Though skateboarding is a hobby for many, it is also a worldwide competition for foreign pro-skaters, namely Street League Skateboarding. However, there are a number of skate shoes or skateboard shoes specifically made for skateboarding in the market. In general, the best skate shoes typically rely on different factors. Anyone looking for the best skate shoes may have a range of concerns. We hope to clear those doubts with this article about Best Skate Shoes for Skateboarding in 2021.
Do Shoes Matter When Skateboarding?
Definitely, yes! If you don’t like having calluses on the bottom of your feet, then wearing shoes are a must! Shoes are really helpful. Especially, the skate shoes help to put up with continuous harassment of skateboarding on your legs.
Do you need Special Shoes for Skateboarding?
It is recommended to have special shoes for skateboarding. While it is possible to use other kinds of shoes, such as running shoes, basketball shoes, etc., it would feel very uncomfortable. They provide less flexibility and make it more difficult to develop your skills. Also, it’s a little riskier because you won’t feel how your board reacts without proper skate shoes.
On the other hand, there are a number of skate shoes designed by different brands which are specifically made for skateboarding. The designs of the skate shoes help to minimize injuries to one’s feet and allow skateboarders to get more control over their board.
Further, have you ever wondered why there are so many types of shoes like running shoes, hiking shoes, football boots, hockey shoes, etc., in the athletic footwear market? Actually, each of them has a clear function to make the most of the particular sport or activity. That’s why the majority of athletes prefer running shoes that are ideal for their purpose such as long-distance running shoes, cushioned shoes, beginners’ running shoes, etc., even if they are able to run barefoot. It is the same with skating as well. Therefore, you should also consider having the best skate shoes to make the most of your skateboarding session.
What is Special about Skateboard Shoes?
The best skate shoes improve your grip, withstand shocks, and avoid injuries without compromising board feel. Try to look for suede material, heel support, toe caps, laces out of grip range, shock-resistant soles, and good stitch work, when choosing the best skate shoes for you. You got it right! Basically, look for shoes with a little bit of everything!
What are the Best Skate Shoes?
We know how hard it is to make a decision. No worries, we have listed fifteen of the best skate shoes designed by top sports brands such as Adidas, DC, Etnies, Nike and Vans for you to try out in 2021. Unlike the thousands of knock-off versions of skate shoes available in the department store, the brands we’ve selected here really know what an awesome skate shoe must be like and they are world famous for their quality.
- Adidas Originals Men’s Busenitz Vulc
- Adidas 3st.004
- Adidas Tyshawn Pro Skate Shoes
- DC Men’s Trase TX Unisex
- DC Men’s Court Graffik
- DC Legacy 98 Slim
- Etnies Michelin Marana
- Etnies Joslin
- Nike Men’s Court Vision
- Nike SB Hyperfeel Koston 3 Mens Trainers
- Nike Mens Dunk Low Pro IW
- Nike SB Check Solarsoft Canvas
- Vans Unisex Old Skool
- Vans Sk8-Hi Reissue
- Vans Era 59
After going through the list, you must definitely be wondering about the features of these skate shoes. Keep reading!
Best Skate Shoes in Detail
The following sections will certainly help you clarify your concerns and help you purchase the right skate shoes for yourself. You can find the above-mentioned skate shoes one by one. Let us start with Adidas skate shoes!
Adidas Skate Shoes
Adidas is a well-known sporting goods brand in the world. If you’re talking about the dedicated sporting goods or the sports gear it makes, it’s all high quality. Adidas skate shoes are one of the best in the range of creativeness and recognition.
Adidas Originals Men’s Busenitz Vulc Skate Shoes
This is one of the best trendy looking skate shoes available today. They are named after Dennis Busenitz, a pro skater famous for his fast and all-terrain skating. It is capable of providing you with protection and cover against potential accidents. Whether it’s the price or the amount of comfort, the style or the durability, everything is just fine about these skate shoes.
Pros
- Comes with a rubber sole that offers the ultimate support you need when skateboarding and optimum safety.
- It offers a highly durable cupsole construction.
- The full grain leather upper of this skate shoe makes it durable and capable of wearing and tear as experienced in skateboarding.
- Custom recessed eyelets avoid the shredding of laces.
- Provide support, comfort and an anatomical fit using the GEOFIT collar.
- Additionally, it includes a PU sock liner to minimize impact effects and enhance comfort.
Adidas 3st.004 Skate Shoes
The fourth addition to the much-hyped Adidas 3ST family. The 3ST is the most technical series of footwear in the skate range indeed. They are designed using the feedback from Adidas pro riders. Adidas made sure that in visual and technological ways, this newest edition meets the high expectations. The sturdy nubuck and suede top blends modern fashion lines with classic style, so these shoes look as great as they sound. If you are searching for skateboard shoes that are durable, comfortable, and stylish, this is the one!
