Do you enjoy skateboarding? If so, it is important to pick good skate shoes, also known as skateboarding shoes. This type of footwear has been created just for skateboarders, and even though many people wear them that DON'T skate, they can certainly help you when you are on your board. For example, skate shoes often have a polyurethane or vulcanized rubber sole that has fine tread. The top of the shoe may also feature triple stitching, which makes it more durable, since you are likely go pretty hard in them. The tongue is different than that of normal shoes as well; it is lower and has padding so that it feels good on your feet.
The manufacturers of skate shoes have gone to great lengths to add certain features to the shoes that help skateboarders perform well. For example, their features may keep wearers from experiencing damage to their heels, which often occurs when skateboarders land the wrong way after jumping on their boards. They sometimes also include features that help with grip and that improve mobility.
Other special features include action leather, cup soles, asymmetric stabilizers, shock absorbing insoles and system G2 cushioning. There are many more as well, so do your research!
Designers have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to make your skateboarding shoes last longer. The grip tape on the skateboard isn't good for shoes, and unfortunately, skating shoes spend a lot of time in contact with this material. Many skaters have to replace their shoes often. However, if the shoe has plastic underlying, action leather or super suede under the toe, it often lasts longer. For the laces, both protectors and lace loops can help keep them together, because they protect them from the grip tape.
You may also see triple stitching, which helps against ripping, and wider shoes so that the skateboarder is able to stay in contact with the board better. Thicker tongues and sides can really help you become a better skateboarder. Finally, deep sole patterns work wonders for the grip on your board.
Top 20 Best Men's Skate Shoes
1. Vans Men's Sk8-hi(tm) Core Classics
- Rubber sole
- Cushioned collar
- Lace-up closure
- Round toe
If you are looking for a stylish pair of skate shoes for plantar fasciitis, then the Vans Men's Sk8-hi is a great option. These shoes are designed for men who are looking for practical and affordable skate shoes. Apart from being stylish, they will keep your feet comfortable and warm during the cold seasons.
The quilted canvas collar is the standout feature in these shoes. This elevated section of the upper comes with adequate padding. Therefore, you are assured of adequate protection and support, on all sides of your ankles, especially during a vigorous session. Also, the high-top feature adds style to a plain pair of jeans. And once the temperatures start dropping, this padded collar will insulate the foot around the ankle, thus making sure that you have enough comfort to enjoy your skating.
The upper of these skate shoes for men is made of a sturdy canvas material. Apart from protecting your feet, this material is highly breathable. Therefore, your feet will remain cool and fresh, even when the temperatures outside are soaring. Whether you are a serious skater or a beginner, the lightly cushioned tongue, combined with the thinly padded footbed ensure that you feel the board beneath your feet, thus giving you better control. On the other hand, a durable rubber outsole provides you with adequate grip. As a result, you can execute your moves confidently, knowing that your feet are firm and steady on the board.
2. DC Men’s Pure Action Sport Sneaker
- COMFORT: The lightweight, padded tongue and collar...
- UPPER: The Pure upper is constructed with leather,...
- OUTSOLE: Our Pure is contructed with a cupsole...
- PURE: The classic skate silhouette is always...
- DC SHOES: We’re passionate about skateboarding...
DC recognizes the blend between skateboarding and art, taking their footwear to unrealistic levels. They deliver uncompromising durability, eye-catching fashion and comfort. The DC Men’s Pure Action Sport Sneaker is friendly to your feet, giving you a warm and comfortable feeling when doing your thing. On top of skateboarding, you can use this shoe for workouts and running, among other activities. It features a rubber sole together with sufficient foam padding at the collar and tongue. This boosts easy foot movement. These shoes are available in different colors and shades. Since the outer material is leather, it is one of the durable skate shoes you can find. It is durable, fashionable as well as comfortable. This shoe also features a unique design, which allows air circulation and moisture drainage. It also comes with a performance cup sole to ensure stability and inspire confidence. The grippy rubber outsole provides you with more control and traction as you increase your speed on the board. At the bottom of the shoes is a small grip circle that provides additional grip on greasy and oily surfaces. In terms of sizing, these shoes run narrow, therefore, if you have wider feet, it is advisable to order a half size larger than your normal size.
3. DC Men’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe
- COMFORT: The lightweight, padded tongue and collar...
- UPPER: The Court Graffik upper is constructed with...
- OUTSOLE: Our Court Graffik is contructed with a...
- COURT GRAFFIK: The classic puffy silhouette is...
- DC SHOES: We’re passionate about skateboarding...
