If you’re looking for the best skateboarding shoes, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the top twelve skateboarding shoes on the market.
12 Best Skateboarding Shoes 2023 – Ultimate Guide
Someone who uses a skateboard will know that there are certain essentials one must have along with their skateboard. This includes security gear such as helmets and paddings to ensure maximum safety and protection against accidents or injuries.
Besides these essentials, some products offer great value for money if bought with a skateboard. These include skateboarding shoes; you must be wondering what makes these shoes different.
Well, one of their most significant advantages is that they are lightweight and offer excellent stability to the rider thanks to the thinner sole these shoes come with. With various shoes being offered in the market, it sometimes gets confusing to select the best shoes.
Best Skateboarding Shoes 2023
1. Adidas Forum 84 low ADV
- Durability: Excellent
- Comfort: Outstanding
- Board Feel: Great
- Sole Type: No info
PROMINENT FEATURE: Great Ankle support
REASONS TO BUY:
- Provides great protection
- Extremely comfortable
- It offers excellent freedom of movement to the rider
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Shoe is bulky
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The shoe has been designed in a way that offers great comfort to the rider and great ankle support. The protection is outstanding, and the shoe offers ease of movement to the rider as well.
The pivot point on the shoe is located below the big toe joint on the outside, which allows the skaters to have a firm and solid footing.
Moreover, the footbed is removable on these shoes, which means that these can be easily removed from the shoe and placed into another.
The shoe gives an old-school aesthetic look from the 80s. The shoes can hence be used casually, and they will definitely make heads turn as you walk wearing them.
2. Emerica Pillar Mid
- Durability: Great
- Comfort: Excellent
- Board Feel: Very Comfortable
- Sole Type: Vulcanized
PROMINENT FEATURE: The outsole has a structure that gives enhanced grip
REASONS TO BUY:
- The liner has perforations on the collar and medial
- It has a heel clip for stability
- Ollie guard-rubber reinforced for superior durability
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Run a little narrow in the toe
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The shoe provides excellent ankle support and protection. The movement the shoe provides the rider with is also remarkable. The shoe gives a vintage 80s look, making it attractive and appealing to the eyes.
Moreover, it is a double-wrapped vulcanized show which has been engineered with a breathable liner. This doesn’t suffocate the rider’s foot and allows for ventilation.
Furthermore, the shoe offers a G6 foam polyurethane insole that enhances impact protection. The desert grip-out sole offers outstanding flexibility and durability
3. Etnies Joslin
- Durability: Excellent
- Comfort: Great
- Board Feel: Outstanding
- Sole Type: No info
PROMINENT FEATURE: Great comfort
REASONS TO BUY:
- Sturdy material
- Durable Michelin sole
- Above-average ankle protection
- Hidden Toe Cap
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Long break-in period
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The shoe has been designed as a pure skate shoe. The shoe might feel a bit heavy and firm, but the comfort level it offers is remarkable.
The board feel and grip are amazing. The shoe comes with extra thick padding around the ankle, offering excellent support and allowing movement of your feet inside the shoe.
Moreover, the show offers a high-level cushioning. The thick STI midsole makes you forget that heel bruises exist. The most significant advantage these shoes offer is the durability they provide you with.
4. Nike SB "Nyjah Free" 2
- Durability: Excellent
- Comfort: Great
- Board Feel: Superb
- Sole Type: No info
PROMINENT FEATURE: Offers great comfort despite being a bit bulky and firm
REASONS TO BUY:
- Very durable
- Very breathable
- Extremely lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Not the grippiest outsole
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The shoe is very durable and offers great comfort and impact protection to the rider. The shoe is perfect for anyone who has just started skateboarding and is a beginner.
It offers a lot of support to the rider and keeps the foot safe. Moreover, the shoe offers excellent value for money and would last a long time.
The shoe can also be worn thanks to the eye-appealing style casually and look it offers. The impact protection is far greater than any other shoes being offered in the market.
5. Adidas City Cup
- Durability: Great
- Comfort: Excellent
- Board Feel: Outstanding
- Sole Type: Vulcanized
PROMINENT FEATURE: Vulcanized outsole provides great impact protection
REASONS TO BUY:
- Perfect fit
- Massive grip & flick
- Very durable outsole
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Lacerated ankle seam
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The board grip these shoes offer you with is remarkable. Thanks to the vulcanized outsole, you receive a great response from the board. The durability is also up to the mark, alongside the grip, which is excellent.
