Skateboarding is a popular sport and means of transportation for many people especially in Summer. The best skate shoes are designed with flat soles and reinforced stitching to provide durability and stability.
It also has a unique grip pattern that helps skateboarders maintain control while performing tricks and maneuvers. There are several important things to consider when choosing the best skateboard shoes.
One of the most important factors is the material the shoe is made of. It should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand the constant impact and friction of skating.
Shoe fit is also very important as it can affect a skateboarder’s ability to perform tricks and moves. Shoes should fit snugly but not too tight. Doing so may cause discomfort and injury.
After researching a variety of skate shoes, we’ve selected the best skateboarding shoes that provide the durability, support, and traction skateboarders need.
Best Shoes for Skating in Summer 2024
1. Nike SB Force 58 skate shoes
The SB Force 58 is Nike’s latest skateboarding innovation, offering both the flexibility of a vulcanized shoe and the durability of a cupsole design. Suede and canvas offer the ideal combination of long life and breathability. The toe perforations and Swoosh pay homage to Nike’s traditional basketball style. It features a tri-star shaped outsole that expands and contracts for better grip and board feel from the start.
The SB Force is durable, offers great board feel and allows your feet to breathe even during intense summer skating sessions.
2. Emerica Filler Mead
Our favorite skate shoe is the Emerica Pillar Mid. We love the ankle cushioning and support this mid-top shoe provides. These shoes also serve to keep the heel in place to prevent it from slipping. The sole is comprised of double-wrapped vulcanized rubber with rubber taping extending higher around the outside of the shoe.
This, along with its suede upper and rubber ali-guard, makes it one of the most durable shoes for flip tricks in our test group. It took a break-in period, but after a day or two it was comfortable and gave me great board feel and good control.
The forefoot tread has a deep dotted tread, while the back of the sole has a tighter line pattern that provides good grip on the board and supports flip tricks.
Emerica is a skater-owned brand known for making high-quality skate shoes for decades, so it’s no surprise that this model took first place in our skate shoe awards. Emerica Pillar provides exceptional comfort and support through all the ups and downs of your day.
3. Vans Skate Old School skate shoes
Vans has been an icon of skate culture and the California lifestyle since its founding in March 1966. An all-new collection, the Vans Skate Series now offers even greater performance and comfort when skating. The newly reworked upper offers improved comfort and bomb-proof heel hold while maintaining the same board feel in the forefoot. The sidewall finish pays homage to the traditional Vans look, while the new checkerboard flag adds fresh style. Two-part foxing adds durability and grip. Increased sole depth and SickStick rubber combine to provide ultimate grip. The reworked Duracap shape provides breathability and durability, while Locked-In-Fit with a strap on the tongue ensures premium retention. The new PopCush insole provides a buttery soft landing and endless comfort.
4. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Leather
If you’re looking for a skate shoe that’s comfortable yet classic and timeless, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star leather high-top sneakers are a great choice.
We recently tried out the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star leather high-top sneakers and were impressed with the quality and comfort of the shoes. The leather upper and flat laces give the shoe a classic look perfect for skating or everyday wear. The Ortholite insole provides excellent cushioning for comfort even when worn for long periods of time. They also appreciated the durable sole, which ensures the durability of the shoe.
However, it is important to note that Converse shoes run a half size larger, so you may need to size down when purchasing. Additionally, some users may find that the shoe does not provide enough arch support for their needs. Lastly, leather uppers can be difficult to clean if they become dirty, so the shoes may not be suitable for all weather conditions. Overall, we recommend the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Leather High Top Sneakers as a comfortable and classic choice for skateboarding shoes.
5. DC Calis Bulk
The DC Kalis Vulc is a great all-round skate shoe and another updated version of a classic. Josh Kalis’ first DC shoe originally released in 1999 and shared the same side panels as the Kalis Vulc, but the similarities stopped there. Compared to the Kalis OG, the Kalis Vulc is much thinner and lighter, weighing less on a much simpler vulcanized sole. These shoes are very comfortable and require very little break-in time. Ready to hit the board right out of the box. The suede toe is perfect for flip tricks and holds up well during testing, making it extremely durable. Mesh tongue and collar provide adequate breathability while maintaining structure and integrity. The vulcanized sole provides excellent traction, the insole is soft and padded for impact protection and is one of the most comfortable of these shoes.
The Kalis Vulc’s relatively thin sole means it’s ready to skate at a moment’s notice. However, this may be considered a disadvantage depending on your skating style. This is because these shoes are not designed to withstand serious impact or abuse. Although they held up reasonably well and showed no signs of wear at first, they quickly lost their shape and became disheveled. The lack of lace protection was another major flaw. Most shoes we’ve tested lack lacing protection, but the wider laces on these shoes make them more prone to rips or breaks. Overall, the DC Kalis Vulc is a decent skate shoe at a reasonable price, making it a strong value. Adidas Seeley is a cheaper alternative.
6. SE Men’s Accel Slim Skate Shoes
We highly recommend the SE Men’s Accel Slim Skate Shoes to anyone looking for a durable, comfortable skate shoe with excellent board feel. The SE Men’s Accel Slim Skate Shoe is a stylish version of the Accel OG, perfect for versatile use.
These shoes are lightweight and have great board feel, making them perfect for skating. The rubber outsole provides excellent grip on the board, which is essential for any skater. The heel is approximately 1 inch, providing perfect stability and balance.
One downside to this shoe is that it may be a bit narrow for some people. The heel structure of the shoe may be soft and weak, which may not provide sufficient support. Also, the shoes have a strange smell when you first get them, but it goes away after a few days.
Overall, the SE Men’s Accel Slim Skate Shoes are a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, comfortable skate shoe with great board feel. This is a great investment for any skater who wants to take their skating to the next level.