These shoes are crafted using premium leather giving them a strong and sturdy feel. However, they still ensure that your feet remain comfortable and cool. These shoes have also been designed to provide unsurpassed support to the wearer. Although their primary use is skateboarding, you can still use them for different daily uses. There is a large logo inscribed on the heel, making it easy to identify the brand, and separate it from the fakes. Beneath the shoe is a trademark pill pattern, strongly associated with this brand. This helps to ensure that the shoe is authentic, wherever it has been shipped. The collar and tongue of this shoe have been padded with foam, providing you with additional comfort. Lightweight mesh has been used on the bottom of the tongue, to ensure that the shoe is breathable, thanks to free circulation of air. Breathability is also enhanced by the vent holes on the upper part of the shoe. Once you put these shoes on, you’ll get a superior comfort level, with no foot pain to speak of. You’ll never want to take them off. They are durable and hardwearing, meaning they will last you a long time. This makes them a cost-effective choice. These shoes have been fitted with extra padding, to make sure that your feet will remain warm during winter. You can wear them all year long. These shoes are ideal for every skater guy or gal who is looking for one of the most comfortable skate shoes.
4. DC Men’s Net Lace-Up Shoe
- Cup Construction.
- Vent holes for breathability.
DC offers comfortable skateboarding shoes, ready to tackle the different surfaces, flips and maneuvers. This shoe features a collar and tongue that has been generously padded, to provide that extra cushioning. This, combined with a muted leather upper, makes your moves on the pavement even easier. The DC Men’s Net Lace-Up Shoe comes with a high-walled rubber outsole, which gives you maximum control and traction wherever you’re board takes you. The upper part of this shoe has been fitted with a lightweight mesh to provide better ventilation. There are also ventilation holes on the heel collar and upper of the shoe, to ensure that breathability is not compromised. A sturdy cupsole construction together with a trademarked pill pattern, provides you with grip that will make your board stick to your feet, so that you can do all the raddest tricks. The shoe is designed to provide durable skating support. They are highly durable, comfortable and reliable. They are very suitable for skaters with big or wide feet, who prefer a generously padded shoe. If you are looking for reliable skate shoes, then this is the ideal pair. These shoes also work perfectly with braces, which is not something you find on most other skating footwear. The shoe is beautiful and the construction is great.
5. Adidas NEO Men’s SE Daily Vulc Lifestyle
- Denim upper
- Rubber toe bumper
- Leather 3-stripes
- Cloud foam sock liner for comfort and lightweight...
- Leather heel patch
Whether you are looking for a skateboarding shoe, or a shoe to match with your pair of jeans, the Adidas NEO Men’s SE Daily Vulc Lifestyle has been designed to serve different purposes. They are casual and can be worn daily. They are lightweight, sporty and able to handle the needs of some seriously hardcore skateboarding. They feature ortholite performance insoles and memory foam midsoles to minimize the impact on your landing. They are very comfortable. They are so light that sometimes you feel as if you’re not even wearing them at all. They are most suitable for people with flat feet or low arches. The construction is top quality with a rubber rand securely attached to the upper, to give you some extra durability. There is minimal padding on the tongue to allow for quick responses on your board. They are stylish and comfortable. If you have wider feet, order a slightly larger size. However, since they come with laces, they can be adjusted to give you that snug fit you need from a good pair of skate shoes.
6. DC Men’s Bridge Skate Shoe
- Suede upper with synthetic nubuck or canvas...
- Embroidered logo
- Metal eyelet
DC continues with its traditional legacy of providing technically advanced and progressive shoes for snowboarding and skateboarding. With a classic style, the Bridge Skate Shoe is flexible and super comfortable. It features synthetic nubuck and suede upper with canvas underlays. It features a low profile and lightweight construction, to give you the speed you need when boarding up the road. It is both a skate shoe as well as a casual shoe, designed for everyday wear. For durability and protection, the shoe has been fitted with a toecap. The flexible and cushioned midsole provides shock absorption. The outsole is made from vulcanized rubber, to offer great traction and grip, whether you are skating on the pavement or on concrete. The upper material is canvas or leather, to ensure protection for your feet. They fit true to size and don’t require any break-in period. The lace-up closure, featuring durable metal eyelets lets you adjust the shoe, so that they fit your personal feet.
7. DC Men’s Trase TX Unisex Skate Shoe
- Low Top Shoes
- Low profile silhouette
- Clean upper design
- DC's star logo branding on the heel
- higher foxing tape for a distinct look and feel
The DC Men’s Trase TX Unisex Skate Shoe ranks high among the best skateboard shoes available online today. Featuring a clean-cut design and a low profile silhouette, these shoes will make sure that you’ll be able to board in style, wherever you may roam. The canvas upper has been designed with a lightweight feel, offering increased airflow and durability during wear. With a traditional lace-style, they are comfortable to wear any time of the day. You will ride your board with great confidence, without having to fear slips and falls, thanks to the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole and its vulcanized construction. These skate shoes are easy to maintain. Clean them every once in a while and you’ll keep them looking like new for a long time. They are great shoes for narrow-footed skaters. They can also be washed in the machine without taking too much damage. DC is renowned for quality, and this shoe lives up to those expectations. It is available in different colors, allowing you to match it with your existing style. If you are looking for great skate shoes at a great price, then you should consider the DC Men’s Trase TX Unisex Skate Shoe. A textured toe bumper and wrap around midsole ensure that you remain stable and comfortable all day long.
