Choosing the right skateboard shoes can significantly impact your performance and comfort. Good skate shoes enhance your grip, improve board feel, absorb shocks, and help prevent injuries. With so many options available, it’s important to understand what to look for. This guide will walk you through the key features to consider when buying skateboard shoes, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs and style.
What Defines a Great Skateboarding Shoe?
A good skateboarding shoe should strike a balance between comfort, support, and board feel. Look for features like suede material for durability, heel support for impact absorption, toe caps to protect against wear, and durable stitching. It’s about finding shoes that feel like an extension of your feet, allowing you to connect with your board while providing protection and longevity. Consider your skating style and how it affects wear and tear on your shoes.
skateboarding shoes
Vulcanized vs. Cupsole: Understanding the Difference
One of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between vulcanized and cupsole construction. This choice impacts durability, board feel, and protection.
skateboard shoes cupsole vs vulcanized sole
Vulcanized Soles
Vulcanized soles are constructed by bonding the sole to the upper using a rubber tape that wraps around the shoe. This construction results in a thinner, more flexible shoe, which offers superior board feel. Vulcanized shoes are often preferred by skaters who value technical tricks and a close connection to their board. While they may not be as durable or provide as much impact protection as cupsoles, they are typically lighter and more affordable. These shoes are a solid option for skaters who prioritize board feel and flexibility over heavy impact protection.
Nike Janoski skate shoes
Key Features of Vulcanized Soles:
- Enhanced board feel
- Lightweight and flexible
- Slightly easier to break in
- Typically more affordable
- Less impact protection and durability
Cupsoles
Cupsoles are made from a more robust construction, where the sole is molded into a cup shape, encasing the foot. This construction results in a sturdier shoe that offers enhanced impact protection and durability. Cupsoles are often preferred by skaters who regularly jump down stairs, gaps, or do other forms of aggressive skating where impact protection is crucial. They tend to be heavier and offer less board feel compared to vulcanized options, but the added protection can be a game-changer for some skaters. These are the go-to choice for skaters who need maximum durability and impact absorption.
Adidas Tyshawn sole
Key Features of Cupsoles:
- Superior impact protection
- Increased durability
- More supportive construction
- Reduced board feel compared to vulcanized
- Often more expensive
High Tops, Mid Tops, and Low Tops: Choosing Your Cut
The cut of your skate shoe affects ankle support and freedom of movement.
- Low Tops: Offer maximum freedom of movement and are lighter, ideal for skaters who don’t need much ankle support or protection.
- Mid-Tops: Provide a good balance between protection and mobility, offering some ankle support without restricting movement too much.
- High Tops: Offer the most ankle support and protection, suitable for skaters who frequently experience ankle injuries or need extra stability.
Understanding Skate Shoe Soles
The sole of a skate shoe is more than just a base; it’s a complex system of features working to enhance your skating experience. The right sole can improve your board feel and reduce the risk of injuries.
Cushioning
Adequate cushioning is critical for preventing heel bruises and other foot injuries. Look for shoes that have sufficient padding, especially in the heel area. Insoles should ideally be removable, allowing you to replace them with custom or higher quality inserts if necessary.
Outsole, Midsole, and Insole
Skate shoe soles generally consist of an outsole, midsole, and insole, all working together to provide support, cushioning, and board feel. Outsoles are typically made of durable rubber, while midsoles are made from lightweight, flexible foam to absorb impact. Insoles offer further cushioning and support, with options ranging from basic foam to advanced materials like gel or air pockets.
Heel Support
Shoes with extra heel support are beneficial, especially for heavier skaters or those with a history of heel injuries. This extra support helps to reduce the shock from impacts and can significantly improve comfort.
skate shoe insole heel support
Outsole Tread Pattern and Grip
The tread pattern on the outsole is crucial for maintaining grip on your board. Common patterns include herringbone and waffle treads, which provide optimal traction. The right amount of grip keeps you secure on your board without causing annoying slippage.
shoe sole tread waffle pattern
Toe Caps and Stitching: Essential for Durability
Toe caps are rubbery reinforcements around the toe area that prevent wear and tear. This is particularly useful for skaters who do a lot of kickflips. Look for double or triple stitching in areas prone to wear to ensure your shoes last longer. The quality of stitching makes a significant difference in the lifespan of your skate shoes.
skate shoe with stitches vs without
Why Suede is Recommended
Suede is the preferred material for skate shoes due to its durability and ability to withstand the wear and tear of skateboarding. It’s also easier to repair than other materials. Shoes with suede panels in high-wear areas, like the ollie patch, will typically last much longer than canvas alternatives.
Why Avoid Canvas Skate Shoes
Canvas shoes may be cheaper, but they don’t hold up well to the demands of skateboarding. They tend to rip and tear easily, making them unsuitable for technical skating. While they are more breathable and may work for casual cruising or longboarding, they aren’t recommended for skaters who perform tricks.
The Importance of Fit: Considering Your Foot Type
Finding the right fit is critical for both comfort and performance. Your foot type, whether wide, narrow, or flat, should influence your choice of skate shoes. Avoid shoes that are too big or too small. They should feel snug, not tight, with a little room in the front and sides.
shoe sole size
Wide Feet
If you have wide feet, choose shoes with a wider cut to avoid discomfort. Shoes that are too narrow can cause pain and cramping.
Narrow Feet
Skaters with narrow feet should choose shoes with a narrow cut to ensure a snug fit, promoting stability and board control.
Flat Feet
Those with flat feet should look for shoes with extra arch support or consider using supportive insoles to prevent cramps and pain.
Top Skateboarding Shoe Brands
Many brands produce top-quality skate shoes. Some of the most reliable and popular include:
- eS
- DC
- Lakai
- Adio
- Emerica
- Etnies
- DVS
- Adidas
- Nike
- New Balance
These brands have a long history of producing high-quality skate shoes, each with unique features and styles to suit various preferences.
skate shoes on a skateboard
Additional Tips When Buying Skate Shoes
When purchasing new skate shoes, it’s beneficial to consider a few extra tips. Your body type, weight, and the style of skating you prefer all play a role in selecting the right shoe.
- Street vs Transition: Vulcanized soles offer better board feel, while cupsole options provide more impact protection. If you’re into transition skating, shoes with rubber toe pads can help when you’re sliding on knee pads.
- Cruising: Comfort is the key, go for canvas vulcanized shoes, as durability is less of a concern.
- Sales: Don’t hesitate to look for sales, maybe buy multiple pairs of shoes that you like. Be sure to read reviews for skate suitability and durability.
- Heavier Skaters: Look for shoes with excellent heel support to avoid common injuries.
- Longevity: Consider applying shoe goo on the seams of the shoes to make them last longer.
- Board Feel: Cupsole provides less board feel compared to vulcanized options.
- Socks: Proper socks, like runner or skateboarding socks, can provide extra comfort and wick away sweat.
- Trying On: Try on shoes in the afternoon, when your feet are typically swollen, for a more accurate fit.
Breaking in Your New Skate Shoes
Most skate shoes need some time to break in. After a few sessions, the material will become more flexible. If they don’t start to feel more comfortable after some use, you might have bought the wrong pair.
By considering these tips and factors, you can find the perfect skateboard shoes that not only enhance your performance but also provide the comfort and support you need to skate safely and confidently.
