Best Skateboarding Shoes in 2022

What makes a skateboard shoe different from a regular sneaker? Skate shoes are designed to protect skaters from common skateboarding issues. They are usually made with an interior reinforced toe cap that protects the wearer’s toes when performing toe-dragging tricks, such as an ollie or kickflip.

Skate shoes also usually contain extra padding in areas such as the heels and soles.

With skateboarding tech and fashion at a pinnacle, there are way more brands, styles, and reasons to buy a particular shoe. Purchasing the right shoe can make all the difference in protecting your toes and waking.

We put together the best skate shoes for men, women, and children that you can check out to ensure your style and performance are up to date. While many factors go into being a skateboarder, there are no two more significant factors than style and performance. And the same goes for your shoes. 

The best skate shoes of today will last longer, perform better, and look fantastic. We chose each of these shoes because they will last, and they will enhance your performance on a skateboard.

What Should You Look For In A Skateboarding Shoe?

In general, seek for a shoe that has a little of everything. Suede texture, heel support, toe caps, laces out of grip range, shock-absorbent soles, and decent stitching are all desirable features.

Skateboarding shoes that can take a beating and are yet comfortable to wear are difficult to find. The nose should be longer than the average sneaker.

Avoid using too much lacing. If you do, your laces might break because of friction. Broken shoelaces are annoying, but if you choose the right shoes, it shouldn’t be a problem. Consider how you skate and where the wear and tear is greatest in order to decide which shoes are best for you.

Do You Actually Need Skateboarding Shoes?

Yes, skateboard shoes are required if you skate often. There is some nuance to this, much like whether or not you can run in any pair of shoes. I’m sure there are people out there who can kickflip a board while wearing pumps, but that seems a little excessive.

You can only get away with cheap shoes for so long. If you’re skating frequently and hard, you’ll be lucky if they last a week. That is why it’s important to purchase quality skate shoes. However, if you can, get them on sale!

Will Skateboard Shoes Actually Make a Difference?

Skateboarding shoes have a big impact, but not all skate shoes are created equal. Skateboarding has grown in popularity over the years, so bigger brands have started to sell skate shoes.

The ideal skateboard shoe delivers protection, comfort, and is durable.

Best Skateboard Shoes For Kids

If your child has recently shown an interest in skateboarding, one thing that they cannot go without is some great skateboard shoes. It’s not all about style. Skate shoes are designed to keep their toes protected when attempting tricks and have a thicker canvas so they don’t wear out as quickly. 

One more thing your child will need is a CPSC and ASTM certified skateboard helmet and pads.

Enough about that. Let’s check out the coolest skateboard shoes for kids.

Adidas Kids’ Daily 3.0 Skate Shoe

The Adidas Kids’ Daily is a unisex skateboarding shoe perfect for both girls and boys. The shoe has a classic look that is suitable for all ages, gender, and style. But even more, it is the perfect shoe to begin learning how to skateboard. 

The Adidas Kids’ Daily 3.0 is an excellent everyday skate trainer.

Shoe Features:

• Made with an NBS rubber sole.
• Regular fit.
• Lace closure.
• Twill upper.
• Breathable feel.
• OrthoLite® sock liner.
• Rubber outsole with a vulcanized look.

DC Pure Kids Skate Shoe

Children’s skateboarding shoes are designed with a mixture of leather, nubuck, and suede. Featuring a mesh lining and is finished with a foam padded tongue and collar for additional support and comfort. 

DC’s Pure skate shoes are perfect for children learning how to skateboard.

Shoe Features:

• Made from 100% genuine leather.
• DC’S trademarked pill pattern tread.
• Vulcanized construction.
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
• Leather, nubuck, and/or suede upper.
• Mesh lining.
• A foam padded collar and tongue for increased comfort and support.

DC Unisex-Child Pure High-Top EV Skate Shoe

Since 1994, DC shoes have represented a balance of skate meets street casual. No other DC shoe embodies that quite as well as the DC Pure High-Top EV Skate Shoe. Alternative closures are featured in most youth shoes, along with durable materials and toe caps to ensure each style withstands the test of child and skateboard.

Shoe Features:

• Made from 100% genuine leather.
• An NBS rubber sole.
• Shaft measures approximately high-top” from arch.
• Mid-top design.
• A mix of materials.
• Toecap overlay for extra durability.
• A foam padded collar and tongue for increased support and comfort.

Heelys Launch Skate Shoe

What are Heelys? They’re shoes that roll! These one of a kind, rugged, lightweight athletic shoes feature a single stealth wheel housed in the heel, allowing athletes of all skill levels to walk, run and transition to a roll at any moment. Roll into all situations, or simply remove the wheel and transform your Heelys into a pair of fashionable street shoes!

Check out the Heelys Launch Skate Shoe here.

