I'm a retired professional skater. My love for skateboard shoes has stayed the same and I still play with my board sometimes. I bought a pair of similar shoes beginning with a "V" and after 3 months of daily wear my pinky stuck out. I wear these shoes for everything from mowing, working, changing the oil etc. They are excellent quality and have held up very well since my last purchase. All I can say is do it. Save $ on other things and go the DC route. 5 STARS!