7. Vans Unisex Adult Old School Trainer
If you’re looking for a skate shoe with a classic design, the Vans Filmore Decon is a great choice.
We recently tried out the Vans Filmore Decon skateboard shoes and were impressed with their overall performance. The suede material is high quality and holds well during skating sessions. The rubber outsole gave the board excellent grip, which helped land flip tricks more easily. The cushioned insole also felt good and was comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
One thing to note is that the shoes may run slightly large, so it is recommended that you try them on before purchasing. Additionally, the platform may be too thick for some skaters who prefer thinner shoes. Lastly, the shoes may take some time to break in, but once they do, they will be your favorite skate shoes for years to come.
Overall, I highly recommend the Vans Filmore Decon Skate Shoes to anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish option for their skateboarding needs.
8. Nike VAPOR 12 Club MG AH7378-810
If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable and stylish skate shoes, the Nike VAPOR 12 CLUB MG AH7378-810 are worth considering in 2024.
We recently tried out the Nike VAPOR 12 CLUB MG AH7378-810 and were impressed with its performance. The rubber outsole provides excellent grip on the board, allowing you to easily perform flip tricks and other maneuvers. The shoes fit true to size and were very comfortable even during long skating sessions.
In terms of style, the Nike VAPOR 12 CLUB MG AH7378-810 definitely stands out. The sleek design looks great on and off the board, and the black and white colorway is versatile enough to pair with a variety of outfits.
Although we were impressed with the Nike VAPOR 12 CLUB MG AH7378-810, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users have reported that these shoes may not be as durable as other skate shoes on the market. Therefore, those looking for long-lasting shoes may want to consider other options. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious buyers. Lastly, some users with wider feet have reported that the shoe may be a bit narrow, so sizing up may be necessary.
9. Lakai Carol
The Lakai Carroll is a remastered version of legendary skateboarder Mike Carroll’s first Lakai shoe, originally released in 2000. Now, 20 years later, Lakai has released this new version, built with the same upper but using a more modern XLK cup sole. They fit well and are very comfortable, with a thicker tongue than others and plenty of padding around the collar to keep your foot in place and provide great support.
The upper is a mix of suede and mesh. Suede wraps the lower panel to provide protection and durability to your most used areas, while the mesh sole and mesh tongue provide excellent breathability. The XLK cup sole breaks down quickly and offers the best shock absorption of any shoe we’ve tested, and the outsole around the forefoot has a light grid pattern that works well for the trick.
Carrolls is the only model to offer lace protection for added durability. Not only were these the most breathable shoes we tested, they were also the most durable.
Several skate shoe companies began reissuing or releasing updated versions of their shoes starting in the early 2000s, and the Lakai Carroll is a great example of an iconic shoe with an updated sole for a more modern fit and performance.
10. Osiris Men’s Clone Skate Shoes
The Osiris men’s clone skate shoes are impressive with their durability and comfort. Reinforced high-wear zones help withstand the wear and tear of skates, while a lightly padded tongue and collar provide a comfortable fit. The abrasion-resistant rubber outsole provided excellent grip and performance on the board.
One thing to note is that some sizes may vary slightly so it’s important to try before you buy. Additionally, some may find the price a bit high compared to other skate shoes on the market. However, we believe that the quality and durability of the Osiris Men’s Clone Skate Shoes, especially the use of durable suede, make them worth the investment. This premium material not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the shoe, but also contributes significantly to its longevity and wear resistance, providing value for money.
Overall, if you’re looking for a skate shoe that can handle the wear and tear of skating while still providing comfort and style, the Osiris Men’s Clone Skate Shoes are definitely worth considering.
11. New Balance All Coast 574
The New Balance All Coasts 574 is technically a lifestyle shoe because it is not part of New Balance’s skateboarding line, NB Numeric. However, we found that it works as a casual skate shoe. The sole took a while to break in, but the narrow fit kept my foot in place without my heel slipping.
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The upper is mostly suede around the toe, heel and side panels for durability, with mesh over the toe and near the collar for breathability. Although the sole is flat, the insole provided plenty of arch support that many other models lack.
The REVlite midsole is lightweight and provides excellent cushioning, while the rubber outsole sole provides significant traction. The New Balance 574 is not marketed as a skate shoe, but it is a pretty good shoe for skateboarding and overall a very comfortable shoe.
One of the major drawbacks of All Coasts 574 skating is its slow break-in period. The sole was a bit stiff at first and the rubber seemed harder than what is used in other shoes, so it was a bit slippery for the first couple of sessions.
This pair has held up well over a few months of skating, but some of the stitching has popped out at the tongue, which is more of a design issue than due to skating. It wasn’t a big problem right away, but since the foam was already exposed around the edges of the tongue, the fabric on top was separating, the stitching continued to come undone, and the condition worsened.
New Balance shoes tend to run small, so it’s a good idea to buy half a size larger. In particular, these shoes are very narrow and do not fit well for people with wide feet. Still, if you want a casual shoe that will perform well for occasional skateboarding, the New Balance All Coasts 574 is a good choice.
Conclusion
Skate shoes are one of the most popular footwear around the world and are worn by skaters and non-skaters alike. As people who spend a lot of time focusing on their feet, it’s no surprise that skateboarders know what it takes to make good quality shoes that are comfortable, durable, and perform well.
As skateboarding grows, more and more brands create skate-specific shoes, so our senior experts have thoroughly tested multiple pairs over several months to give you the best recommendations of 2024.
While big companies like Nike, Vans, and Adidas currently have successful skate lines, we’ve tried to strike a balance of larger and smaller skater-owned brands to highlight in our reviews.
So, whether you’re looking for the best shoes for skating or you’re an avid skater who wears shoes every few months, we hope this review will help you decide the best one.