If you’re getting into longboarding, you might be wondering if you need special shoes. While it’s tempting to just use any old pair of sneakers, understanding the benefits of skate shoes can significantly improve your riding experience. This guide will explore why skate shoes are important, the differences between skate shoes and regular shoes, and what to look for when choosing the right pair for longboarding.
Why Longboarders Benefit from Skate Shoes
Longboarders wear skate shoes for the enhanced grip, board feel, and overall control they offer. Unlike regular shoes, skate shoes are specifically designed to withstand the demands of riding and performing tricks. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
- Enhanced Grip: Skate shoes feature flat, grippy rubber soles that provide a strong connection to the longboard’s grip tape. This is crucial for maintaining balance and control, especially when performing slides, carves, or any other tricks. The superior grip ensures your feet stay planted firmly on the board.
- Improved Board Feel: A thinner sole allows you to feel the contours of your board more effectively. This heightened sensitivity is key for precise movements and adjustments while riding, leading to better performance and a more connected ride.
- Durability: Longboarding can be tough on shoes. The constant friction with the grip tape and the impacts from jumps or slides can quickly wear down regular sneakers. Skate shoes are built with reinforced materials and stitching in areas prone to wear, such as the toe cap and side panels, ensuring they can handle the rigors of longboarding.
- Protection and Support: Skate shoes are designed with foot protection in mind. They often feature padded tongues and collars to cushion impacts and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, the overall construction helps stabilize the foot, providing better support to ankles.
- Style and Function: While functionality is key, skate shoes also offer a particular aesthetic within the longboarding and skateboarding cultures. Wearing skate shoes isn’t just about performance, it’s also about expressing your personal style within the longboarding community.
Pair of Vans skate shoes showing the classic waffle sole
Skate Shoes vs. Regular Shoes: Key Differences
The distinctions between skate shoes and regular shoes are significant, especially when it comes to performance and safety. Here are the key differences:
- Sole Thickness: Skate shoes have thinner soles compared to most athletic shoes. This design allows for better board feel. Regular shoes, like running or basketball shoes, often have thick, cushioned soles that can feel disconnected from the board.
- Sole Material and Pattern: Skate shoe soles are typically made of rubber with a flat, grippy pattern (like Vans’ iconic waffle pattern). This maximizes contact with the grip tape and provides superior traction. Regular shoes often have textured soles designed for different terrains.
- Durability: Skate shoes are reinforced in high-wear areas, such as the toe and side panels, using materials like suede and durable stitching. Regular shoes are often made with lighter, less durable materials.
- Support and Padding: Skate shoes typically have padded collars, tongues, and insoles designed to protect the feet and ankles during intense riding sessions. Regular shoes are primarily designed for comfort and support during activities other than skateboarding or longboarding.
I once tried longboarding with running shoes after a minor foot injury. While I could still perform some basic maneuvers, I felt far less connected to the board. The thick soles of my running shoes made it difficult to feel what the board was doing beneath my feet. This lack of control was a bit disconcerting, highlighting the importance of having shoes designed for the sport.
What to Look For in a Great Longboard Shoe
While personal preference plays a role, certain features make a skate shoe better suited for longboarding. Here’s what to consider:
- Material: Suede is a popular choice for skate shoes because it’s durable and offers good grip. Avoid canvas as it wears out quickly.
- Heel Support: Adequate heel support is essential for comfort and injury prevention. Look for shoes with padded collars and sturdy heel cups.
- Seam Reinforcement: Shoes with reinforced seams, particularly in the toe area, are more resistant to wear and tear. Look for designs that minimize exposed seams.
- Shock-Absorbing Insoles: Insoles that can absorb shock are crucial for comfort, especially if you’re riding for extended periods or doing jumps.
- Lace Protection: Shoes with reinforced lace holes (metal or plastic rings) prevent laces from tearing easily and prolong the life of your shoes.
- Toe Caps: Toe caps provide extra durability in the toe area, which is especially helpful for longboarding styles involving foot braking.
- Ankle Support: If you’re looking for extra stability, high-top shoes provide superior ankle support. For more freedom of movement, low-tops are great; and mid-tops offer a balanced approach.
New Balance Numeric 306 skate shoes on a skateboard
Cupsole vs. Vulcanized Soles for Longboarding
When choosing skate shoes, you’ll often encounter two types of sole constructions: cupsole and vulcanized. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Cupsole: Cupsole shoes have a more durable construction. The sole is stitched or glued to the upper part of the shoe and wraps around your foot, offering more support and protection. They tend to be stiffer and provide less board feel.
- Vulcanized: Vulcanized shoes have a thinner, more flexible sole. The sole is fused to the upper part of the shoe with heat and pressure. This method makes them lighter and more responsive, offering superior board feel. They often wear down faster than cupsole shoes.
The choice between cupsole and vulcanized soles depends on your personal preferences and riding style. If you prioritize durability and support, go for cupsoles. If you value board feel and responsiveness, vulcanized soles are the way to go.
skateboard shoes cupsole vs vulcanized sole
Tips to Maximize the Life of Your Skate Shoes
Skate shoes can wear out quickly if they’re not properly maintained, especially with daily use. Here are some tips to make your skate shoes last longer:
- Use Shoe Goo: Apply shoe goo to reinforce the high-wear areas like the toe and side panels. This can prevent wear and tear from grip tape and impacts.
- Use Trick Tape: Applying a small piece of trick tape can prevent excessive wear on the sides of your shoes when doing tricks.
- Choose the Right Grip Tape: Different grip tapes have varying levels of abrasiveness. Using a less abrasive grip tape can help extend the life of your shoes.
With a bit of care and these simple tips, you can significantly prolong the life of your skate shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Longboarding Shoes
Are skate shoes bad for your feet?
Modern skate shoes are designed to offer good support. While not designed for long walks, they are generally safe for your feet, if they fit properly. It’s always a good idea to wear different kinds of shoes to avoid potential issues.
Why do my feet hurt when longboarding?
Foot pain while longboarding can be caused by wearing shoes that don’t fit well or by your feet needing time to adjust to the new activity. It’s a combination of getting used to the movements and wearing the right shoes. If the pain persists, try changing your insoles or consider different shoe models. Your current shoes might be too narrow.
Can I use running or basketball shoes for longboarding?
While it’s possible to longboard in running or basketball shoes, it’s not recommended. These shoes offer less board feel, less grip, and less stability. This lack of control and response can increase the risk of falling. To get the best and safest experience, using skate shoes is the better choice.
Ruben vee
Choosing the right footwear is crucial for any longboarding activity. While you can technically ride in normal shoes, skate shoes will improve your control, offer better protection and keep you comfortable. So, for a better experience overall, investing in a good pair of skate shoes is a great idea, especially if you plan to longboard often.
