The 15 Best Skate Shoes of All Time (Buying Guide)

22 Apr, 2022   |   5 min read
The 15 Best Skate Shoes of All Time (Buying Guide)

 

Skating is not just about the skateboard. You also need skate shoes to make the kicks and flips worth the shot and comfort. But the question isn’t why you need good skate shoes? The real query is which are the best skateboarding shoes.

Don’t worry! We sorted out that answer for you. Now whether you need the best skate shoes for wide feet or the best skate shoes for flat feet, there is an option right here. So, let’s start right away.

The 15 Best Shoes for Skateboarding

1. Emerica Men's Pillar Mid Top Vulc Skate Shoe 1. Emerica Men's Pillar Mid Top Vulc Skate Shoe See Details
2. Adidas Originals Men's City Cup Skate Shoe 2. Adidas Originals Men's City Cup Skate Shoe See Details
3. DC mens Kalis Vulc Low Top Casual Skate Shoe 3. DC mens Kalis Vulc Low Top Casual Skate Shoe See Details
4. Lakai Footwear Mens Carroll Skate Shoe 4. Lakai Footwear Mens Carroll Skate Shoe See Details
5. Nike Men's SB Check Solar CNVS Skate Shoe 5. Nike Men's SB Check Solar CNVS Skate Shoe See Details
6. Adidas Originals Men's Seeley Sneaker 6. Adidas Originals Men's Seeley Sneaker See Details
7. DC Men's Lynx Zero Casual Low Top Skate Shoe Sneaker 7. DC Men's Lynx Zero Casual Low Top Skate Shoe Sneaker See Details
8. Etnies Men's Marana Skateboarding Shoe 8. Etnies Men's Marana Skateboarding Shoe See Details
9. Etnies Men's Joslin 2 Low Top Skate Shoe 9. Etnies Men's Joslin 2 Low Top Skate Shoe See Details
10. Adidas Skateboarding Tyshawn 10. Adidas Skateboarding Tyshawn See Details
11. New Balance Men's 306-Jamie Foy 11. New Balance Men's 306-Jamie Foy See Details
12. Etnies Men's Veer Shoes 12. Etnies Men's Veer Shoes See Details
13. eS Men's Silo Skate Shoe 13. eS Men's Silo Skate Shoe See Details
14. Converse Louie Lopez Pro Rubber Backed Suede 14. Converse Louie Lopez Pro Rubber Backed Suede See Details
15. Vans Authentic Black 15. Vans Authentic Black See Details
1. Emerica Men's Pillar Mid Top Vulc Skate Shoe
2. Adidas Originals Men's City Cup Skate Shoe
3. DC mens Kalis Vulc Low Top Casual Skate Shoe
4. Lakai Footwear Mens Carroll Skate Shoe
5. Nike Men's SB Check Solar CNVS Skate Shoe
6. Adidas Originals Men's Seeley Sneaker
7. DC Men's Lynx Zero Casual Low Top Skate Shoe Sneaker
8. Etnies Men's Marana Skateboarding Shoe
9. Etnies Men's Joslin 2 Low Top Skate Shoe
10. Adidas Skateboarding Tyshawn
11. New Balance Men's 306-Jamie Foy
12. Etnies Men's Veer Shoes
13. eS Men's Silo Skate Shoe
14. Converse Louie Lopez Pro Rubber Backed Suede
15. Vans Authentic Black
1

1. Emerica Men's Pillar Mid Top Vulc Skate Shoe

Best Review

If you are looking for a durable pair of shoes, this is the one that you want.

With a comfortable interior and a reliable exterior, it serves to be the best in the industry. You can easily call them the top skate shoes because of their impact on skating.

Many skaters have found that it allows for catching tricks and making dependable support on the skateboard. However, you should note that it will take time to get used to this pair but once you are through, they are the ones you will keep coming back to!

Reason to Buy

  • Offers a good grip on the skateboard
  • It is a durable pair
  • Best skate shoes with arch support
  • Great traction

Reason to Avoid

  • It can heat up fast
  • It is heavier than its competitors
Buy Emerica Men's Pillar Mid Top Vulc Skate Shoe
2

2. Adidas Originals Men's City Cup Skate Shoe

Best Review

This pair right here is one of the best skating shoes for breathability.

