Leo’s lace-free experiment – the Romero Skater secures with elastic “wings” and skates like a dream
The Romero Skater is Leo Romero’s minimalist evolution of his signature Laced model – reimagined without laces. Built for ease, performance, and style, this low-top silhouette keeps everything essential while stripping away the unnecessary. The result is a clean, functional slip-on designed to perform under pressure while offering effortless style on and off the board.
Lace-Free Performance Design
Instead of traditional laces, the Romero Skater uses Lycra tongue wings and stretch-fit construction to hug your foot and hold it securely in place. This skate-ready slip-on is easy to put on but stays locked in whether you’re cruising or flipping tricks. The one-piece vamp and blind-stitched quarter panels reduce seams and weak points in the flick area, extending durability while keeping the design sleek and uninterrupted.
Boardfeel & Cushioning
Like the rest of the Romero family, the Skater features a low-profile cupsole construction that balances boardfeel with support. You get the close-to-the-board feel of a vulc-style shoe, with added structure for longer sessions. Underfoot, a cushioned footbed – typically Emerica’s G6 PU or EVA insole – offers reliable impact protection, so you can take drops and gaps without worrying about bruising your feet.
Outsole & Traction
Emerica’s signature Triangle Tread outsole delivers consistent grip and reliable board control. The traction pattern is designed for skate performance, and the rubber compound holds up session after session. Whether you’re pushing down the street or landing tricks in the park, the outsole keeps you locked in.
Materials & Fit
The upper is typically made from durable suede in high-wear zones, with canvas panels in select colorways for breathability and lighter weight. Internal heel support ensures stability, while the streamlined shape makes the shoe feel snug without being restrictive. It’s built to feel like a second skin – flexible, broken-in from the start, and ready to ride.
Function Meets Simplicity
Leo designed the Romero Skater with the belief that skate shoes should be simple and functional. It’s a shoe made for skaters who want to skip the laces and still get a snug, high-performance fit. Clean, understated, and built to skate, the Romero Skater offers the convenience of a slip-on with all the guts of a real skate shoe.
