Best Skateboarding Shoes: When choosing the ultimate skateboarding shoes, it’s essential to consider both durability and performance. These shoes need to withstand the rigorous demands of skateboarding while providing the necessary support and grip to enhance your tricks and maneuvers. From classic brands that have defined the skate culture to newer designs featuring innovative materials, there is a vast array of options available.
To delve into the best skateboarding shoes, it’s important to understand the key features that make a difference. Look for shoes with reinforced toe caps, sturdy soles with excellent traction, and ample cushioning to protect your feet during high-impact landings. Evaluating these elements can help you find the perfect pair that balances comfort, style, and functionality.
Best Skateboarding Shoes
1. Best Overall: Vans Skate Old Skool
- Material: Canvas and suede uppers for durability and style.
- Outsole: Vans Original Waffle outsole, made with pure crepe rubber for superior board control.
- Features: Padded tongue and lining for added comfort.
- Shoe Style: Low top design for a classic look and flexibility.
- Occasion: Ideal for casual wear and skateboarding.
The Nike Stefan Janoski has made a notable comeback in recent years, continuing its legacy of simplicity and style. Originally launched in 2009, the Janoski marked a shift from the overly complex skate shoes of the late ’90s and early 2000s. During that period, many skate shoes were designed with multiple features inspired by basketball footwear, often compromising flexibility and board feel. The OG Janoski, with its sleek and minimalistic design, redefined the skate shoe landscape by focusing on essential elements that catered to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This return to basics was well-received, allowing skaters to experience a more direct connection with their boards while maintaining a stylish look.
This year’s Janoski model features suede uppers that offer excellent durability and comfort, conforming well to the shape of your feet over time. The vulcanized rubber outsole ensures superior board control, providing the grip and feedback that skaters value. The long, one-piece toecap enhances the shoe’s longevity by resisting wear from griptape, a critical feature for those who demand resilience from their skate footwear. The streamlined profile of the Janoski not only looks sleek but also functions well both on and off the board, with Nike frequently releasing new colorways and materials to keep the design fresh and appealing.
However, the minimalist design of the Janoski does come with trade-offs. The lack of extensive padding and support means that skaters might experience more foot impact, particularly when landing tricks or skating on rough terrain. The high toecap design, while durable, exposes the foot to potential abrasions from the skateboard. Additionally, the low-top style provides minimal ankle protection, relying on the padded collar and Nike Zoom Air cushioning to absorb some of the impact. Despite these considerations, the Janoski remains a popular choice for its balance of performance and style, priced at $95, which is in line with the typical cost of high-quality skateboarding shoes. Overall, it’s an excellent option for both casual wear and skate sessions, though it may not be ideal for those tackling more intense skating demands.
PROS: So sleek, so casual
CONS: Minimalism in skate shoes
2. Best Mid Top: Vans Skate Half Cab
- Material: Suede uppers for durability and style.
- Outsole: Vans Original Waffle outsole with pure crepe rubber for superior board control.
- Features:
- DURACAP™ Reinforcement: Added rubber underlays in high-wear areas for maximum durability.
- UltraCush™ Sockliners: Enhanced cushioning for comfort and impact protection.
- Single-Wrap Foxing Tape: Provides additional support and durability.
- Shoe Style: Mid top design for extra ankle support.
- Occasion: Ideal for casual wear and skateboarding.
The Vans Skate Half Cab stands as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability inherent in skate culture. Its origins trace back to the early ’90s, during a period of burgeoning street skateboarding where skaters were customizing their gear to meet their needs. Skaters, seeking a lower-cut version of the popular high-top Caballero pro model (the Full Cab), would often cut off the collar and patch the resulting shoe with duct tape. Observing this grassroots trend, Vans, in collaboration with Steve Caballero, decided to streamline the process and introduced the Half Cab—a mid-top version that addressed skaters’ needs with style and simplicity. This blend of innovation and response to user demand marked the beginning of the Half Cab’s enduring legacy.
The success and longevity of the Half Cab can be attributed to Vans’ tried-and-true formula: providing essential features without unnecessary frills, all while maintaining an accessible price point. The shoe’s upper combines durable canvas and suede, reinforced with Vans’ signature DURACAP™ technology to ensure resilience in high-wear areas. The vulcanized rubber outsole is celebrated for its superior board feel, although it typically offers minimal cushioning between the foot and the board. To counteract this, the Half Cab incorporates Vans’ Popcush insole, which features added padding at the heel and tapers towards the toe to enhance comfort during high-impact landings while preserving the board feel.
In addition to its functional design, the Half Cab boasts several thoughtful features that contribute to its reputation as a top skate shoe. The double foxing tape on the outsole not only extends the shoe’s durability by providing extra rubber but also enhances control by integrating the outsole seamlessly with the upper. The padded tongue and snug fit further elevate comfort and support, making the Half Cab a preferred choice among seasoned skaters. While competition in the skate shoe market is fierce, the Half Cab has consistently upheld its status as a classic, offering remarkable performance and value. It remains one of the most iconic and respected skate shoes, cherished by skaters and standing firm as a staple in skateboarding footwear.
PROS: Solid ankle protection, comfortable padded tongue
CONS: Stitched toe cap, redesign is too narrow for some
3. Best High Top: Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid
- UPPER: Suede
- LOWER: Vulcanized
- SIGNATURE TECH: Zoom Air Cushioning
Since its comeback in 2020, the Nike Zoom Blazer has captured widespread attention, becoming a staple in the skateboarding community akin to the impact the Janoski had in 2009. The Blazer’s design is marketed as a mid-top but effectively functions more like a high-top due to its collar reaching the top of the ankle. This design choice provides excellent ankle support, which is particularly beneficial for skaters who engage in complex tricks involving high rotations and significant impacts. The substantial ankle padding in the Blazer sets it apart from other skate shoes, offering enhanced protection and stability for aggressive skating.