They are lightweight and have perforations to allow ventilation around the feet. Some may call the shoes thin but that doesn’t mean there is no comfortability for the wearer. Plus, they are durable so you won’t have to worry about buying another exchange in the long term.

You can catch a great grip on the skateboard with these shoes and catch up on all the tricks and falls you have been planning for a long time.

Reason to Buy

  • Lightweight
  • Good ventilation
  • Durable and comfortable

Reason to Avoid

  • It is not suitable for people with wide feet
  • It does not have ankle support
Buy Adidas Originals Men's City Cup Skate Shoe
3

3. DC mens Kalis Vulc Low Top Casual Skate Shoe

Best Review

Are you looking for a great exchange of money? These are the best skateboard shoes offering a good value for your dollars!

Without moving further, let us just say this pair is one of the most comfortable shoes for skaters. You can buy them without any hassle and start using them the next second. They won’t need any time to get you used to the feel of the shoes. They are lightweight, durable, and can instantly get you hooked on some flip tricks for the skating arena.

Reason to Buy

  • A good grip on the board
  • Cheaper than its competitors
  • Adequate ventilation 

Reason to Avoid

  • There is no ankle support
Buy DC mens Kalis Vulc Low Top Casual Skate Shoe
4

4. Lakai Footwear Mens Carroll Skate Shoe

Best Review

A striking combination of comfortability and durability is what you will find in this package of skating board shoes.

They are known to offer strong support against impact and provide dependability on the skating board. So, you can impress people with all your tricks and moves without suddenly losing your balance. The padding is right there to help you get into this new pair without any hassle. The comfort is yours to welcome.

Reason to Buy

  • Extremely durable
  • Ideal for summers
  • Lace protection is available

Reason to Avoid

  • It may take time for you to get used to them
Buy Lakai Footwear Mens Carroll Skate Shoe
5

5. Nike Men's SB Check Solar CNVS Skate Shoe

Best Review

If you are exclusively seeking a lightweight option, then this pair of skating shoes is just what you need to add to your collection.

They are extremely thin but enough to support you on the skateboard. Their comfortability to breathable ratio is quite extraordinary. They have managed to make them lightweight and ventilated without compromising on the grip of the skater.

In addition, you can guarantee that there is traction both on the board and off the board so your style doesn’t go to waste. 

Reason to Buy

  • Comfortable padding
  • You can break into them easily
  • Lightweight 

Reason to Avoid

  • Does not offer great impact protection
  • No ankle support 
Buy Nike Men's SB Check Solar CNVS Skate Shoe
6

6. Adidas Originals Men's Seeley Sneaker

Best Review

This pair of shoes on our list is one of the affordable options if you are on a tight budget.

They offer a simple and minimalistic design that covers the basics of skating shoes. The one unique thing about this pair is that its upper is made up of synthetic material which is not something you find often with Adidas. However, if you want great traction, a comfortable input, a good grasp on the board, and above all, a lightweight option, then this is your best bet.

Reason to Buy

  • Requires the least amount of time to break into the shoes
  • Good support on the board
  • Great traction

Reason to Avoid

  • Not enough padding
  • Not quite durable 
Buy Adidas Originals Men's Seeley Sneaker
7

7. DC Men's Lynx Zero Casual Low Top Skate Shoe Sneaker

Best Review

These pairs are one of the mens skate shoes that offer a good value for money.

You can get these shoes and expect them to be comfortable due to their soft padding. This pair also hosts synthetic material but in its ankle support. They have soft padding inside that makes up for comfortable wear and a good grasp on the skating board. You can also rely on them to be lightweight as the style of the shoes is made to be slim.

Reason to Buy

  • Offers great board feel
  • Soft padding inside
  • Good grasp 

Reason to Avoid

  • It is not ideal for wide footers
  • Not entirely breathable 
Buy DC Men's Lynx Zero Casual Low Top Skate Shoe Sneaker
8

8. Etnies Men's Marana Skateboarding Shoe

Best Review

We hope you are ready for a durable pair to enter your closet because this pair will not let you down.

