As important as choosing the best board choosing a good skate shoe is the most important part of gainign control over your skateboard whilst minimizing injury to your feet. There are various designs of shoe and sole, but in my many years of skating there are still some general features that I have always taken into consideration when looking for a suitable pair (which will be discussed later in this article) These are my top suggestions in detail, based on personal experience, to help you say goodbye to confusion when choosing shoes. See Also:
- Top 24 Best Skateboards For Beginners Reviews In 2020: Selected By Me
- Top 18 Best Longboard For Beginners Reviews In 2020 [NEW LIST]
- How to Choose Best Beginner Skateboard for Kids: The Definitive Guide [2020 Update]
Table of Contents
Top 26 Best Skateboard Shoes Reviews in 2020
DC Court Graffik Skateboard Shoes
(Best Overall)
I have worn the DC Graffik for nearly 3 years and they remain at the top of my list of Men’s skateboard shoes, mainly because they are so long-lasting. The shoes are made from100% leather and despite their bulk they supper my feet well when performing tricks. The extra padded foam in the tongue and collar increases comfort to your feet and the vent holes on the sides ensure breathability. You can purchase these shore offline at any Zumiez store, but the prices are better on Amazon.- Comfortable and breathable
- Best for doing tricks
- Good grip
- Great support
- Lightweight mesh tongue
- Good choice of colors
- Full-size chart
- Need time to break in
- Should choose half to one size smaller than stated
Adidas Seeley Skateboard Shoes
(Animal-friendly Design)
The Adidas men’s Seeley skate shoes are cool and stylish while having good quality sole that ensures grip to the board. Because if this I have purchased the same shoes a few times and never been disappointed. The common problem of my socks slipping off my feet while skating did not occur with these shoes. With these shoes, the soles grip my socks well whilst supporting my arches well. In summary, if you are looking for grippy skateboard shoes, this are your best bet.- Synthetic material is the best for eco-friendly skateboarders
- Good mobility
- Extra padded foam at ankle area for better protection
- Comfortable and grippy
- Socks don’s slip off feet
- Durable
- Stylish
- Smooth, anti-abrasion upper
- Give precise board feel
- Take a long time to break in
- A bit stiff
DC Trase TX Skateboard Shoes
(Low Maintenance)
The DC Men’s Trase TX skate shoe is one of favorites for summer days where I need shoes made from thin and breathable fabric. It is true that there is a lack of durability in these shoes that also do not give good flicks as compared to the previous models of shoe. However, this pair fights back with good performance for casual cruising and transition skating. Having less arch support, you get amazing board-feel and grip with superior softness as well as flexibility. They also need very little time to break in.- Highly flexible
- Break-in quickly
- Good grip and board-feel for transition skating and casual cruising
- Lightweight and breathable
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Versatile. Easy to change from a skater to a stylish boy for a family outing
- Not best for flicks
- Lack of arch support
- Not very durable
- You need to go one size bigger than quoted size
Vans Old Skool Skateboard Shoes
(Best For Performing Tricks)
Incfedibly light and breathable thanks to the high-quality canvas material used, the Vans Women’s Old Skool(tm) Core Classics sum this shoe he as well as being timeless, classic woth an old school looking vibe. Unlike other skateboard shoes that I’ve tried, these Vans are to their quoted size, at least they fit well and are comfortable. Looking at the shoe’s base, you will see the signature waffle outsole that plays an impoprtant role in enhancing board-feel while providing plenty of grip. These Vans are not the most durable skateboard shoes out there, but they are the best for showtime tricks with an awesome skating look that makes kickflips’ look so much more radical.- Lightweight and breathable
- High-quality material
- Good support to heels
- Cool, classic and old-school look
- Size quoted is correct
- Good board-feel and good grip
- Comfortable
- Little time to break in
- Best for performing tricks
- Not durable
Etnies Jameson 2 Skateboard Shoes
(Durable)
Thanks to the blend of canvas and synthetic materials, the Etnies Jameson skate shoes inherit all strengths of both materials, particularly when it comes to lightness, breathability, eco-friendliness, and durability. I love the support of these skateboard shoes on my heel when skating, it provides lots of control and better impact absorption although it is not as flexible and has less good board-feel as the Vans do. I have a black/brown/green pair and it is a shame that there are few colors to choose from. At such a good price, however, along with their good quality I highly recommend these for beginner skateboarders who also care about the environment.- Awesome control