The impact protection is sufficient in more challenging landings and gaps. The shoe doesn’t compromise when it comes to looks.
The old-school theme looks great on the shoe. The enhanced double cup sole offers great support, stability, and durability, and the outsole adds cushioning, dramatically enhancing the riding experience.
The reinforced rubber heel on the shoe allows for maximum support and heel flip control. The perforated leather tongue adds further to the comfort and protection.
6. Carisma Catiba Pro
- Durability: Great
- Comfort: Excellent
- Board Feel: Outstanding
- Sole Type: No info
PROMINENT FEATURE: This is one of the most environmentally friendly shoe on the market
REASONS TO BUY:
- Incredible for flip tricks
- Comfortable
- Excellent board feel and grip
REASONS TO AVOID:
- A bit expensive
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The Carisma Catiba Pro and the perfect skate shoes for heel flips and kickflips. The reinforced stitching makes them perfect to be used for flip tricks. This reinforces stitching, increases the shoe life, and makes them durable.
The memory foam in the shoe makes them highly comfortable for the rider. The outsole offers an outstanding board grip level without any board fuel loss.
The shoe gives off a stunning look, making them the perfect pick if you’re looking for shoes that not only help in skating but can also be worn casually.
7. DC Kalis Vulc
- Durability: Great
- Comfort: Excellent
- Board Feel: Outstanding
- Sole Type: Vulcanized
PROMINENT FEATURE: The fit these shoes offer you is great
REASONS TO BUY:
- Offer great comfort
- Are stylish
- Grip is excellent
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Are bulky
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The shoe offers a great board feel despite having a bulky look. The sole pattern on these shoes is a classic pill pattern that gives an enhanced grip and control to the rider.
The shoe offers a unilite midsole which provides the user with extra cushion, comfort, and support. The style of these shoes is remarkable as well.
8. New Balance Numeric 306
- Durability: Superb
- Comfort: Incredible
- Board Feel: Satisfactory
- Sole Type: Vulcanized
PROMINENT FEATURE: The band extending over the shoe offers extra protection
REASONS TO BUY:
- Excellent comfort
- Very durable
- Fits perfectly
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Grip and cushioning is not up to the mark
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The fact that the show comes with a reinforcement band is a great advantage. This reinforcement band ensures maximized protection in case of suede in the toe area is damaged.
Even if this suede gets an ollie-hole, there’s no need to worry as the second layer of the band has got you covered. Moreover, the shoe comes with a very thin outsole. The cushioning is a foam sock liner.
This not only adds a cushioning element but also maximizes the board feel. The sole is hence able to absorb regular impacts without any problem.
The shoe has an outer and inner heel counter, and the sidewalks are also reinforced with a strap. Moreover, the shoe comes with three layers of structural material, which results in excellent stability.
9. Vans Half Cab EF VLT LX
- Durability: Average
- Comfort: Great
- Board Feel: Good
- Sole Type: No info
PROMINENT FEATURE: Can be worn casually as well
REASONS TO BUY:
- Comfortable
- Gum rubber for grip
REASONS TO AVOID:
- less durable than others
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The vans give an old-school feel to the rider, making them attractive and appealing to the eye. The shoe can also be used casually, thanks to its aesthetic design. The grip and comfort level are impressive as well.
10. Vans Sk8-hi
- Durability: Average
- Comfort: Great
- Board Feel: Good
- Sole Type: No info
PROMINENT FEATURE: Wide and spacious foot space
REASONS TO BUY:
- It is attractive thanks to the old-school vibe
- The grip and board feel are excellent
- Ankle support and protection are outstanding
REASONS TO AVOID:
- The grip might decrease after a few rides
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The show works for riders who have wider feet, thanks to its spacious foot space. Moreover, the shoe comes with the famous Vans Waffle sole, which gives them a fine grip and a board feel.
The high-top shape of the shoe offers excellent ankle support and protection against painful collisions with the skateboard deck.
The shoe offers an old-school look and a satisfactory performance alongside. Moreover, the shoe offers an excellent board feel and grip, making it stand out amongst its competitors.
