5 Questions With Nike SB's Cory Kennedy
You know you've made it as an SB team rider when you are graced with your own pro model. Paul Rodriguez did it first with the P-Rod. Stefan Janoski created one of the bestselling skate shoes of all-time with his boat shoe-inspired design. Now it's time for newcomer to enter the pro model ranks, resurrecting a '70s tennis classic with the . We sat down with 24-year-old mastermind of the Merlin Twist to find out all about this rubber-toed addition to the SB line-up.
You must be pretty stoked to have your very own pro model. What made you choose the All Court as the basis for the shoe? We’re guessing that rubber toe cap played a big part in your decision...
I’m very stoked to have my own shoe. I had already been skating in the All Court and liked the way they skated, so I pretty much pushed the SB guys to turn it into my own model. I was a big fan of the All Court so I didn’t want to modify them too much from the original design.
What changes have been made to the All Court to make it a little more skate-friendly? Does it suit a particular type of skater?
The All Court is a really simple shoe and skates well right out of the box so there really wasn’t much I felt needed to be changed. I don’t think they suit any specific type of skating. To me it’s more about what works for the wearer. These work for me, so I wear them.
So can skaters expect to be busting out the Merlin Twist with a pair of Zoom All Court CKs on feet? []
I’m sure they’ll be busting all sorts of maneuvers with these on.
What influenced your decision to join the Nike skate team? We hear you’re pretty close with fellow team rider Eric Koston, did that play a role?
I’ve always liked the shoes Nike SB makes and the team is awesome to travel with. I think Eric and I got on the team at the same time. Our friendship might have played a role; he may have thrown in a good word for me.
Lastly, if money were no object, what would be your dream shoe to skate in?
The 420 Dunk SB.
All the best Cory!