Break down the wall

Imagine a signature run of football, baseball, or basketball gear dedicated to the photographers who make the respective pro sports popular. It will never happen because they're star-based systems in which an army of minions is groomed to toil, promote, and fawn over the elite faces. That's not a bad thing; that's just how it is.

Skateboarding is different. Because it remains a culture--and not an industry--people behind the scenes can be as well known as the pros. (For example, artists like Pushead, designers like David Carson, and directors like Spike Jonze.) So it's no surprise that the DVS shoe company would devote special runs of footwear to the photographers who capture the feats of skateboarding, ignite the imaginations of skaters around the world, and evolve the tricks, style, and art. It's not shocking, but it is a very cool gesture to the folks on the other side of the camera lens.

The shot above looks like a photography exhibit but it's really shoe boxes from the Photographer Series. (Each photographer's imagery wraps around to cover the sides of the boxes, and can be found on his signature shoe's insoles, too.)


Michael Burnett's shoe has the most obvious ties to photography. Not only does the tongue have his "fill the frame" mantra, but the exterior side of the Gavin Classic shoe is actually emblazoned with a shot by the Thrasher staffer.


Somewhere under the laces you can find Jake Phelps. Despite the busy imagery, the actual shoe design is quite simple, streamlined, and based on function with tons of padding and an extra-thick tongue.


Dave Swift's tasteful version of the Munition has a natural-tone look that reminds me of those fisherman-style vests that traditional photo journalists wear--you know, the ones with all those mesh compartments and pockets for film, batteries, flashes, cables, lenses, and whatnot. The Skateboard Mag's chosen shoe has a load of functional elements in that spirit.


The stripe along the sides matches the sole. Red is the color pedestrians will see on your front foot if you're doing a judo air or on your pushing food if you've just blown by.


DVS's Doze model is as primal as a skate shoe can be, but Skin Phillips' version ups the ante with rich green suede. Lightweight and simple but classy, too.


Check out the TWS editor's logo on the back. It simultaneously pays tribute to the Van Doren Rubber Company and his home country of Wales. He knows his history like he knows his craft.


All of the previous shoes range from durable to casual, but I'll probably wear J. Grant Brittain's slippers most often. Not only because JGB's a legendary photographer who has helped or influenced the aforementioned F-stoppers, but because (1) he's super cool to me each time I re-introduce myself to him and (2) I live in a home with a no-shoes policy.


Much cozier than kung-fu shoes, with more subtle details to boot. Mr. Rogers may have had more cardigans than I do, but his slippers were never this comfy.


I love skateboarding and I love shoes, and I also value limited-edition photography books. Balancing tack-sharp skate shots with grainy slices of life, this square-bound publication printed in conjunction with the photographer-related footwear not only captures the feeling of skateboarding but also celebrates the skills of the four photographers. It will make you want to skate and it will also make you want to generate, control, and capture precious moments--the underlying goal and thrill of skateboarding, photography, and life itself.