It is one of the most valuable pairs of skating shoes out there and customers have been raving about them too! The reason they gained fame quickly is because of their durable exterior.

They are resistant to impact and wear and support you in the longer run. There is a protective sole for the toes and ankle that makes it a tempting purchase for skaters. In addition, it offers a good grip on the board which allows the tricks and flips to be part of your daily routine.

Reason to Buy

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Offers resistance against wear and tears
  • It comes in a range of colors

Reason to Avoid

  • Heel part is not reliable
  • Narrow for some users
Buy Etnies Men's Marana Skateboarding Shoe
9

9. Etnies Men's Joslin 2 Low Top Skate Shoe

Best Review

This is one of the good skating shoes that offers lace protection.

If we break the shoe down, it has a great padding inside that can offer the skater with a comfortable feel. This pair is another amazing combination of suede and synthetic material. However, it doesn’t compromise on durability so you can expect it to work for a long time. In addition, the grip is one to look out for! You can catch a nice grasp on the board with these shoes for full support in all kinds of tricks.

Reason to Buy

  • Lace protection
  • Hidden toe-cap
  • It also offers ankle protection

Reason to Avoid

  • On the expensive side
Buy Etnies Men's Joslin 2 Low Top Skate Shoe
10

10. Adidas Skateboarding Tyshawn

Best Review

One of the most durable pairs out there is these skating shoes right here.

They provide a great ratio between comfortability and durability. You can expect them to withstand the tears of the rougher conditions. However, at the same time, you can get a good grip on the board due to the padding present inside the shoes. Moreover, there is an extra layer of protection for the toes which is important if you are swinging in with the flips on the board.

Reason to Buy

  • Comfortable padding
  • Outsole is resistant to impact
  • Sleek design

Reason to Avoid

  • Not much insole protection
Buy Adidas Skateboarding Tyshawn
11

11. New Balance Men's 306-Jamie Foy

Best Review

If you are seeking balance in these pair of shoes, you will not be disappointed.

They are flexible enough to get you to learn new tricks and flips on the board. Plus, they are durable. So, even if you are a beginner, you will have an amazing time with these shoes as they are great against impact.

There are protective layers within the exterior layer that help in increasing the durability of the shoe. And not to forget, saving you from a few serious bumps. Lastly, they provide a good grip on the board and you can get on with the skating right away because the break-in time is minimal.

Reason to Buy

  • Long-lasting pair
  • Great board feel
  • Able to handle flips

Reason to Avoid

  • No lace protection
  • Not as durable as its competitors 
Buy New Balance Men's 306-Jamie Foy
12

12. Etnies Men's Veer Shoes

Best Review

This is one of those skating shoes that get better with time.

Yes, they will make you wait for them to be adequately flexible. The break-in time is quite high but when you get into the momentum of these shoes, they are pretty decent. The best part to talk about its durability is its outer sole which offers maximum protection against impact and wear. Plus, the board feel is one to watch out for as it is quite handy in learning the tricks and tips of skateboarding.

Reason to Buy

  • Durable skate shoes
  • Good board feel

Reason to Avoid

  • Long break-in time
  • Not for narrow feet
Buy Etnies Men's Veer Shoes
13

13. eS Men's Silo Skate Shoe

Best Review

If you want reliable skate shoes for men, then this is the pair that you can buy!

They are one of the most comfortable skate shoes on our list. Plus, they offer great arch support which is a major plus on its profile. The reason they are comfortable is that the support from these shoes is extraordinary. You can easily rely on them for a good grasp on the board and for the flips. The foamy sole is one of the main contributors to getting that support. In addition, it is ideal for transition skaters.

Reason to Buy

  • Good support for heel and ankles
  • Greta control on the board
  • Suitable for street style skateboarding

Reason to Avoid

  • Bulky in size
  • Not quite durable
Buy eS Men's Silo Skate Shoe
14

14. Converse Louie Lopez Pro Rubber Backed Suede

Best Review

This is one of the latest skating shoes in the industry but they do not disappoint the skaters.

They are one of the durable options that the recent collection has brought. With noticeable support in the heel area, this pair has a high demand for skaters who are interested in the heelflips.

