Skateboarding shoes are crucial for performance, comfort, and protection. Over my years of skateboarding, I’ve experienced a wide range of skate shoes, from the bulkier styles of Osiris to the lightweight feel of Janoskis. There’s no single “best” shoe for everyone; it truly depends on your personal style and skating preferences.
If you’re new to the world of skate shoes, consider your primary skating style and terrain. Do you mostly skate on flat ground, focusing on technical tricks? Are you into transition skating at skate parks, or do you prefer tackling street spots with technical maneuvers? Understanding your needs will help guide you to the perfect pair. For enhanced impact protection, consider cupsole shoes. If you’re aiming to refine your flick tricks, vulcanized skate shoes with ample board feel are often the best option.
Continue reading to refine your choice or jump straight to our recommendations below.
- For street skating and boardfeel: Nike SB Shane, Nike SB Janoski, Vans Pro and Classics
- For transition skateboarding: Nike Ishod Wair, Nike SB Janoski, Vans Pro, Converse Louie Lopez
- For high impact and durability: Adidas Tyshawn and Busenitz Pro, Etnies Marana Michelin, New Balance Numeric 306.
- Most comfortable skate shoe: DC Legacy Slim 98, Etnies Joslin II, and Vans Pro models.
- Wide feet and toe box: eS Silo, eS Accel, DVS Comanche II, Nike Dunk Low, and Alleyoop.
- Vegan Skate Shoes: Cariuma Vallely Pro
These shoes are suitable for various skateboarding styles, and we’ve included alternatives for your convenience.
A variety of skate shoes scattered around a skate park
What to Look for in a Skate Shoe?
A great skate shoe should be flexible, lightweight, and constructed from high-quality suede. It should also incorporate reinforced layers in areas prone to wear and tear. The sole should offer excellent grip and be thin enough to maintain close contact with the board, enhancing board feel.
- Suede Quality: The quality of the suede significantly impacts the shoe’s overall durability.
- Rubber-backed Suede: Some shoes, like the Vans Pro with DURACAP, include a rubber layer beneath the suede to enhance longevity, especially in high-wear areas. This makes it harder to tear a hole through.
- Stitching: Look for double or triple stitching around the flick area for increased durability. Some shoes forgo stitches, which can also prevent ripping.
- Gusseted Tongue: Shoes with a gusseted tongue, featuring an elastic band to keep it in place, often offer a more secure and comfortable fit.
Skateboard Style and the Right Skate Shoes
When selecting skate shoes, it’s crucial to consider your preferred skateboarding style. Different styles require different features. Some skaters prioritize board feel, while others prioritize durability or cushioning.
- Technical Skaters: Those focusing on street and transition skating typically prefer flexible, lightweight vulcanized shoes for optimal board feel and control, particularly for flip tricks.
- Transition Skateboarders: Those who primarily skate bowls and mini ramps benefit from shoes that balance support and flexibility, like a cupsole-vulcanized hybrid. This type offers good board feel with additional impact protection.
- Skate Park Skaters: Skaters who focus on medium-high objects often find vulcanized shoes offer the best control.
- Flatground Skaters: Similar to technical skaters, flatground skaters benefit most from vulcanized skate shoes, emphasizing control for complex tricks.
- High-Impact Skaters: Those who regularly engage in high-impact skating need shoes with significant support, such as cupsole shoes or vulcanized shoes paired with aftermarket insoles.
Skaters with wide feet may have fewer options but often find that bulkier shoes provide the needed room. Let’s explore some of the top skate shoe brands and models that align with different skating styles.
Adidas Tyshawn skate shoe
Adidas Tyshawn
- Long-lasting and durable
- Made from high-quality suede
- Cupsole design with flexibility
- Provides excellent impact support and decent board feel
- Requires some break-in time
Nike SB Shane skate shoe
Nike SB Shane
- Offers superior board feel and is very flexible
- Breaks in quickly
- Made with quality suede
- Average durability, impact support could be better
New Balance 306 – Jamie Foy skate shoe
New Balance 306 – Jamie Foy
- Offers good board feel and flexibility
- Durable with reinforced flick areas
- Provides low impact support
- Breaks in quickly
What Shoe Offers the Most Board Feel?
If you focus on technical tricks and require tactile feedback for better control, prioritize vulcanized skate shoes.
Used Nike skateboarding shoes
Technical, flatground, and transition skaters have plenty of options when it comes to board feel. Here are some shoes that offer exceptional board feel:
- Vans: Especially the classic models like the Authentic, Era, and Old Skool Pro, which feature a waffle sole for great grip and board feel.
- Nike SB: The Janoski and Shane lines are well-regarded for optimal board feel.
- Lakai: Known for models like the Manchester and Fremont, which balance board feel with cushioning.
