Habitat Guru Hi Review – Second Look

We looked at the new Habitat Guru Hi about a month ago and started a skate test. Here are some results and photos of the wear and tear and some thoughts about the shoe. This is the first time Habitat has offered one of Guru Khalsa’s signature line in a Vegan material. The shoe is unique because is simultaneously has the fit of a slim skate shoe, but has the convertibility to go high-top. The side panels, that when folded down hide the padded collars, can flip up and laced to the bottom of the calf. It really gives that old-school chuck taylor look.So lets take a look at the wear. This photo was taken after three skate sessions of about 2 hours each. Honestly I was a little bummed out. However I have the expectation that all shoes will wear and unfortunately sometimes canvas can give in early. ‘

Out comes the Shoe Goo!A small dab in each to fill in the beginning holes did the trick. Only the first green layer had worn out. another lining material still remained so I was able to get a nice base of Shoe Goo over the ollieLooks a bit gnarly, like an open wound. After a little some drying and another layer it was ready to shred again.  This photo was taken today. After several weeks of skating with Shoe-Goo applied. The side paneling is starting to loose some stitching, which eventually is going to result in a blow out if I don’t goo it soon. However the toe and ollie area are still buried deep into the vulc sole.  Side by side, you can see a worn shoe vs the less worn back foot. (Mr. Fakie can’t skate switch) While the pebbled surface on the toe bumper has gone, there is still a good bit of layering to the foxing tape. The soles are also impressively still treaded. One area where the Guru Hi is doing exceptionally well is the durability of the vulcanized gum sole. They have remained grippy and feel great walking and on the board. The flex is there, but my feet don’t ache after a long or particularly hard session.