1. DC Men’s Court Graffik SE Skate Shoe
2. Etnies Marana Skate Shoe
3. Vans Sk8-hi Core Classics Skate Shoes
4. Vans Men Docket Skate Suede Leather Logo Shoes
5. DC Men’s Spartan High WC TX SE Skate Shoe
6. NIKE SB Check Solarsoft Canvas
7. Osiris Men’s D3 2001 Skate Shoe
8. Vans Unisex Old Skool
9. Globe Men’s Sabre Skate Shoe
10. New Balance Men’s 331v1 Skate Shoe
11. eS Men’s Accel Og Skate Shoe
12. Emerica Men’s The Reynolds Low Vulc Skate Shoe
13. Adidas Originals Men’s Busenitz Sneaker
Skate Shoe Buying Guide & FAQs
Whether this is your first time buying a pair of skate shoes or you’re an avid wearer and just want to be at the top of your fashion game, then this buying guide is the perfect resource for you. Not only are skateboarding shoes brilliant for skateboarding, as well as BMXing, they’re also extremely trendy and comfortable, making them a popular choice for a fashion trainer. However you wear them and whatever you wear them for, our buying guide and FAQs will help you make the right decision for you when it comes to purchasing your next pair. Take a look below.
How We Chose Our Selection Of Skateboard Shoes
Choosing the right pair of skate style shoes can be tricky, especially if this is your first time and you need some guidance. That’s why we carefully curated our selection of skateboard shoes into this handy guide, so you don’t have to scour the internet. We’ve provided you with a great selection of brands, in fact, these are some of the best brands on the market for shoes for skateboarding. They have a track record of creating shoes that are perfect for your needs and we’ve included a range, so we’re not being biased either.
We also took a close look at customer reviews to ensure that we were really getting to grips with real-life opinions and problems. This meant we could see common issues that seemed to occur with the shoes, as well as great feedback that kept some skate shoes one step ahead. Remember though, reviews aren’t always the most reliable piece of information, as you may encounter disgruntled customers who just want to vent or there may be a plethora of amazing reviews that the seller has paid for. Be wary out there and make your own judgments.
Price is always an important factor when it comes to making a purchase, but the most expensive doesn’t always been the best and the cheapest might not live up to your skate shoe needs. Take into account everything you require your shoe to do for you and have a price point in mind, so you can eliminate the too expensive from the running, but not always go for the cheapest either. Remember that different styles of the same shoe can come in at a different cost as well, so if you really like a particular design, it might be worth paying just a little bit more to get exactly what you want.
Features To Look For In Skate Shoes
There are a number of features to look out for and compare when buying shoes for skating. Whether you’re looking to hit the boards and get a lot of wear and tear out of your shoes or just need something that looks cool, make sure you take into account the below features, so you’re provided with the right support that your feet deserve, skateboard or no skateboard.
Protection – skateboarding can be a dangerous pursuit, but also incredibly rewarding when you’ve finally nailed that difficult trick. That’s why your feet and ankles need protection in order for you to continue making an impact. Your feet and ankles tend to take a lot of the brunt force, although it feels like an all-body workout. Ensure you have the added protection of rubber outsoles so that your feet don’t fall to the side unnecessarily. The most protective materials your skate shoes should be made out of are suede or composition leathers, providing the flexibility you need to perform, as well as the protection your feed requires to carry on.
Comfort – mastering skateboard tricks can take hours, days even, so having a comfortable skate shoe is vital to allow you to keep going and nail those moves. Your trainers need to absorb the impact you’ll be making on the ground, through a cushioned midsole. This needs to be quality cushioning however, as the less effective it is, the more likely you are to become injured and you’ll fear the impact every time you land. Even if you’re not planning on attempting any gnarly jumps any time soon, you need a comfortable shoe to keep you going and build you up to that stage. It’s not uncommon for skateboarders heels to be bruised after boarding, but if you have the right shoe for the job, this risk should be minimized.
