Last Updated on October 24, 2022 by admin
When it comes to skateboarding, it is an almost instinctive response to check out the features of the newest kicks. As skateboarding technology continues to advance and skate fashion bursts into the mainstream, there is now more variety than ever when it comes to skating brands and styles.
However, buying the right shoe is key and can make the difference between protected feet and one bad ollie, leaving you with some serious injuries. In this article we piece together the details on eight of the best skate shoes on the market, so you know all about the top options available for your skateboarding needs.
Best Skate Shoes
1. Emerica Pillar Mid
- Breathable Engineered Liner
- G6 Foam Insole for impact protection
- Double Wrapped Vulcanized Construction
- Rubber Ollie Guard
These are probably the best skateboarding shoes on the market and the one mid-top option on our list. This means that the Pillar is a bit heavier than some of the other models, but not so much that it makes a discernible difference. It does, however; make the Pillar the skating shoe when it comes to supporting your ankles. Combined with some extra padding near the collar to help keep your heel tight, you do not slip around in your shoe.
The double wrapped sole on the Pillar also has rubber taping that surrounds the shoe. When added to the suede upper, plus the rubber ollie guard, this makes the Pillar one of the sturdiest shoes available. The downside of this sturdy construction is that these shoes take a few days to break in but by day three you will have optimal feel and control on the board.
A drawback of the Pillar is probably its thick rubber sole which makes the foot sit slightly high in the shoe. This can affect your stability at first, but this tends to become less of a problem as you break them in. Also, the shoe is somewhat flat, so it offers limited arch support. If you are someone with flat feet, this could be an issue and you would want to use an insert for added arch support to alleviate this problem.
2. Adidas City Cup
- Suede upper for a plush look
- Breathable mesh lining
- Vulcanized midsole wrap for durability
- Semi-translucent double cup gum rubber outsole for grip
The Adidas City Cup is a world-class skateboarding shoe selection. These are a bit thinner and lighter than the Pillar but still provide enough padding to protect your feet. A huge benefit when it comes to cup sole shoes is that they tend to break in and adjust to your foot almost instantly.
The foot rests lower in the shoe’s footbed which provides you with optimal stability that is hard to find with any other model. The upper area of the shoe has suede material near the toe and laces, making them great for flip tricks, and mesh along the heel and sides so your feet can breathe. The suede material also makes it super long-lasting and has proven to hold up while you do an array of tricks.
While the Adidas City Cup is strong in most respects, here are some of the negatives. For one thing, the rubber sole is a little narrow which may be a problem if you are someone with a wider foot. Additionally, the insole does not provide the best support for the arch of your foot and the low-top structure provides very little ankle support.
Most of these negatives are based on your personal preferences or foot size, and the Adidas City Cup is still one of the best skater shoes you can buy.
3. DC Kalis Vulc
- Josh Kalis signature shoe
The DC Kalis Vulc will probably be your best bet if you are looking for a great skate shoe on a budget. The DC Kalis Vulc is a remodeling of a classic Josh Kalis skateboard shoe from 1999. Although they share a similar side panel, they are quite different.
The new Kalis Vulc is both thinner and lighter with a vulcanized shoe sole. The shoe is also incredibly comfortable and will feel broken in quickly. The Kalis Vulc also has a great suede toe that will help for tricks and its mesh collar and tongue make sure your feet can breathe on the board. The vulcanized sole also comes with soft insoles which provide great grip and protection.
There are a few drawbacks to the Kalis Vulc. The thin rubber sole may make them very easy to break in, but this could be a negative feature for big impacts. It also provides no ankle support because of its thin sole and lightweight, which means it may have some drawbacks when it comes to general foot protection. Another negative aspect would be the missing lace protection due to its widely shaped lace closure.
4. Lakai Carroll
- Lakai is a Los Angeles, California based footwear manufacturer that enjoys a rich history in the skateboarding lifestyle.
- Founded by professional skateboarders Mike Carroll and Rick Howard in 1999
The Lakai Carroll skate shoe is a remodeling of skater legend Mike Carroll’s first Lakai shoe from 2000. The Lakai shoes are a great fit and feel insanely comfortable. They also have a nice thick padded tongue and a strong padded collar to provide added support for your foot and helps keep it in place. Like the first Lakai model from 2000, the Lakai Carroll has an upper that is combines suede and mesh-based materials which makes it both durable and well-ventilated.
It has a new XLK sole that tends to take a little bit longer to break in but does offer some of the best heat absorption out there. It also has ample lace protection that is commonly lacking with other skate shoes.
