Making a name for yourself in skateboarding is no easy task but when your dad is the most recognisable figure in the culture then carving out your own path is even harder.

However, after years of solid output, releasing video parts with his Shep Dawgs homies, being recruited by Andrew Reynolds to ride for Baker Skateboards and, most recently, closing out Lakai’s ‘The Flare’ video with double song savagery – it is safe to say that Riley Hawk isn’t riding on anyone’s coattails.

The Lakai Riley Hawk x Independent skate shoe is a simple yet sturdy vulcanised model based on a silhouette first introduced in 2015. A key reference point in the development of this particular co-branded shoe is the Lakai ‘Camby’ and this can be seen with the higher lace stay, which avoids the hassle of putting the session on pause to tie together the remains of your battered shoelaces. Further influence was taken from The Lakai ‘Owen’ an influence visible in the collar panelling, logo placement and long toe.

“A durable, high performance low top skate shoe here from Lakai, teamed up with the most iconic truck brand on the market to give a unique overall aesthetic to a re-imagining of a classic Lakai silhouette”

A one-piece toe cap ensures no panelling can be blown out in the main area of wear on this model and the suede also reaches back to midpoint of the shoe where the connecting stitching is raised high enough to minimalize contact with griptape. A thick vulcanised outsole which provides quality boardfeel also has a deep tread prolonging the sole’s lifespan alongside a toe bumper for added flick and durability. Sitting inside the shoe is a Luxlite insole for extra support and comfort.

Final details of the shoe include piping around the lace area and collar alongside Riley’s Lakai insignia, inspired by classic and psychedelic rock bands, which has been merged with Independent Trucks timeless branding in this exclusive Fall/Winter 2017 colourway.

A durable, high performance low top skate shoe here from Lakai, teamed up with the most iconic truck brand on the market to give a unique overall aesthetic to a re-imagining of a classic Lakai silhouette. This comes highly recommended.

• LAKAI – RILEY HAWK X INDEPENDENT
• RRP: £65
• LAKAI.COM