Pros
- The upper exterior comprises sturdy suede or leather, complete with the famous branding of “three stripes”.
- It got Herringbone tread and paneled overlays.
- Built on a sheet of sensitive Boost cushioning for shock absorption.
- Elastic sole provides a lot of versatility, but it is nearly indestructible at the same time, making it more durable.
- The additional padding from the Geofit tongue provides adequate protection and stability.
Cons
- However, it does come with a slightly higher price tag. But as the 3ST.004 is more than just your average kicks, making it worth its cost.
Adidas Tyshawn Pro Skate Shoes
As this one comes with a cupsole, it has compression to restore and to assist hard landings. It usually takes a little longer to break in but lasts longer when faced with everyday use. Also, your feet feel extra good with a molded sockliner and plush collar.
Pros
- Durable cupsole with shock absorption to provide the best protection from hard landings.
- Features a full-length EVA midsole to provide comfort and shock absorption.
- Presence of soft polyurethane insole for added safety and comfort.
- ADITUFF™ technology uses a rubber-backed toe box material which provides resistance to abrasion and extends shoe life.
- Recessed eyelets on the first rows give you added lace protection, so you can skate more and lace less.
- Herringbone tread provides excellent grip and control of the board.
DC Skate Shoes
DC is no stranger to shaking up the skate shoe design status quo. Since day one, DC Shoes has continued to develop skate styles. They are pioneers of the lifestyle and culture of skateboarding, working endlessly to come up with new ways to enhance skateboarding through creative products and designs.
DC Men’s Trase TX Unisex Skate Shoes
The level of comfort, fit, look and protection you get with this pair is exactly what you always look for in a perfect skate shoe. It is definitely a choice to weigh the price range at which the DC Men’s Trase TX Unisex Skate Shoe comes in when going for the best skate shoes.
Pros
- Comes with a sole made of fabric that is very suitable for skate shoes.
- It’s a low-top sneaker which comes with a padded collar to increase the level of comfort and safety.
- It has a suede upper for durability.
- Features vulcanized construction for great board-feel and sole flex.
- High-end skate shoes that come at a reasonably low price.
DC Men’s Court Graffik Skate Shoes
The shoe features a sole made of rubber. This is a unique way to make sure users enjoy wearing them and are not growing weary. It also has the best kind of breathability from the vent holes that present on the shoes. That allows the air in and out to flow freely. That also keeps the shoes from smelling bad!
Pros
- The tongue is made using a lighter mesh.
- Present of vent holes for breathability.
- Possible to use them both on and off the road.
- It is made of leather making it durable.
DC Legacy 98 Slim Skate Shoes
What makes it a desirable shoe is the convergence of past and current styles in the DC Legacy 98 Slim. And why not? It is noteworthy for its relative appeal, longevity, and flexibility, providing skaters and non-skaters alike with many possibilities.
Pros
- UniLite is the midsole arch of this shoe, while OrthoLite is the insole, making it very comfortable while providing support.
- Without tearing, the suede material that is normally exposed to a lot of wear and tear as well as the outsole will hold up very well.
- It helps the toes to be pain-free and comfortable.
- Collar and tongue padded with foam to support the foot.
- It’s much cheaper than other shoes.
Etnies Skate Shoes
Etnies shoes are designed to provide ease and comfort and are properly padded to give the wearer the best experience. Indeed, they are typically as good for regular wear as any other stylish pair of sneakers or shoes.
Etnies has joined forces with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium rubber to convert the performance and durability of Michelin tires into the outsole of a shoe in an attempt to continually enhance the most robust skateboarding footwear on the market.
Etnies Michelin Marana Skate Shoes
One of the best out there, which provides durability, following its classic styling with new upgrades. It is long-lasting and much more ridged with the Michelin sole than the normal skating footwear. Because these hold up very well over time and only begin to show some form of surface wear after skating for a few months. The best option for cupsole fans!
Pros
- Capable of absorbing impacts that can withstand the skateboarding banger style, provided the STI Evolution foam in its midsole, including the Pro Foam 1 PU technology insole.
- The Thermothane rubber adds more durability to the shoe.
- Only the region of the kickflip is susceptible to minor tearing when worn regularly, otherwise the shoe stays unscathed and more skate time is expected.
- Consist of Pro Foam 1 Polyurethane insole.
Etnies Joslin Skate Shoes
This one is named after one of California’s skateboarding expert Chris Joslin. This possesses almost all the attributes you might like in a pro model. It’s strong enough to provide you with enough support. It may take some time to break in though, but you will be rewarded with unprecedented resilience once it has gotten its groove.
Pros
- It will take a while to be comfortable in it but after around 3 to 5 sessions, it will unleash its full potential, board feel and all and remain that way for quite some time.
