Welcome to the world of skateboarding, where the key to success is balance, traction, and maneuvering. In addition to the skateboard itself, there is one other thing that enhances your skating experience. You have guessed it right; it’s none other than the skateboard shoes.
In 2019, around 6.61 million participated in skateboarding in America, making it one of the most popular outdoor activities. That’s why it’s essential to invest in buying reliable skate shoes that offer a firm grip and comfortable support. Furthermore, it’s a bonus to buy waterproof shoes to enjoy skating during the wet season.
Read along to learn about the top 8 skateboard shoes.
What to Look For in Skateboard Shoes?
Do you know what makes skateboard shoes outshine regular sneakers? It’s comfort, shock absorption, protection, and traction to maintain board balance.
Most importantly, the skateboard shoes enhance your skating experience without compromising the board feel.
Before reviewing the top-rated skateboard shoes, let’s first discuss the features you should look for before buying.
Shoe Material
Whether you are a beginner or professional, suede shoes offer you an incredible skateboard feel. As compared to canvas shoes, they are relatively sturdy and repairable. On the downside, they can get dirty very quickly, so you need to clean them more frequently.
Alternatively, you can opt for high-end waterproof shoes made of leather; however, they are quite bulkier and don’t let you feel the skateboard.
Type of Soles
Are you confused between a cupsole and a vulcanized sole?
Cupsoles are more durable than vulcanized soles and offer protection and desired heel support. However, you need to trade off your board feel for these features.
On the other hand, a vulcanized sole is relatively slimmer and lighter, which undoubtedly enhances the board feel. Since it’s a somewhat thinner sole, it offers flexibility to expert skaters to practice tricky turns.
Low, Mid, and High Tops
If you prioritize freedom of movement, you can choose lightweight, low-top skateboard shoes. However, due to lack of padding, they expose your ankles to external shocks.
The mid-top shoes offer both support and balance to the ankle area than the low-top, which is excellent.
Lastly, the high tops are perfect for beginners, offering maximum ankle support but with the least freedom of movement.
Cushioning
Padding or cushioning is an integral part of skateboard shoes to prevent foot injuries, external shocks, and heel bruises. Therefore, take our sincere advice and never select shoes with minimal or no cushioning. Furthermore, it’s wise to buy shoes with removable insoles for convenient replacement and customization.
Many high-end shoes come with additional heel support to absorb the impact shocks. So, it’s better to look for heel support for added protection in case of any past injury.
Toe Caps
The rubber toe caps wrap the nose of the shoes to minimize the holes and make the shoes last longer. You should choose skate shoes with toe caps if you like to do kickflips. Conversely, a heelflip skater doesn’t necessarily need shoes with toe caps.
Top 8 Skateboard Shoes
Here are the top skateboard shoes curated by experts:
1. Loom Waterproof Shoes
If you don’t want rainy weather to stop you from practicing skateboarding, you can choose the Loom Waterproof Shoes.
Furthermore, if you are a vegan and eco-friendly person, we have got great news for you. The Loom Waterproof shoes are made from 100 percent cruelty-free material.
Loom strongly believes in using sustainable alternatives to minimize pollution, water consumption, and carbon footprint. That’s why it sources all the Merino wool raw material from cruelty-free farms.
The Excelcast sole coupled with Merino wool-lined cushion guarantees a snug fit while protecting the feet from impact and abrasion.
You can find the tongue of the shoes closer to the feet. This way, it doesn’t slip around, offering a comfortable grip all day long.
These all-rounder waterproof shoes feature state-of-the-art cosmo and 3D mesh technology to absorb the moisture and sweat from your feet. So, your feet remain dry and odor-free even while skating during the hot summers.
In addition, the Merino wool comes with antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mildew.
It means the Loom Waterproof shoes are perfect for all kinds of seasons, whether rainy or summers. How cool is that?