8. Globe Men’s Fusion Skate Shoe
- Step in sock liner
- TPR ollie reinforcement
- Globe's S-Track sole pattern
These Men’s Fusion Shoe from Globe synthetic and leather shoes can be worn on different occasions, and most preferably when skateboarding. The Fusion-Fabri refers to the upper, which is made of a combination of leather and synthetic. The sole has also been crafted using synthetic materials to make it long lasting. Just like other shoes from this manufacturer, the Globe Men’s Fusion-Fabri Skate Shoe features a classic round toe design together with wide lacing and perforated underlays. An inner sock has been integrated into the design of the shoe, together with +TPR Ollie reinforcement. For additional comfort, the shoe comes with a padded cup sole. If you love extra options when it comes to skating shoes, then you are going to like these futuristic looking skate shoes. They come in a gazillion different color schemes, so you can be sure that there’s something in there for you. If you have been suffering from ankle pain, then you will appreciate the level of support offered by these shoes. It goes all the way up to the ankles. They are designed to provide support, cushiony stability, and a snug hug around the ankles. For protection of your ankles during motion, the shoes have been fitted with TPR heel stabilizer. The sole is man-made. It’s just an all round good shoe quality shoe, that comes with additional reinforcement.
9. Etnies Mens Fader LS Shoes Footwear
Etnies is a company renowned for making affordable and quality shoes. They have been manufacturing shoes for more than 30 years, giving you the assurance that whichever shoe you buy from them, the quality and workmanship is going to be top-notch. The Fader LS comes with generous padding on the tongue and collar, which provide additional protection, whatever challenges you may be facing during your skateboarding adventures. It is hard to get a stylish and comfortable skateboarding shoe. However, Etnies has always delivered where others have failed. The shoe has been designed with a subtle and stylish look, allowing you to combine it with almost every outfit in your wardrobe. On top of being stylish, it is rough and rugged enough, giving it the ability to handle a wide range of terrains. This shoe is not manufactured for skaters alone; it fits every individual looking for a well made, comfortable, ultra-suede shoe that provides lots of ankle support, with incredible attention to detail. Other benefits and features of this shoe include durability and long lasting support, extra comfy cushioning, and a skate ready cushion. It also comes with a grippy rubber outsole, allowing you to skate on varying surfaces, without loss of traction. For a modern look, the shoe has been cut with a low-silhoutte. Comfort features include the STI foam footbed and EVA midsole for shock absorption.
10. Etnies Men’s Jameson 2 Eco Skateboard Shoe
- Color-blocked skater sneaker in cupsole...
- Padded collar
- Wraparound midsole with contrast piped stripe
- Internal EVA midsole
Vegan is a lifestyle that goes beyond eating vegetables and avoiding animal products. This concept has been adequately reflected in this shoe. It is a lightweight shoe allowing you to move at great speed, without having to slam on the breaks. Although the shoe appears thin, do not think that it will fall apart after one month. It is a highly durable shoe that will hold up for a long time, especially with proper care and maintenance. Every skateboarding enthusiast wants a shoe that provides a great ‘board feel’, and this shoe scores pretty high in the board feel department. For such a thin and lightweight shoe, the amount of padding is excellent and sufficient. The tongue and collar have been padded to provide comfort and protection. The STI foam soles they come with absorb a lot of shock to prevent your feet from sustaining painful injuries. There is also a heel flip towards the back of the shoe, giving you an extra bit of protection, support and stability. Skateboarding shoes require a great grip, to allow forward propulsion. The outer soles of this shoe come with a really good tread pattern, that gives you all the traction and grip you could ask for. This is an all round high quality skate shoe, that can also be worn when you are casually chilling.
11. Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Lace Up Shoe
- Smooth, abrasion-resistant upper stands up to...
- Lightly padded collar
- Grippy vulcanized rubber outsole for precise board...
The Adidas Originals are super comfortable shoes, suitable for different occasions. They feature a grippy rubber outsole for enhanced performance. The upper material is canvas and they fit perfectly. They are stylish and simple, ready to satisfy most of your needs, when it comes to riding that board. They are comfortable and there is extra padding on the heel area to make sure that your feet don’t feel sore after having wrapped up you latest multi hour skateboarding binge. If you spend a lot of time on your board and want more support, you can replace the insoles with other orthotics, such as these Tread Labs Strides. These skate shoes with arch support have been manufactured using superior construction, to give it some good durability. The fit is great and the aesthetics are appealing to the skater’s eye. They only require one or two days to break in and you will be walking around with a comfortable pair of skateboarding shoes.
12. Globe Men’s Tilt Skateboard Shoe
- Molded TPR collar logo
- Globe's S-Trac for ultimate grip & flex
This shoe features sturdy leather and has a synthetic sole. The shoe is nicely padded to ensure balance when performing your most difficult maneuvers. The padding on this shoe also helps to minimize friction and rubbing of your feet against the shoes, preventing blisters. The generous cushion on the collar and tongue, combined with the wraparound bumper sole, make for a shoe with a durable and supportive look. The clean design is stylish enough that you can use it for everyday casual wear. If you are looking for quality shoes that give you that unique skater edge, then you should consider the Globe Men’s Tilt Skateboard Shoe. The lacing is solid, but still flexible enough to allow for adjustments based on your personal preferences. Most skate shoes will go for a few months and then fall apart. However, with these shoes, you can forget about buying a new pair for the next two years or more. They are available in different colors such as white, charcoal, camo and others. The Tilt is a solid piece of work. It’s as comfortable as it looks. You can count on this one to have your back, for sure. Their arch support is phenomenal and the look is great. The fit is next to perfect and they are very breathable.