- Stylish and cool
- Lightweight, breathable and durable
- Waffle outsole for good grip
- Low price
- Eco-friendly
- Good, thick sole
- Padded collar for extra protection
- Absorb impact well
- Not good in terms of board-feel and flexibility
- Few color options in some sizes
- Take a longer time to break in
Etnies Marana Skateboard Shoes
(Comfortable)
Kickflips and “scoop” tricks are two skating techniques that take their toll on your skateboard shoes. With this being said, a durable pair of shoes is a must and they need to be grippy, sturdy soles with good collars too. The Etnies model fits the bill fully and goes further too. The insane durability comes from the combination of textile and leather, especially the material used on its toecap that helps me do kickflips better than ever. Besides being able to perform really good flicks the impact protection us very good. Compared to the OG, this pair is heavier but this minor drawback does not prevent their excellent performance and superb quality of this collaboration with Michelin.- Grippy and sturdy sole
- Great padding
- Best for kickflips and scoop tricks
- Enable great flicks
- Very durable
- Good impact absorption and heel support
- True to size
- Comfortable thanks to the STI evolution foam in the insole and midsole
- Feel stiff and not flexible
- Need time to break in
Emerica Romero Skate Shoes
(Good Grip)
Out of my favorite low-profile skate shoes is the Emerica Romero Laced that is superior to nealry all other shoes and performs exceedingly well when doing tricks, kickflips, and many other skateboarding skills. Its high durability is due to the materials used. In this pair, Emerica uses manmade materials that simulate the look and feel of real leather. The other advantage is that the shoes are eco-friendly making them the best option for any environmentally aware skateboarder. The best thing about this shoe is the one-piece toecap that eliminates tear and stitching problems during daily skating. This something that only the Romero line of Emerica has made them worthy to at least try.- Eco-friendly material
- One-piece toecap to reduce tear and stitching issues
- No tongue creeping down the inside
- Trademarked, unique triangle outsole tread with the customized sole -> Bring durability, extra protection, and good grip
- Affordable price
- Feel stiffer and less flexible
- Need time to break in
C1RCA AL50 Skate Shoes
(Best For Kickflips)
With the C1RCA AL50, it is hard to believe they are only $35. This real suede skate shoe will easily stay new and durable for an entire year even when taking abuse from endless practising of tricks. The low price is a positive factor and the shoes come with both black and white shoelaces provided. The best thing about these shoes has to be the impressive ankle support and comfortable tongue padding. Furthermore, the stylish plush design makes them suitable for any occasion, whether you need to wear pants or shorts, dressing up or dressing down. My friend also ordered the same shoe, in a10 as he was so impressed. His wide feet make him always choose one size bigger to ensure a good fit but with these shoes, he could choose the quoted size for the first time. So, if you have the same problem you can safely use the size chart. They are amazing!- Durable and breathable
- Extra protection thanks to toe bumper and triple-stitched toe reinforcement
- Comfortable due to the additional collar and tongue padding
- Good ankle support compared to other low-top skate shoes
- Versatile
- Affordable price for real leather shoes
- Great fit and tread
- Best for doing tricks and kickflips
- Need time to break in
VANS Sk8-Hi Reissue Skate Shoes
(Break-In Quickly)
This is first high-top skate shoe in this collection that features a preppy rugby style outlook with a catchy 1966 backing that demands respect. You can be assured that there will someone who will stop you to ask where to buy them. The biggest concern with this shoe is the lessened arch support. The shoe is very much a double-edged sword trading off between the amazing grip and board-feel and have less durability. Thankfully the insole is removable and can replace it by a legitimate solution, such as a Dr. Scholls/Odor Eater insole for extra support based on personal choice. I am very satisfied with its fit, flexibility and good grip enabling better trick performance. On top of this, I bought my pair around $65, much less than buying in a high street store.- Good fit
- High-top shoe for ultimate protection
- Good board-feel and grip
- Flexible and comfortable
- Break-in quickly
- Synthetic material is lightweight and animal-friendly
- Various color options
- Annoying squeak while walking
