Our staff gets paid to test products , watch videos and read books . See what we have to say. Find out about the top names in skateboarding, and how to get a hold of 'em. The El Duque is Felix Arguelles's pro model shoe from Converse. The toe cap, first of all, is a tough rubber that is glued to the upper and mid-sole rather than stitched.
Stitches rip and break.
There is also a thinner rubber that is used as an underlay across almost the entire shoe at least where you need it most. In most cases, comfort must be sacrificed for durability, but these shoes actually break in decently. As far as padding, there is Converse React soft spots under the heel and ball of the foot. The one thing that threw me off with these shoes is the athletic shape and feel. It's not at all a bad thing, but I prefer the classic flat-soled skate shoe, where as plenty of others will tell you that the athletic style is the way to go.