A Guide to Choosing the Right Skateboard Shoes for Maximum Performance and Style

What makes skateboarding a great hobby is that getting started doesn’t usually cost a lot of money. All you need is a quality ride and the right pair of kicks. As the bridge between board and rider, your sneakers safeguard your feet and become an extension of your style on the asphalt canvas. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner finding your footing on the deck, the right pair can make all the difference.

Check out these skateboard shoes from top brands like Adidas, Vans, Puma, and New Balance, and choose a pair that best fits your style and skating needs. Their high-quality insoles keep you comfortable, while the sturdy and durable outsoles provide support and protect you from impact while performing your tricks.

Cushioned Heels

The cushioning on your skate shoe’s heel is one of its most important features to look for when shopping. Whether you’re landing on the board or off it, your heel immediately absorbs a large deal of the impact. When you don’t do a trick correctly or you fall badly on your board, you run the risk of getting heel injuries. In other words, your footwear should provide proper cushioning for the back of your feet without being so big that it prevents you from feeling the board. 

Toe Cap

The toes of your skate shoes usually wear out first, specifically if you perform a lot of flips, which is why toe caps are important features to look for as they can significantly extend their lifespan. In addition to this, the rubber toe caps offer traction, improving the responsiveness of your board during flips. The toe caps of certain models have a highly abrasive surface finish, thus offering a lot of safety since this crucial area doesn’t have seams and stitching. 

Low Tops vs Mid Tops vs High Tops

The skateboard shoes come in several different designs that offer different practical benefits and style points: 

Slip-on: This is the most convenient design, as you don’t need to worry about frayed laces or fragile stitches. Slip-ons typically offer fewer safety features and a narrower design. However, models that have a rubber toe cap have a longer lifespan; 

Low tops: These are the most popular kicks in the skating world. They let your feet move freely and keep sweat at bay. However, they have one disadvantage – they don’t provide proper ankle support; 

Mid tops: If you want a bit more ankle protection without adding a lot of weight or thickness, mid-tops are a good alternative; 

High tops: Skaters typically buy high-top skate shoes in Australia because of their stylish appeal and the added safety they offer, especially around the vulnerable and frequently injured ankle area. They offer more warmth than the other models, but they typically take longer to put on and take off; 

Puffy sneakers: In addition to the nostalgic appeal of these shoes from the 1990s, many skaters like the way that they make them feel. They provide more safety and cushioning and feature durable uppers. 

Sole Construction

The soles of your skate footwear are like your MTB tyres – they need to be sturdy and able to handle a lot of wear and tear from your daily adventures. Here are the three main types of soles and their characteristics: 

Insole: Most sneakers include removable insoles. A thicker insole protects you from impact more efficiently and can ease the strain on your legs and heels. When you land on the hard concrete surface too many times, your feet can get bruised. However, extremely thick insoles don’t let you feel the board well, which makes learning tricks more difficult; 

Midsole: Although the midsole isn’t in direct contact with your feet or the board, it protects you from impacts and helps you feel the board. This part of your shoe should be thick and sturdy, but not so thick that it weighs you down; 

Outsole: This is the part of your kicks that touches your board’s grip tape when you perform tricks. It should have a thick and grippy construction so that the grip tape doesn’t damage it easily. Thicker outsoles have a longer lifespan, but they require more time to break in. 

Uppers

The top material of your skate shoes largely impacts their lifespan. You’ll often find that your uppers wear out before your rubber outsoles. This explains why you frequently see skaters with big shoe holes that show through their socks. So, look for kicks with good upper materials like suede and leather. If you’re a beginner still learning your ollies, opt for suede as a more affordable option. 

How Do I Care for My Skate Shoes?

Another factor that determines how long your kicks last is the amount of care you give them. Skate shoes are an important investment, so you should try to get the most out of your purchase. But how can you expand their lifespan? One thing you can do is to always fasten your laces securely and neatly. 

Seal high-risk wear-and-tear areas with waterproofing spray and use special adhesives to repair holes, so you don’t damage the material. After every session, let your beloved kicks air out. Carefully clean them from dirt and debris with a wet towel and never throw them in the washing machine.