11. eS Silo
- Durability: Not good
- Comfort: Outstanding
- Board Feel: Excellent
- Sole Type: No info
PROMINENT FEATURE: Features a 00’s style
REASONS TO BUY:
- Excellent comfort
- The grip and board feel are superb
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Durability is not up to the mark
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Although the shoe is a bit bulkier compared to its competitors, no compromise has been made on the board feel. The shoe is flexible and won’t disappoint you.
The shoe offers a style from the 00’s era when the shoes used to be a bit bulky and more supportive.
The shoe’s midsole has been built using the STI energy foam. This foam provides cushioning and extra comfort to the rider.
12. Converse CONS "Louie Lopez" pro
- Durability: Excellent
- Comfort: Good
- Board Feel: Outstanding
- Sole Type: No info
PROMINENT FEATURE: Gives a very nice and simple look
REASONS TO BUY:
- Great Durability
- Firm Grip
- Amazing board feel
REASONS TO AVOID:
- No stabilizing tongues straps
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The shoe offers appreciable comfort, and the simple design enhances its look. Moreover, the gold lettering on its side appeals to the eye.
The board feel it offers to the rider is superb. The shoe doesn’t require you to ride it frequently to get used to it. The comfort is great thanks to the removable OrthoLite footbed with the Nike Zoom Air unit.
Best Skateboarding Shoes – Buyer’s Guide
What makes a good skateboarding shoe
A general answer to this question is to look for a shoe that offers a bit of every feature a shoe can provide you with. Heel support, suede material, toe caps, laces out of grip range, soles that can absorb shocks and impacts, and decent stitch work.
Vulcanized Soles vs. Cup soles
First and foremost, you must figure out which sole you are going for. Durability and board feel are two features that differ between the two sole types. Cup soles are sturdier and offer greater protection and heel support than vulcanized soles.
Vulcanized Soles
These soles are taped around the entire body of the shoe. This consists of 2 separate pieces around the shoe, which often fall to start after extensive usage. These offer a more board feel and are slightly lighter and slim compared to the others. However, due to thinner soles and a lack of heal protection, these soles offer lesser protection and impact absorption.
Although these are cheaper than cup soles, these tend to wear down faster than cup soles. These are also great if you’re someone who skates aggressively. Vulcanized soles provide you with these benefits:
- Provide a better board feel
- Easy to break-in
- Insole makes the difference
- Slightly lighter
- Often cheaper
Cup soles
Cup soles were designed after skaters started complaining about skin bruises they got due to skating—the sole consist of multiple layers, a solid layer, some cushioning, and layer sprinkling. Cup soles have a bigger sole than Vulcanized soles which means that the board feel is decreased because of more space between your feet and board.
These are more durable than shoes with vulcanized soles but offer a less board feel. These are suitable for you if you often get bruises while skateboarding. These can absorb more shock and impact. Some features of cup soles are:
- Offer more support
- Protective
- More durable
- Offer less board feel
- Usually more expensive
High Tops, Mid Tops, and Low Tops
Low Tops for Freedom of Movement
If you’re looking for freedom of movement, you should go with these. These weigh less than both mid and high tops. Their disadvantage is that there is a lack of padding on these shoes, which exposes your ankles. The board might hit your ankle at times which I do not like.
Mid-Tops for Slight Ankle Protection and Movement
Mid tops are in the middle and offer both the features of low and high tops. These offer less freedom of movement but greater ankle support and stability compared to low tops.
High Tops for Ankle Protection
There’s less freedom of movement when it comes to high tops. However, these provide you with some ankle protection. They absorb the impact when the board hots your ankles. Some high tops offer some extra cushioning that increases impact absorption.
Foot ventilation isn’t achievable here, and your feet will be sweaty as it’s not breathable in these.
Skate shoe soles
Different parts of a sole vary according to the shoe type you go for. Some offer heel support, have special insoles, and usually come with a waffle tread pattern for enhanced grip.
A thinner sole means you’ll be able to feel your skate bard more, thus increasing the board feel. This results in better board control.
However, you should look for a sole that is capable of absorbing impacts and doesn’t hurt your feet. Therefore, you should go for the middle ground, a shoe that allows you to feel your board and absorb an impact.
Cushioning
Cushioning is essential not only because it prevents blisters but also to avoid other foot injuries and heel bruises resulting from extended skateboarding periods. Shoes that come with no cushioning should hence be avoided. Moreover, make sure to buy shoes that have removable insoles, these help in replacing them.
