Last Resort AB Skate Shoes in Kelowna — VM001, CM003, GM001 at Gallery Streetwear
Most skate shoe brands are owned by corporations that also make basketball shoes and golf visors. Last Resort AB is not. Founded by Pontus Alv — the same person behind Polar Skate Co — Last Resort AB exists specifically because Alv got tired of the compromises that came with big-brand skate footwear. He wanted a skate shoe made by people who actually skate, designed with real function and real aesthetics in mind. The result is a line of vulcanized shoes that are clean, minimal, and built for skateboarding without apologising for looking good off a board too.
Gallery Streetwear in Kelowna is one of the only shops in BC carrying Last Resort AB. We stock the VM001, CM003, and GM001 — the core of the line. The Last Resort AB collection at Gallery is the place to find them locally.
VM001 Lo — The Classic
The VM001 is Last Resort AB's most recognisable silhouette. Low-profile vulcanized construction, suede/canvas upper, cupsole where it matters, board feel where it matters. It's built around what Alv and the Polar team actually wanted in a skate shoe — nothing more, nothing less. The Nick Blue colourway sits right at the intersection of skate-functional and off-board presentable, and nods to the palette Alv has used across his broader creative work.
Construction details worth knowing: a premium suede upper, canvas lining, and a double-stitched lace stay to combat grip tape wear. The lightly padded PU collar keeps it comfortable, while the grippy vulcanized rubber sole sheds gravel. The low profile prioritises boardfeel, which makes it well suited to technical tricks and long sessions, and the cotton laces and canvas lining add breathability for Kelowna's variable weather.
VM003 Suede Hi — The High-Top
The VM003 Suede Hi is the high-top in the VM series. It builds on the line's legacy, offering added ankle support without sacrificing sensitivity, and its canvas and suede construction delivers strong boardfeel and grip. Durable foxing tape and a stable vulcanized build help it hold its shape through long sessions. The slim fit hugs the foot and minimises pressure points, while the higher eyelets protect the laces. It fits true to size — consider sizing down half a size in the canvas version.
CM003 — The Cupsole
The CM003 is Last Resort AB's cupsole option — slightly more structure, slightly more impact protection, without losing the clean silhouette that defines the line. The White/Gum is a timeless combination that works in 1994 and works now: low-key enough to wear everywhere, distinctive enough that anyone who skates will recognise it immediately.
The cupsole construction is built for everyday punishment and offers more cushioning than a vulcanised sole, which makes it a sensible pick for longer sessions. The gum outsole adds timeless looks and strong traction on Kelowna streets.
GM001 — The Silhouette
The GM001 is a slightly more elevated take — clean lines, refined profile, the same vulcanized DNA. The Black/Black is as versatile as it gets: an all-black vulcanized shoe with Last Resort AB's understated branding that disappears into any outfit while still being immediately recognisable. It pairs naturally with the rest of the Polar Skate Co collection — Alv's broader universe of clothing and hardware.
Scandinavian Design and the “Break Free” Ethos
Last Resort AB was co-founded by Polar Skate Co.'s Pontus Alv alongside Sami Tolppi, and the brand carries an inherently Scandinavian ethos — understated designs paired with quiet, functional excellence. Shoes are made by skaters, for skaters. No corporate meddling, just dedication to boardfeel, durability, and versatility. The lineup embodies “Break Free” — liberating you from gimmicks so you can focus on what matters: progression on and off the board.
Kelowna's skate spots — from the urban grind of downtown to the flowing lines of local parks — demand footwear that delivers. Last Resort AB excels here with vulcanized construction, thin soles for unmatched sensitivity, and materials built to withstand grip tape abrasion. Unlike mass-market options, these shoes offer a slim profile that breaks in quickly, providing stability without bulk.
Pair them with our skateboard collection or Polar Skate Co. gear for a cohesive, authentic setup. The Last Resort AB range also extends beyond footwear into apparel and accessories — pieces like the Dane Flannel, the LR LS Tee, and the Atlas Daddy Cap have all been part of the line.
Styling is straightforward: the VM001 works with Dime MTL clothing or anything in new arrivals, and the whole line transitions easily to Butter Goods skatewear.
Why These Shoes Matter
The skate shoe market spent a long time being dominated by brands that had lost the thread — chunky, over-engineered, corporate. Last Resort AB is a correction: a small Swedish brand making decisions based on what's right for skateboarding rather than what sells in a big-box store. That independence shows in every detail — the material choices, the colourways, the silhouettes, the way they fit on a board.
Gallery carrying Last Resort AB is consistent with everything else we stock. We carry things with a point of view — brands that exist because someone actually cares. Our premium shoe collection reflects that. Find us at 588 Bernard Ave, downtown Kelowna. Tuesday and Wednesday 11am–6pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am–7pm, Sunday and Monday noon to 5pm.
Why trust this guide
This guide is written by the team at Gallery Streetwear, an independent boutique in downtown Kelowna, BC. We've been fitting sneakers, apparel, golf and skate gear since opening on Bernard Ave, and we sell the brands we cover in these guides in our store every day. We don't publish drop-shipped roundups — every recommendation in our Journal is tied to product we've actually handled, styled, and shipped across Canada.
Our shop has been recognised by Best of Kelowna — Bronze, Best Shoe Store (2026) · Bronze, Best Online Store (2025), and we're the authorised Canadian retailer for many of the brands featured on this site. Questions on fit, sizing, or what to pair with what? Visit us at 588 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, or email info@gallerystreetwear.ca.
FAQ
Where can I buy Last Resort AB shoes in Kelowna?
Gallery Streetwear at 588 Bernard Ave is the only retailer in Kelowna — and one of the very few in British Columbia — carrying Last Resort AB. We stock the VM001, CM003, and GM001 in curated colourways. You can also order online at gallerystreetwear.ca and have them shipped anywhere in Canada.
What is Last Resort AB's connection to Polar Skate Co?
Last Resort AB was founded by Pontus Alv, who also founded Polar Skate Co — one of the most influential skateboard companies in the world right now. Last Resort AB grew from the same creative sensibility: skater-founded, independently minded, uncompromising on quality and design. Gallery carries both at 588 Bernard Ave.
How do Last Resort AB shoes fit? Do they run true to size?
Last Resort AB shoes generally run true to size. The VM001 has a fairly standard low-top skate shoe fit — snug enough for board control but not restrictive. The CM003 cupsole version has a bit more volume around the toe box. The VM003 high-top runs true to size as well, though sizing down half a size is worth considering in the canvas version. If you're between sizes, your standard size is the right call. Come into the store and try them on for the best result.
Does Gallery ship Last Resort AB across Canada?
Yes. We ship Canada-wide from Kelowna in 1–3 business days, with free shipping on orders over $150 CAD — Canadian orders under $150 are calculated by weight at checkout. US shipping is calculated by weight at checkout. Stock on Last Resort AB is limited by nature — when specific colourways sell out, they're often gone.
Are Last Resort AB shoes just for skateboarding, or can I wear them casually?
Both — that's the point. Last Resort AB shoes are designed to perform on a board with proper vulcanized construction, good board feel, and durable materials. But the design aesthetic is clean and minimal enough that they work just as well off the board. The GM001 Black/Black especially blurs that line.
What skateboarding brands do you carry in Kelowna?
Dime MTL, Polar Skate Co, Butter Goods, Fucking Awesome and Last Resort AB are our core skate labels, with seasonal drops and staples in stock on Bernard Ave.
Do you sell skateboard decks?
We focus on skate apparel, footwear and accessories — the best decks are carried by dedicated skate shops in Kelowna and the Okanagan.