & Grip
Perfecting the balance between a vulc-feeling cupsole is harder than these companies make it seem. The fusion between the two is insanely meticulous. Luckily with the Supra Hammer, you get the feel of a genuine cupsole while being able to flex your foot over the edge of the board as if you were wearing a pair of vulcanized shoes. Even with this feature, the Hammer didn’t get flimsy over the course of our skating and keep it’s composure throughout the review.
The majority of skater’s have come across the Supra outsole before and it was truthfully nothing to brag about. It only withstood damage for a short period of time and then it’d start to fall apart. We’re definitely no stranger to this sucky feeling but it seems as though the design team behind the Hammer didn’t want to see our disappointed faces again. They came out with a surround sole around the traditional “S” tread patten and essentially, it’s what saves the outsole from burning out so quick. With this surrounding sole, it equalizes the distribution of wear, instead of letting griptape attack one section of your outsole.
The rubber used in the sole of the Supra Hammer is strong but smooth enough to flick right off your grip.
Durability
Our expectation with the Hammer, in regards to durability, weren’t set that high. The Hammer didn’t look as thought it could take a beating but of course, we were wrong. Keep in mind, this is the same company that designed the tank that is the Skytop 3. Throughout the review, Nicasio skated 3 different boards from all the filming missions he went on and still had trouble leaving his mark on the Hammer.
The explanation behind the Hammer’s durability is it’s “bumper-like” sole. The sole on the majority of skate shoes happens to poke out a bit, if not line up perfectly with the suede. With the Hammer, the sole happens to poke out a lot more than any other conventional shoe. That’s ultimately how the Supra Hammer lasts as long as it does.
At first, you’ll be put off by it because it does stick out more than what you’re probably used to but after a couple of sessions, you’ll look past. We had such a hard time putting the suede on the toe through any actual damage because most of the time, we were trying to flick past the sole on the shoe. The rubber is thick and strong but it’s smooth enough to get a consistent flick off of the shoe every time.
Summary
The Supra Hammer is potentially one of the most slept on skate shoes of 2013 so far. Granted, it’s debut was less than a month ago but we’re under the impression that skaters will take it’s subtle features and possibly think less of it. The real truth is, it’ll take a beating from any angle you pick, it’s light as hell and it’s performance values speak for itself. The Hammer is probably going to be the most simplified tech shoe you’ll ever find and that’s a good thing. Don’t go looking anywhere else!
Make sure you go and check these out at your local shop. Otherwise, do the next best thing and check out our homies over at BH!