13. DC Men’s Spartan High WC Skate Shoe
- High-top skate shoe featuring perforated toe box...
- Wrap cup construction
- Abrasion-resistant sticky rubber outsole with...
Most skate shoes in the market today that come with vibrant color options and great design, are low tops. However, if you are one of those skaters who prefer high top skating shoes, but still wants vibrant colors and designs, the best shoe for you would be DC Men’s Spartan High WC Skate Shoe. It’s as high top as they come. From the arch, the shaft of this shoe measures approximately 4.5 inches. The high top profile of this shoe allows for a perforated toe box, which provides incredible ventilation all round the whole shoe. This implies that your feet and toes will stay cool and nice even during hot sunny days. An abrasion-resistant rubber outsole, featuring the classic DC pill pattern, enables this shoe to provide some of the best traction on the market today. The color options are not limiting. The primary colors are mainly white, grey and black. However, the leather material and designs applied to the shoe make sure that accent colors can pop out. Whether you want a brighter shoe or just a color splash, you are definitely going to find one that suits your style. The shoes are highly affordable. It’s available in many awesome color schemes. It’s a great design that will let you skate in safety and comfort.
14. Osiris Men’s NYC 83 Vulcanized Skate Shoe
- High-top skate shoe featuring padded tongue and...
- Wraparound midsole with textured toe bumper
- Abrasion resistant rubber outsole for wear,...
As much as the name appears a mouthful to say, so are the features packed inside this great skating shoe. If you are looking for comfort and safety when skating, then this would be a great shoe to go for, right here. The padding used on these shoes is lightweight, especially in the collar. The collar gives you that extra bit of support and comfort. Moreover, the shoes have been designed with abrasion resistance properties, featuring a rubber outsole. This furthers the shoe’s performance and durability. A popular skate shoe should come with skater-focused features, and that is what Osiris brings to you. However, this shoe also performs excellently, when it comes to design. The NYC has been made using a blend of textile and leather materials. On the other hand, a unique design provides a great color combination, which looks stylish and stunning. The many different color choices and patterns in which this shoe is available, can make you look either flashy or laid back, or anything in between. It has been designed to provide something for everyone. With this shoe, you get exceptional quality, and a stunning design.
15. Globe Men’s Sabre Skate Shoe
- Integrated inner sock for a secure fit & ankle...
- Nitrocel airbag sole for impact control
If, when it comes to skating (and it does, otherwise you wouldn’t be here) your main priority is safety and functionality, then you should definitely check out this shoe. When it comes to producing excellent skating shoes, Globe never disappoints. The focal point of this shoe is functionality and performance during skating. It is a heavy-duty shoe, featuring a step-in sockliner for achieving maximum comfort and precision when you are riding your board. Other main features on this shoe include sufficient padding on the tongue and collar, an airbag heel and a wraparound bumper sole. All these features combined make for a shoe that is both safe as well as comfortable for wearing many hours on your board. There are a number of color schemes for you to choose from. You can pick any color you like, really. Just so long as it’s black. With a couple of color accents. And there’s a few white ones in there as well. It is a shoe designed for the serious skater. It is meant for those who value comfort and safety more than anything else.
16. Etnies Men’s Fader Lace Up
The Fader Lace Up comes with generous padding on the tongue and collar, providing you with plenty of protection during skating. It is hard to find a stylish and comfortable skateboarding shoe. However, Etnies has always delivered where others have failed. The shoe has been designed with a subtle and stylish look, allowing you to combine it with different outfits in your wardrobe. It is rough and rugged, on top of being super stylish in its simplicity. It has the ability to handle a wide range of terrains. This shoe is not manufactured for skaters alone. It fits every individual looking for a well-made, comfortable, ultra-suede shoe that provides lots of ankle support, with incredible attention to detail. Other benefits of this shoe include durability and long lasting support, extra comfortable cushioning, and a skate ready cushion. It also comes with a 300 NBS rubber outsole, allowing you to skate on various types of surfaces, without the loss of traction. For a modern look, the shoe has been cut with a low-silhouette. The STI foam footbed and a Die-cut EVA midsole work very well for shock absorption, making the Etnies Fader a very comfortable shoe to ride across rugged terrain. The midsole features an egg crate construction, to give you an extra cushy feel.