Pros
- Cruelty-free Merino wool lined cushion
- H2-Go layer for breathability
- Minimizes injuries and strain
- Antibacterial
- Easy to wash
Cons
- European measurements make the shoes smaller
- Doesn’t offer half sizes
Also read: Best Slip-Resistant Work Shoes 2021 for Men and Women
2. New Balance Men's 306
If you want to buy budget-friendly shoes, you can select the New Balance Men’s 306. These shoes offer a flexible and sturdy design to resonate with different skating requirements.
The upper toe panel is carefully designed to cover the ollie area, offering exceptional upper feet protection.
You can see a reinforcement band along the lateral side, stretching along the upper side to serve as an additional defence layer against bruises. It means your toe remains protected even if the upper suede gets an ollie-hole.
These vulcanized shoes feature a high-quality suede to withstand all kinds of wear and tear during handrail and El Toro tricks.
In addition to that, the internal cushioning absorbs the external impacts from the hard landing. Lastly, the thick sock liner ensures a comfortable feel to the heels.
The New Balance 306 shoes feature a well-rounded toe box and spacious midfoot section, perfect for people with wider feet.
One of the advantages of opting for a vulcanized sole is its ability to enhance the board traction as it adapts to the grip tape with time.
Pros
- Affordable
- Contemporary low-profile silhouette
- Mesh liner offers airflow
- Durable and flexible design
Cons
- Smaller size than regular shoes
- Low-quality laces
Osiris Men's D3 Skate Shoe
The Osiris Men’s D3 skate shoes feature a classic design with revamped features to offer comfort, traction, and durability at an affordable price.
Interestingly, these are some of the best-seller and iconic skate shoes, first introduced back in 1999. Since their inception, these shoes have been selling like hotcakes, courtesy of their unique design and durable construction.
These elegant shoes feature a huge tongue, wide shoelace eyelets, and reflective side panels. Not only that, but they include excessive padding to offer a snug fit to the feet. On the downside, the break-in time of these shoes is relatively higher than the other skate shoes.
Nonetheless, the Osiris D3 shoes are one of the sturdiest skate shoes you can ever find in the market. As a result, you can skate all day long and perform aggressive jumps without noticing any wear and tear.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Padded tongue
- Synthetic sole
- Low top from arch
- Affordable
Con
- Higher break-in time
Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Canvas
The Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski Canvas shoes are one of the finest skateboard shoes with iconic design and durable stitching. The rubber sole supports the suede upper in extreme skating while maintaining a firm grip of feet on the board’s surface.
Undoubtedly, Nike is one of the most reliable brands offering premium-quality sports accessories and footwear.
The Nike Stefan Janoski shoes feature a minimal yet all-rounder silhouette that offers comfort and protection while guaranteeing the board feel. Furthermore, the upper pierced canvas makes these shoes breathable and doesn’t make your feet sweaty.
The front lacing secures the feet inside the shoe while offering the required freedom of movement and flexibility. Besides, the classic herringbone sole pattern grips the shoes on the board to stabilize your body while running.
The Nike Stefan Janoski shoes come with a vulcanized sole and pointed tip, essential to control flip tricks. Moreover, the Zoom Air insole saves your heels from bruises and impact.
Pros
- Offers heel impact support
- Light-weight and flexible
- Perforated tongue
- Removable footbed
- Vulcanized outsole
Con
- Narrow fitting
Lakai Men’s Atlantic Skate Shoe
The Lakai Men’s Atlantic Skate Shoes come with a cupsole and a Deluxe-Lite insole to elevate your skating experience. As a result, it offers an exceptional board feel and freedom of movement.
Founded by professional skateboarders in 1999, Lakai aims at designing shoes, especially for skateboarding.
The Lakai Atlantic shoes feature a unique shape that doesn’t look bulkier or thin. Furthermore, the pointy toe cap allows the skaters to perform smooth flips.
The Deluxe-Lite insole compliments the latest hex tread top to ensure a comfortable grip and board control. This way, the shoes offer breathability and flexibility without letting the feet slip out of the shoes.
