Village PM 1PM Skate Shoes Review
How do the Village PM 1PM Skate Shoes Perform For Skateboarding?
Who are Village PM?
Village PM has been making an impact on skate footwear since it arrived in the UK. Based in Paris and skater-owned, Village PM blends skate shoe innovation with comfort and modern style. Drawing inspiration from climbing shoes and outdoor footwear in general, they’ve created skate shoes that break the mould, combining precision-fit construction, premium materials, and progressive design.
Village PM's first models, the 1PM and 1.30PM are here, but how do they actually perform?
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Village PM 1PM, breaking down their features, construction and what skaters can expect when skating them. In short, we’ll explain whether the Village PM 1PM are worth your investment, both in time and wonga 💸
SIDE NOTE: We've also made a review on the Village PM1:30PM, which you can find by clicking here. So check that out if you really wanna do your research on which is the right skate shoe for you.
The Village PM 1PM Review
An overview of Village PM 1PM in a nutshell
The Village PM 1PM Skate Shoes are built with Village PM’s Rubber Glove Technology, combining elements of vulcanised shoes, cupsoles and toe cap protection into a single construction.
Unlike many slimmer skate shoes that sacrifice durability for board feel, the 1PM wraps the toe, sides and heel in climbing-inspired rubber protection. This creates a more protective and durable shoe while still maintaining the flexibility and board feel skaters want, all wrapped in a semi-chunky silhouette.
This article should answer some FAQ's that may be left out of Village PM's product page description.
They look classy...
But How Do The Village PM 1PM's Actually Skate?
First Impressions of the Village PM 1PM
When you first pick up the Village PM 1PM, the most noticeable feature is the large rubber rand that wraps around the toe and sides of the shoe.
Compared to the 1.30PM, the 1PM looks slightly chunkier and more protective. This is mainly due to the thicker rubber coverage and reinforced construction. So if you prefer a little more protection, a thicker shoe, or a more secure fit, these may be a better choice than the 1:30PM's.
The First Things You'll Notice on Day 1
When you pick up Village PM 1PM for the first time, you'll feel that the rubber feels different from what you'd find on other skate shoes. The rubber is soft and sticky, providing a really good flick.
The second thing you'll notice is that they slip onto your foot pretty smoothly with help from the heel tabs, and the Asymmetrical Precision Fit becomes noticeable. The shape follows the natural curve of your foot and wraps around the toe area closely, creating a secure feel without being overly tight.
I have heard a few wider-footed skaters say that they would prefer a little more width for their little toe, but I haven't had any problems with rubbing my little toe personally.
Village PM Skate Shoes aren't Sold As A Cupsole or Vulcanised Skate Shoe
In the skate shoe industry, you expect to be buying a vulcanised or a cupsole shoe. If you don't know the difference, click here.
However, although technically a cupsole construction, the Village PM skate shoes are neither truly cupsole nor vulcanised in nature.
Village PM shoes are made with their 'Rubber Glove Technology', which structurally combines a flexible outsole, lasting comfort and a protective rubber rand. They're described by VIllage as everything we like about vulcanised, cupsole and toe cap constructions all in one shoe.
What Materials are the 1PM's Made Out Of?
Most versions of the Village PM 1PM feature either suede or synthetic uppers, depending on the colourway.
Some models use premium suede, while others use microfibre or synthetic materials designed to mimic suede, offering really impressive durability, so don't be concerned if it's not the same feel as other suede skate shoes - The microfibre material they use takes a real beating.
The shoe also features:
• A rubber rand wrap for added protection
• A rubber outsole designed for grip and board feel
• A padded textile lining inside the shoe for comfort and structure
This combination helps the 1PM stay durable while maintaining a comfortable and flexible fit.
If you're interested in the slimmer version of this shoe, check out our Village PM 1:30PM skate shoe review, where we break down the materials, fit and performance of the lighter model.
The 1PM's Impact Protection and Board Feel
One of the biggest differences between the 1PM and 1.30PM is impact protection.
The 1PM is the more protective model in the Village PM lineup. The thicker rubber rand and slightly chunkier construction provide extra cushioning and stability when skating stairs, gaps and bigger drops.
Despite the added protection, the 1PM still manages to provide you with good board feel thanks to the flexible outsole and relatively slim profile.
You won't get the super thin vulc-style board feel, but you do get a nice balance between protection and board control. Although, It's worth mentioning that the 1:30PM has pretty decent heel padding for their size, too!
The 1PM's Flick
The rubber rand also plays a big role in the flick of the shoe.
Instead of relying purely on suede, like traditional skate shoes, the rubber creates a grippy and consistent flick surface for ollies and flip tricks.