The Blazer’s construction follows the familiar formula of successful skateboarding shoes, combining durable materials with practical design features. The shoe features a fully suede upper that withstands the rigors of skateboarding while maintaining a classic look. Its vulcanized rubber outsole is designed for optimal board feel, allowing skaters to stay connected to their board with precision. Complementing this is Nike’s Zoom cushioning, which incorporates fibers under tension and an air cushion to provide a responsive rebound, enhancing both push and pop during tricks. This blend of cushioning and support is crucial for skaters seeking both comfort and performance.
While the Zoom Blazer is not the most affordable skate shoe on the market, it offers significant value given its design and features. The additional cost is justified by the advanced ankle protection and the innovative cushioning system, which contribute to a superior skating experience. For skaters who prioritize both performance and protection, investing in the Zoom Blazer is a worthwhile choice. Its ability to deliver high-quality support and comfort makes it a top contender in the realm of skate footwear, continuing to make waves in the industry as a popular and effective option.
PROS: Ankle support, thick ankle padding
CONS: Sized narrow, stiff to break in
4. Best Indie: Last Resort AB CM001
- UPPER: Suede/Leather
- LOWER: Rubber Cupsole
- SIGNATURE TECH: Cloudy Cush Insole
In a market dominated by industry giants like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Vans, the Last Resort AB CM0001 stands out as a testament to the power of small-scale, skater-driven innovation. As the sister company to Polar Skate Co., Last Resort AB embodies the ethos of “by skaters, for skaters,” channeling their deep understanding of skateboarding into every aspect of their design. The CM0001 represents a deliberate departure from the mainstream, showcasing a commitment to craftsmanship and a personalized approach that highlights the brand’s unique position in the skate shoe landscape.
The CM0001 is meticulously designed with a blend of leather and suede, strategically placed to enhance durability where it’s needed most. The leather upper provides structural integrity, while suede reinforces high-wear areas like the toe, heel, and eyelets. This combination ensures that the shoe is both resilient and comfortable. The cupsole construction, along with a well-padded collar and tongue, offers substantial support without succumbing to the bulkiness often associated with traditional cupsoles. Last Resort’s signature Cloudy Cush insole, which tapers towards the toe similar to Vans’ Popcush, provides cushioning and impact absorption, enhancing the overall skating experience.
Despite its strengths, the CM0001 does have a couple of minor drawbacks. The upper is not particularly breathable, which might lead to discomfort during extended wear or in hotter conditions. Additionally, even though the design is pared down, the shoe remains somewhat heavier than some other options on the market. However, these issues are overshadowed by the shoe’s attention to detail and high build quality. In fact, at a comparable price point, the CM0001 might offer better overall value than more established models like the Nike Blazer. For skaters looking for a thoughtfully designed and distinctively crafted shoe, the Last Resort AB CM0001 is a compelling choice that challenges conventional expectations and delivers exceptional performance.
PROS: Excellent impact support and structure
CONS: Less breathability and boardfeel
5. Best Chunky: Adidas Busenitz
- UPPER: Suede Outer, Textile Inner
- LOWER: Rubber Cupsole
- SIGNATURE TECH: Adiprene Cushioning, Pivot-Point Cupsole
When Nike introduced the Janoski in 2009, they revolutionized skate shoe design with a minimalist approach, but Adidas took a different route with the Busenitz, focusing on a maximalist design that perfectly combined comfort with performance. Developed over more than a year of meticulous prototyping, the Busenitz is built upon the classic Copa Mundial soccer shoe, incorporating skate-specific enhancements to create a chunky yet highly functional skate shoe. The result is a shoe that not only offers a distinctive look but also delivers exceptional control and durability on the board.
The Adidas Busenitz is immediately noticeable for its exceptional comfort. The shoe features a unique cushioning setup where the heel is slightly elevated and heavily padded, providing substantial protection and support. This design is contrasted by a thinner, less padded toe area that enhances board control. The use of Adiprene foam ensures that the heel has one of the best cushioning setups available in a low-top shoe, while the structured yet cushioned toe area allows skaters to feel their board with precision. This thoughtful design effectively balances comfort with performance, making the Busenitz a standout choice for skaters who require both protection and control.
In addition to its performance features, the Busenitz also boasts a well-crafted design that includes a full suede upper, which breaks in comfortably over time, and a textile inner lining that promotes breathability. The shoe’s aesthetic is marked by Adidas’ iconic three stripes and an oversized tongue, which can be adjusted or trimmed to fit personal style preferences. Despite its chunky build, the Busenitz manages to mitigate common drawbacks of cupsole designs, such as added weight and bulk, with a refined approach that remains relevant and effective. Priced competitively, the Busenitz offers excellent value, making it an ideal choice for skaters looking to tackle big gaps and demanding tricks while enjoying enduring style and performance.
Conclusion
Selecting the best skateboarding shoes involves balancing durability, performance, and comfort to meet the demands of skaters at all levels. From the classic design of Vans’ Half Cab to the minimalist elegance of Nike’s Janoski, each shoe on this list brings its own unique strengths to the table. Brands like Adidas and Last Resort AB also showcase how innovation and attention to detail can elevate the skate experience, whether through maximalist cushioning or thoughtfully designed skate-specific features.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual preferences and skating style. Whether you prioritize board feel, ankle support, or cushioning, there’s a high-quality option available that fits your needs and budget. By understanding the distinctive features and benefits of each model, you can confidently choose the skate shoe that will enhance your performance and provide lasting comfort, helping you make the most of every session on the board.
