9 Best Skate Shoes for Superior Style And Enhanced Performance

Written by Ankita Kandade, Certified Fashion Expert
Updated on Feb 23, 2024
Skate Shoes for Superior Style And Enhanced Performance
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It’s time to kickflip into style and skate your way to great adventures! For all you skateboarding enthusiasts, we have reviewed the best skate shoes out there. You definitely need some cool kicks aside from your funky skateboard to impress everyone in the skating arena. 

Skate shoes are specifically designed to be used while skateboarding – they offer a seamless blend of comfort and functionality. This is your chance to be the center of attention at the skate park by wearing them. Our list will help you to explore some must-have options in your shoe collection. So, lace up your new skating shoes and go on for a wild yet fashionable ride!

What Are Skate Shoes?

As you go for your favorite sports activity, you need a set of magical kicks that are specifically designed for the wild and glorious world of skateboarding. A good pair of skating shoes boast special features such as reinforced soles, extra padding, durable materials, and an ultimate grip. They are designed to provide support and stability while skating. 

A pair of skate shoes is an absolute must-have, whether you are just a beginner or a well-trained skater who’s ready to take over the world. They feature a flat waffle sole, herringbone tread, and a unique style that is different from traditional sneakers. This helps to prevent injuries and makes skating more convenient for the rider.

9 Best Skate Shoes

The perfect blend of style and functionality is here to save the day with adidas’ new 3.0 stake shoes. The sleek yet classic design makes a lasting fashion statement that will attract many admirers as you ride your skateboard. These men’s skate shoes promise extra durability as they are made from the finest blend of leather and synthetic materials. The sturdy construction allows them to give your feet the support and protection that they need for a safe encounter with the skateboard.

Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Long-lasting
  • Allows ankle mobility
  • Reduces fatigue
  • Comfortable fit
  • Offers a layer of protection
Cons
  • Might feel a bit stiff initially
  • Best Design

    Ufatansy Roller Skate Shoes

    Ufatansy Roller Skate Shoes
  • The Ufatansy Roller Skate Shoes are like the hyperactive boss of chunky skateboard shoes. The magical fusion of roller skates and LED lights will definitely make all heads turn as you wear them to the skating arena. These skating shoes are made from durable and breathable materials, which ensure support and comfort as you show off your skills and perform tricks. Don’t let the dazzling lights confuse you, they are incredibly easy to carry and very convenient to use.

    Pros
    • Captivating visual effect
    • Built-in wheels
    • Eco-friendly
    • Attention-grabbing design
    • Adjustable features
    Cons
    • The battery life may vary depending on usage
  • Best for Enhanced Ankle Support

    Globe Men's Tilt Skate Shoes

    Globe Men's Tilt Skate Shoes
  • This pair of skate shoes from Globe isn't just your average sneakers—it's a high-performance powerhouse made specifically for skateboarding. These durable shoes for skateboarding are meant to support you until your last ride. Made from sturdy materials, they can handle the gnarliest impacts and abrasions that come with skateboarding. This low-top sneaker allows ankle mobility and effortless flexibility for as long as you’re on the go! Additionally, the shock-absorbing midsole will give your joints and feet the break that they deserve.

    Pros
    • Durable
    • Offers excellent support
    • Maintains proper foot alignment
    • Grippy sole
    • Padded collars
    Cons
    • Limited style
  • Most Durable Skate Shoes

    Osiris Men's Clone Skate Shoes

    Osiris Men's Clone Skate Shoes
  • Welcome your new trusty sidekick to the team - the Osiris Men's Clone Skate Shoes. Made from durable materials like durable suede, leather, and other synthetic fabrics, these wide skate shoes make you feel like you’re walking on the clouds. The extra padding in the collar lining and tongue ensures that you get a strong grip, even during the toughest skate sessions. The fashionable blend of style and functionality will make you perform all the high-flying tricks. And the midsole provides some serious shock absorption to help you skate like a rockstar.

    Pros
    • A wide array of color options
    • Offers ankle protection
    • Comfortable fit
    • Resilient build
    • Allows flexibility
    Cons
    • Limited breathability
  • Best for High-density Support

    DVS Men's Comanche Skateboarding Shoe

    DVS Men's Comanche Skateboarding Shoe
  • The DVS Men's Comanche Skateboarding Shoes are one of the best skateboard shoes for those who like to perform exciting tricks in the skating arena. These tough shoes are made with a combination of leather and nubuck materials and a molded TPR heel cap. The high-impact insole and midsole unit make sure your feet and joints stay happy, even after those rough landings. All in all, their high-quality and durability will make them a great resource to upskill your skateboarding stunts.

