Do You Need Grip Tape? (Or Can You Ride Without It?)
If you’re just getting into skateboarding or building your first custom setup, you might be wondering: do you need grip tape? Can you really skip that sandpaper-looking stuff on top of your board—or is it absolutely essential?
In this guide, we’ll answer the question ‘do you need grip tape’, explain the full skateboard grip tape purpose, help you pick the best grip tape for your setup, and show you how to apply and maintain it.
What Is Grip Tape?
Grip tape is a sheet of gritty material—kind of like sandpaper—that sticks to the top of your skateboard deck. It provides the traction and friction needed to keep your feet locked onto the board as you ride, push, pop tricks, or cruise bowls.
Most grip tape is made with:
- A peel-and-stick adhesive on one side.
- An abrasive grit surface on the other—usually made of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide.
It comes in various styles: solid black, clear, graphic-printed, and even perforated versions that help avoid air bubbles during installation.
What’s the Purpose of Skateboard Grip Tape?
The main purpose of grip tape is simple: traction and control.
Whether you’re riding street, park, vert, or just cruising your neighborhood, grip tape keeps your feet from slipping—especially when you’re:
- Kicking up into an ollie or flip trick
- Powering through turns
- Dropping into a ramp
- Bombing a hill at high speed
Without grip tape, your shoes have no reliable contact with the board. It’s like trying to snowboard without bindings—risky and slippery.
That’s the core skateboard grip tape purpose—to keep you grounded so you can focus on technique and style instead of worrying about your footing.
So, if you’re still asking yourself, “Do you need grip tape?”—the answer is yes, if you want to skate with any consistency or safety.
When Can You Skip Grip Tape?
There are rare situations where grip tape might be optional:
- Plastic cruiser boards like Penny boards often have a textured deck instead.
- Old-school pool skaters occasionally used waxed decks or foam padding.
- Barefoot longboarding (yes, it’s a thing) usually avoids abrasive grip.
But if you’re using a traditional wooden skateboard and plan on doing tricks or downhill riding, skipping grip tape isn’t recommended.
Choosing the Best Grip Tape for Your Setup
Not all grip tape is created equal. If you’re trying to find the best grip tape for your riding style, it helps to understand how grit, material, and adhesive all contribute to the skateboard grip tape’s purpose.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Grip Level (Sharpness or Coarseness)
The sharpness of the grit directly affects traction and shoe wear.
- Coarse grit (like MOB): Ideal for flip tricks and transition skating. Great traction, but wears shoes faster.
- Medium grit (like Jessup or Grizzly): Balanced grip for most riders. Suitable for beginners or commuting.
- Fine grit (like Black Diamond): Less abrasive; better for cruisers and longboarding.
Pro tip: If you’re skating long distances or just commuting, choose moderate grip to save your shoes. For tricks or bowls, aggressive grip gives you more board control.
2. Material Type
- Silicon carbide: Most premium grip tapes use this for longevity and consistent texture.
- Aluminum oxide: Slightly softer, cheaper, and still grippy — but may wear faster.
3. Adhesive Strength
Good grip tape sticks firmly, but not too aggressively:
- Look for weather-resistant adhesives that won’t peel in heat or humidity.
- Avoid ultra-low tack options that lift after a few sessions.
- Top brands like MOB, Jessup, and BlackWidow use tear-resistant, waterproof backings.
4. Size Matters
Most standard skateboards use grip tape sheets around 9″ x 33″.
Always buy a sheet slightly larger than your deck. This allows full coverage and makes trimming easier—especially if your deck has a steep concave.
For longboards or shaped decks, measure carefully and consider buying longboard-specific grip tape.
5. Design & Customization
Today’s grip tape isn’t just functional—it’s personal.
- Solid black for classic style
- Clear grip to showcase deck graphics
- Patterns and colors (like BlackWidow or Grizzly) to stand out
- Die-cut logos, stickers, or layered grip art for custom setups
If design matters to you, look at brands like Powell Peralta or BlackWidow—they offer eye-catching options without sacrificing grip.
Top Grip Tape Brands (Tested & Trusted)
If you want maximum control, smooth tricks, and long-lasting traction, choosing the best grip tape matters just as much as your trucks or wheels. Here are the top grip tape brands skaters trust—whether you’re just learning how to ollie or hitting handrails daily.
MOB Grip
- Perforated for easy install
- Extremely grippy
- Long-lasting durability
Get your hands on some MOB grip tape now.
Jessup Grip
- Slightly less coarse than MOB
- Excellent for technical skaters
- Easier on your shoes
Buy some Jessup grip here.
Grizzly, Shake Junt, and Others
- Offer bold graphics and colorways
- Vary in grit level and durability
- Great for personalization
Take a look at the top-selling grip tape on Amazon.
Pro tip: If you’re just starting out, Jessup or MOB are solid bets for all-around performance.
