Sal 23 vs Cresta: Picking the Right etnies Low-Top Shoe
By etnies Official Store | Skate Shoes by Skateboarders since 1986 | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Sal 23 and Cresta on price, cushioning, and ollie protection so you can pick the etnies low-top that matches how and where you actually skate.
Quick answer
Choose the Sal 23 if you want pro-level ollie protection and a classic, flexible tread pattern from a design tested by Sal Barbier. Choose the Cresta if you want a lower-priced low-top with Force Shield upper reinforcement and an Egg Crate midsole for comfort. Both are etnies low-tops, but they solve different problems: the Sal 23 guards your flick foot, while the Cresta keeps daily skating affordable.
What separates the Sal 23 and Cresta
The Sal 23 is a heritage pro model. It carries a molded TPR ollie guard, a die-cut EVA midsole, a breathable mesh tongue, and 400 NBS rubber outsole with an OG classic, flexible tread pattern. It also ships with extra laces in a custom baggie and a custom shoebox. The Cresta is built around STI Comfort Level 1 insole with Egg Crate midsole construction, and its upper uses Force Shield reinforcement with 400NBS rubber. Both use 400 NBS rubber, so the difference is not rubber branding but how each shoe is assembled and what it protects.
How the fit and shape compare
The Sal 23 has a padded tongue and collar, which fills the ankle area and can make the shoe feel snug through the instep. The Cresta does not list a padded collar or tongue in the supplied facts, so if you prefer a roomier, less padded feel, the Cresta is the more open option. Neither shoe lists a width range, so if you have wide feet, start with your normal size and expect the padded Sal 23 to feel tighter until it packs out. For narrow feet, the Sal 23's padding can help lock the heel, while the Cresta may feel looser without that extra collar structure.
Cost per session: which shoe earns its price
The Sal 23 lists at USD 74.99 against a comparison price of USD 99.99, while the Cresta lists at USD 46.89 against a comparison price of USD 69.99. That gap matters if you skate daily and burn through shoes. The Cresta's lower entry price makes it easier to replace, and its Force Shield upper and 400NBS rubber are aimed at reinforcing the areas that wear first. The Sal 23 costs more, but you are paying for a signature pro design, a molded TPR ollie guard, and extras like the custom baggie and shoebox. If you are hard on your flick foot, the Sal 23's ollie guard may delay the point where you need a new pair.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Ollie protection: The Sal 23 includes a molded TPR ollie guard; the Cresta uses Force Shield reinforced upper and 400NBS rubber but no listed ollie guard. If you skate ledges and gaps often, the Sal 23's guard is the more targeted defense.
- Cushioning setup: The Sal 23 uses a die-cut EVA midsole; the Cresta uses an Egg Crate midsole with STI Comfort Level 1 insole. Both are comfort-oriented, but the Cresta's Egg Crate construction is the budget-friendly path to impact relief.
- Price and replaceability: The Cresta lists at USD 46.89 versus the Sal 23 at USD 74.99, and both carry comparison prices above their list price. Skaters who go through shoes quickly can replace the Cresta more often for the same budget.
Product facts
- Cresta: STI Comfort Level 1 insole with Egg Crate midsole construction; Force Shield reinforced upper with 400NBS rubber. The Cresta targets comfort and upper durability at a lower price, so it suits skaters who want a dependable daily low-top without pro-model extras.
- Sal 23: Design and tested by Sal Barbier; STI Comfort Level 1 insole; molded TPR ollie guard; die-cut EVA midsole; padded tongue and collar; 400 NBS rubber outsole; breathable mesh tongue; OG classic, flexible tread pattern; extra laces in custom baggie; custom shoebox. The Sal 23 is a heritage pro shoe with dedicated ollie protection and padding, which helps if your flick foot or ankles take repeated abuse.
Which low-top fits your skating
Best for
- Skaters who want pro-level ollie protection and a heritage design tested by Sal Barbier
- Riders who prefer a padded tongue and collar for a locked-in ankle feel
- Skaters who value the OG classic, flexible tread pattern and included extras like extra laces and a custom shoebox
Not for
- Skaters on a tight budget who replace shoes often and want the lowest entry price
- Riders who prefer a roomier, less padded low-top and do not need a dedicated ollie guard
- Anyone who wants a vulcanized construction feel rather than a cupsole-style low-top
