Cushier-looking than old Lavers (neutral?)The first thing I noticed, before taking them out of the box, was that they looked a bit cushier on the inside and toe. It turns out instead of two layers of mesh, there is one on the outside, and some sort of foamy material on the inside (thus making it look like it has more cushion). Also noteworthy is that the inside tongue is now all one piece (see picture).
Noticeably heavier that old Lavers (negative)When I lifted one of the lavers out of the box, I noticed instantly that it was significantly heaver than the old model.
Softer-feeling mesh (positive)The mesh seems softer, maybe becuase there is less glue needed to hold the foamy material? Also it is less rough, i.e., more maleable. Third, it is more stretchy; it is possible to see the front most area of the underside (innerside) the toe area, meaning cutting that part of the inner layer is easier.
Stitches on toe box cut and pull apart easier (positive)Cutting the stitches is noticeably easier; I spent like 10 seconds on one shoe; once I started the cut, they pulled apart easily.
Inner layer of mesh pulls apart easier than old Lavers (positive)You don't need to first wash the shoes, or even get something like a screwdriver in between to loosen.
Inside of shoe seems grippier after modifying (positive)I also like how some of the foam is still on the inside of toe area; it will likely prevent slippage once my feet get sweaty.
Insole isn't protruding into inside delay area (positive)I didn't need to cut the inside section that usually pushed the mesh of the inside delay area out.
Sole feels much more grippy to the touch (positive)Although the sole is heavier, it feels more rubbery, and hopefully that also means it's (1) more durable, and (2) grippier.
Time needed to modify was significantly less than old Lavers (positive)It took 5 minutes to get the inner layer of the toe cut out (in one complete piece). Likewise, it took 4 minutes for the inside mesh layer.
Option to remove entire inner layer of tongue now possible (positive) Inner material cuts truerSee the pics, but I was able to get all four inside layers out in whole pieces, a task (for me at least) in old lavers.
Inner material pulls apart easierOnce the initial cuts are made, it is easy to pull the inner layer off (TIP: make sure to pull the foam as well to remove as much of it also)
ConclusionIn short, it seems like the only thing old Lavers had going for them compared to the new is that they were lighter. Even then, we aren't talking about a lot of weight either.
I am going to use them today and I will update this thread to include 'Playability'.
*EDIT:*
PlayabilityThe new Lavers were noticeably heavier on my feet. I seemed slower and it felt like I had to try harder to set the bag to the height I wanted.
On the other hand, the soles had much more grip, I still hit all of the moves I normally hit, and I actually hit two new moves: surging ss butterfly bs. I did notice too that my balance was a bit off on spins, and I think it may have to do with the weight of the shoe, but overall nothing that really threw me off.
At the end of the sesh I wondered whether I will get used to the new Lavers, whereas with the old Lavers I never thought that. I'm sure I will though so if anything, since they are heavier my legs will get that much stronger.
I hope this is helpful.
PS I took pictures at various stages of this process, but haven't uploaded them. However, if people want to see them, then I will.