How to Apply Skateboard Grip Tape (Without Ruining It)
Installing grip tape isn’t hard, but doing it right helps your deck look clean and perform better. Here’s an extended step-by-step guide for applying grip tape like a pro—bubble-free and sharp-edged.
What You’ll Need:
- Grip tape sheet (perforated is easiest)
- Razor blade or box cutter
- Flat file or screwdriver
- Clean skateboard deck (no dust or grease)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Seal the edges: Rub the file or screwdriver around the newly cut edge to lock it in and prevent peeling.
- Prep your deck: Wipe off dust and dirt. If it’s a fresh deck, make sure there’s no shrink wrap left.
- Line up the grip tape: Don’t peel yet—just lay it loosely over the deck to line it up with even overhang on all sides.
- Peel & stick gradually: Peel about 2–3 inches of backing from one end. Press that part onto the board. Then slowly peel and press the rest, working across and smoothing bubbles as you go.
- Flatten & press it down: Use your hand, a cloth, or an old skate tool to press down firmly across the entire surface. Make sure the edges are sealed tightly.
- Score the edge: Use a screwdriver or file to rub around the edge of the board in a circular motion. This gives you a visible guideline for cutting.
- Trim with precision: Take a sharp blade and carefully cut along the scored line. Use short, controlled cuts and rotate the board instead of your hand.
Bonus Tip: Add Some Style
- Use an X-Acto knife to cut out stripes, windows, or your initials before sticking.
- Mix clear grip over logos or artwork.
- Cut designs into the corners or nose/tail to stand out.
Skater’s Note: Even if you mess it up, grip tape is cheap—and learning to apply it cleanly is a rite of passage.
When to Replace Grip Tape
One of the clearest signs that you need new grip tape is when your board feels slippery even with clean shoes. Since the skateboard grip tape’s purpose is to give you reliable traction, losing that grip means it’s time for a replacement.
Signs It’s Time to Replace:
- Bald spots where the grit is completely worn down
- Shiny or smooth areas that reflect light
- Reduced traction, even when your shoes are clean
- Grip feels slippery, especially during flip tricks or pushing hard
- Edges peeling up, catching on your shoes or socks
Cleaning vs Replacing
You can clean grip tape with:
- A grip gum eraser
- A dry wire brush for mild dirt
- A toothbrush + light water spray (avoid soaking the deck)
But if your grip still feels slippery after cleaning, it’s time to replace it.
Final Verdict: Do You Need Grip Tape?
If you’re planning to push off, turn, ollie, or trick—then yes, you need grip tape. It’s one of the most essential parts of your setup.
Whether you’re building your first board or upgrading an old one, don’t skip it. Pick the best grip tape for your style and make sure it’s installed properly.
FAQs | Do You Need Grip Tape?
Do you really need grip tape on a skateboard?
Yes—grip tape is essential for control, stability, and safety. Without it, your feet can slip off the deck when turning, popping tricks, or riding at speed. Whether you’re street skating or cruising, grip tape provides the traction you need to stay locked in. Unless you’re riding a plastic cruiser with a textured deck, grip tape is non-negotiable.
What is the purpose of skateboard grip tape?
The purpose of skateboard grip tape is to give your shoes a rough, high-friction surface to grip while riding. It helps you:
– Stick landings more confidently
– Execute flip tricks with precision
– Maintain stability while turning or dropping in
It’s what gives you full control over your board.
Can beginners skate without grip tape?
Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended. Even beginners need some level of traction to safely push, turn, and balance. Skating without grip tape increases your chance of slipping and falling, especially when learning.
What’s the best grip tape for beginners?
Most beginners do great with Jessup or MOB Grip. Jessup has a slightly smoother feel that’s easier on shoes, while MOB is ultra-grippy and great for learning tricks. Both brands stick well and are easy to apply without bubbles.
Does grip tape damage your shoes?
Over time, yes—especially coarse grip tape like MOB or Shake Junt. Grip tape will wear down your skate shoes faster, but that’s the tradeoff for control. If you want to preserve your shoes a bit longer, look for medium grit grip tape with a smoother finish.
How often should you replace grip tape?
It depends on how often you skate. Replace your grip tape when:
– The grit wears down and feels slick
– You see shiny bald spots
– Tricks feel less consistent
Average lifespan:
– Heavy skaters: every 3–6 months
– Casual riders: once a year or as needed
What’s the difference between perforated and non-perforated grip tape?
Perforated grip tape has tiny holes that allow air to escape during installation, helping you avoid air bubbles. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone who struggles with applying grip tape smoothly.
Can you clean dirty grip tape?
Yes! Use a grip gum or rubber cleaning block to remove dust and grime. For deeper cleans, a soft wire brush and a bit of water can help—just avoid soaking the deck. Clean grip performs better and lasts longer.