    Pros
    • Made from 100% leather
    • Durable cupsole design
    • Provides optimal comfort
    • Authentic look
    • Additional padded tongue
    Cons
    • The shoes are a bit narrow in the front
  • Most Adjustable

    Heelys Unisex Wheeled Footwear Skate Shoe

    Heelys Unisex Wheeled Footwear Skate Shoe
  • This is your chance to rock and roll in the most stylish and comfortable way by wearing these Heelys Unisex Wheeled Footwear Skate Shoes. It’s time to take your regular shoes to another level, thanks to the removable wheels that turn them into roller skates. You can now cruise around town in your personal transportation system, aka these premium shoes for skateboarding. The versatile style makes them good shoes for skating as well as casually wear them to meetups or parties.

    Pros
    • Durable construction
    • Fashion-conscious and clean design
    • Suitable for all occasions
    • Great color options
    • Adjustable wheels
    • A fantastic option for casual wear
    Cons
    • Might not be true to size
  • Most Stylish

    Steve Madden Women's Zarayy Skate Shoe

    Steve Madden Women's Zarayy Skate Shoe
  • This pair of skate shoes for women by Steve Madden is the ultimate fashion statement for skateboarding enthusiasts. Out of all the skateboarding shoe brands, this brand is the one that can instantly uplift your style game! The low-top design and chunky soles will help you grab all the attention as soon as you enter the skating arena. Plus, the Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) sole will keep you steady on your feet, no matter the terrain.  The perforated upper provides a breath of fresh air, and its sole is made of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) for added grip and support.

    Pros
    • Trendy design
    • Slip-on convenience
    • Supportive fit
    • Allows better ventilation
    • Durable build
    • Off
    Cons
    • Limited ankle support for skating
  • Most Breathable

    DC Men's Kalis Vulc Casual Skate Shoe

    DC Men's Kalis Vulc Casual Skate Shoe
  • As the brainchild of skateboarding legend Josh Kalis, this pair of casual men's skate shoes are a must-have for skateboard lovers! These bad boys are perfect for both shredding on your board or strolling around town. The superb functionality and over-the-top style will make you look like a skating star in no time! If good skater shoes without any unnecessary bulk are something that you're on the lookout for, then these trendy ones are the right pick for you! The molded TPR logos, mesh lining, and lightweight midsole make it suitable for both casual skateboarding and everyday wear. Additionally, it is crafted with top-notch materials that are imported to provide the premium craftsmanship and durability that we all crave. Plus, the sole is made of premium suede, which means it can handle the toughest grip on your skateboard and any other surface you encounter.

    Pros
    • Suede sole
    • An extra layer of cushioning
    • Comfortable fit
    • Durable construction
    • Fancy look
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for professional-grade skateboarding
  • Most Comfortable

    New Balance 272

    New Balance 272
  • Get ready to level up your skateboarding game with the New Balance Numeric 272! If you are someone who values excellent craftsmanship, then these suede skate shoes will support you all day long. The traditional lace-up closure keeps your feet snug and secure while you bust out those sick moves. The redesigned, vulcanized shoe sole allows it to provide the utmost comfort while the built-in OrthoLite footbed will make sure that your feet don’t get tired as you show off your stunts on the skateboard to fellow riders.

    Pros
    • Offers excellent comfort
    • Secure fit
    • Offers durability
    • Has a lace closure
    • Enhanced board feel
    • Allows better control
    • Has a suede upper
    • Vulcanized construction
    Cons
    • No rubber outsole

    Now that we have reviewed the best skate shoes in the market, let us move on to the buyer’s guide to purchasing the best shoes for skateboarding.

    How to Choose the Best Skate Shoes?

    Below are the major factors to consider when choosing the best skate shoes:

    1. Durability

    Skate shoes undergo severe wear and tear as a result of continuous foot movement, impact, and friction with grip tape. Purchasing a durable pair of classic skate shoes is essential for performing at your best. Skateboarders should look for materials that can survive the signs of wear and tear, such as leather or suede, as these materials can withstand the trials of skating. Additionally, double-layered toe caps and reinforced stitching are other key features to look for.

    2. Grip And Traction

    In order to perform difficult stunts and tricks and keep your balance while skateboarding, you need to have accurate foot control, and having the right grip and traction is important. Choose skate shoes with rubber outsoles for the best board traction. Shoes with unique grip patterns, such as herringbone or waffle outsoles, can also provide improved traction and prevent slippage while riding the skateboard.

