The best skate shoes provide more than just a stable connection to your board. They offer protection, support, and most importantly, comfort while you skate.
That's not to say grip isn't an important factor to consider though. Wearing a pair of shoes that you know will help you stick each landing can give you the assurance you need to attempt new tricks.
However, with the abundance of skate shoes on the market right now, it can be difficult to determine which pair is the most suitable for you. Many of these shoes prioritise style over practicality and performance, making it hard to know where on earth to begin.
Fortunately, we've put together a list of amazing skate shoes that stand out from the crowd thanks to their reviews, price, plus any features in their build that give them the edge over their competition.
We've also taken name value into consideration here. For instance, some of the best Vans ever made have been closely linked to the skateboarding scene. So, the likes of the aptly named Sk8-Hi, for example, are bound to be up there among the best.
With these factors in mind, here is our list of the best skate shoes available now...
Best skate shoes
- Best all-round skate shoes - adidas Gazelle ADV
- Best cheap skate shoes - DC Lynx Zero
- Best high-top skate shoes - Vans Sk8-Hi
- Best skate shoes for board feel - Nike SB Chron 2
- Best skate shoes for wide feet - etnies Marana Michelin
Best all-round skate shoes - adidas Gazelle ADV
Skate shoes come in all shapes and sizes, but in terms of the all-round package this adidas Gazelle ADV has to offer, we feel it's a skate shoe that's hard to beat.
It comes with the Gazelle's iconic '90s styling, but underneath, there are a ton of features tailored for the skate park. For instance, adidas' Geoflex outsole is designed to give excellent grip and flick off your board.
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Also, you get a double-layered toecap to increase the shoe's durability around one of the most worn-down areas from skating. This extra layer also gives added protection to ensure there's no discomfort during your stunts.
Other notable features include the premium suede finish and its Adiprene sockliner to give more support around your heel and ankle, plus to help absorb impact from high loads. All in all, the Gazelle ADV is well worth checking out.
Best cheap skate shoes - DC Lynx Zero
Buying new skate shoes can be quite costly, especially if you're regularly wearing down new pairs. However, what we like about this DC Lynx Zero is that it's a performance-based shoe that doesn't come with an expensive price tag.
This means you don't necessarily have to worry about ripping through them each time you get yourself down to the skate park. To combat this anyway, the shoes are made from leather and suede, which should help them withstand a fair amount of punishment.
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To improve the board feel, DC has given the shoes slightly tapered fronts for flip tricks, while the heel and collar come packed with foam padding to keep you protected when landing a stunt.
You also get a mesh lining and an EVA sockliner for added comfort and durability, thus making these a great budget option to consider for the long term.
Best high-top skate shoes - Vans Sk8-Hi
Low-tops are often the go-to for many skaters. However, if it's a high-collared sneaker you're after, then you won't find much better than the classic Vans Sk8-Hi in our opinion.
Every inch of this shoe has been refined for skating since its inception in 1978. From the thick suede and canvas upper to the signature rubber waffle outsole, this shoe has been built to take on the rigors of a skate park.
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Not only are they built to last and to give you exceptional amounts of grip, but Vans has also considered how they keep you protected. For instance, you get reinforced toe caps to prevent you from breaking through, plus padded collars to absorb impact around your ankles.
Sometimes you can't beat a classic, with this Vans sneaker is a testament to that, hence its inclusion here.
Best skate shoes for board feel - Nike SB Chron 2
From basketball shoes to football boots, Nike really does do it all. One area the brand is particularly well-versed in though is skating, with this SB Chron 2 being a great example of its expertise.
Firstly, it's worth noting that Nike has revamped the shoe with a reshaped collar and heel to improve the fit for the Chron sequel. The shoe is also kitted out with foam to further enhance comfort and add a layer of protection.
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The shoes also feature an extended toe bumper to help them withstand the wear and tear of performing trick after trick. Furthermore, the vulcanised fusion of the sole to the upper should give you better flexibility to nail your foot placement and give a better board feel.
On the whole, Nike's SB line is packed full of great skate shoes. However, the Chron 2 stands out to us as being one of the best.
Best skate shoes for wide feet - etnies Marana Michelin
Finding skate shoes that fit wide feet isn't always easy. However, we'd say the etnies Marana Michelin is well worth considering if you're struggling.
The shoes have a fairly generous entrance and a wide silhouette that's padded around the collar for additional protection.
That said, the main selling point of these sneakers is that they've been designed to withstand the high-impact resistance demands of Ryan Sheckler's skating. As a result, you get an injected rubber toe cap, hidden lace loops, and STI Evolution foam in the midsoles to absorb impact.
You also get what etnies call a Pro Foam 1 insole, which, along with the padded elements, should ensure you stay comfortable whilst skating. Ultimately, there's plenty to like about these etnies skate shoes, hence their inclusion here.
Frequently asked questions about skate shoes
Buying new skate shoes can be a confusing process, often leading to a ton of questions. Don't worry though, we've answered some of the most common queries below.
What should you look for when buying a skate shoe?
There are several factors to take into consideration when buying a skate shoe, the first being - are they durable? Skate shoes end up taking a lot of punishment, so it's worth investing in sneakers that are built to last to avoid having to replace them after every session.
You'll also want to make sure you're buying shoes packed with foam and padding. This is mainly needed to absorb impact - just imagine landing an ollie down a flight of stairs without any protection. However, you should also benefit comfort-wise from well-padded shoes as well.
Finally, board feel is something that's often talked about when buying skate shoes. Ideally, you need sneakers that are easy to break in and easy to perform tricks with.
A better board feel usually comes hand in hand with a thinner sole. However, you don't want to compromise too much here as you may lose protection against impact due to there being less room to absorb shock.
Are skate shoes meant to be tight?
Generally speaking, skate shoes should fit fairly tight, although you don't want to go for anything too small that you can feel your feet being compressed.
You also don't want to go too far in the opposite direction either. You'll have no control and your shoes will just end up falling off each time you leave your board.
Therefore, the best advice we can give is to follow Clarks general rule of thumb. Well-fitting shoes should allow about one finger's width of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of your shoes, with the natural bend of the sneakers falling around the balls of your feet.
In terms of width, you'll want to ensure the widest part of your foot, i.e. the ball area and metatarsal bones, fit within the widest part of your shoe, with enough room spare so that you don't feel your sneaker compressing inwards. To help you get the fit right, check out our guide to measuring shoe size right here.