Our verdict
A much-loved silhouette is back again and this time, a pair that honors a new set of team riders is the Contract model. A lot of the original shoes’ elements have been retained, including comfort, durability, and practicality with just a few tweaks thrown in, giving them a modern touch. The style is classical, reminiscent of old sneaker designs but without the typical bulky profile that characterizes an eS shoe.
Pros
- updated Mar 21, 2023
- Track spikes and XC
- Jul 10, 2019
- Fits true to size
- Long-lasting
- Retro style
- Affordable
Cons
- Needs break-in period
Who should buy the eS Contract
Keeps feet from hurting:
- Keeps feet from hurting.
- You want a sneaker that provides a solid amount of padding that keeps feet from hurting when jumping down things.
Jul 10, 2019
While the typical jeans may be suitable for skating, there are other ways to wear your eS Contract shoes than the denim way. These cotton fabrics are thick and soft and keep you cool during the summer.
A hoodie is always your best bet for easy throw-on styling, and they work for colder weather. Layering works as well. Contrast the colors against each other for a more arresting style.
Notable Features
Most anyone who skated in the early 2000s knew about eS Contract shoes. These were the dream kicks of many a young skater youth who wished they could be as badass as the riders on the tongues of the Contracts.
The shoes are not only notable for their design, but they’re also quite remarkable for their ultra-functional skate construction which has now been updated with even better technical specs.
eS Contract kicks feature a dual lacing system that keeps the laces safe from abrasion, STI Energy Foam insoles which provide not only comfort but resistance to impact as well, and the Accel Slim’s grippy tread pattern.
Keeps feet from hurting
The sense of nostalgia is strong in these kicks, which first found their way to the skateboarding scene in 2003. eS Contract sneakers were the first of their kind in the skating world back then. There wasn’t just one model but rather several, each depicting one rider from eS’ legendary team.
Recently, eS Contracts are re-released in a plain white edition with just the company logo in red on the tongues. The profile was a bit more streamlined and slimmer than before. New NBS 400 outsoles replaced the old ones.
The tradition of putting the riders’ faces on the tongues is also revived by launching three new versions for 2018. The 2018 releases featured the faces of Wade Desarmo, Tom Asta, and Kelly Hart. In 2019, in celebration of Ronnie Creager’s 25th anniversary with eS, another Contract edition specifically for the veteran pro was released.