    3. Cushioning And Impact Protection

    It is necessary to look for extra cushioning and impact protection as skateboarding involves high-impact landings and jumping. These stunts and tricks can be hard on your feet and joints. Therefore, it is advised to choose skate shoes with lots of cushioning and impact absorption. Shoes with padded collars and tongues and insoles with shock-absorbing technology can reduce the possibility of injuries and make riding more comfortable.

    4. Board Feel

    When you can feel the skateboard beneath your feet, you can control the board more effectively. This is referred to as having "board feel." A balance between cushioning and board feel must be achieved for superior comfort and support. Look for footwear with flexible soles that offer a strong connection to the board and a low profile. Skateboarders frequently like thin, vulcanized rubber soles for their superb board feel.

    5. Style And Design

    When choosing the best skate shoes, aesthetics and design are significant considerations in addition to technical features. Skate shoes come in a variety of hues, patterns, and styles, letting you show off your unique sense of fashion. There is a skate shoe out there to suit your style, whether you want a traditional, minimalist appearance, bold patterns, or chunky soles.

    6. Fit and Comfort 

    Skateboarding involves a lot of practice, so it's important to get skate shoes that are comfortable and fit well. Before making a purchase, it is advised to try on different brands and models, as the sizing can vary. Look for footwear with thick cushioning, supporting arches, and a close fit that keeps your feet in place without being uncomfortable or restricting movement.

    Now that we have understood the buying guide for getting our hands on the best skate shoes, it is time to look at the other important aspects to consider when it comes to buying skating shoes.

    How Well Do Skate Shoes Grip a Board?

    Skate shoes are made especially for providing exceptional traction on a skateboard. These shoes have sturdy rubber soles that provide the board with the best traction and stickiness. Skaters may perform tricks and routines with more control and stability because of the gripping nature of skate shoes. To further improve grip, many skate shoe manufacturers use cutting-edge tread designs and textures on the outsole. Skate shoes are designed to provide outstanding traction on any skating surface, whether it's for performing precise foot placements or keeping your balance on the board.

    Does It Matter What Brand of Skate Shoes You Get?

    The best skate shoes can significantly impact your performance and overall experience when it comes to skateboarding. Although they may all appear to be similar, brands do hold the utmost importance in determining the quality of skating shoes. Reputable skate shoe manufacturers have invested time and money in developing shoes specifically for the demands of technical skating, including characteristics like impact protection, tough materials, and exceptional grip. These elements can significantly improve your ability to navigate your board, pull off tricks, and maintain your balance while riding. Therefore, it is essential to take the brand into consideration while choosing skate shoes in order to assure the best performance and longevity.

    Skating requires the best quality resources, and skate shoes play an important role in providing ​​support and stability to the rider. We hope you bag the best skate shoes after reviewing the staking shoes listed above. It’s time to rock and roll and take your skateboarding game to the next level. Thanks for reading!

    FAQ's

    Are skate shoes comfortable for walking?
    Skate shoes are made with particular features that offer comfort and support during skateboarding, which usually involves repetitive movements and impacts. Many skate shoes provide sufficient comfort for walking, even though they might not be as cushioned as athletic or running shoes.
    Should you wear socks with skate shoes?
    Skate shoes can be worn with or without socks, depending on personal taste.
    Do you break in skate shoes?
    Yes, skate shoes need a break-in time, just like most other types of shoes. A new pair of skate shoes could initially feel a little tight or stiff. Wearing them frequently will help the materials break in and fit the shape of your feet.
    Why are skate shoes so wide?
    Skate shoes are designed to be wider than usual sneakers or running shoes for a number of reasons. Primarily, a wider foot design offers more stability, which the rider requires to perform tricks on the skateboard. It also provides better control while performing difficult stunts and flips. Moreover, the extra space in skate shoes accommodates the swelling of the feet during intense skate sessions, offering a more comfortable fit even after extended wear.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Ankita is a budding journalist and a certified fashion expert. If the fashion police were an official organization, Ankita would definitely be a member of it as she patrols the internet for new trends and blunders that are associated with the fashion industry. She believes that every skateboarder must have at least one pair of skate shoes – they are designed to be more durable and to provide enhanced grip. Choosing the right size of skating shoes is very important, so that should be an important factor while making a purchase.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Ankita Kandade
    Certified Fashion Expert

    Ankita is a budding journalist and a certified fashion expert. If the Fashion police were an official organization, A More