Shoe update
7 months in and the sneakers are done again. The sole has a hole all the way through the insole and I'm ready for a new pair. They held up for about 7 months, with 2 skate sessions per week on average I would say. I'm not doing any flip tricks, so the upper part of the sneaker is still OK.
I really like the Lakai Newport Hi model. It has a great board feel, decent cushioning and, being a high-top, also good ankle support. My main concern in a skate shoe is ankle support. I rolled my ankle a few years ago and still can feel an occasional pinch coming from the inside of the joint when I step on my foot the wrong way.
Unfortunately the Lakai Newport Hi is pretty much sold out, at least in my size. I do hope Lakai updates and restocks this model again. Will definitely get a pair once it comes back the shops.
In the meantime, I'm trying out the New Balance 440 Hi. It feels super soft and doesn't need any time to break in I guess. We shall see. The one thing I'm not too crazy about is the squarish toe box. It just looks like as if there's that extra empty corner on the tip of your shoe. My foot or toes are certainly not shaped like that. Otherwise it seems to be a solid shoe, benefiting from all the shoe-tech developed at New Balance.