A thin tongue padding slips around the feet while heavy padding feels tighter. That’s why the Lakai Atlantic skate shoes come with a medium-padded tongue. Moreover, the elastic straps hold the tongue in its central position.
Pros
- Rubber sole
- Suede upper
- True to size
- Adorable shape
- Deluxe-Lite insole
Cons
- Wider for narrow feet
- Not waterproof shoes
Etnies Men's Joslin 2 Low Top Skate Shoe
The Etnies Men’s Joslin 2 Low Top Skate Shoes offer a secure and snug fit, courtesy of the pro foam one insole and padded tongue.
Furthermore, you can remove the velcro strap to enhance the comfort level further. There is a rubber underlay below the toe area to increase the longevity of these shoes.
The advanced Michelin Fiber Lite technology makes these skate shoes lightweight and flexible.
Moreover, the outsole features a flex pattern that allows you to bend the shoes in any direction without causing any wear or tear. The cupsoles elevate the board feel while the outsole and Fiber Lite work together to offer the desired stability.
The STI pro foam one insole doesn’t let your feet hurt by preventing foot fatigue. Additionally, the Fiber Lite insole plays an essential role in absorbing the impact of a hard landing.
Pros
- Fiber Lite technology
- Includes Pro foam one insole
- Rubber underlay and sole
- Removable velcro strap
- Padded tongue
Con
- Old-school design
Adidas Skateboarding Men's Campus ADV
Released in 2018, the adidas Skateboarding Men's Campus ADV are essentially cupsole skate shoes featuring a timeless design inspired by the 1980’s sneaker silhouette. Moreover, these shoes offer a unisex design, equally likable by both men and women.
The great news is that you don’t need any time to break in the shoes; it means you can start skating right away. Furthermore, the bounce cushioning prevents pinching or pressure points.
The Geoflex outsole complements the Geofit construction to offer an exceptional board feel. Furthermore, the leather construction enhances the shoes’ durability by preventing wear and tear.
The suede upper comes with a double-layer ollie zone to offer added protection to your toes.
Moreover, the Geoflex sole is robust and flexible, allowing the skaters to challenge themselves with tricky moves and turns.
The Geofit construction, featuring a padded collar, coupled with Bounce midsole, offers comfort and flexibility. Additionally, the sock liner comes with a molded EVA cushion to further enhance the support and prevent foot fatigue.
Pros
- Made of leather
- Lace closure for an anatomical fit
- Energy-returning cushion
- Goflex outsole offers grip
Con
- Bulky design
DC Men's Court Graffik Casual Skate Shoe
The DC Men’s Court Graffik Casual Skate Shoes are one of the most reliable shoes featuring high-end leather construction and signature DC rubber sole. Moreover, the cupsole construction makes these shoes trendy and tough.
Leather is known for its reliability and comfort, and ability to withstand abrasion.
The cushioned panels protect your feet by absorbing the external shocks, while the cupsole maintains your grip without letting you fall from the skateboard. Additionally, the pill pattern on the outsole further increases the board traction.
The vent holes are one of the most distinguishing features of these shoes to offer breathability and remove moisture from the feet. Consequently, your feet remain cool and dry even on scorching hot days.
Another great thing about these shoes is their thick lacing that offers a tight-fitting to prevent the feet from slipping out of the shoes while flipping. The collar and mesh tongue is relatively lightly padded to facilitate freedom of movement.
Pros
- Made of leather
- Padded tongue
- Ventilation holes
- Cupsole construction
- Additional feet and ankle support
Con
- Narrow size
Conclusion
Now you know that skateboard shoes aren’t any ordinary shoes; instead, they are carefully designed to support extreme skating, landing, and running. Sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof shoes allow you to skate confidently with your friends and perform challenging flips and tricks.
Whether you are a kickflip or a heelflip skater, beginner, or pro, you can select suitable shoes from the above guide.