17. Etnies Men’s Marana Skate Shoe
The Marana was created with durability, support and comfort in mind. It features a wide range of technologies for a long lasting, and better performing skateboarding shoe as well as retaining style. The mesh and canvas upper of the Marana is slightly greater than your conventional canvas shoe. A stiff rubberized toe cap, is what sets this shoe apart from the rest. It features paneling and subtle stitch lines for protection against blowouts. The mesh collar and tongue ensures that the shoe is always breathing. In a nutshell, it is a solid shoe that fits true to size. With the color options and designs, they are great youth skate shoes. The shoe is roomy at the front, allowing your toes plenty of movement and flexibility while being protected against moderate impact. The overall workmanship of this shoe is great. The inside features a small amount of stitching together with non-existent tongue straps making it one of the most comfortable skating shoes. The shoe provides an incredible amount of support and stability to the foot, especially at the critical points. Despite the presence of cushioning in the heel and tongue section, the contact between the shoe and the foot remains close. If you are looking for skate shoes for wider feet, then you should consider the Marana. It is a shoe focused on stability, cushioning, and durability.
18. Globe Men’s Motley Mid Skate Shoe
- Mid-height for additional support
The Globe Motley features a mid height and low profile upper design for good support. For maximum board feel, they come with a vulcanized construction. Additionally, a rubber outsole with a wavy tread pattern ensures sufficient grip on different skating surfaces. The look is slick, making them suitable for different occasions. They are roomy and comfortable as well as being stylish. The Globe Men’s Motley Mid Skate Shoe has more heel support and more cushioning on the sole, which is not something common with most skating shoes. The shoes are lightweight, allowing you to perform flips and maneuvers like never before. You can even skate with these shoes when the laces are open, thanks to the tongue setup and the cool elastic band. With a roomy toe box, your toes can move freely, without feeling constrained and suffocated. It is true to size and suitable for skaters with wider feet. The fit is great and they will do a good job of complementing your skating needs.
19. DC Men's Villain TX Slip-On Skate Shoe
- DC logo
- DC's Trademarked pill pattern tread
The DC Men's Villain TX is designed for anyone who wants a versatile and comfortable pair of skateboarding shoes. These attractive and stylish skate shoes for men are made of 100% textile. Once you slip them on, they will immediately conform to your feet. Unlike other skate shoes on the market, these don’t require any break-in period. Their textile upper features plenty of ventilation ports, which ensure that your feet have adequate breathability. Therefore, even if you spend an entire day of summer skateboarding in the park, your feet will remain cool and odor-free.
Apart from their great breathability, these skate shoes for wide feet are exceptionally comfortable. Their entire interior is lined with a soft mesh lining, which prevents issues such as irritation, blisters, and hot spots. Also, this mesh lining wicks away moisture, thus providing additional comfort. And if you will not be skateboarding, you can simply wear them as you lounge around the neighborhood. They are versatile enough for various uses. You can combine them with various casual outfits, and you will always look sharp and stylish. Once you step out with these shoes, you will receive compliments wherever you go.
Their arch support is great. Furthermore, they come with a low-cut design, which gives your ankles adequate mobility, as you execute your moves. And most importantly, their quality of construction is outstanding. Therefore, you are assured of getting value for your money, when you purchase these men’s skating shoes.
20. DC Men’s Lynx Lace-Up Fashion Sneaker
- Lace-up fashion sneaker featuring DC logos at...
- Wraparound midsole with textured toe bumper
- Rear pull loop
If you are looking for everyday skating shoes, then you should consider the DC Men’s Lynx Lace-Up Fashion Sneaker. The DC iconic style has been taken to new levels with this excellent piece of skateboarding footwear. It comes with a slimmer silhouette, while reflecting the classic look of the original DC skating sneakers. This skate shoe is technically progressive, just like its predecessors. It comes with a sleek upper that features minimal pattern breaks, to increase durability. Lace loops have been added to prevent broken laces, while an interior mesh sleeve bootie construction creates a good board response and the right fit. Other features include a decorate stitch, a reflection of the original Lynx pattern. A clean toe, that has eliminated toe stitching, prevents blowouts. An ortholite sockliner provies you with protection from high impacts. Vent holes and a sandwich mesh tongue increase breathability and ventilation, while at the same time preventing the feet from overheating. The upper features DC’s own super suede with TPU backing, which makes the shoe last longer. A cupsole construction creates a sturdier shoe with added protection. The Lynx Lace-up looks really good and it provides excellent support to boot. You can pair them with jeans and shorts, and you are going to look awesome. They feel and fit great, making them ideal for your all your skateboarding needs.
Top 10 Best Skate Shoe Brands
Skaters all have different needs, but at the end of the day, the one thing they all have in common is the need to wear comfortable shoes. Though the market is flooded with companies producing footwear just for skaters, it didn't always used to be this way. Nowadays, the toughest decisions that skaters need to make is which brand to purchase shoes from. Skate shoe brands care about their image and the message they send to skaters, so they design their shoes with innovative technology for optimal performance.
The above skate shoe reviews don't cover all the brands. So... here goes! What are some of the top skate shoe brands? Below, we will outline our top 10 favorites and give you a bit of background information on each company.
1. Vans
The skateboarding world truly evolved a great deal in the 1990s, and Vans was one of the first companies to help establish the skate shoes that we see today. As one of the first companies to truly support and endorse skating, it is a brand that still resonates with skaters worldwide. When it comes to producing top-of-the-line skating footwear, Vans is probably a first choice among many.
