When diving into the world of skate shoes, you’ll often encounter the terms “cupsole” and “vulcanized.” These terms refer to the construction of the shoe’s sole and how it attaches to the upper, significantly impacting performance, durability, and board feel. Understanding these differences is crucial for any skateboarder looking to optimize their ride. This guide breaks down the key distinctions between cupsole and vulcanized skate shoes, helping you make the best choice for your skating style.
What are Vulcanized Skate Shoes?
A side view of a Lakai vulcanized skate shoe, showcasing its low profile and flexible sole
Vulcanized skate shoes are characterized by a unique manufacturing process. The rubber outsole is chemically heated, a process called vulcanization, to enhance its durability and flexibility. This treatment molds the rubber and makes it more resilient. After the outsole is attached to the upper, a second heating procedure takes place. Crucially, a foxing tape, a thick rubber band, is then applied to reinforce the bond between the sole and the upper. This foxing tape is a telltale sign of a vulcanized shoe.
Without the vulcanization process, the outsole would remain stiff and unsuitable for skateboarding. The process creates a flexible yet durable sole that allows skaters to have an optimal feel for their board. The foxing tape is essential, as the outsole doesn’t bond strongly enough without this additional reinforcement.
Vulcanized shoes are favored for their superior board feel and flexibility. However, they generally wear faster than cupsoles, offer less support, and may not be the most comfortable for extended walking. Technical skaters often prefer vulcanized shoes because their thin soles allow for a closer connection to the skateboard deck, which is particularly advantageous when performing flip tricks and other technical maneuvers. Furthermore, vulcanized construction often includes extra rubber around key areas like the flick point, enhancing the shoe’s durability in high-wear areas.
What are Cupsole Skate Shoes?
Cupsoles are constructed with a U-shaped rubber sole that is stitched or glued to the upper part of the shoe. Unlike vulcanized soles, cupsole outsoles do not undergo a heating process, making them sturdier but less flexible. This method allows for multiple layers to be incorporated into the sole, offering greater impact protection.
A close-up of a cupsole skate shoe, highlighting the stitched seam connecting the sole to the upper
Cupsole shoes prioritize comfort, providing increased cushioning, arch support, and heel support. These features help prevent injuries caused by high impacts, making cupsoles a strong option for skaters who often encounter such situations.
While cupsoles offer better impact protection, they typically have less board feel due to the thicker sole. They also often require a longer break-in period compared to vulcanized shoes. However, the longevity of cupsoles often surpasses that of vulcanized shoes, depending on the brand and the amount of rubber used in construction.
Cupsole vs. Vulcanized: A Detailed Comparison
The choice between cupsole and vulcanized skate shoes often comes down to personal preference and skating style.
Vulcanized shoes are ideal for technical skaters who prioritize board feel and flexibility. If you regularly perform flatground tricks, skate parks, or street, then vulcanized shoes may be ideal. They allow you to have a better connection to your board which enhances control, especially when performing flip tricks.
Cupsole shoes are preferred by skaters who require more protection and comfort. If you are regularly ollieing large drops or stairs, grinding rails, or need extra support for your feet, you may want to consider cupsoles. Their extra cushioning and support can help prevent injuries and reduce foot fatigue, particularly when dealing with the higher impact of bowls and half pipes.
| Feature | Cupsole Shoes | Vulcanized Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Durable, More heel and arch support, Sturdy, Fewer injuries | Superior board feel, Flexible, Quick break-in, Often cheaper |
| Disadvantages | Less board feel, Can be more expensive, Longer break-in time | Less support and protection, Can lose shape quicker |
| Best For | Halfpipe, bowls, big drops and stairs. Skaters requiring more foot protection and support | Street, skate parks, flat ground. Skaters prioritizing board feel |
It is not necessarily a matter of what is “best”, but what is best for you. If you are experiencing sore feet, painful heels, or just need some additional support, trying cupsoles may alleviate these issues. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight, flexible shoe that gives you that “connected” feel to your board, vulcanized may be the way to go.
Identifying Cupsole and Vulcanized Shoes
Distinguishing between cupsole and vulcanized skate shoes is straightforward.
Vulcanized shoes: Look for the foxing tape – the rubber band that wraps around the outer sole. You will also notice they have no stitching connecting the sole to the upper. Vulcanized shoes are more flexible and easy to bend in any direction.
A close-up of a vulcanized shoe's outsole, highlighting the foxing tape
An image of a vulcanized skate shoe showing the foxing tape detail
Cupsole shoes: Examine the outsole which is one piece of rubber. You might also notice a seam on the side of the outsole, or that there is less rubber around the toe box area. Cupsoles are more rigid and hold their shape well.
Two cupsole skate shoes, highlighting the stitched seam on the right shoe and a one piece rubber outsole on both
A view of a cupsole shoe's outsole showing its one piece design
Recommended Vulcanized Skate Shoes
For those seeking an excellent vulcanized option, the Nike SB Janoski is a popular choice. This shoe is renowned for its flexibility, board feel, and decent durability. Technical skaters highly appreciate its design, making it a top pick. The Janoski typically lasts between 60 to 80 hours of skating.
Recommended Cupsole Skate Shoes
For cupsole enthusiasts, the Adidas 3ST stands out. Despite being a cupsole, it offers surprising flexibility. More importantly, it’s exceptionally durable, lasting between 150 to 180 hours with good care. The high-quality suede toe area can withstand the wear from grip tape for a long period. The 3ST also delivers the needed impact protection for bigger drops.
A close up of the toe of an Adidas 3st skate shoe, emphasizing the high-quality suede
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between cupsole and vulcanized skate shoes is essential for any skateboarder. Your choice depends on your style and priorities. Cupsole shoes offer better support and protection, making them ideal for skaters dealing with high impact or pain. Vulcanized shoes are preferred for board feel and flexibility, making them ideal for technical skaters.
Switching from one style to another can be an adjustment, but experimenting with both styles will give you a better perspective of what works best for you. Ultimately, the most important thing is to pick a shoe that feels good, supports your needs and enables you to skate your best.
A photo of Ruben Vee, the author of the article
By: Ruben Vee