- Converse: The Louie Lopez line provides a thin design and low-cut silhouette for an almost barefoot experience.
- New Balance Numeric: New Balance’s skateboarding line offers several shoes popular for street skating due to their comfort and durability.
What’s The Best Skate Shoe Brand?
There is no single “best” skate shoe brand. Every brand offers a range of both budget-friendly and high-quality options. Focus on selecting a shoe that meets your specific needs, rather than fixating on a particular brand.
Which Shoes Are the Most Durable?
Durable skate shoes often require a trade-off with board feel. Generally, cupsole shoes last longer than vulcanized shoes, offering more cushioning and suede near the flick area. However, cupsoles are stiffer and heavier.
Through extensive testing, we’ve found that the Adidas Tyshawn and Busenitz Pro are among the most durable skate shoes. The Etnies Marana Michelin is also highly durable, and the New Balance Numeric 306 stands out as a durable vulcanized option.
How Much Do Skate Shoes Cost?
Skate shoe prices range from $30 to $120 USD, varying based on the brand, model, materials, and where you purchase them. Established brands and pro models often cost more. Material quality, store type, regional factors, sales, and shoe functionality also influence the price.
- Budget Skate Shoes: $40 – $60
- Mid-Range Skate Shoes: $60 – $90
- High-End/Limited Edition: $90 – $120+
Do Insoles Make a Difference?
Insoles are essential for skaters seeking flexibility and control, but who also need additional support. Standard insoles often lack sufficient support. Upgrading to aftermarket insoles can greatly improve comfort and impact protection without sacrificing board feel. Hybrid vulc-cupsole designs can also offer a great balance.
Skate Shoes We Recommend
We’ve curated a list of skate shoes that cater to different styles. Since everyone has unique preferences, we have included alternatives as well. Our choices are examples to help you understand what to look for rather than a list of definitive “best” shoes.
Choosing the perfect skate shoe is a process that takes time. Your needs might evolve as you become a more experienced skateboarder. Eventually, you’ll find a shoe that feels perfect, and many skaters remain loyal to their preferred shoe once they find it.
1. Street Skating and Boardfeel: Nike SB Shane
Nike SB Shane skate shoe
The Nike SB Shane is a durable, true-to-size skate shoe with a one-piece toe cap and seamless suede construction. It features a slim toe box and double-layered vulcanized construction with well-protected laces.
The cushioning is adequate, with a slightly thicker foam insole and Nike Zoom Air pocket in the heel. The shoe excels in board feel and grip, thanks to its thin vulcanized construction and deep groove sole.
The main drawbacks are the quick wear on the heel collar and top lateral part of the mesh tongue. The SB Shane provides a snug fit, but its narrow front may not suit everyone.
Nike SB Shane wear test
This shoe is designed for technical skaters, excelling in board feel, grip, and flexibility, making it ideal for tricks and slides/grinds. It is not designed for high-impact skating. It typically holds up for 60-70 hours on average, although it can lose its shape after about 50 hours of use.
Alternative skate shoes:
- Nike SB Stefan Janoski, Nike SB Charge
- Vans Pro and Classic Models
- Converse CONS Louie Lopez
- Lakai Griffin
2. Transition Skateboarding: Nike Ishod Wair
Nike Ishod Wair skate shoe
The Nike Ishod Wair is an excellent skate shoe for transition skateboarding. Its React insole offers great support, preventing feet from flattening upon impact. It combines board feel, impact protection, and flexibility effectively.
The cushioning is exceptionally comfortable, but the shoe runs a bit narrow at the front, which provides added board control for flip tricks. Some skaters may need to loosen the laces for a better fit.
Nike Ishod Wair insole
The suede is of good quality, although the mesh tends to rip. The plastic mesh on the sides enhances flexibility and breathability, making it suitable for warmer climates.
The aesthetics of the shoe are also impressive.
Alternative skate shoes:
- Nike SB RSBR, Janoski, Charge, Shane
- Vans Pro and Classic Models
- Lakai Griffin, Fremont (vulc)
3. High Impact and Durable: Adidas Tyshawn
Adidas Tyshawn skate shoe
The Adidas Tyshawn is the most durable skate shoe we’ve tested, lasting for a long time. Despite being a cupsole, it feels flexible and provides sufficient board feel for technical tricks. It offers a secure fit, particularly in the heel area. The suede near high-contact areas holds up well even after 70 hours of use.
It’s a comfortable shoe with a padded tongue, Adidas Cloudfoam technology in the cupsole, and a normal fit. It balances board feel and grip with protective cushioning. For those between sizes, it’s recommended to choose the larger size.
Adidas Tyshawn wear test
The shoe maintains its shape well, and the suede is very durable. The outsoles are both indestructible and flexible. It offers excellent grip and requires a break-in period, particularly in the heel area. Overall, the Adidas Tyshawn is a highly recommended skate shoe for comfort, durability, impact absorption, and technical ability.