- Reduced mobility
- For wide feet choose a half size bigger
NIKE Zoom Stefan Janoski Skate Shoes
(Great Board-Feel)
Compared to the Vans, the Nike skateboard shoes are tougher to break-in, my hurt my feet badly, but after about a week, the comfort returned and the shoes were better than the Vans. They good value for money that combines the excellent heel support of a cupsole skate shoe with the decent board-feel of a vulcanized shoe in an innovative and thoughtful manner. From my experience, they are both good for casual cruising and doing tricks offering plenty of mobility. They are lightweight and yet provide enough protection and comfort to my arches and heels.- Durable and long-lasting material
- Lightweight Max Air unit and Phylon midsole for good heel support
- EVA foam sock-liner for extra comfort
- Great board-feel and grip
- Versatile enough to dress up or dress down
- Need time to break in
- With wide feet should you need one size larger
HUF Soto Skate Shoes
(Affordable)
When practising kickflips and other tricks, there is no for need fancy skateboard shoes, but rather a pair that breaks in quickly with a hardwearing outsole that should last a good few weeks. These shoes fit these needs perfectly. While durability cannot be comparable to expensive brands, such as Nike or Adidas, the genuine leather material, grippy herringbone-tread sole, and one-piece vamp do protect you from stitching and tear problems even when heavily abused during practice. I bought three or four pairs of HUF Skate Shoes before moving completely to high-end shoes for professional trick performances. If you are a beginner, these are definitely the shoe for you.- Value for money with 100% made from genuine leather
- Mesh lining for better breathability
- Removable insole to freely insert your customized insole for better heel support if desired
- One-piece vamp to prevent tear and stitching issues
- Break in fast
- Durable outsole
- Deliver good flicks
- Comfortable
- No collar padding
Supra Vaider Skate Shoe
(Flexible)
The best part about the Supra Vaider Skate Shoe for how it fits so well and has plenty of extra protection mainly because of high-top design with additional mesh padding in its tongue and mesh. In terms of board-feel and grip, the shoes are not great and you may feel like you are in a Magic Mike show. They are, however, good enough to help learn tricks and flips and become more flexible. I wear them often to cruise around my neighborhood or practising more complicated tricks in the skatepark. The snazzy looks make look stylish with dressier outfits. if you want versatility, these are 100% recommended!- High-quality, durable leather
- High-top design to optimize protection for your feet
- Extra mesh padding on tongue and collar for comfort and more protection
- Breathable
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Good grip and board-feel
- Takes time for the leather to break in
New Balance 331v1
(Great Mobility)
The New Balance Men’s 331v1 is another good shoe for novice riders who want an affordable, durable skate shoe with low maintenance that can withstand getting dirty and be cleaned easily without too much wear and tear. Ethically made and manufactured using high-quality materials, these shoes have fresh foam inserts. The skate shoes also use high-quality textiles, and a rubber sole. Not only are they breathable and comfortable they aare also very flexibile with good board-feel that are both essential for kickflip success.- High-quality material for durability and breathability
- Low-top design provides great mobility
- Extra foam inserts for added comfort
- High flexibility with a decent board-feel
- Herringbone tread for good grip
- Break-in fast
- Lack of heel support
Supra Method Skate Shoe
(Lightweight)
When it comes to skateboard shoes for casual cruising, the aim is to find a pair with good durability, heel support and impact absorption for optimal comfort and balance on all kinds of terrain. My go-to is the Supra Method Skate Shoe. These shoes utilise the internal neoprene bootie system and the EVA cushioned midsole that makes your feet feel like they are in heaven. Being lightweight and packed with protection are the strengths of these shoes and this is further supported by the asymmetric toe cap as well as its high-top design. The perfect blend of leather and textiles brings durability and breaking in times to a happy medium saving time and effort and reducing the risk of heel blisters. Blending leather and textile makes good sense. Despite the ultra-durable leather that is normally difficult to break in, the additional textile material reduces the time significantly.- Affordable price
- Diverse color options
- Durable less wears and tears
- Optimal protection and heel support
- Great impact absorption
- Lightweight
- Best for casual cruising
- Sleek look
- Low mobility
Fallen Men’s D O A
(Soft)
