Ever felt that slight wobble under your feet, even when you’re nailing that sick trick? Think it might be your shoes throwing you off? Skateboarding isn’t just about the board and tricks—it’s also about having the right gear. And trust me, bro, your shoe game is essential. Ever caught yourself wondering, “Dude, what shoes are gonna give me that perfect grip?” Well, you’ve just dropped into the right bowl. We’re about to kickflip into the gnarly universe of skate shoes, covering everything from matching your style to protecting those ankles. So, tighten your trucks, and let’s roll!
What should you look for in a skateboarding shoe?
When it comes to skating, your shoe game needs to be dialed in. Let’s go through a list of must-have features you need to check off before purchasing your new pair of skate shoes. Armed with this definitive list, you’ll be sure to dodge rattraps, make a smart pick, and avoid those gear-related faceplants.
1. Suede material
When it comes to materials, suede is something you’ll want to focus on. It’s the top choice for most skaters, and not without reasons. Firstly, suede is known for its superior grip compared to other common materials like canvas or leather. Traction is crucial in pulling off those gravity-defying stunts and intricate tricks.
The better the grip, the less likely you are to end up taking an unwanted flight off your board. Secondly, a tearing suede upper won’t lead to instant disaster. Even ripped, suede maintains some structural integrity, offering you that extra session to shred the streets before you actually need to replace them.
2. Heel support
Whether you’re flying over a vert or grinding rails, every landing sends a shock through your feet. Adequate heel support is absolutely critical here. Needless to say, all that repetitive slamming without ample support can lead to heel bruises or, in severe cases, can even cause heel spurs. Cupsoles, especially, provide better heel support with their layered foam and rubber structure, significantly reducing the risk of injury. They will help you tackle those big jumps without battering your heels too much.
3. Toe cap construction
Ever noticed how your skateboard just can’t seem to resist munching on your shoelaces? A longer nose design on your skate shoe could be the lifesaver you’ve been looking for. That little extra length can help protect your laces from constant abrasion against your board.
If you’ve ever been in the middle of an inspired skate session, only to be abruptly halted by a shredded lace, you’ll understand how much of a downer that can be. The right nose design on your skate shoes can significantly reduce wear and tear and save you the annoyance of frequent lace replacements.
4. Absorbent soles
Absorbent soles are the underrated heroes of a solid skate shoe. Protecting your foot against the brute force of physics every time you land is a vital function of a quality skateboard shoe. These soles help absorb the shock of your body weight literally smashing into your board, which isn’t, funnily enough, a comfortable experience.
An absorbent sole can make all the difference between gliding through your landing and wincing at the abrupt jar of an uncomfortable impact. Vulcanized soles or cupsoles, your choice should boil down to your own comfort, balance, and of course, the level of impact your skating style demands.
5. Stitchwork
We’re not exactly attending a fashion show here, but stitch work in skate shoes is not to be overlooked. A shoe that doesn’t hold together is a no-go in any situation, but in skateboarding, it’s an absolute catastrophe. While skating, shoes undergo a lot of stress and wear.
Bad stitch work can result in your shoe flapping like an injured bird, and trying to skate in that condition could lead to an injury. Ensuring that your shoe has decent stitch work is crucial to maintaining the shoe’s structure and integrity, ensuring you can confidently push the bounds of your skills.
6. Lace durability
As a skater, you definitely want durable laces. Any skater will tell you that there’s nothing more frustrating than a runaway skateboard caused by snapped laces in mid-session. A durable lace absorbs the friction from tape, slowing the wear and tear process.
The type and quality of shoe laces are often overlooked, but they do matter – a lot. Look for thicker laces, which are more likely to survive the constant friction against griptape. A small feature, yet it plays a crucial role in your skateboarding experience.
7. Solid sole construction
Nothing ruins a perfect skateboarding day like a ripped sole. You should be looking for solid sole construction.
The soles of your skate shoes take a lot of beating especially if you’re into street bashers sortta tricks. A well-structured, high-quality sole will withstand the torture for longer, saving you from those unexpected and irritating mid-session disruptions. You want the rubber to be resistant, still flexible for a solid grip.
8. Shoe weight
Style and substance aside, the weight of your shoes can heavily influence your comfort and performance. A heavy shoe can slow you down and tire you out, but a lighter design may compromise on the features that provide durability and protection. Finding the right balance between weight and functionality is crucial in choosing the perfect skate shoe.
9. Breathability
Sweaty feet are a no-go during your skate session. Therefore, picking a shoe that allows breathability can certainly make a significant difference in your comfort levels.
Excessive sweating not only creates discomfort but also leads to blisters and chafing. Thus, the material, design, and construction of your shoe should promote adequate airflow, helping keep those sweaty feet at bay.
10. Comfort and fit
Last but definitely not the least, comfort and fit play a pivotal role when choosing skate shoes. The shoe should mold well to the contours of your foot, offering you maximum comfort while executing those killer stunts.
A shoe too tight or too loose can disturb your balance, making it harder to land those tricks like a pro. Always consider the shape and size of your feet when choosing a skate shoe. Understand that every foot is unique, therefore the perfect. skate shoe differs for each skater.
DC Cure Casual High-top Skate Shoes
DC Cure Casual High-top Skate Shoes
Are vulcanized soles or cupsoles better for skateboarding?
The first stop on our journey is a step into the world of soles. It’s pretty much always the case that every skater has their own perspective on the eternal ‘vulcanized soles vs cupsoles’ debate. It’s a choice you have to make right out of the gate when you’re looking for your next pair of skate shoes.
Who should wear vulcanized soles?