2. Etnies
This brand is first and foremost known for their quality skating footwear. It's a great choice for skaters as they not only produce innovative and personal designs, but each pair of shoes features quality craftsmanship. As an active promoter of skate parks and a number of charities, Etnies understands the importance of supporting skaters. In fact, for every shoe you purchase, the company plants a tree in the rainforest.
3. DC
Many skaters instantly recognize DC shoes, especially if they have been purchasing their products since the early 90s. Their shoes are designed with comfort and support in mind, and you will find that their brand is marked by fat shoe laces. Skaters that have been doing the sport for years trust and value DC shoes, and they recognize the importance of competing in shoes that employ form and function well.
4. Globe
Most of the shoes mentioned so far were popular in the 90s, but Globe has been serving the skating community since the 80s. Their shoes helped establish the world of professional skating, but their quality footwear appeals to both pro and novice skaters alike. If we want the world of skating to continue, we must endorse it to the public. Globe hones the interest of young skaters by hosting events that help put skateboarding back on the map.
5. Airwalk
When it comes to comfort, Airwalk shoes are a safe bet, and since the company has been around since the heyday of skating, you can rest assured you'll be purchasing quality. Airwalk is also a brand that offers the most affordable footwear on the market, which makes it doubly ideal for novice skaters that are just getting a hang of the ropes. In this case, it can be said that quality doesn't necessarily need to come with a hefty price tag. This company really knows the needs of skaters and they do the research to produce footwear that is safe, comfortable, and long-lasting.
6. Emerica
Professional competitors will often wear Emerica shoes as they feature a design that can directly grip the skateboard. Though these shoes are all about function, they look great too! Emerica shoes come equipped with not only grip control, but feature sharp designs and a cool logo that skaters love. If you're looking to skate like the pros, this brand has everything to offer and then some.
7. Lakai
Lakai was actually a brand that was founded by two people that were formally employed by DC. The creators of Lakai noticed that many brands simply don't recognize that there are weaknesses within the skate shoe market. Their designs hope to fill that gap and create styles that not only appeal to skaters, but help combine form, function, and comfort into one shoe.
8. Nike SB
Nike, though not originally established as a skate brand, offers a number of shoes designed specifically for skaters. They have spent years perfecting their designs, and the result is a fantastic line of shoes that can easily compete with the most professional brands out there. Many skaters are slowly starting to discover what Nike has to offer, so the brand is slowly rising out of obscurity. Skaters want shoes that they can rely on and a brand that they trust will deliver performance. When it comes to build and quality you can trust, Nike SB is the brand to consider.
9. Fallen
As a fairly new brand, Fallen Footwear has done pretty well. Their appeal largely lies behind the cool factor of their shoe designs that are marketed and geared towards young skaters. Though looks are what attract many buyers, these shoes hold up very nicely and perform well. In just a few short years, the brand has become one of the top contenders in the market, and it's easy to see why. With innovative and cool styles offered for sale, they prize individuality above all else. Skaters like to bring a bit of extra to competitions, and Fallen Footwear is always a trusted choice though not always the first pick.
10. Adio
Adio Footwear is most commonly worn by pros, and it is a recognizable and well-established brand for pro skaters. When it comes to celebrity endorsements, Adio seems to be piling them up. Of course, endorsements aren't necessarily what makes a great shoe, but when there are dozens of celebrities wearing it, its popularity simply can't be ignored. Consider this: if some of the top skaters are willing to be associated with a certain brand name, you can't help but consider that the product itself must be worth trying. Adio isn't just another famous brand, but one that has clearly earned their prominent spot among the greats.
How Can You Find Good Skateboard Shoes?
Skate shoes were created for people who ride a skateboard. As a result, they include a number of features that add to the wearer's experience while they are on their board. Some feature strong grip, so you will likely find that their soles are constructed of either polyurethane or rubber. Skateboarding, as a business, brings in a lot of money and is very popular in many different countries. Even though it looks easy, skateboarding takes work. You won't become an expert overnight, and you have to really put in time and effort if you want to do the best tricks.
Skateboarders are often traveling at high speeds, which is why it is important that riders follow certain safety rules. Many injuries happen because the skateboarder gets off balance or is unable to complete a particular stunt. Therefore, it is crucial that protective gear is worn at all times. This means that the skateboarder should have on a helmet and pads that cover the knees and elbows. While you might not like how these items look, they are crucial to helping you avoid serious injury.
The shoes you choose are also an important part of this process. They must feel good on your feet, provide you with excellent grip and also be very flexible. There are a number of name brands that you have likely heard of, like Zoo York, Converse and Kustom. These, in particular, feature a flat sole that allows you to really hang on to the board as you ride. On the Internet, you are likely to come across Skate Shoes UK, which has original skate boots and shoes that are brand name. They have some of the best prices as well, which helps if you are on a budget. The most important thing, though, is that you get the right shoes that will allow you to skateboard with maximum efficiency. You'd be surprised at the difference a great pair of shoes can make.