Shoe Features:

• Made with 100% canvas.
• Synthetic sole.
• A low-top skateboarding shoe with a lace-up vamp and striped midsole.
• A removable wheel at the outsole.

Adidas Bravada Skateboarding Shoes

Kids’ shoes that help them take on their day. These kids’ Adidas shoes have soft cushioning in the midsole and a durable canvas upper that holds up to whatever they find themselves doing. The vulcanized-look outsole gives these shoes some skate style.

Take a better look at the Adidas Bravada Skateboarding Shoes right now.

Shoe Features:

• An NBS rubber sole.
• Kids’ regular-fit canvas sneakers with a vintage skateboard look.
• Lightweight upper: Light, breathable canvas upper.
• Traction and Grip: Rubber outsole with a vulcanized look.
• Lined: Textile lining provides comfort.
• Grippy rubber outsole with a vulcanized look.

Etnies Kids Blitz Skate Shoe

Etnies Kids Blitz skate shoe is a low profile, vulcanized silhouette with a complete canvas upper. The tongue and collar of the shoe are lined with mesh, keeping the interior breathable and ventilated. Boasting the Foam Lite 1 insole, this shoe offers long-lasting comfort and support for long days at the skatepark.

Look at the Etnies Kid’s Blitz skate shoes for more details.

Shoe Features:

• Made from 100% synthetic materials.
• Rubber sole.
• Foam Lite 1 insole.
• Slim silhouette on a vulcanized outsole.
• All canvas upper.

Best Skateboard Shoes For Women

So you’re interested in some women’s skateboarding shoes? Look no further because we have lined up the ten best skateboard shoes for women. There are both trending and timeless styles. 

Either way, these will be the best choices you can make to protect your feet while skateboarding, or for some extra style points.

Vans Women’s Low-Top Sneakers

Inspired by Vans Classic Old Skool, the Ward is a low top, vulcanized lace-up style with Vans signature side stripe, a round toe, padded collar for extra comfort, a smooth Lining, and a cushioning insole.

Go check out the Vans Low-Top Sneakers for women over here.

Shoe Features:

• fabric-and-synthetic
• Rubber sole
• Platform measures approximately 2
• Vans Side Stripe Logo
• Double-stitched top for durability
• Vulcanized construction
• Original waffle outsole

DC Women’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe

The DC’s iconic Court Graffik is now available in women’s sizing. 

Shoe Features:

• 100% Textile
• Imported
• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
• DC logo on heel panel
• Foam padded tongue and collar
• Women’s specific sizing

PUMA Women’s California Sneaker

The classic 80’s PUMA California has been brought back as a must need retro sneaker. Originally a laid-back training sneaker, California is now an on-trend streetwear style.

PUMA is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle, and fashion. PUMA’s unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sport-lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design.

Go check out the Puma California skate shoes.

Shoe Features:

• 100% Leather
• Imported
• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
• Fashion Lifestyle Sneaker

Adidas Women’s Grand Court Sneaker

The Adidas Grand Court Sneaker brings back the vintage ’70s style. The Grand Court takes inspiration from many iconic sport styles of the past, bringing them back to the future. They are made from a durable leather-like upper and the signature 3-Stripes along the sides. Plush midsole cushioning gives comfort to every step.

Shoe Features:

• 100% Other fibers.
• A rubber sole.
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
• Platform measures about 0-3 inches.
• Boot opening measures about 0-3 inches around.
• Tennis-inspired shoes with classic style for everyday wear.
• Regular fit; Lace closure.
• The polyurethane-coated leather upper for durability.
• Rubber outsole for excellent traction; textile lining.

Vans Authentic Core Classic Sneakers

Vans Authentic Pump. Lace-up, contrasted stitching, Vans tab logo to the side, rubberized logo to heel, reinforced toe piece. Textile Upper & Inner, Synthetic Sole.

Shoe Features:

• Rubber sole
• Washed canvas upper
• Metal eyelets
• Vans Original Waffle Outsole
• Lightly cushioned insole

NIKE SB Check Solarsoft Canvas

The Nike SB Check Solarsoft Canvas skate shoes look great, feel great, and are simple to clean. Bring extra energy to your skate game with the Nike SB Charge Solarsoft Canvas skate shoes.

Shoe Features:

• Canvas upper that’s reinforced in critical areas for lightweight durability and strategic impact protection.
• Extended vamp stitching enhances durability during tricks.
• High-density foam collar for added support.
• Drop-in Solarsoft sock-liner for cushioned comfort.
• Rubber outsole for durability and traction.
• Flex Wrap construction lends skate-specific flexibility.

Lugz Women’s Flip Classic Low Top Fashion Sneaker

With a clean and classic profile, you can pair the Lugz Women’s Flip with anything from your wardrobe. With a highly versatile style, these skate shoes are in their element wherever you may go.