Incorporating the same material blend of canvas and genuine suede as the Supra Method skate shoes along with trusted rubber soles, these shoes are designed for performing tricks. The Fallen is a value for money shoe that I have used since my early days of skating for practising kickflips. They are priced well yet the high quality makes them worth every cent and seem more expensive. The seamless one-piece toe panel, especially, reduces stitching problems. Along with this, comes phenomenal durability that gives tremendous peace of mind. As a clumsy guy, I also like the medium-top silhouette because it is not too short that it exposes my ankles neither is it too tall either so as to limit the mobility of the shoes. These shoes get a big thumbs up.- Super affordable price yet made from durable, high-quality material
- Comfortable and breathable
- Good board-feel and herringbone tread for better grip
- Seamless one-piece toecap to reduce stitching issues whilst increasing its durability
- Better protection than the low-top and more mobility than the high-top
- Smoother rubber finish
- Soft feel
- Very flexible
- Insoles should be replaced for better comfort
- Lack of heel support
Globe The Eagle Skate Shoes
(Stylish)
Globe is one of the best Skateboarding Shoe brands. The perfect combination of tribal construction and the open cell EVA lasting board makes them breathable and super cool. The best thing about these shoes is that they fit well. Most of my other shoes have either be very floppy or not big enough, the Globe Men’s Skate Shoe provides a truly snug fit. As with any cupsole skate shoes, the durability and impact absorption are both outstanding even with the harshest abuse when practising tricks, they just don’t tear. Despite costing nearly $85 three years ago, a pair of Globe shoes make a great investment.- High-quality and durable material, as it’s suede -> no shrink
- Great heel support
- Good impact absorption
- Breathable and comfortable
- Affordable price in a long-term
- Brown outsole to prevent dirt efficiently
- Stylish and clean cut
- Shallow in the toe area
- Less flexibility and board-feel
DC Wes Kremer 2 Skate Shoes
(Supportive)
If you are looking for a versatile pair of men’s skate shoes, you cannot go far wrong with the DC Wes Kremer 2 S. These are trendy, stylish and fashionable and soon become an essential item in your wardrobe that helps you skip from an energetic and cool skateboarding guy to a gentle, modern office man. They work perfectly with pants and shorts, jeans and khakis, and on any occasion with 12 color-mix options to choose make a superb shoe choice. It is worth mentioning these shoes offer perfect cupsole strength despite the vulcanized sole. For example, they provide extra durability while still retaining comfort, softness and excellent board-feel with impressive high-impact skating absorption thanks to its Impact S Tec I usually stick with these shoes every day, whether on a cruise around my neighborhood or performing some kickflips in my favorite nearby skatepark.- Soft, flexible and comfortable
- Durable in material and high impact absorption when skating
- Stylish and fashionable look
- Good grip
- Additional lacing for more support
- Take more time to break in than other vulcanized skate shoes
Emerica Reynolds G6 Skate Shoes
(Precise Fit)
A remastered classic pair of shoes that not only falls back on the Emerica x Reynolds history but also has the nostalgic strings from one of my favorite skateboard footwear brands is where the Emerica has the Boss’s legacy shines through. I am pleased to see the design of this version remains so close to the Reynolds 2’s. Other than this, the extreme restructuring of the shoe with better board-feel, extra cushioning through the G6 PU midsole and the application of G6 make this an outstanding shoe. The latest technology has been used in these shoes to ensure both the best in comfort and snug fit. Highly recommend!- Decent board-feel and flexible
- Precise fit
- Durable
- Great support and elegant look
- Great mobility
- G6 PU midsole and EVA insole for extra comfort
- Triangle tread outsole for better grip
- Signature G6 technology
- Top-notch aesthetics
- Those with wide feet should select one size larger
Osiris Men’s Clone Skate Shoes
(Breathable)
This is another option for eco-friendly skaters, this Clone Skate Shoe from Osiris is made from100% high-grade synthetic material with a rubber sole. The interesting combination of a lightweight padded collar and tongue helps to reduce the total heft of this shoe considerably and provides more support, control, and comfort for riders, at least by my standards. For increased durability, Osiris has added reinforced high abrasion areas around the shoe making it look more iconic to and stylish for any occasion.- Lightweight and high-quality
- Snazzy look
- Durable and long-lasting
