getting the sizes right.

Creating a Perfectly Dimensioned Aggressive Skate

Designing an aggressive skate that fits well, performs under pressure, and feels great from the first try isn’t just about following industry standards — it’s about rethinking the fundamentals. Our goal from day one was to create a skate that feels instantly right, holds up to the demands of street and park skating, and adapts to the unique shape of each skater’s foot.

1.        Finding the right size should be easy

Finding the right size was our first priority. Sizing should be simple, clear, and accurate — not a guessing game. That’s why we chose to base our fit on the Mondo scale, which directly correlates to foot length in centimetres. But it wasn’t enough to pick a scale; we measured a wide range of feet, studied global sizing systems, and looked closely at how liners interact with shell dimensions. The ultimate goal was clear: the skate should feel comfortable and secure within the first ten seconds of putting it on. No awkward pressure points, no long break-in period — just a natural, confident fit from the start.

2.        Getting the base right

With sizing dialled in, we turned to the skate’s base. This part had to support the high-impact, fine-tuned performance dimensions of aggressive skating, yet avoid feeling bulky or restrictive. Freedom of movement was just as important as structure. Striking that balance was a long process filled with experimentation. We cycled through dozens of prototypes and relied heavily on 3D printing throughout the design phase — almost two years of on-and-off iteration. Each change brought us closer to a base that was, responsive, and rugged enough, while still feeling just right when making tricks.

3.        Leaving room for adjustments

Even with a well-fitted shell and solid base, we knew that no two skaters — or feet — are the same. Building room for adjustment became a core design principle. We developed a liner that could be customised to suit different foot shapes and personal preferences. The cuff was made height-adjustable, giving skaters the option to tune support and mobility. And the lacing system was built to enable power lacing, allowing for a snug, performance-driven closure that still respects the natural movement of the foot. These features aren’t just nice to have — they make the skate more personal.

4.        Perfect tolerances make the difference

Working with plastic materials might seem straightforward, but we found that material behaviour during cooling and shaping plays a huge role in the final fit and performance. After identifying the most sustainable and high-performing plastic compounds we could, we turned our focus to how these materials behave during production — particularly their shrinkage rates and how precisely they can be moulded. Getting this right resulted in a skate where all components fit together with minimal flex, zero rattle, and maximum responsiveness. It’s something you can feel with every push and every landing — a smooth, unified experience where the skate works as an extension and not a limitation.

In the end, building the perfectly dimensioned aggressive skate was a process defined by patience, testing, and a deep respect for the details that make great skates feel effortless. This wasn’t just about getting the size right — it was about getting everything right.

Check out this video where Jacob shares details of how we carved the Echo Verve into the skate that it is, taking a closer look at each part and the thought process behind the decisions.