Moreover, it also offers arch support which is rarely found in many of its competitors. The design is such that it can endure shocks and impacts without any hassle. But it doesn’t compromise on the board feel. You can experience great traction while wearing these shoes. 

Reason to Buy

  • Robust design
  • Comfortable wear
  • Durable as compared with its competitors

Reason to Avoid

  • Users report that they had to adjust the tongue
Buy Converse Louie Lopez Pro Rubber Backed Suede
15

15. Vans Authentic Black

Best Review

Another comfortable addition to our list of top-rated skating shoes is this pair.

They are extremely comfortable to wear. You can wear them for long hours and spend time off-board as well. They will not disappoint you. There is also a range of colors if you want to get the best out of your outfit and your skateboard attire. However, one thing that stands out is that it is not the most durable fit for skaters.

Reason to Buy

  • Comfortable cushioning
  • Slim and lightweight
  • Breathable inside

Reason to Avoid

  • Long break-in time
Buy Vans Authentic Black

Buying Guide

Did you make up your mind yet?

No? We won’t deny that purchasing the best men’s skateboarding shoes is a bit of a hurdle. You can either get the perfect pair that the internet claims are best for you or pave a much better way for yourself. And that is skimming through this buying guide to find the must-haves of a pair of skater shoes. This way, you can find a fit that will precisely match your buying needs. So, let’s start!

Style

The most important feature in getting the top skateboarding shoes is your preferred style. The two choices available to you are either the vulcanized sole or the cup soles. The former is one for the people who opt for a lightweight option. They can cruise around on a vulc sole to get the best board feel in town. you can even perform technical tricks with these shoes as they are slim in design.

The cup soles, on the other hand, are heavier in comparison. They are more suitable for people who have experienced heel bruises. Hence, it serves as a great option for people looking for impact resistance. They are heavily padded with great cushioning t offer the best comfort level.

Durability

Durability is another main factor for skating shoes. One of the obvious reasons is that you wouldn’t want to waste hundreds of dollars again on buying a reliable shoe. However, with skating, the chances for wear, tears, and impacts increase. Especially if you are prone to learning new tricks and flips.

The features you can look out for in terms of durability are lace guards, upper material, and a dependable outer sole.

Protection

If you are more focused towards street skating, then your needs change slightly. The reason being that you need more protection when you are performing aerials off the ground and doing various technical flips.

You can check out the midsole, the heel collar, and the cushioning area to get an idea of how protected the shoes will be for you. Many skaters opt for dual cushioning as it creates a protective layer against sudden impacts on the ground.

Conclusion

Summing it all up, skating is one of the best sports out there. You are rushing with adrenaline, performing new tricks, and challenging yourself to become better. It is almost like a battle with yourself. However, all of this fails if you do not have the best skateboarding shoes. Therefore, we advise you to do the right research before you fall prey to a scam. To do this, you can either go with the best in the industry or find one for yourself through the buying guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Long Do Skateboarding Shoes Last?

There is no average lifetime for skate shoes. Rather, their life depends on the tricks you perform while wearing them. Some common factors that can ruin or shorten their life are going rough on the streets, getting a new deck grip, a large number of ollies in a day, or if the shoe fabric is not reliable.

2. Do I Really Need Skateboarding Shoes?

If you are an avid skater with a passion for skating, you can opt for these skateboarding shoes. They can come in handy while performing tricks and flips. Moreover, some are designed to be more durable against sudden impacts which makes them popular amongst skaters. But the cheap options can wear out quite soon.

3. Why Are Skate Shoes Flat?

They offer a better grip on the board which is important if you want to get strong support and a reliable balance.

4. What is a Cupsole Shoe?

It is kind of a rubber outsole that stands tall. Mostly, it covers the upper area in a way that it forms a cup hence the name cupsole shoe. They are usually designed with various types of moldable materials to offer maximum flexibility in the shoes.

5. Why Do Skate Shoes Have Big Tongues?

They make up space for a protective layer. You will find that the tongue, heels, ankles, and often even toes area of the skate shoes are heavily cushioned. This is to save you from any serious injury and fall.