Nike SB Janoski OG Laced VS. Slip-On | Which one is better?
The Nike SB Stefan Janoski was originally released in 2009, disrupting the skate shoe market with Nike’s thinnest, most board-feel focused silhouette ever produced. Fast forward to 2024, and the Janoski is back with a redesign for modern skateboarding. The question is… lace up or slip? Which one is better? We sent Tactics team rider Dakota Mead to Portland’s local Ed Benedict skate plaza to put both models to the test. Watch the video above to see how they held up to an onslaught of flip tricks and ledge skating.
How Are They Different?
Obviously one has laces, and the other does not, but do the slip-ons fall off your feet while you are skating? Dakota found that both models stayed securely on his foot. He even went as far as filming a few lines with one model on each foot.
The laced version comes with two different insoles that you can swap out, giving you the choice between a cork top insole, and a cloth top insole. Both insoles have the same level of cushion and zoom air protection. Skating the Janoski was a familiar feeling for Dakota, and he had no trouble skating the shoes right out of the box.
While the slips-ons have no laces, they do have all the classic support you'd expect from the Janoski. The board feel and flick are pretty much the same as the laced version, but without the hassle of ripping laces or having them come untied while skating. Convienience is definitely a factor here as you can just slip 'em on and go skate.
The Verdict.
After a day of skating the two models, Dakota found that out of the box, they performed very similarly. As far as which one is better is more a matter of personal preference. If you like your shoes to stay a little more snug as they break in, the laced version might be for you. If you like a super clean get up and go look, then maybe the slip-ons are better suited for you. The real verdict is that no matter which pair you get, you know you can expect a dependable and long lasting shoe right out of the box.