Durability – without durability, your brand-new skate shoes won’t last long and you might find them falling apart mid 360 frontside pop shuvit, or you know, walking down the street. Because of the nature of the sport, your skate shoes need to be built with skateboarding in mind, so should be made of the right materials to take you through from trick to trick. Each part of the shoe helps with each different element of skateboarding and both the midsole and outsole need to be rugged and durable in order for your shoes to last. However, keep in mind that although these materials should be robust, they also need to be flexible and lightweight enough that you can comfortably perform tricks, without bulky shoes getting in the way.
Stitching – as well as the sole and cushioning, being durable, you also need robust and high-quality stitching too. Usually, most skate trainers come with triple stitching, so that tears are prevented. Your feet will be bent this way and that way during a hardcore skateboarding session, so it’s important that your stitching can measure up to the job. Low-quality stitches will pull away from the shoe, minimizing the effectiveness of support for your feet. Ensure you read any reviews about the stitching as this often won’t be mentioned by the supplier.
Fit – too loose or too tight and you won’t be at the top of your skate game. Ensure you try on different sizes, regardless of if it’s not normally what you go for. You need to have a great fitting skate shoe to ensure that it’s not too loose when flying through the air, so much so that it flies off, and not too tight so that you end up with countless blisters and bruises at the end of your session. The better the fit and the more comfortable your skateboarding shoes are, the more likely you are to improve your tricks and moves.
Skate Shoe Cut Types
There a three different types of skate shoe cuts and it’s important you know the difference, so you can choose the right type for your needs.
Low Cut - Low cut or low top shoes tend to be the most popular choice for skateboarders, as they’re usually more lightweight. However, this does mean that you lose some of the support around your ankle, that a mid-top or high top shoe can provide. You’ll still have all the protection through impact via cushioning in the sole, but if you are worried about your ankles, this is something to think about.
Medium Cut - If you want more padding, but don’t want to sacrifice on weight, the mid-cut skate shoes might be the way forward for you. This tends to be a popular all-rounder as they can transition from the summer months right through to winter. They provide more stability and protection than a low cut but don’t have the bulkiness of a high top, that some people prefer.
High Top - As the name suggests, high top skate shoes are higher cut than the other types on this list. They provide padding and further support to the ankle area, giving you more peace of mind when you make an impact on the ground. They cushion the ankle effectively, as well as keeping your feet warmer too. It might be beneficial to have a lower cut skate shoe for your summer sessions, and a higher cut trainer for the colder days and nights.
Skate Shoe FAQs
Q: What's the difference between skate shoes and normal shoes?
A: The main difference is probably the durability factor and support. A normal pair of shoes will be built with normal activities in mind, such as walking or driving. Skate shoes are made with impact and strain in mind, ensuring that you’re cushioned enough and protected throughout your skate session. Skate shoes are also made out of different materials to normal shoes, such as suede and composition leather, allowing for flexibility and comfort. If you were to try and skateboard in normal trainers or shoes, you’ll find that your ankles will scream at you and your feet won’t work the next day. Ouch.
Q: Are skate shoes good for your feet?
A: They might look cool and have a flat sole, but skate shoes actually provide you with a lot of extra support and resistance that you might not know you needed. They’re durable and built to last, as most skateboarders need something that can take a beating. Extra padding and cushioning gives you the protection that your feet need from the impact of the ground and the thick rubber sole prevents them from wearing out easily. However, skate shoes are not built for walking long distances and can have a negative effect on your feet. Having the appropriate footwear for each activity is vital.
Q: Are skate shoes good for running?
A: Skate shoes are built with skateboarding in mind, not running, which is why we wouldn’t recommend using them for this particular activity. You need something lightweight, comfortable, and with a different sole for jogging or running. Your skate shoes will be too clumpy and heavy and can potentially give you the wrong support for running.
Sources:
- Are skate shoes bad for feet? - The Revolver
- Everything About Skate Shoes - Skate Deluxe