You can't just pick up any old pair of skate boots or shoes, though, because they are not all the same. If you want a good pair, look for things like shoelace protectors, thermoplastic toe box reinforcement, cup soles, air pockets in the heels and asymmetric stabilizers.
As a skateboarder, you will likely spend a lot of time practicing as you attempt to get better. Therefore, your shoes must feel good on your feet. They can't be too large or too small. The last thing you want is for blisters or issues with your feet to cause you to miss a day of skateboarding. Even if you are still able to get out on your board, you won't do as well as you would have otherwise. It won't be as fun and you will not be able to really showcase your skills the way that you want to.
Skate shoes are popular with people other than skateboarders. They have become something of a fashion statement, and people of all ages are putting them on their feet and wearing them with pride. They fit within most budgets and they are also attractive. You will notice that all skateboarders are different, and some prefer certain brands over others. There does not seem to be one that is the most popular in the sport. Some of the best skateboarding shoes do have a higher price tag, but keep in mind that you are investing in your future. These shoes are strong, which means that you won't have to get a new pair as often as other shoes. The triple stitching and the thick material, in particular, will help them survive as you put them to the test.
If you really enjoy skateboarding, it is important to pick up a good pair of shoes. Do not go for looks alone; look for the features that will help you perform at your highest level. Looking good is not going to help you when you fall down and hurt yourself.
What Else To Look For In Good Skate Shoes?
What is it that makes skateboard shoes good? Are yours any good? How can you tell?
Skaters have every right to have strong opinions about skateboarding footwear. However, can you tell the difference between good skater shoes and those that are basically garbage?
The answer isn't simple. It's multi faceted, actually. There are a number of different things that can help you make up your mind which are good skate shoes and which ones you should throw into the garbage can.
Asking your skater friends for their opinion is probably the most common method.
If they don't like Etnies, then you won't either. Over the short term, that method can work. However, there are some dangers to relying on it too much. Your friends may get tired of you never having any opinions of your own and always just following everything they say. Or your friends could be wrong. In fact, there is a good chance that they are. As you continue to learn more and more about skate shoes, you will also find yourself thinking just about everyone is wrong about them. That is perfectly normal. It all comes with being a skater.
Trying them out is your next best method. It works much better than merely asking your friends. However, it could get expensive. Also, the more shoes you purchase that don't end up working out, the more frustrated you are likely to become.
The third way is actually determining what actually makes shoes for skating "good", and then evaluating each pair on an individual basis. This is the method that I prefer. The following are some the most important things to look for when considering skate shoes, so that you can determine whether or not they're worth spending your hard-earned money on:
Stitching
Look over the shoe, to make sure it is stitched together instead of just glued. It should also mostly be double stitched, or possibly even triple stitched (meaning you will see two or three small stitch lines that run along together, rather than only one). High quality skateboard shoes will be stitched together. That helps the shoes hold together for much longer.
Material
What kind of material is the shoe made out of? If it is canvas you should throw them away, unless you aren't planning to do anything very aggressive ever. Are they leather? Are there layers? Is it treated? How thick is it? The best skate shoes are made from suede or leather, or a synthetic material that is as strong as leather. However, you do need to be careful. The only brand that I'm aware of that produces a strong synthetic leather is Fallen. Extra strong leather is something that some brands promise.
Reinforcement
It isn't enough for a shoe to be made out of leather. It needs to have plenty of reinforcement as well. You are skating in these shoes, not just walking. Skating really destroys shoes. It is simply a fact. You want to have shoes that last for as long as possible. The toe cap should have extra layers, as well as some on the side, around the heel and lace eyelets. Ideally the shoe will look like it has the ability too survive a nuclear war.
Weight
There needs to be some balance. It's great having all of that reinforcement. However, if the shoes are basically concrete blocks, then you won't be pulling many tricks off with them. All of the design and technology needs to be light so that it doesn't drag you down. However, it can't be too light either. You need to be careful. If a shoe feels incredibly light, it may be too flimsy.
Grip
The sole of the shoe should be made with a grippy gum rubber. I'm not talking about the regular kind of street shoe rubber. Remember these shoes need to be able to grip a skateboard. A majority of major skate shoe brands have enough grip. However, not all shoes that a given company makes are created equal.
Padding
This is mostly a matter of preference. I personally like padded heel collars and tongues along with a nice cushy heel pad. However, it really isn't that important. Padding is all about your preferred comfort level.
Lace Protection
Many skaters miss this small thing when looking for shoes. There should be metal reinforcing the lace holes. If there isn't you could easily rip through them. The lower lace holes should have flaps to protect the lace whenever you are performing flip tricks. If they don't, you'll most likely be burning through laces very quickly.
Pro Signature
Having the name of a professional on the shoes definitely doesn't automatically make the shoe good. However, the strange part is that any pro with a good name is not going to want it associated with a bad shoe. That is very bad advertising. So if there is a well respected, well known pro's name on the shoe, then it's likely that it's a quality shoe. However, there can be exceptions to this. If a pro's name is on a complete shoe brand (such as Hawk), that doesn't automatically mean all of their shoes are good. The pro isn't really involved all that much with every individual shoe at that point.