Alternative skate shoes:
- Adidas Busenitz Pro
- Etnies Marana Michelin (stiff)
4. Transition and Street Skateboarding: New Balance Numeric 306
New Balance Numeric 306 skate shoe
The New Balance 306 Jamie Foy Pro is a durable and flexible skate shoe that is great for control. It offers good impact support, is lightweight, and enhances board connection.
The shoe is durable due to its high-quality suede upper and reinforced sides with an extra rubber layer near the flick and ollie areas. It comes with a basic foam insole that balances cushioning and board feel.
The shoes offer a secure and stable feel, with added padding around the ankle. However, the cushioning could be better, and the grip is not as effective as some other models.
New Balance Numeric 306 wear test
Overall, the New Balance Numeric 306 is a great option for a durable, stable, and comfortable vulcanized shoe with great board feel. The mesh areas are placed strategically for ventilation, avoiding contact with grip tape.
This shoe offers excellent breathability, durability, and great board feel, along with a secure fit in the heel. However, it comes with a basic insole, could use better impact protection, and has average grip.
Alternative skate shoes:
- Lakai Cambridge, Lakai Fremont Vulc
- Etnies Veer
5. Most Comfortable Skate Shoe: DC Legacy Slim 98
DC Legacy Slim 98 skate shoe
Despite its bulky appearance, the DC Legacy Slim 98 is surprisingly flexible. It is a cupsole shoe with thick outsoles that provide good support, although the insoles are nothing special.
The UniLite midsole and Ortholite insoles offer excellent cushioning and support. These insoles are designed to support the foot and absorb impacts. The cushioning provides arch support when doing ollies.
In terms of durability, an average skateboarder can expect 70 to 80 hours of use, while more technical skaters may wear out the suede faster. The shoes maintain their shape over time and offer the needed support. They may feel slightly cramped initially, but will adapt to the shape of the feet. The DC Legacy Slim fits true to size.
Alternative skate shoes:
- Etnies Joslin 2
- DVS Comanche II
6. Wide Feet: eS Silo
Es Silo Skate shoes on a skateboard
The eS Silo skate shoes are wide, especially around the mid-foot and toes. They may feel bulky and stiff at first, and do not offer the best board feel. If you have particularly wide feet, especially in the toes, these could be a great choice.
While they are not the most attractive shoes, they are comfortable with padding around the heel for support. They are not very flexible initially, but will loosen with wear. They are best for casual park and bowl skating. The main benefit of the eS Silo is its extra room and comfort, not board control.
They do allow for some basic tricks, but don’t offer the same board feel as other shoes. If you need more mid-foot room but less toe room, consider the eS Accel.
Alternative shoes:
- eS Accel
- DVS Comanche II
- Nike Dunk Low
How to Prevent Your Skate Shoes From Ripping
Using shoe goo on high-friction areas such as stitching can significantly prolong your skate shoes’ life.
- Choose Suede Shoes: Suede is more durable than materials like canvas.
- Select Reputable Brands: Opt for shoes with reinforced areas, particularly around kickflip and ollie zones.
- Use Shoe Goo: This adhesive can repair holes and tears and also prevent rips by applying to stitching.
- Apply Suede Patches: Glue suede patches from old shoes over damaged spots instead of using duct tape.
- Sand Your Grip Tape: Smoothen the grip tape in ollie and flick areas to reduce shoe wear. The type of grip tape also influences wear, with some being rougher than others.
- Avoid Harsh Weather: Extreme heat or cold can damage your shoes.
- Proper Shoe Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Stuffing them with paper can help maintain their shape.
How to Break in Your Skate Shoes
- Wear Before Skating: Wear new shoes casually until they are broken in.
- Microwave Method: Carefully microwave shoes for 90 seconds, then wear them to mold to the feet.
- Hair Dryer Method: Warm the shoes with a hair dryer and then wear them to mold them.
- Double Socks: Wearing two pairs of socks can stretch shoes faster.
- Freezing Technique: Place water bags inside the shoes and freeze them overnight to stretch them.
- Twist and Fold: Manually manipulate the shoes to loosen them, especially effective for flexible shoes.
- Run in Them: Running helps new shoes mold to your feet faster.
Final Words
Many excellent skate shoes are available today, with many lasting a long time and providing decent board feel. There is no universal “best” skate shoe, it all comes down to personal preference.
If you’re a beginner, check out our selection of skate shoes for beginners or consult the included buying guide.
Ruben Vee author
By Ruben Vee
An aged skateboarder who still shreds responsibly, started 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still enjoys skating to this day. I am a gear geek, and love to test stuff and share my findings.
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