Vulcanized soles might be a solid choice if you prioritize board feel. Skaters out there, especially those who are into technical tricks or mini ramps, love the lighter weight that these soles offer. However, what you gain in lightness and flexibility (perfect for performing sick kickflips), you pay in durability and impact protection. Vulcanized shoes typically wear down sooner but are generally cheaper than their cupsole counterparts.
Who should wear cupsoles?
Cupsoles are for skaters who fancy durability over board feel. Particularly for those brave enough to tackle huge rails, big stairs, or overly manly jumps, cupsoles have got your back. They might feel bulkier than vulcs due in part to the extra layers of protection these shoes provide, but they’re designed to absorb more impact and last longer on the grind. So, if you’ve got bigger plans and want to know your shoes can handle your leaps of faith, cupsoles are definitely a solid choice.
Are high tops, mid tops, and low tops just about the look?
Up next, we’re talking top cuts. Here again, skate shoe design is not just about getting you street cred on the half-pipe. The choice between high tops, mid tops, and low tops can significantly influence your comfort and protection.
Why should you choose low tops skate shoes?
If you’re someone who values freedom of movement and comfort while carving it up, low tops are the answer. They typically weigh less, but be mindful they offer less padding around the ankles, which could make you vulnerable to “razor-tail” injuries.
Who suits mid-top skate shoes?
Mid tops offer a balanced approach with moderate ankle support and a bit of wiggle room for movement. Immune to the restricted feel of high tops, these shoes still offer some protection against those sketchy board impacts.
Who should opt for high-top skate shoes?
High tops are the sturdy Iron Man suit of skate shoes. Lighter on agility but heavier on ankle protection, they’re like an exoskeleton for skaters prone to anklers. Don’t be scared off by their bulkiness. They’re there to provide you extra cushioning against any high octane errors. Remember, just like Tony Stark in his Iron Man suit, extra protection doesn’t mean you’re invincible, so always remember your helmet.
What else should you know before buying skate shoes?
If you’re heading out to buy your next pair of skate shoes, here are some extra nuggets of wisdom that might help you make the right choice:
- Try Before You Buy: Always try on the shoes first. Skating in ill-fitting shoes is likely to land you more trips to the hospital than sweet landings.
- Think Long-term: A cheaper shoe might be tempting, but cheap shoes wear out quickly, making them a short-term solution. Take time to invest in a quality pair that’ll stand the test of time.
- Style Matters: While function is a priority, style is undoubtedly a part of skate culture. Finding a shoe that aligns with your personal style can boost your confidence and enhance your overall skate experience.
My journey of finding the right skate shoes
When I began my journey as a skater, I pretty much chose my shoes based on what looked rad. Yeah, I was that shallow as a newbie, total poser. But as I started getting more into street skating, I quickly realized shoe choices ain’t no walk in the park.
“Choosing the right pair of skate shoes is more than just a fashion statement. It’s about equipping yourself for the ride. Always choose wisely, and remember to stay stoked!”
Sprained ankles, bruised heels, torn laces – all caused by my initial poor decisions. It wasn’t until I got myself a pair of Mid-Top Cupsoles did my skateboarding experience change for the better. These beauties gave me the right kind of ankle protection, and the cushioned impact absorption made a significant difference in my landings.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying mid-top cupsoles are the supreme choice for everyone. It depends on your foot, your skating style, and your personal preference. One thing’s for sure, the effort you put into making the right choice definitely pays off. Just like choosing the best skateboard for yourself, selecting skate shoes is equally crucial. Regardless of what you choose, remember to have fun and enjoy the ride!
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Diving into the world of skate shoes can raise a ton of questions. I’ve got you covered with answers to some pertinent ones right here.
Do skate shoes make a difference?
Absolutely! A well-chosen pair of skate shoes provides better grip, improved board feel, shock absorption, and injury prevention. They offer a perfect combination of function and style tailored to handle the velocity and impact of skating better compared to regular shoes.
How long do skate shoes last?
The longevity of skate shoes depends on multiple factors, including the quality of shoes and the type of skateboarding you do. Normally, a good pair of skate shoes should last about 3-6 months of active skateboarding. However, the frequency of their use and the tricks executed can affect their durability.
Should I get high tops or low tops?
Both high tops and low tops serve different purposes. High tops offer more ankle protection and support but restrict movement, making them a great choice for vert/ mini ramp. On the contrary, low tops offer more freedom of movement but less ankle protection, ideal for technical tricks and street skating.
Are skate shoes good for everyday use?
While you can wear skate shoes for everyday use, they might not last as long as other footwear designed for casual or athletic purposes. Skating shoes are specifically designed for the high-impact nature of skateboarding, and their distinct features may wear out faster under everyday use.
Final thoughts
And there it is, folks! A comprehensive guide to helping you choose the perfect pair of skate shoes. Picking the right skateboard shoe doesn’t have to be a draconian task. Armed with this knowledge, you are one step closer to your dream shred session. Start your search with the end in mind, and remember, personal comfort is key!
Did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Thanks for reading and keep ripping it up!
Key takeaways
This article covered the essential aspects of how to choose the right skate shoes. Here are some key takeaways:
- Skate shoes are specifically designed to cater to the needs of skateboarders.
- The material of the shoes, especially suede, influences the grip and durability.
- Heel support and absorbent soles are intended for shock absorption and injury prevention.
- Durability, weight, and the breathability of shoes are essential factors to consider.
- A comfortable fit is critical for balance and effective execution of tricks.
- The type of soles (Vulcanized vs Cupsoles) and top-cuts (High, Mid, Low) comes down to personal preference and skating style.