- With the Michelin rubber compound outsole, the cupsole design provides excellent grip and unbeatable durability.
- It has a large tongue, sturdy suede and thick ankle padding.
- With its extra-thick ankle padding that offers sufficient protection, it rests nicely and securely and prevents the displacement of your foot within.
Cons
- Impact absorption must be improved with cushioning.
Nike Skate Shoes
Nike is famous for its premium goods worldwide and is a company that needs no introduction. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional; Nike provides a wide range of goods for all your diverse needs. Also it is the brand name of most professional athletes worldwide.
Nike Men’s Court Vision Skate Shoes
The concept of the Nike Court Vision draws influence from mid-1980s basketball shoes, using a mixture of rubber, leather and synthetic leather. This retro-style unisex skate shoe has a special value for its price and are a hybrid shoe with the renowned Nike Swoosh style.
Pros
- There’s a sturdy rubber sole.
- It consists of a mixture of the tops of rubber, leather and synthetic leather.
- Built for improved resilience and traction with rubber cupsole.
- These are hybrid shoes adorned with a design by Swoosh.
Nike SB Hyperfeel Koston 3 Mens Trainers Skate Shoes
Thanks to the Nike Hyperfeel system, the Nike SB Hyperfeel Koston 3 offers an unparalleled board feel: a combination of sock-like fit, articulated cushioning, and outsole flexibility that enables the shoe to serve as your foot’s natural extension. The pair will provide you with the best comfort while reducing the risk of injury during skateboarding. The flat sole gives the skateboard full control and reduces the chance of falling.
Pros
- All synthetic textiles in high-wear areas make it stable.
- Multidirectional flex grooves add flexibility.
- The sole is flat and all rubber, minimizing the tension experienced during skateboarding.
- The Mesh Quarter Panel improves ventilation.
- The inner no-sew layout feels smooth against the skin.
Cons
- This pair is somewhat pricey, but considering the features and advantages this pair has to offer, it’s all worth it.
Nike Mens Dunk Low Pro IW Skate Shoes
This comes with both the features of the best skate shoes in the simplest form and has a stunning eye-catching look that will look fantastic on your feet.
Pros
- It features a classic low-profile look and has outstanding support and longevity.
- Nike Zoom unit for responsive cushioning in the heel.
- It has vamp holes to improve breathability.
- The deconstructed top has an internal fit structure for comfort and stability.
- Suede and synthetic tops to offer durability.
- The sock liner’s Zoom Air unit offers sensitive cushioning.
- Flexible rubber outsole for durability with a full cupsole stitch.
Nike SB Check Solarsoft Canvas Skate Shoes
This is a breathable, lightweight skate shoe with a supportive sock liner that helps keep your feet feeling fresh on your board during long days.
Pros
- Built to provide your workouts with more energy and flexibility when you wear them.
- The canvas is lightweight and breathable.
- Comes with a Sockliner from Solarsoft is soft and supportive.
- For a versatile, broken-in feel, vulcanized design fuses the outsole to the tip.
Vans Skate Shoes
Vans is another world-famous American manufacturer of skateboarding shoes and associated apparel. They come in a range of colors and designs and are not too rough on the pocket. Vans have so many different patterns and designs for almost everyone.
In the skateboarding world, Vans became even more in demand after Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, who were both skateboarders, debuted aerial tricks in various competitions wearing Vans shoes. Subsequently, Vans partnered with Alva and Peralta to improve the Top 15 Best Vans Shoes in 2019 to suit the needs of skateboarders in the 1970s.
Vans Unisex Old Skool Skate Shoes
Guess what! All you get with these shoes is tailor-made to match skateboarding. You will get the ultimate protection and comfort you always need with these shoes. This pair’s sole is flat, giving you an improved grip so that you do not drop your skateboard always.
Pros
- These are lightweight shoes.
- The rubber sole ensures you highest comfort and safety.
- Comes with padded collars, so that you get that extra comfort when bending your foot.
- These shoes’ toe caps are re-enforced so that they do not wear off during skateboarding from the immense pressure.
Vans Sk8-Hi Reissue Skate Shoes
The Vans Sk8-Hi Reissue comes with more flexibility, support and durability from the iconic Sk8-Hi lineup. In fact, it is made using materials free of animal by-products that are assured to be 100% vegan.
Pros
- Comes with an outsole waffle, which works well on every form of surface with great traction.
- Upper front has unique perforations for better air circulation.
- Present in a number of colors and patterns.
- Provide significant support for the ankles.
Vans Era 59 Skate Shoes
In mixing a range of color schemes and patterns to complement several different outfits from smart casual to laidback styles, this low-top deviation from the Vans Era lineup features both creativity and versatility. For durable longevity, stability, and exceptional grip when participating in extreme sports such as skateboarding, the Vans Era 59 is also coming with conventional vulcanized rubber outsoles.