Style
In terms of skateability, style is the least important feature. However, it's on the top of most skaters lists! You do need to like your shoes. However, it should be way down the list, and take a back seat to other considerations.
Hopefully this list can help you when you are out shopping for skateboarding footwear. I have my own list of top 10 best skate shoes. You can consult it for ideas, however it can also be a good idea to come up with your own list.
This article is very well organized with the pictures and also is very well typed. Good work!
Thanks!
Innacurate
Hi Rory,
Feel free to come up with helpful suggestions for making the content more accurate.
Sincerely,
Brian
Ever heard of éS?
Hi Goldn,
Not until now…
I’m checking them out on Amazon and I think the Accel Og and the Accel Slim look totally slick!
Definitely want to add these to the review page one day. Thanks for letting me know.
Sincerely,
Brian
You can’t even feel your board on half of those shoes. You should do some better research
Hi D9300,
Sorry you feel that way. If you’ve got better suggestions, then I’d be interested to hear them.
Sincerely,
Brian
I really liked this article. I am trying to find out what kind of shoes are best for riding an electric skateboard. I want to learn skateboarding… but before I get started, I am looking around for some tips and precautions that should be taken while riding. Glad to find this article about skate shoes. Thanks for sharing, it definitely helps.
Hi Nethan,
I’m not sure if electric skateboards require a different kind of shoe than regular skateboards. Quite frankly, I had no idea electric skateboards existed until now.
I hope you find what you’re looking for!
Sincerely,
Brian
Thanks for the hard work. Thanks for the mentions of which styles/brands are more suitable for “wide” footed skaters.
What counts as “wide” is in the eye of the beholder, though, it seems. When I followed the links, it seems like a “D”-width is what we consider as “wide” here. I have 5E width feet with a high arch (i.e.., “high volume” foot) — D width is not close to fitting me, personally. Can you recommend skate shoe brands/styles that cater to skaters with “extra-wide” or “high-volume” feet? Thanks.
Hi Pete,
I’ve looked around, but there doesn’t really seem to be any brand that caters to wide footed skaters.
I did find a forum thread on Slap Magazine, where a fellow skater with wide feet discusses the same problem.
A few people in the thread are making some potentially useful suggestions.
I hope it’ll help. Let me know if it does!
Sincerely,
Brian
I have the same problem. 4E or 5E, my issue is I have a square toebox and I actually have pretty bad foot damage from skating/wearing shoes most of my life that don’t fit. Can’t seem to find ANY skate companies that make shoes for people with basically square toe shapes and flat feet. It is very bad for your feet and bones to skate with shoes that crush your toes together. If anyone finds anything please post as I am not able to skate until I find some proper shoes.
Hi Strange Loop,
That’s indeed quite a specific requirement you’ve got there.
Can’t help you with it, unfortunately. I hope you’ll eventually find what you’re looking for. Let me know when you do.
Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Brian
Why isn’t the Adidas – Busenitz on this list ?? They are the best known shoe for skateboarding and the most durable.
Hi Brent,
Thanks for the suggestion. Will have a look at it soon!
Sincerely,
Brian
You must be being paid for what you say. While all this is subjective. My case in point. You have airwalks on this list. You have no idea what your talking about. Your number one pick is a 100 years old with no support where it’s needed. Do you even skate? I mean maybe this is a long boarding list. What a joke. poser! Other than that have a nice day.
Hi John,
I do indeed get paid for building and maintaining this website. I am an Amazon associate. This is right in the footer of this website. It’s a full time job and I can’t be doing it for free.
I must confess that it’s been some time that I’ve been on a skateboard, but I did skate at one point. I’m better at hiking, so I just stuck with that.
I’m sorry you feel my reviewed footwear isn’t suitable for you. You are welcome to make some suggestions and provide me with some constructive criticism, just so long as we can keep it friendly.
Sincerely,
Brian
Hi Brian,
I must say this is the 2nd article of yours that I’m reading and I love the way, each style or model has been dissected to ensure that its buyer knows exactly what he or she is paying for. A well articulated and very informative article. All in all a great article to read.
Keeping writing such brilliant ones…
Thanks!
Says updated 1/19/2021, but your findings are from maybe the early 2000’s, nowadays it’s Nike SB’s Nyjah line up, Etnies Joslin 1&2 and or the Adidas Busenitz Pro & Vulc just to name a few, skates shoes have progressed far beyond the shoes you have listed, I know personally because I’m picky about which shoes I skate like the New Balance Numeric(nb#) line up which are by far some of the best in the game right now, but no worries I’m not hating on you just maybe trying to help update
Hi Money$$$,
I skated a bit when I was a kid. I always sucked at it. I never bothered to buy a pro deck or a dedicated pair of shoes. I must admit, I am no pro skater myself. I’m guessing it shows…
I sure do appreciate that you are taking your time to let me know. It’ll help me keep Boot Bomb up to date. Your suggestions have been noted!
Sincerely,
Brian