How to Choose Skateboard Shoes

If you watched the ease and sheer skill of 18-year-old Aussie, Palmer Keegan’s gold medal run in the Olympic Skateboard Park finals, you’ll be drooling to get the same board and the same shoes. The kid went high, fast, and hard. Of course, there are years of practice along with a lot of passion.  

The right shoes can make a big difference. You get a better grip, know exactly what the board is doing, and have some cushioning when downing the jumps. Shoes should be comfortable, have a good board feel, and be the style that best suits your type of riding. They need to last too. Good designs and materials are what to look for. Before you buy skateboard shoes, there are a few things to consider:  

Styles 

There’s a range of skate shoes to pick from, including high-tops, low-tops, mid-tops, and slip-ons. You might be comfortable in one style, and maybe a bit cramped in another, so choose with caution.  

• High-tops offer the best ankle protection when you board grows a will of its own. They won’t be the best for board feel because of the weight, but some brands put in added cushioning to better absorb impact on landing.  
• Low-tops are the most popular skate shoe because of better control and mobility. They don’t have the padding around the ankles, so you’ll feel every hit the board swipes at you.  
• Mid-tops take the padding of high-tops, and the movement of low-tops to provide for a well-balanced shoe. Shame there’s not many of them around.  
• Slip-ons have the lowest profile, the least weight, and the best ankle mobility. No laces means better control in the flips. And no padding means more cuts and bruises.  

Most skaters stick to one style of shoe, even the pros. But if you’re tired of one style of shoe, that’s also way past its prime, there’s no pain in trying something new.  

Soles 

There are two types of soles to consider when out to buy skateboard shoes – cup soles and vulcanised soles. They have different levels of heel protection, different board feel, and differ in the type of riding you do.  

• Cup soles have added layers of cushioning in the soles to give you better impact absorption from high landings. These skate shoes are made of a single rubber outsole, stitched to the shoe upper and glued. The advantages of the design are more comfort and a longer-lasting shoe, but the thicker sole means you lose on board feel. Cup soles are ideal if you’re often riding on stairs and rails, or doing higher jumps on ramps. Your heels will thank you for the added protection.  
• Vulcanised skate shoes have thinner soles and not much in the way of heel support. They’re less durable, so a bit (but not always) cheaper than cup soles. The upper here is connected to the outsole with foxing tape and the two pieces are heat-treated to make them flexible, but also thinner. They have a better board feel and you’ll be quick to recognise the difference when breaking them in. Vulcanised skate shoes are good for the skatepark or street, and for more aggressive riding.  

Here the choice is between protection and durability of cup soles, or the lightweight and better board feel of vulcanised shoes.  

Materials 

Skate shoes come with uppers in different materials. Some riders swear by suede shoes, others go for leather or textile shoes. You’ll also find canvas shoes. Each material has its pros and cons. 

• Leather – Leather is a durable material that can take all the beating in skateboarding. The downside is that leather is less breathable than other materials, so this might lower comfort levels in longer sessions.  
• Canvas – Canvas shoes are some of the cheapest out there, possibly because they wear out so quickly. But they’re lightweight, don’t get your feet hot, and are good for everyday riding.  
• Textiles – Textiles are the newer take in skate shoes. They’re lightweight and breathable with tech that also makes them go the distance. The blend of different textiles can make them a bit bulky though, so have this in mind when buying.  
• Suede – By far the material that is used in most skateboard shoes. It provides the durability of leather and the breathability and lightweight of canvas in the same shoe. They’re better suited for longer rides and more durable in the flips and ollies.  

Some shoes use a combination of materials in different sections to balance out control and board feel and comfort and durability.  

Features 

Different features can increase comfort and protection, or board feel. Here’s what to look for:  

• Outsoles, midsoles, and insoles – Cushioning is increased with the layered midsole that is glued to the outsole. Mostly it’s compressed foam or patented plastics with a polyurethane mix. Look for removal, quality insoles to blunt out the heavy impact on landings. Insoles come In different thicknesses and shapes, to best adjust to the contours of your feet.  
• Heel support – Heel supports add comfort and protection. They are made of different materials, generally, foam or gel mixtures and are recommended for bulkier riders, and if you’ve had foot injuries in the past.  
• Outsole tread – To get the best grip, the tread in the outsole can make a huge difference. Most shoes have a waffle shape to the tread, but new tech and designs is making its way here too.  
• Toe Caps – are the rubber parts lining your toes. These are often on the outside of the upper. 

Other features that make a good skateboard shoe is the quality (and quantity) of the stitching, the padding of the tongue and how it attaches to the midsole, and how good the laces and protectors are.  

Buying Skateboard Shoes 

So, with the different styles, materials and features you’re left to choose between cup soles or vulcanised shoes. Pick a favourite brand, with a shoe that is comfortable, has good board feel, and suits what you do. You can buy skateboard shoes in major shoe store chains or in specialty skateboard shops that stock all things skateboarding.