- Full coverage and protection, yet very breathable and comfort
- Good heel support
- Should go one size smaller
- Laces too long
Lakai Fremont-M Skate Shoes
(Various Colors)
The one killer feature of these cupsole shoes from Lakai is their heel support. As you may know, this style of skateboard shoe is famous for its excellent impact absorption and heel support. However, the biggest drawback of the shoes is the distinct lack of board feel. The good news is these shoes don’t have these problems. Whether they are being worn for trick practising or kickflip performing, the Lakai Men’s Fremont-M always gives a good feel of the board to help you control it and keep perfect balance all due to the Flexible sole. Because of the extra vents around the shoe, ventilation is good that even on hot summer days in California, my feet don’t get stuffy or sweaty at all. The most impressive thing about the shoe is its readiness for a ride straight out of the box without the need for breaking in. Amazing!- 100% suede but no time to break in
- Lots of heel support
- Affordable price
- Full size and various colorways
- Excellent board feel
- Flexible and good grip
- Poor heel lock
Vans VANS X SPITFIRE SLIP-ON Skate Shoes
To be honest, I used to be an anti-fan of slip-on skate shoes because the your feet could easily going to slip out during a flip. It turns out I was wrong! And, the Vans x Spitfire Slip-on Pro with its great fitting changed my mind. The shoe is a collaboration between two well-known brands in footwear – Spitfire and Vans – creating a more advanced Vans version of the classic original while boosting performance. This is the very first time in Vans’ history that they have made a shoe with suede uppers. Thanks to the UltraCrush HD sock liners, the shoe which had inherently good board-feel is now even better. I’m glad they still keep the Vans signature waffle tread on the outsole as well as the impact cushioning. For improved durability, particularly those areas prone to wear, they utilize DURACAP reinforcement rubber. Nice!- Free shipping and returns
- Go true size and great fitting
- Versatile, comfortable, durable and wear resistant
- Better board-feel, more control and better for keeping balance
- Good grip
- Impact cushioning
- No small sizes
Globe Men’s Sprout Skate Shoe
(Protective)
I appreciate the well-made and sophisticated look of this Globe skate shoe, which you can clearly see in their brand logo printed on the lining or the embroidery on the tongue of the shoe. The classic, basic outlook of two major colors – black and white, with a small, elegant logo tag as an interesting emphasis – is the most versatile shoe for any occasion, allowing you to jump from your trick performance to the office chair, without looking like you’ve just come from a ride. The highlight should is the nitrolite footbed and double wrap foxing for extra support and comfort and, of course, the super-V tread on the outsole, giving better grip.- Nice looking
- Great grip and control
- Well-constructed shoe
- Affordable price
- Smooth, protective and durable suede
- Flexible
- Not very durable will get some small kickflip holes on the toecap after 3-4 months of use
DC Men’s Tiago S Skate Shoes
(Wear Resistance)
By replacing fully suede shoe with rubber, the DC Men’s Tiago S is much lighter and has better control, mobility, and board-feel during a flip or cruise. Don’t let its lightness fool you, the quality of the shoe is approved by me from 6 months of skating, cruising and particularly, practising many difficult tricks and flips. After all this abuse, the shoe still takes looks amazing. No wear or tear! The cutouts and decorative stitching on a full-black material look amazing. The shoe is simple, but not boring, with elegant and sophisticated details that uplift its character and vibe efficiently without being in your face.- Lightweight yet durable and high-quality
- Superb Balance
- Versatile and multifunctional
- Wear well without tearing
- Stylish and cool
- Various colors
- Should go one size bigger
NIKE SB 819673 Skate Shoes
(Good Impact Absorption)
The top feature of the Nike SB Huperfeel Koston is easy to notice. Yes, it’s the elastic high-top design that looks like a collar, fitting snugly onto your ankle. Aside from getting your feet into the shoe this actually provides more than you expect. The thick material used adds considerable protection to your ankles and at the same time maintains flexiblity during a ride or flip. In other words, the show has all the strengths of a low-top and a high-top skateboard shoe in one as well as being a very low-maintenance piece of footwear.- The material blend of synthetics and textiles delivers super lightness
- Delivers better control and board-feel to help maintain perfect balance
- Breathable and comfortable
- Ultra-protection to your feet and ankles yet keeps great mobility
- Absorb impact efficiently
