Just like there isn’t a specific longboard designed exclusively for beginners, there aren’t any longboard shoes explicitly made for them either. Longboarders, whether novice or pro, typically wear the same types of shoes. However, beginners have unique needs, especially when starting. New riders often spend hours practicing the same movements to learn basic maneuvers, leading to significant wear and tear on their footwear. Investing in proper longboarding shoes is crucial to avoid costly replacements and potential injuries. This guide will help you choose the best shoes for your longboarding journey.
Top Longboard Shoes for Beginners
There are numerous skateboarding shoes suitable for beginners, but this list focuses on some highly recommended options. For an even more extensive list, you can check out our article on the best skate shoes, tested over 100 hours. This list will remain concise, as more detailed shoe reviews will be coming soon after further testing.
1. Lakai Manchester
The Lakai Manchester, introduced in 2007, has become a staple in the skateboarding world. Its clean, timeless design and vulcanized construction, combined with reinforced heel padding and a low-cut silhouette, make it a durable and reliable choice. The rubber outsole with hex tread pattern reduces vibrations, while the molded footbed ensures comfort and protection. These shoes are an excellent all-around option for beginners.
2. Adidas Dennis Busenitz
Dennis Busenitz’s pro shoe has been an Adidas bestseller for over 15 years. With 20 iterations, this shoe has evolved alongside skateboarding itself. The shoe features a grippy cup sole, a flexible yet durable sole, and reinforced suede, making it perfect for the repetitive wear and tear of longboarding. Its smooth feel and durability make it a great choice for new riders.
3. Nike SB Stefan Janoski
Nike Janoski skate shoes for longboarding
If the Nike SB Stefan Janoski wasn’t quite as expensive, it would be the perfect skate shoe. Its stylish design combined with essential skate shoe features, such as a thick sole and Zoom technology in the insoles, make it ideal for longboarding. The original leather laces also provide excellent resistance to grip tape. These shoes revolutionized the skate shoe market and are still considered top-tier.
4. Vans Half-Cab
The Vans Half-Cab is the only mid-top shoe on this list. While many mid-top shoes can limit mobility, the Half-Cab offers an excellent balance between flexibility and sturdiness. It features Vans’ signature vulcanized gum outsole, removable Ultra Cush HD insole, and a classic style. The mid-profile design offers ankle support without sacrificing mobility, making it a great choice for riders who want extra protection.
5. DC Shoes Plaza
The DC Shoes Plaza is a standout option, offering a thick suede liner and an elastic system that keeps the tongue in place while riding. The shoes are reasonably priced and are ideal for both old-school skaters and beginners who value durability and comfort.
6. Adidas Campus Vulc
The Adidas Campus Vulc is a durable option with a low-cut design, reinforced rubber heel cup, and double stitching in the ollie area. It’s a cost-effective choice, especially when bought directly from Adidas stores, and provides the resistance needed for the demands of longboarding. They might feel stiff initially, so wearing them for a week before riding is recommended.
7. Nike SB Charge
Nike SB Charge for longboarding
The Nike SB Charge is a budget-friendly option that shares design features with the Janoski. With reinforced toe and heel pads and a durable sole, the suede models are excellent entry-level skate shoes. However, consider swapping the stock insoles for thicker ones if you plan on doing more intense riding.
8. Converse Cons Louie Lopez
Converse Cons Louie Lopez longboard shoes
The Converse Cons Louie Lopez is an affordable option that’s similar in design and feel to the Janoski. They’re particularly suited for riders with wider feet. The shoe’s flexibility and durable rubber sole make it ideal for street longboarding, while the signature Converse stripe patterns add a stylish touch.
Why You Need Proper Longboard Shoes
Whether you’re a casual rider or planning to get serious about longboarding, wearing the right shoes is crucial from your very first ride. Standard sneakers with curved soles are designed for walking, while longboarding requires a flat sole to provide better board feel and prevent ankle rolling. Proper longboarding shoes offer the necessary support, stability, and board control needed to ride safely and effectively.
Longboarding shoes close up
What Makes a Good Longboard Shoe?
Beginners often spend a lot of time practicing, which means their shoes take a beating. Look for these key features when choosing longboard shoes:
Suede Material
Unlike conventional sneakers, quality longboarding shoes are typically made of suede. Fabric shoes can quickly develop holes from the grip tape, whereas suede is exceptionally durable. Suede can last for three months or more, depending on the frequency of your riding.
Extra Padding
Longboarding can be tough on your feet. From impacts with the deck to rolling ankles, there are numerous ways you can injure yourself. Shoes with extra padding, particularly around the heel and toes, provide crucial protection and extend the shoe’s lifespan.
High Elasticity
The constant flexing and stretching of the foot during longboarding can cause shoes to lose their shape. A shoe with high elasticity will maintain its form and support over time, ensuring consistent performance.
Flat Sole
Flat skateboard shoe sole
Traditional sneakers have curved soles designed to support the foot’s arch, while skate shoes, including those for longboarding, feature a flat sole. This provides optimal balance and reduces the risk of injuries while riding. The flat sole also provides a better board feel and grip.
Molded Insole
While the sole of the shoe plays a role in protection, the insoles are essential for impact and vibration reduction. A thick, flexible, molded insole will protect your feet from injuries like heel bruises and “hot pockets” and is especially important when riding at higher speeds and over rough surfaces.
Where to Find Affordable Longboard Shoes
Longboarding shoes can be pricey, but here are several places to find them at a good price:
Brand Factory Stores
Check out factory stores for major brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, and DC. You can often find new longboard shoes at discounted prices.
End-of-Series at the Skate Shop
Many skate shops have discount sections where they sell end-of-series products. This is a great place to find good deals, especially if you’re not looking for a specific model or have an uncommon shoe size.
Vinted
Vinted is a popular app for second-hand clothing and accessories, where you can often find longboard shoes at great prices. You might find shoes that were barely worn or even new from contests or unwanted gifts.
The Regular-Goofy Shoe Swap
An old skateboarding trick involves swapping shoes with someone who rides in the opposite stance. For example, if you ride regular and wear out the left shoe, switch with a goofy-footed friend, giving you a fresh left shoe for the cost of a worn one. This works best for beginners before you learn switch tricks.
By understanding the features of good longboard shoes and knowing where to find them at the best prices, you can ensure you have the right gear for your longboarding adventures. Happy riding!