Outsole and Midsole
Skate shoe soles come with an insole and an outsole that is compressed and glued together to offer maximized support to the rider.
Insole
You should look for shoes that offer removable insoles so that you can replace them when required. Cheaper insoles come with a thin foam, whereas high-quality insoles offer more comfort thanks to comfort gel, air pockets, etc.
Heels support
Some shoes come with extra heel support for enhanced comfort. This heel support helps absorb the shocks, and these are often made of gel, rubber, or air pockets. Use this if you’re a heavy skater and someone who has had heel injuries. These make a noticeable difference in comfort and increase it significantly.
Outsole Tread Pattern and Grip
Although most skate shoes offer flat soles, some come with different patterns on the outsole. These shoes either have a waffle tread, a herringbone tread, or a bit of both.
These patterns provide you with enhanced grip, which will prevent any injuries that might occur if you slip off your skateboard.
Best Electric Scooter Helmets - FAQs
This depends on how often you skate and what type of trick you do. This also depends on the way you use your skate shoes. Giving them no maintenance and using them roughly will decrease their life. Moreover, another factor that plays its part is the state of your deck’s grip tape.
To ensure a maximized shoe life, ensure that you take care of it. Clean them after they catch dirt and avoid riding rough.
Yes, you might be thinking of continuing with normal shoes, but skateboarding shoes are necessary when riding often. You can ride in normal shoes, but there’s a high probability of getting injured or bruised. Regular shoes offer way less comfort, so the ride will be uncomfortable and difficult for you.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer to this question is a no. the board control you feel on your skateboard won’t be the same with these. Moreover, as mentioned before, these make you vulnerable to injuries.
The board feel is considerably decreased, and running shoes offer thicker soles. Therefore, using running shoes for skateboarding is a big no.
Final Verdict – Wrapping It Up
I hope the discussion helps make the decision to buy skateboarding shoes easier. This is an important decision and must not be overlooked. Choosing the appropriate shoes that satisfy all your needs is essential as it determines your overall skateboarding experience.
You should not compromise on the quality here since these shoes play an essential part in the overall skateboarding experience you will have. Moreover, get to know your requirements before you make that decision.
Know what you’re looking for in a skateboarding shoe, and then search through the various options available to ensure you don’t waste money. Whichever shoes you may buy, I wish you luck.
On an ending note, never compromise on safety while riding and ensure that you ride safely to ensure the safety of others around you. Happy Riding!
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Contents
Skateboarding Shoes - Comparison Table
1. Adidas Forum 84 low ADV
Durability: Excellent
Comfort: Outstanding
Board Feel: Great
Sole Type: No info
2. Emerica Pillar Mid
Durability: Great
Comfort: Excellent
Board Feel: Very Comfortable
Sole Type: Vulcanized
3. Etnies Joslin
Durability: Excellent
Comfort: Great
Board Feel: Outstanding
Sole Type: No info
4. Nike SB "Nyjah Free" 2
Durability: Excellent
Comfort: Great
Board Feel: Superb
Sole Type: No info
5. Adidas City Cup
Durability: Great
Comfort: Excellent
Board Feel: Outstanding
Sole Type: Vulcanized
6. Cariuma Catiba Pro
Durability: Great
Comfort: Excellent
Board Feel: Outstanding
Sole Type: No info
7. DC Kalis Vulc
Durability: Great
Comfort: Excellent
Board Feel: Outstanding
Sole Type: Vulcanized
8. New Balance Numeric 306
Durability: Superb
Comfort: Incredible
Board Feel: Satisfactory
Sole Type: Vulcanized
9. Vans Half Cab EF VLT LX
Durability: Satisfactory
Comfort: Great
Board Feel: Good
Sole Type: No info
10. Vans Sk8-hi
Durability: Average
Comfort: Great
Board Feel: Good
Sole Type: No info
11. eS Silo
Durability: Not good
Comfort: Outstanding
Board Feel: Excellent
Sole Type: No info
12. Converse CONS "Louie Lopez" pro
Durability: Excellent
Comfort: Good
Board Feel: Outstanding
Sole Type: No info
- Last Updated:
- March 22, 2023
By Jason Mayfield
Jason Mayfield is an electric ride enthusiast with over five years of experience in the industry. He has a passion for testing and reviewing new products, and loves sharing his findings with others. Jason’s objective is to help people make informed decisions about the best electric rides for their needs.