- Great heel support
- Fewer color options
Adidas Matchcourt High RX2 Skate Shoes
(Best Leather Skateboard Shoes)
The Adidas skateboarding match court high RX2, is made from100% full-grain leather that is low-maintenance material. Costing less than $90, they are great value for your money. When they get dirty they need merely some brushing and when left to dry they look like new again. The thick material takes on wears well. The combination of a thick padded collar cushion and high-top design provides ultimate protection whilst retain mobility. Thanks to the thin insole, the minor drawback is offset to bring good flex during a flip.- Premium full-grain leather to excel in durability
- Smoother rubber finish
- Good board feel and flexibility
- Great at protection and support
- Good grip
- Stylish and elegant look
- Breathable
- Need more time to break in than other vulcanized shoes
NIKE Men’s SB Zoom Dunk Skate Shoes
(Best Classic Skate Shoes)
Last up is the SB Zoom Dunk Low Pro from Nike– my favorite athletic footwear brand. Don’t get me wrong, I do like other brands but there are obviously a few things about this expensive shoe that persuades me to spend my money. The first thing is the high-quality, soft suede material with limited construction or padding around the tongue and collar. This delivers breathability, control, and mobility that is better than the thick, stiffy kinds of leather used on other shoes. I was looking for a low-profile classic skate shoe, but not as low as the Vans and these fit the bill. They provide decent support and are very durable that is worth every penny. Finally the full-length EVA midsole for extra sturdiness, comfort and lightweight cushioning is a bonus. In a pinch, these are perfect for professional riders.- High-quality, lightweight and durable material
- Low-profile yet great in support
- Good mobility
- Breathable and comfortable
- Sturdy and lightweight
- A bit costly
How to Choose The Best Skate Shoes In 2019
Actually, choosing the best skateboard shoes isn’t difficult. This buying guide is not like otherson the internet, but focuses on your personal skating style and preference. In a nutshell, there are 5 features to keep in mind: Choose the right fit If you are choosing a pair of skate shoes for the first time, my three secret signs to help you find the best fit are:- No heel lifts
- Not too loose or too tight. The shoe should fit snugly to your feet
- No discomfort or pain, at least no loss of circulation
The best way to find out your size to go to a nearby footwear store and trying some shoes. Remember to shop in the afternoon. Then, head home and search for online pricing to find the best deal. Usually, the official brand website or on the large e-commercial sites like eBay and Amazon will have a lot of discount offers. Whether you want textile, synthetic or leather few pairs are ready out of the box. In other words, it takes a few days to weeks to break them in. During this time, if your feet are painful, thick socks will be a life-saver. Materials As mentioned above, there are three major kinds of materials: leathers, synthetics, and textiles. Leather Leathers are divided into suede and full-grain leather. The full-grain is the most durable materials in the skateboard shoe world, but doesn’t provide as a good grip or flicks as suede. Suede is more suitable for technical skateboarding because of its softness, flexibility, and mobility. Bonus: For softer foot-feel, try the pig suede. Synthetics These man-made materials are the more humanitarian option for skateboard shoes if you’re also an eco-friendly rider. The look and feel is like genuine leather but more affordable even though its durability might be not as good. Textiles Canvas is a popular textile. Its strengths are lightness and breathability due to the thin material used. At the same time, its drawbacks are that the shoes are less durable and not as good for flicks as leather or synthetics, which is why textile shoes are usually used for casual cruising and transition skating. Types of rubber sole The biggest difference between the vulcanized or the cupsole soles is the manufacturing process. Vulcanized shoes use heat to create a softer texture, the cupsole soles don’t on purpose to make the sole thicker and harder. There are some pros and cons of each rubber sole type. The vulcanized
- Need less time to break in
- Good at flexibility
- Provide great board-feel and grip
- Not as durable as the cupsole
- Lack of heel support
- The insoles are usually replaced
- More durable
- Absorb impact better
- Give more heel support
- Usually, take a week to break in
- Not as flexible as the vulcanized
- Not provide much board-feel
Top Picks
So many options provided might overwhelm you, that’s why this extra information may help you group some popular top picks for specific areas in which the skate shoes excel.
