Our verdict

88
Good!

This undeniably visually-pleasing low-top skate shoe is art in motion. It comes in many colorways. Lakai even collaborated with the OG Pier 7 skater Rob Welsh for a white and blue variation of the slim and slick Telford Low. At an affordable price, this sneaker provides a good skating experience and can be used by non-skaters too!

Pros

  • We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us
  • Why trust us
  • Durable design
  • Surprisingly breathable
  • True to size
  • Snug fit
  • Double lace eyelet providing added security
  • Extremely fashionable
  • Comes in many colorways

Cons

  • Impact protection is so-so
  • Loose flap
  • Needs extra cushioning

Another skater remarks that the board feel is not as good as

Lakai Telford Low is best for skaters who like to do fast flicks. If you are a fan of Rob Welsh, rock your grey sweats and skate like your idol with a white Telford Low.

Lakai Telford Low:

  • Want a subtle yet stylish low-top skate shoe
  • Who should not buy Lakai Telford Low
  • Need an affordable alternative to Nike sneakers 
  • Needs extra cushioning    

Lakai Telford Low lakai-telford-low-profile

Who should not buy Lakai Telford Low  

Some users recommend the Lakai Cambridge for a better heel feel. One describes their Cambridges as having a vulcanized feel yet so flexible that they can “fold it like a taco from pinky toe to big toe.”

If you do not like the narrow silhouette of the Telford low, try Evo which offers a broader toebox yet still looks sporty. 

Lakai Telford Low lakai-telford-low-laces

Why trust us

“Amazing board feel” is what a tester commented after testing the shoe. An expert also commends the shoe because it felt like they “knew where [their] foot was” while skating. 

Another skater remarks that the board feel is not as good as Cambridge. Meanwhile, some consider Telford Low as the best shoe for flip tricks. Due to its slimmed-down shape, flicks are faster. However, some say that this could compromise control.

Lakai Telford Low lakai-telford-low-tread

Retired skaters, and even non-skaters, still owns a pair or two and use them as their everyday shoes.

Offers freedom of movement

Skaters who love to skate with more freedom between their feet and the board approve of the Telford Low. Its narrow toecap equals less surface area for grip and that allows skaters to move around better. 

Want a subtle yet stylish low-top skate shoe

With a similar silhouette, skaters recommend the Telford Low for its better and more appreciable arch support compared to Nike SB Dunk Low. The shoe is a lot cheaper too! 

Lakai Telford Low lakai-telford-low-toebox

Snug and secure skate shoes

Buyers are impressed with the  slim yet  true-to-size fit of the sneakers. Lakai Telford Low’s narrow forefoot is comparable to Jordan 1. Even if it has a smaller toebox than others, one skater noticed that after warming up they “didn’t notice it that much.”

Telford Low goes with a lace protection system and a dual eyelet for you to adjust the tightness to your liking. However, an experienced skater noted that the flap is so loose that it “ruins the board traction”. But after gluing the flap, they noticed that it feels “100x better”.

Lakai Telford Low lakai-telford-low-lacing-system

Same brand only

Youtube reviewers say that it is more durable than the Force 58 No extra cushions Tyshawn Low. One reviewer shares that after 3 weeks, it started to show some wear but holds up “extremely well.” Another skater agrees that the shoe shows “almost no visible wear and tear” aside from the wearing of the bottom sole. 

Want a subtle yet stylish low-top skate shoe 

Although the upper of the shoe is made up of suede, it is surprisingly breathable. It has enough perforations on the vamp and one reviewer even exclaimed that while using the shoe, they “actually felt it breathed.”

Lakai Telford Low lakai-telford-low-forefeet

If you do not like the narrow silhouette of the Telford low, try

One review says that “the impact of the shoe is so-so.” To improve the shoe’s impact, several users suggested swapping the insole with a Vans PopCush or an FP insole for added protection.

Nike SB Dunk Low

There are varying opinions on how comfortable the Telford Lows are. An expert doesn’t find them uncomfortable but says that it has “no secret, hidden bells and whistles.” The upper is thin and there is no extra layer of cushioning which some see as a disadvantage. One user complained about the stitching digging into the side of their foot. 

However, a Lakai enthusiast remarked that the heel feel is not an issue for the Telford Low. A pro skater even rates the shoe perfect for comfort, saying they’re “definitely buying another pair.”

Skate in style with Telford Low

Lakai Telford Low is eye-catching. Its simple yet striking design comes in a variety of colorways too. They also offer a special Rob Welsh and Lakai x Pacifico designs.

A Youtube reviewer attests that the shoe “looks better than it does on the website”. One skater even claims that Telford Low gave them a “mental edge” while skating because of how good they look on their feet. Another one noted that they received their first compliments because they wore the shoe at the park.