Our verdict
A skate sneaker but BMX and leisure-ready. Etnies Joslin Vulc blew minds with its incredible board feel and flexibility that supported skaters while impressing with tricks. You do not have to tip-toe while using this Etnies sneaker because it highlights a tough construction that wouldn’t easily fall apart.
Pros
- Fantastic board feel
- Little to no break-ins
- Great for BMX riding and skating
- Comfy for walking too
- Amazing flicks and heel flips
- Durable
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Impact protection could be better
- A bit steep price point
Who should buy the Etnies Joslin Vulc
Who should not buy it:
- You are a skater or a BMX rider who needs hella secure and grippy outsoles
- updated 7 Jun 2023
- A sneaker that will last for a long amount of time is what you want.
Who should not buy it
Comfy for walking too Etnies Kingpin if you like sneakers with great impact protection. If you want a more budget-friendly sneaker, buy the Etnies Scout.
You desire a sneaker that does not need to be broken in for so long
Reviewers reported that Joslin Vulc fits their actual feet size. One noted that it doesn’t require too much lace adjustment to fit comfortably.
A1 comfort
Joslin Vulc was described by one wearer to “feel super flexible right out of the box.” This feature was loved especially by skaters as it added to the sneaker’s comfortability. One claimed that this sneaker is much more flexible than Marana Michelins.
Moreover, a sneakerhead said this sneaker is “like clouds,” while another mentioned walking in it “feels like a hug” as it is “so overwhelmingly comfortable.” BMX riders were also satisfied with the comfort it delivered during rides.
Breaks in quite quickly
Skating in Joslin Vulc on day one didn’t raise any issues for skaters because of its super short break-in period. “Break-in within the first 5 mins” and “break-in time is instant” were how reviewers described it.
Unbeatable flicks and flips
Heelflips and flicks felt terrific in this sneaker, according to multiple reviewers. A statement that supported this was: “Flick is on a different world. I feel like Neen Williams with my heelflips.”
Add a product
Many attested to how exceptional is the board feel of this sneaker. “The board is out of this world” is the best comment to summarize what skaters experienced.
Not so much for impact protection
Three days of heavy skating and day-to-day activities are no match for Joslin Vulc’s durability. One foot breaks in it while downhill longboarding, but its Michelin outsole held up very well. Another called the sneaker “wicked tough.”
Not so much for impact protection
The number one complaint of skaters about this sneaker was its “terrible” insole. Per skaters, Joslin Vulc could take impact, but anything above eight stairs hurt their feet. A vlogger said jumping off anything over four feet height hurt pretty bad.
Grippy as hell
A reviewer hailed this sneaker as having the “best soles in the game” because of its effective traction. Its outsole was affirmed to be very grippy in pedals too.
Wallet aches a bit
Many found this sneaker a bit pricey at a retail price of $98. The average price of skate sneakers is $75, making Joslin Vulc 27% more expensive.