1. Top 3 Most Comfortable Skate Shoes
In terms of comfort, my suggestions are the DC Men’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe, the Vans Old Skool Unisex Adults’ Low-Top Trainers, and the VANS Unisex Sk8-Hi Reissue Skate Shoes. Youwill find these are mostly cupsole with padded collar and tongue.2. Top 3 Most Durable Skate Shoes
If durability in the shoes is what you’re all about then the Adidas Men’s Seeley, the Etnies Jameson 2 Eco, and the Etnies Marana are the clear winners. Despite the differences in material, you can see that these three are made well with durable construction, strong stitching, tough soles, and treads. A solid design plays a huge role in this case.
3. Best Skateboard Shoes for Beginners and New Riders
For novice riders, my recommendation is the Adidas Men’s Seeley Skate Shoe as they are lightweight enough to provide better control, grip, and board-feel for an easier ride.4. Best Option for Women
The Vans Old Skool Unisex Adults’ Low-Top Trainers would be the best bet for ladies who love skating as, on top of its good performance for tricks, this shoe also focusses on the fitting, feeling and style, things that women take note of.
5. Best Option for Kids
The best skateboard shoe for kids should be in high-top design for extra protection to their ankles. In the meantime, durable material and low maintenance are musts, which is why the Supra Vaider Skate Shoe is a winner. Plus, a very affordable price!6. Most Affordable Option
My picks are the Emerica Romero Laced Skate Shoe, the C1RCA AL50 Adrian Lopez Lightweight Insole Skate Shoe, and the New Balance Men’s 331v1 Skate Shoe. However, their competitive price tags don’t mean poor quality or a lack of comfort, which really satisfies me.
7. Best High Top Skate Shoes
If you want a superb high-top shoe then the VANS Unisex Sk8-Hi Reissue is a must-try pair for you. Not only do they provide great extra protection for your ankles, but they also have the best comfort due to the padded collar and tongue while maintaining superb mobility for every movement.8. Best Mid Top Skate Shoes
The Fallen Men’s D O A is my favorite pick out of the bunch because other than taking advantage of a mid-top skateboard shoe, there no compromise in sturdiness, flexibility, weight, and versatility. The good fit and high-quality suede-canvas materials are a plus.
9. Best Low Top Skate Shoes
If you want a good a low-top shoe, the DC Men’s Trase TX Unisex will fit the bill. With a canvas low-top design and fabric sole, I can can assure you they let you down in terms of comfort, durability, all-round good shoes.10. Best Slip-On Skate Shoes
My pick of all the time as well as the one and only slip-on in this collection. The Adidas Men’s Seeley is perfect with a great fit without them slipping off unnecessarily. Along with this, is the impressive lightness and great performance make for happy a ride or a flip.
11. Best Vulcanized Skate Shoes
When it comes to vulcanized shoes, the DC Mens Wes Kremer 2 S Shoes deserves the No.1 in this list for its serious vulcanized construction that stimulate flexibility, lightness, and ease in management without hampering the shoe performance.12. Best Cupsole Skate Shoes
Though there is an avalanche of cupsole skate shoes in this collection, the NIKE Men’s Zoom Stefan Janoski is my top choice because of the great construction that shows off all of its features, especially the stability, and heel support.
