The King of the Kicker: Why the éS Accel Remains Skateboarding’s Most Iconic Silhouette
In the fast-moving world of skate footwear, trends die quicker than a fresh set of bearings on a rainy day. We’ve seen the industry go from "moon boots" to "socks with soles" and back again. But through the noise, one shoe has remained the undisputed benchmark of style and function: The éS Accel.
Since its debut in 1995, the Accel hasn't just been a shoe; it’s been a badge of honour for anyone who appreciates the "golden era" of technical street skating.
Built for the Flick
The Accel wasn't designed to look pretty in a mall window; it was engineered to take a beating. While modern "slim" shoes offer great board feel, they often sacrifice the protection needed for high-impact gaps. The Accel found the "Goldilocks" zone:
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The Suede: Premium, heavy-duty wraps that offer a predictable grip on every kickflip.
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The Padding: That iconic puffy tongue provides a secure "lock-in" feel that modern minimalist shoes just can't replicate.
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The Sole: A cupsole construction that offers the perfect balance of impact protection and flex.
From Tom Penny to the Modern Streets
You can’t talk about the Accel without talking about the legends. When you saw Tom Penny floating a frontside flip in a pair of OGs, you weren't just watching a trick—you were watching a masterclass in style. The shoe became synonymous with the technical progression of the late 90s, appearing in every era-defining video from Menikmati onward.
The OG, The Slim, The Classic
One of the coolest things éS has done recently is acknowledging that while we love the nostalgia, styles evolve. They now offer:
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The Accel OG: In 2005, the Accel evolved. Responding to the era’s demand for a more padded, robust skate shoe, this version introduced a bulkier silhouette while retaining the core elements that made the original a staple. The “Accel OG” was born.
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The Accel Slim: All the DNA of the original, but streamlined for a lighter feel and a more contemporary look. Since it's built around a thinner cupsole construction, the Accel Slim delivers a closer connection to the board without giving up the durability and grip éS is known for.
- The Accel Original: It's the classic model, unchanged from his original 1995 form. It was unavailable since the mid-2000s, but it's now back for the pleasure of every 90's enthusiasts! It's the perfect balance in between the OG and the Slim and that perfect in-between fit and feel is what the skaters have been missing for nearly two decades.
The Verdict
Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the smell of fresh grip tape in '98 or a new skater looking for a shoe that actually lasts more than a week, the éS Accel is a rite of passage. It’s a testament to the idea that if you get the design right the first time, you don't need to change it—you just need to keep rolling.