Shoe Features:

• Rubber sole
• Padded insole
• Rubber outsole
• Breathable lining
• Vulcanized construction
• Canvas upper

Etnies Women’s Czar Skate Shoe

From Etnies icon collection, the Women’s Czar is a re-issue of one of Etnies vintage and timeless styles. Staying true to the classics, the Czar skate shoe has a mid-puff silhouette with plenty of chunky padding.

Shoe Features:

• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately high-top from arch
• Foam Lite 1 insole
• Midsole egg-crate construction
• Classic double Strobel stitching on the outsole sidewall.

DC Women’s Trase Platform TX SE Skate Shoe

The DC Women’s Trase Platform TX SE skate shoes have a perfect board-feel and sole flex. Looking like a platform shoe but acting as a skateboarding shoe, the Trase Platform is the perfect combination of performance and style.

Shoe Features:

• Abrasion-resistant sticky rubber outsole.
• DC’s Trademarked “pill pattern” tread.
• Vulcanized construction for great board feel and sole flex.
• Abrasion-resistant sticky rubber outsole.

Etnies Women’s Lo-Cut CB Skate Shoe

Classic 90’s Etnies styling in the lo-cut CB sneaker slimmed down with a modern look. This shoe is designed for skateboarding but also looks like the perfect shoe for walking or even a night out on the town.

Take a look at the Etnies Lo-Cut CB skateboarding shoe.

Shoe Features:

• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately high-top from arch
• Thinly padded tongue and collar
• Cut and buffed EVA midsole
• Foam Lite 1 insole

Best Skateboarding Shoes For Men

Here are the top 10 men’s skateboard shoes. No matter what color or style you like, there is something for everyone on this list. 

Below you’ll find some new models, as well as some classics and bestsellers that will never go out of style.

Nike SB Skateboarding Shoe

The Nike SB skate shoes are among the highest revered shoes in contemporary streetwear and skate culture. The shoe is specifically designed for enhancing performance atop a skateboard. The signature Zoom Air insole guarantees that your eet will stay comfortable all day long, whether hitting the skatepark or enjoying a night out on the town.

Shoe Features:

• Black suede upper with white detailing.
• Reinforced double stitching along a high abrasion zone.
• Nike Swoosh at the sides, logo details on the tongue, and stitching on the back of the heel.
• Lace-up closure with recessed eyelets.
• Lightly padded tongue and leather lined collar.
• Breathable mesh-lined interior.
• Nike Zoom Air sock liner with air unit in the heel for impact support.
• Vulcanized construction for optimal board feel.
• Rubber herringbone tread pattern for grip.

Size & Fit:

• Unisex US shoe sizing.
• Fit: True to size.
• Width: As expected.
• A low-profile design.
• Added interior tongue gussets for a snug fit.

Etnies Men’s Kingpin Skateboarding Shoe

The Etnies Kingpin shoes borrow design inspiration from the Etnies Fader, another classic skate shoe. The Kingpin is a traditional puffy tongue, chunky toed skateboard shoe.

Rip it up like skater royalty in the Kingpin shoe from Etnies. The sturdy upper is perforated for breathability and offers adjustable lacing. At the same time, heavy-duty padding on the collar and tongue adds the stability you need to land your most difficult tricks. The herringbone-treaded outsole offers superior grip, whether you need it for the ramps or the street.

Shoe Features:

• Made with 100% genuine leather.
• Synthetic sole.
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
• Die-cut EVA insole EVA midsole.
• 400 NBS rubber outsole.
• Die-cut EVA insole.
• EVA midsole.
• Trademark Etnies logo.
• Padded tongue and collar.
• Action Nubuck/ Synthetic.

Emerica Wino Cruiser Skate Shoe

The Emerica Wino Cruiser skate shoe is an updated version of one of the Wino, Emerica’s classic after-skate chillers. The Wino Cruiser remains true to the original design but adds a restructured narrow, low-profile design, a rubber toe bumper, and a flat triangle-tread sole. This shoe is a true Cruiser.

As Emerica says, “Empowering youth… Through skateboarding!”

Shoe Features:

• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
• Low-profile skateboard shoe featuring protective rubber toe bumper provides and lace-up closure.
• Full-length midsole for cushioning.
• Vulcanized construction for durability.
• Flat triangle tread bottom for grip.

Osiris Men’s Relic Skateboarding Shoe

The Osiris Relic skateboarding shoe has been changing the game for years. That being said, it is also a perfect price point on such an excellent skateboarding shoe, proving that you can save money, look great and make your feet happy all at the same time.

Shoe Features:

• 100% synthetic material.
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
• Iconic styling with reinforced high abrasion areas for superior durability.
• Lightweight padded tongue and collar for added comfort and support.