13. Best Option for Wide Feet
For those who were born with wide feet, chances are that struggle when choosing a pair of shoes, not just the skate ones, right? In skateboarding, the key to bring you utmost comfort to your feet is choosing the right support in the shoes. And my recommendation is the C1RCA AL50 Adrian Lopez.14. Best Option for Flat Feet
Having flat feet means you have to look for a better form-fitting and supportive skate shoe, which is why I suggest the Nike Men’s SB Zoom Dunk Low Pro due to its EVA cushioning insole and flexible sole.
15. Best Option for Ankle Support
Without thinking twice, my choice is always the NIKE SB Hyperfeel Koston. Thematerial and design not only deliver adequate support to your ankles but also make it a frontrunner in the skateboarding world.16. Best Option for Arch Support
If you intend to be a serious skateboarder, the arch support of skate shoes should be taken into consideration. The best option in this field is the Emerica Men’s Reynolds G6, especially when you start to practice tricks.
17. Best Option for Flip Tricks
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional in flips tricks, the Lakai Men’s Fremont-M is the best because they are capable of carrying out the most difficult tricks and skateboarding thanks to its excellent grip and great support in various terrains.Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you need special shoes for skateboarding? In technical saying, my answer is probably a no. Literally, a pair of army boots can do the same job. HOWEVER, skate shoes do help your skateboarding improve thanks to the grippy, flat and extra wide soles that deliver better board-feel than normal shoes. Another strength of the skate shoe is the extra padded tongue, and collars (in some cases, it’s on the sides as well) for better protection to you during trick practising. In the thin classic style skate shoes for doing kickflips, the special design will give you better board-feel with lots of flexibility. The shoe itself is equipped with reinforced side panels that last longer under strain whilst the normal shoes rip up just after a few months of use. With that being said, if your budget can afford a pair of skate shoes, I still highly recommend buying. Otherwise, ordinary footwear is okay, except for flip-flops. 2. Are vans good skate shoes? Right from the start of skateboarding Vans has learned and improved a lot along the way as they release better and better skate shoes. I won’t state that Vans are the best shoes for skateboarding, but there’s one thing I can assure you of and that is their soles that deliver very good board-feel and fantastic grip, while their signature waffle grip is on point. However, to choose the best Vans skate shoes, you need to be a bit picky about the material. In my opinion, suede is the best. My recommendation is the Vans x Spitfire slip-on pro. 3. Are skate shoes good for walking? Actually, there’s no big difference to walk in either a skate shoe or a normal walking shoe. However, as the skate shoes are designed especially for skateboarding, your feet might be tired if walking day by day in them. 4. Can you skateboard with Converse? The firm, THIN insoles stop me from saying yes for this question, as does their severe lack of padded cushion inside that leads to poor impact absorption, which will make you feel terrible when skating in the Converse.
In Conclusion
An undeniable fact that the best skateboard shoes will definitely deliver the most joyful skating moments for you. Whether you’re going to make a purchase online or offline, always keep in mind the five key elements that I’ve mentioned above. Besides, don’t forget to consider your budget, preference and any warranty policy of the manufacturer. Hope this article is helpful for you. Thanks for reading!
Carlos Juan
Thanks for the great sharing. This is a very helpful post for Skateboarding lovers. Adidas Seeley Skateboard Shoes is the most recommended.
Admin
Thanks, great information about skating shoes
Thibaud
Hi great article, thanks for it :-)
Just wondering why the Nike SB Hyperfeel Koston are ‘only’ rated 7/10 whereas you say they’re the best high shoes? Some other high shoes are rated 8/10.
They seem the best ones for me: I want high shoes to prevent ankle break and sprain, and you describe them as having ultra protection to feet and ankles + super lightness, great control and board-feel, breathable and comfortable, great mobility, absorb impact efficiently, great heel support. The only cons is the lack of colors…
That should almost be rated 10/10 then!
Nethan Paul
Thanks for sharing such article with comparative lists of best-branded skate shoes. For a person who is new in the skating field is not much experience in the selection of skate shoe. This article is very helpful for a beginner like me. I am practicing electric skateboard, I need the best skate shoes for proper grip on board. As per this chart, I will select Nike brand skate shoe for its low top, rubber sole, lightweightness, and material used. All these parameters are critical for a good skate shoe and I have decided to buy Nike branded shoe.