And so it happened. After four years break, Roces is getting back to the idea of skinned skates. Skate skin is a fabric cover of the skate shell, resembling the look of common sport sneakers. Roces Dogma Domestic Punk 2.0 is one of the two summer models offered by the brand, and at the same time an unexpected resumption of the above-mentioned concept. Is the reference to the Valo skates a good move? In our opinion it definitely is! In this entry we will take a closer look at this situation and try to explain our view.
The idea of skinned skates was the big topic among blade scene since the demise of Valo Brand. Most of us expected the return of the concept in new models of Themskates, the fresh venture of Jon Julio and natural extension of his previous projects. In the middle of 2019 there was even a test run of skinned 908 model (called U1) but apparently the idea didn't catch on, and we couldn't find it at shops since then. It seems like Themskates focused more on creating its original 909 model and the skin idea was pushed back. But let's return to Roces company which smartly seized a good moment to expand its aggressive offer with the third skate model — Dogma.
Dogma — new skate model by Roces
Roces Dogma is the new, official name for the skate based on proven M12 shell, covered with skin and equipped with the soul kit from Roces 5th Elements. Mixing the biggest advantages of current models gives the incredible results. Ergonomic shell of M12, known for its responsiveness may have a huge following, but its stock soul plate is definitely not the easy way to start grinding. Dogma skate fixes this issue with much larger soul area of two piece soul plate from 5th Elements. We could already encounter such a solution in the times of popularity of Valo skates, when some users removed the skin from the shell. Unfortunately, since the two piece soul plate is not matching the slim M12 shell perfectly (leaving a noticeable gap between the boot and the part itself), the “naked” skates were losing a lot in the visual aspect. Thus, we come to the main gain of using skin covers — it substantially improves the appearance of M12 if used with larger soul plates.
Successive, strong bonus of using the skin cover can be also a slight control over the skate flex. In Dogma skates, the laces are not going through the shell itself, but are basically tightening only the skin cover. While it gives enough ankle support, it noticeably extends the range of foot movement which can help with topside grinds. Still, if we need to get our skates super tight we can always use the standard lace loops of the shell under the skin. That is how we get a choice of more or less flex depending on our needs.
What the eye does not see, the heart does not grieve over
Despite the high versatility of Roces M12 shell in case of size match, some may still have difficulties with fitting into particular shell. If we happened to be between two sizes of the shell, we have a chance for a better fit with a small yet very helpful mod called ‘toe cut’. The toe cut is a minimal incision in the shell around the toes in order to expand it. Again, the solution was very common during Valo skates era where downsizing was practically the order of the day. Modified toe box will be completely hidden under the skin, so we do not have to worry about the poor presentation of our skate after such modification. So if you are one of those who stopped skating M12 shell, due to lack of skin cover preventing its mod options, now you can happily come back and enjoy the extra space inside.
It is worth to mention that Dogma skin cover will still fit Valo Light Carbon shell (which is also compatible with Roces two piece soul plates), so if needed the extreme mod is also possible, requiring whole shell replacement. Various adaptation options are another big advantage of Roces Dogma skates.
Big foot sizes
Skaters with bigger feet like size Eu 49 may come across a problem as the vast majority of skate manufacturers are not offering aggressive skates in bigger size ranges. Roces is trying to fill the gap. Roces Dogma skates are offered in full size range from Eu 39 — Eu 49 which means choosing the right size far more manageable. The official size chart by Roces is also greatly improved.
1,2,3 … Bobi Spassov
Roces Domestic Punk 2.0 is the premiere edition of M12 Dogma skates and the third signature skate of Bobi Spassov. As Bobi says himself, Roces M12 skates are his favourite model for aggressive skating — ‘...they are perfect for everything...except grinding…” The original, smaller soul kit did not fully meet his expectations, thus the big change in the form of a two-piece soul plate from Roces 5th Element. Praised by the community, huge and durable 5th Element soul kits can undoubtedly help with executing specific manoeuvre from Bobi's repertoire (cess slides). Thicker and more spacious soul plate can significantly reduce the angle needed to position the entire skate on the ground in cess royal position. The skate touches the ground with the soul plate and bottom edge of the frame simultaneously, allowing smooth cess slides with relatively little effort. A great design that suits the trend of current tricks.
We highly recommend checking the video accompanying the skate release to fully understand on how do they perform in action. Full of technical tricks on harsh street spots and a heavy soundtrack. We can clearly see a distinct change in Bobi's image, which does not allow for any weariness of his skating. Bobi took modern blading and added the early 2000s amplitude. Definitely a must-watch.
What's next ?
2022 has been another good year for Roces brand. The company is taking good care of their image by supporting distinctive and active rooster of international riders (Bobi Spassov, Nils Jansons, Illia Savosin, Yuto Goto, Jo Zenk) and constantly expanding its offer (Roces clothing line, high end RL1 liners or the return of Roces 5th Elements). The Italian company currently celebrating its 70th anniversary, does not cease to surprise and is constantly gaining new supporters. Who knows maybe in future we will see a refreshed model of the crowd favourite Roces Khuti? Or maybe three-piece soul kits with replaceable wings just like original Valos? The premiere of Roces Domestic Punk 2.0 Dogma clearly shows that everything is possible!