This creates a unique flick feeling that’s slightly different from suede or canvas shoes, and even has a different feeling than other rubber toe-capped shoes like the Adidas Skateboarding Superstars. The Village PM rubber is softer and grippier, but still predictable once you get used to it.
For skaters who like rubber toe caps or reinforced flick areas, this design can be a real game-changer.
The shoe that resembles the Village's flick the most in my memory was the Nike SB Zoom Air All Court Cory Kennedy's... Are you old enough to remember those? ⬇️
Do the Village PM 1PM's Fit True to SIze?
From my own experience and most skater feedback, the Village PM 1PM generally fits true to size.
Although they visually resemble climbing shoes, they don't have the extremely tight fit typical of climbing footwear.
Village PM’s Asymmetrical Precision Fit is designed to hold the foot securely while still allowing natural movement.
Some skaters with wider feet may find them slightly snug around the toe box, but overall they are considered a true-to-size skate shoe. If you do tend to be inbetween sizes though, you might wanna half-size up.
How does the 1PM fit?
The 1PM uses the same Asymmetrical Precision Fit design found across Village PM shoes.
The lacing system runs high up the tongue, helping keep the foot locked into place while skating. The tongue itself is lightly padded and breathable, while the heel area provides extra structure compared to the slimmer 1.30PM.
Overall, the shoe offers a secure fit that keeps the foot stable without feeling overly bulky.
What is the 1PM's Insole like?
The Village PM 1PM features a pretty supportive insole that sits on top of a solid rubber outsole.
Compared to slimmer vulcanised shoes, the 1PM's insole and cup design provide noticeably better impact protection. The insole and outsole combination helps absorb shock pretty impressively in my experience.
How Durable are the 1PM's?
Durability is one of the biggest selling points of the Village PM 1PM - Their durability is really impressive.
The rubber rand wraps around the high-wear areas of the shoe, making the toe and flick areas of the shoe practically bulletproof.
The suede / microfibre upper is also insanely durable. I was sceptical of the microfibre at first, but you can tell Village PM really meant it when they said they wanted their shoes to last longer than most shoes. I got just over 4 months of use before I blew through the microfibre, which is way over double the time it would take me to get through most (It was winter though, to be fair).
Village PM also advertises that the rubber guards can be replaced by a cobbler, which could potentially extend the lifespan of the shoe even further.
Like most skate shoes, the areas most likely to wear first are the laces and upper panels, but overall, the 1PM is designed to last longer than many traditional skate shoes.
Do the Village PM 1PM's Lose Their Stucture?
One issue with some skate shoes is that they eventually become floppy and lose their structure.
The Village PM 1PM avoids this thanks to the supportive rubber construction and reinforced upper. Even after I was nearing the end of the impressive lifespan of the shoe, the 1PM didn't feel floppy and unstructured like a Lakai or one of those terrible vulc DC models they make that no one wants.
Even after extended use, the shoe tends to retain its overall shape and support, which is essential because durability means nothing if the shoe feels uncomfortable.
What would I change in the Village PM 1.30PM?
I have sung the 1PM's praises throughout this review, and they truly deserve the applause. However...
I would make 3 changes to the 1.30PM:
1. Slightly More Toe Box Width
The Asymmetrical Precision Fit works well for locking your foot in, but some wider-footed skaters may find the toe box slightly snug around the little toe. A touch more width in the front of the shoe could make them more comfortable for a wider range of skaters.
2. More Breathability in the Upper
Because the rubber rand wraps so far around the shoe, the upper has less ventilation than some traditional skate shoes. Adding a little more breathability in the upper panels could help keep the shoe cooler during longer sessions.
3. More Padding Around the Heel
Because the rubber rand wraps around the heel for durability, the heel area can feel a little stiff during the break-in period for some skaters. Adding slightly more padding around the heel could improve comfort and help reduce rubbing during longer sessions.
Should You Buy a Pair of Village PM 1PM Skate Shoes?
Well, in my honest opinion... yes! Here's why:
- Village PM are different from any other shoe in the industry right now, offering a new, interesting construction with a lot of benefits.
- Village PM 1PM's beat expectations in both flick and durability, with a unique rubber and an impressive lifespan
- Village PM are skater-owned, ran by designer/skater Basile Lapray and veteran Bram De Cleen, collaborating with footwear expert Julien Traverse from All Triangles.
- Village PM break in fast for a thick skate shoe, and provides great board feel with solid impact protection
If you don't mind a flexible shoe that feels completely different from anything you've skated in the past, give these a try. They're classy, innovative and unique. However, a few people at the skatepark will ask why you have climbing shoes on. 😂