While they are both comfortable and durable, make sure you choose the correct size. They tend to run a little small so you should probably purchase half a size larger than what you normally wear. Also, the shoe’s tread is a bit shallow which means that the traction does wear out quicker than other models.
Overall, the Lakai Carroll is a great fit with a nice blend of classic and contemporary attributes.
5. Nike SB Check Solarsoft Canvas
The Nike SB Check Solarsoft Canvas is a great skate shoe that needs almost zero time to break in. The canvas has great ventilation and a strong vulcanized sole making it one of the lightest options on our list.
The shoe’s Solarsoft sock liner is also incredibly comfortable and despite its thin shape, provides great support. The vulcanized sole has excellent grip and traction both on and off the board. The canvas-based material on the SB check also holds up better than other canvas shoes seen before this model.
While it may be more durable compared to other canvas brands, the SB Check Solarsoft is not quite as sturdy as alternate materials in other skate shoes like leather and synthetic fabrics. Additionally, the insole may be comfortable, but the outer sole is quite thin and does not give you the best protection. These Nike models, like many low-top shoes, also do not provide any protection for your ankles or laces. Lastly, they feel comfortable and fit well while walking but sometimes feel loose while skating. If you go a half size down to correct this issue, they feel too small and tight.
Overall, this is a good lightweight skateboarding shoe with great ventilation. These should probably be your go-to option if you like thinner skate shoes with plenty of flexibility.
6. New Balance All Coasts 574 V1
- REVlite midsole delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning
- Suede and mesh upper for durability and style
- Durable rubber outsole
- Lace closure ensures a secure fit
The New Balance All Coasts 574 V1 is classified as a “lifestyle” shoe since it is not a part of New Balance’s NB Numeric skateboarding line. However, it works surprisingly well as a more casual skate shoe.
The sole does take some time to break in, but its narrow fit does well to hold your feet in place. The upper is mostly made of suede near the toe and heel, with mesh over the toe and around the collar for that perfect blend of permanence and ventilation. Even though the outsole is flat, the insole gives you surprisingly good arch support and also includes a great gum sole for excellent traction.
The major negative associated with the All Coasts 574 is the time it takes to break them in. The sole is quite stiff for the first few times you wear them. The rubber is harder than most popular skate shoes. Additionally, while they have proven to work well for the first few months on the board, sometimes the stitching comes out of the tongue and continues to unravel over time.
If you are looking for a casual shoe that can still hold its own on a skateboard, then the New Balance Coasts 574 may still be a solid bet.
7. Vans Authentic
- Vans Authentic
- Vans Branding On Tongue
- Full Canvas Upper
- Full Lace Up Front
- Waffle Pattern Tread
The Vans Authentic is one of the most iconic skate shoe brands out there. This model is essentially very similar to the Vans Era, the first skate shoe model, with a bigger collar padding. The world-famous waffle shoe has become synonymous with skate shoe branding since it breaks in quickly and has a great board feel.
The Authentic model also has a nice canvas upper with no added materials which makes them light and well-ventilated, but not the most durable. Luckily, Vans also offers the slightly more expensive Authentic Pro which comes with added rubber and padding that increases durability.
While the Vans Authentic may have been the ideal choice for skaters back in the day, the high-impact nature of the sport today requires more padding and support than the Authentic offers. Even if you prefer thin shoes, the small canvas layer may not protect you if you enjoy high-impact skating.
8. Adidas Seeley
- Regular fit
- Lace closure
- Textile upper
Adidas is one of the best brands whose reputation for quality speaks for itself. These shoes have a similar aesthetic to some of Adidas’ other models, but it comes with a three-stripe design and increased durability.
Even with its simple design, it still holds up better than most other skate shoes. Its vulcanized cleats give you as a rider some superior grip on the board and its synthetic suede upper provides increased traction.
Some negatives include its lack of padding and protection for high-impact skating. There is a tiny bit of padding around the collar, but it is not sufficient for most purposes. This makes them less durable than the average skate shoe and they begin to show signs of wear and tear after a while.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are skate shoes?
Skate shoes are shoes typically worn while skateboarding either casually or competitively. They are also designed with the skater’s activity in mind and are designed to maximize their safety.
How are they different from other sneakers or running shoes?
Since skate shoes are designed with skateboarding in mind, they tend to be far more durable than your average pair of sneakers because of the wear and tear shoes take on a board. While you can theoretically wear any kind of shoe while skateboarding, you may get hurt since other shoes do not offer the same protection.
What should I consider when buying skateboarding shoes?
When purchasing skate shoes, the first thing you should look at is the outsole material that is used to grip your board and the concrete when you ride. The outer material of the shoe is also something to keep in mind while buying a skate shoe and you should look at suede-based materials to maximize both durability and comfort.