Pros
- Double stitches with genuine EVA midsoles allows improved durability and flexibility.
- Features waffle outsoles for better traction and excellent grip.
- It’s got a soft suede leather touch.
Are Skate Shoes Good for Walking?
While some may give a ‘yes’ to this question, we suggest a ‘no’. The sole of the skate shoes is smooth and not made to thump continuously. Even if the insides of the shoe are well padded, it still isn’t an ideal option to walk with. Simply put, they are designed to cover the special needs of skateboarders. So, if you use skate shoes for long-distance walking, you may experience some complications. They’re just great for skating, but they might not be the perfect choice for daily use!
What to Look for in Best Skate Shoes?
When selecting a pair of skate shoes, you will want shoes with the following features. We know that there’s a lot to take in. But, try looking for a skate shoe that comes with a little bit of everything. The first thing you need to look for when buying a skate shoe is whether you want to wear vulcanized shoes or cupsole shoes.
Vulcanized soles or Cupsoles
The distinction between cups and vulcanized soles is the durability and feel of the board. Vulcanized soles give the best feel and flexibility to the board thanks to their gummy, foldable feel. The drawback of the vulc sole is the lack of support for the heel due to its super flat form. In the case of ground tricks and advanced street skating, Vulc soles will be a perfect match. On the other hand, the cupsole provides more foot and ankle support by creating a thicker layer between you and your board. Apparently, the drawback to this is less of a board feel. But which one are you going to get? Definitely, the one that feels good for you, there’s no better option. It’s all down to personal choice.
Material
Go for suede and avoid canvas! This is like a mantra when selecting a perfect pair of skate shoes. Suede skate shoes are the number one agreed upon by skateboarders. Skate shoes that last the longest are made of suede. There’s much more they can take than canvas shoes. At least make sure the parts are covered with suede when you have your ollie, kickflip, or heelflip.
Padding
Skating shoes are also padded to avoid injury and improve comfort when skating. These places include the tongue, heel, sidewall, and some other places. When you skate, you often experience serious stress on your feet, ankles, and joints. Many skate companies design their shoe models with different types of carpeting in order to reduce the effect of challenging tricks, such as jumping gaps and stairs.
Insole
Opt for shoes with an insole that is removable and provides support using gel, foam, air pockets or a combination. If you need more support, you can consider buying insoles separately.
Outer Sole
The critical contact point between the skater and the board is the outer sole. Look for a shoe made of rubber gum with a flat outsole for grip. Gum rubber grips better and lasts longer than other kinds of rubber from which features skate shoes.
Toe Caps
The rubbery material coated around the nose to avoid holes is known as toe caps. It makes your shoes last longer as they better withstand the friction of your grip. You might consider toe caps if you skate transition and slide on your knee pads and feet a great deal. Also, perfect if you are into a lot of kickflips!
Stitching
In particular, look for double or even triple stitches on the spots most likely to wear out (areas around the nose, kickflip, and heelflip side) since the single stitches are not the thing to rely on. Consider the application of Shoe Goo to areas that are likely to wear out.
Laces
Laces are one of the first ones to break almost always! Therefore, shoelaces are a primary concern when buying a pair of skate shoes as they hold the shoes to your feet. Upper materials and soles are not the only things that wear out rapidly due to the grip, the shoelaces often wear out too. There is also a smart option for a waxed or leather shoelace. Also, there are a few skate shoes out there that have longer noses and reinforced lace holes to address this issue. The life of your laces is also greatly increased by metal or plastic eyelets as well as a special protective shoelace.
Ventilation
Perforations and breathable upper materials help to circulate fresh air and help prevent moisture. Furthermore, some manufacturers produce perforated lateral panels and vent holes right in the sides of the shoes or use tongues made from aerated mesh material to avoid your feet getting sweaty while skating. Therefore, keep in mind that the comfort and feel of your shoes depend on the best ventilation.
Price
When was your buying decision not affected by the price tag? You may be able to go for a cheaper shoe if you aren’t skating much, particularly if you’re not doing aerials or complicated board tricks. An expensive, well-made shoe will last much longer than a cheaper alternative if you skate frequently.
Best Skate Shoes | Bottom Line
While there are lots of tips and tricks to being a skateboarder, there is no other greater factor than having a pair of best skate shoes. There’s a reason why skateboarders don’t play barefoot. Although classic skate shoes will always have a particular fascination, the best skate shoes last longer, perform better and create a certain style effect in today’s shoes cape. So, going for the perfect pair of skate shoes that fit best for you is totally up to you. To conclude, just keep in mind that skateboarding teaches you how to take a fall properly, and wearing a pair of skate shoes at that time will make it easier for you!
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