Slow down there friend
Made for Shredding— Our Top 5 Skate Shoes
Mastering new tricks on summer to-do lists? Check out this top 5 list of shoes for skateboarding in style...and with support. Our skate shoe HQ delivers for all fans, from serious skaters working on heelflips to shoe connoisseurs creating a look. Here are some of our top picks for the season, along with tips on choosing the right shoe for you.
What to Look For in Skate Shoes
Width matters
Know your foot, know your fit. You are looking for a close fit but not constricting. If you have a wide toe box, go wide. If your foot is narrower, make sure the shoe isn’t too wide. You don’t want your foot moving around inside the shoe. Skaters know that board-feel is everything. You basically want the shoe to feel like it’s part of you, not something you notice on your feet.
Choose your preferred sole grip
One of the defining elements of skate shoes is their sole. Whether you go for vulcanized soles or cupsoles or the new combo-like soles, it’s really a personal preference. The classic vulcanized soles are known for better board feel and are lighter and slimmer. Cupsoles are sturdier and generally offer more heel support.
High-top or low-top for different anke support
High-top, mid, or low — it’s up to you. If you need or want more ankle support, high-tops were made for you. If you prefer more flexibility, go with low. Mid-ankle height gives you an option in between. There’s a reason there are choices. Choose what works.
Why wear skate shoes?
Aside from the got-to-have-it classic look, skate shoes are built to perform. They have a flat bottom with soles that grip. They strike the perfect balance between lightness and board feel and the ability to absorb shocks and prevent injury. Look for good heel support and laces that stay out of the way. A longer nose design and toe caps are not only part of the style but protect toes and allow for trick after trick without wearing through.
A legendary sign of skate culture, Vans checkerboard slip-ons came back in a big way for a modern take-two in the new millennium. Made famous in 1980s teen films, the now-recognized style became a phenomenon almost overnight. Designed and crafted specifically for skateboarding, today's Vans Ashers still give the right amount of traction with iconic rubber waffle outsoles for kickturns, heelflips, and grinding. And the canvas checkerboard with elasticized gores gives instant street and vert-ramp cred.
DC Shoes Cure Men’s Skate Shoe
DC Shoes hail from the skateboarding streets since the 90s. This pair comes to our Top 5 list by way of the Cure collection of men's skate shoes. The durable performance cupsole and EVA insole are must-haves for landing ramps, while the NatureTex lining is crafted from recycled mesh for sustainable breathability. Essential style, unbeatable price.
Fila Tarp Hi-Top Women’s Sneaker
The high-top sneaker is a skater favorite, so Fila delivers with its colorful take — airbrush-graffiti inspires the street style. The durable outsole design has extra traction for long-lasting wear — a deal-breaking detail were it not there — while the classic canvas upper makes it breathable for sweat-induced sessions.
Catch some air in the first style ever to feature this brand's iconic side stripe: Vans Ward Skate Shoes. The rubber Waffle outsole complements the signature features. The combo of suede and breathable canvas fabric makes them extra durable — a necessity for hardcore action. Not to mention the striking textural style of the dual materials. With a padded collar and cushioned insole, these skate shoes feel just right whether you are carving or just hanging.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Street Sneaker
No top skate shoe list is complete without the Converse Chuck Taylor. Despite Converse’s origins as a basketball shoe, it didn’t take skaters long to discover that all the classic Converse design elements make them the perfect skate shoe. This one takes a cool spin on the old style with a canvas-and-mesh upper as well as a padded collar and tongue for ultra comfort and support. A cushioned insole and rubber outsole give you everything you need to carve out your own unique space.