Globe Men’s Mahalo Skate Shoe

Since the inception in the early ’90s, Globe has always been at the forefront of technical advances in skate shoe research and development. And with that, the Globe Mahalo skate shoe is a sleek and laid back skate shoe that delivers minimal effort with style.

Shoe Features:

• Made with 100% genuine leather.
• Shocked insole for impact control and rebound protection.
• Globe Super V outsole.
• S-Trac sole pattern ensures flex, durability, and impact control.
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.

Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley XT Sneaker

The Adidas Seely XT skateboard shoes are a perfect choice for street style and riding your skateboard. These Adidas are a low-key take of the traditional skate style. With a reinforced toe, there is much less (if any) scuff stress. And the smooth leather upper gives these shoes a polished look. 

Shoe Features:

• The shaft measures approximately 6-12 inches from the arch.
• Platform measures about 0-3 inches.
• Boot opening measures about 0-3 inches around.
• Regular fit.
• Lace closure.
• Leather upper.

New Balance Men’s Skate Shoe

Inspired by classic ’70s tennis shoes, the New Balance Numeric has been adapted by pro skateboarders to keep your style clean and keep your skills progressing!

Shoe Features:

• Classic court silhouette in a skate-ready design.
• Uppers of premium durable suede and canvas.
• Dual-layer construction for upper strength.
• Multi-layered toe cap for durability. Closed-cell polyurethane (PU) insert protection provides super impact protection and consistent fit. N-durance® rubber foxing tape for abrasion resistance. Genuine Gum rubber outsole for enhanced grip and durability. 
• Weight: 1 lb 1 oz 

DC Men’s Switch Skateboard Shoe

The DC Switch skate shoes are fashioned for men, with suede or leather. Featuring a blind seam on the lateral side for added durability, the DC Switch comes complete with an Achilles relief on the heel and superior fit and comfort to similar models.

Shoe Features:

• Made from 100% synthetic materials.
• Super Suede polyester for added durability while retaining softness and comfort.
• The blind seam on the lateral side for added durability.
• Achilles relief on the heel.
• All-new last for superior fit and comfort.
• Extra plush OrthoLite® footbed for cushioning. 
• The outsole is designed to provide flexibility and resist heel impact.

A modern classic, the 3ST.004 mixes elements from the Adidas archives into a silhouette too fresh for any other era but the present. Adidas’s most technical skate shoes, the 3ST.004, strikes the sweet spot between impact protection and board feel. With full-length cushioning, you’ll stay comfortable as you navigate the city streets and skateparks.

Take your skills to a whole new level with the performance-driven Adidas 3ST.004 skateboard shoes.

Shoe Features:

• Skateboarding shoe in a sleek, low-profile design.
• Uppers of durable leather with classic three-stripe detail.
• Lace-up closure.
• Geofit tongue in a no-bulk design.
• Molded sock-liner for an ideal fit.
• Responsive Boost midsole for optimum impact support and shock absorption.
• Molded heel clip for added stability.
• The wrapped midsole for long-lasting durability.
• Rubber outsole for grippy traction and ideal board feel.
• Weight: 14 oz.

DC Men’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe

The Court Graffik is DC’s most popular skateboarding shoe. The Graffik offers a pillow of cushioned panels for maximum protection on and off the board.

With bolder graphics and prints, these new colorways on the Court Graffik always sell out quickly. For decades, these have been one of the most sought after chunky skateboarding shoes. And with the ever-evolving array of new styles, it’s easy to see why.

Shoe Features:

• Made from 100% genuine leather.
• Built with an NBS rubber sole.
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
• Cup sole construction.
• Vent holes for breathability.
• Lightweight mesh tongue.
• Pill Pattern Tread.
• A foam padded tongue and collar for added comfort and support.

PUMA Suede Classic Leather Formstrip Sneaker

PUMA is one of the global athletic brands that has successfully fused the influence from sport, lifestyle, and fashion. PUMA’s unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sport-lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design.

This shoe is Puma’s answer to comfort and style while skateboarding. Check out the Puma Formstrip sneaker now.

Shoe Features:

• Made with 100% suede.
• Classic sneaker with signature Formstrips featuring brand callouts on heel, tongue, and side.
• Textured toe bumper.
• Low-profile and casual, this skate-inspired look is a PUMA classic.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect skateboarding shoes is essential to a good skating experience. You need shoes that provide the right level of comfort and protection, as well as good grip and durability.

When shopping for skateboarding shoes, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Make sure the shoes fit comfortably and provide good support.
• Look for shoes that have a durable sole and grip.
• Try to get them on sale.

This guide provides an overview of the different types of skateboarding shoes, so you can find the perfect pair for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a classic style or something more modern, there’s sure to be a skateboarding shoe out there that’s just right for you.