2023 Best Skate Shoes for Skateboarding (With Pros & Cons) (2024)

When it comes to finding shoes for skateboarding, the first thing you will notice is that some shoes look the part and definitely do not play the part. Just like not all sneakers are created equal, it is the same with finding the right shoes for skateboarding.

It comes down to boardfeel, padding (or lack there of), and the shoes durability. When you shoe is abrasively rubbing against your board’s grip tape, you are going to need a shoe that lasts.

Here is a list of the best shoes for skateboarding with detailed descriptions on why or why not they might be right for you.

Best Skate Shoes for Kickflips

Cariuma CATIBA Pro

Cariuma started in 2018 with the goal of making sustainable shoes. The company sources ingredients like bamboo, cork, organic cotton, natural rubber, and sugar cane to make its shoes. Additionally, they use recycled packaging, allow skaters to buy one shoe at a time, and ship their products according to carbon-neutral standards.

This image shoes a few of the other core features of the Catiba pro.

The Cariuma CATIBA pro are perfect skate shoes for kickflips and heelflips. Cariuma designed these shoes with reinforced stitching in the areas you use for flip tricks. The reinforced areas use a triple stich, and the result is that it increases the life of the shoes.

There is an unreal level of side traction flick with the CATIBA pro. The material that separates the rubber sole to the upper part of the shoes uses thicker diagonal stripes carved directly into the outsole. These stripes improve the traction and flick of your flip tricks.

I loved the Cariuma Catiba Pro so much that I wrote a full review of it here.

Pros

• The most environmentally friendly skateboard shoe. Learn more about Cariuma’s sustainability efforts here.
• Incredible for flip tricks
• Comfortable
• Excellent board feel and grip

Cons

• These are a little more expensive than some of the other options on the list. That said, you can always buy one shoe as a time (at half the price). If you skate regular, you can buy just the left shoe or vice versa if you skate goofy.

Best Shoe for Boardfeel

Nike Sb

Nike’s skateboarding line of shoes is called “Nike SB.”The brand starting making skate shoes back in 2002 and have been a major shoe manufacturer ever since. The reason skateboards love these shoes is because they are minimal skate shoe that looks incredible. By stripping away the unnecessary padding other shoes for skating added in, they created a shoes that offers more comfort and control over your skateboard. Many skaters enjoy having a shoe that allows them to more responsively feel the movement of their skateboard. When you can more closely feel your skateboard you will skate better.

A popular line of Nike SB is Nike’s Stefan Janoski Canvas sneaker. It comes in so many excellent colorways, and skates exceptionally well.

Do Nike SB Shoes fit true to size?

Yes, Nike SB shoes are true to size. The only challenge is that they can have a slightly narrow toe box. If you have a wider foot or need a larger toe box, we recommend trying them on before buying them.

Pros

• Stylish
• Responsive board feel
• Durable

Cons

• They tend to be on the more expensive side
• Can run small

Best Classic Skate Shoe

Vans

Vans started making shoes in 1966. In the beginning they were not necessarily meant for skateboarding. Overtime, Vans has become the quintessential skate shoe brand that it is today. Because Vans are so well known they have made many different models of their shoes. The truth is some of them work phenomenally well as a skateboarding shoe while others do not. The key is finding the right ones that last and work well for you. Skateboarders love Vans for their impact absorption, classic look, and arch support.

A popular line of Vans that work well for skateboarding are the Old Skool Pro. These offer the classic skate look and board feel.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Gum rubber for grip

Cons

• Need to be broken in
• Can be less durable than others

Best Skate Shoe for Beginners

Cariuma Naioca Pro

The Naioca Pro is an excellent option for beginners because it makes the difficult task of learning to skateboard feel like it is a little easier. These skate shoes offer an added level of stability and have a focus on grip and boardfeel that can help you learn to control your skateboard while still being incredibly comfortable to skate in.

My favorite feature of the Cariuma Naioca Pro shoes is their soft memory foam insole. The insoles reduce the vibrations and impact you feel skating while allowing you to practice longer than you would in most other shoes before your legs get tired. These insoles are exceptionally comfortable and have a decent amount of arch support too. Here is an image of the insole to give you a better look at how much arch support they offer.

Best of all, the Naioca Pro is a little less expensive than some of the other shoes on this list. You get a shoe that skates well and will last you for months without breaking the bank.

If you would like to learn more about these shoes, read our full Cariuma Naioca Pro review.

Pros

• It is comfortable, lightweight, and allow you to feel your board beneath your feet (which makes it an excellent shoe to learn to skate with).
• A vulcanized shoe with impact protection
• Perfect level of grip for flip tricks
• Made with eco-friendly materials
• Durable skate shoes that will last you for months

Cons

• They aren’t the cheapest option on this list. They also aren’t the most expensive. The Naioca Pro offers a lot of shoe for its price.
• These run one half size large, so if you are a size 8.5 in vans, go with a size 8.0 in Cariumas.

Best Skate Shoe With Vulcanized Rubber Outsole

Lakai

Lakai is based out of Torrance California. It was created in 1999 by Mike Carroll and Rick Howard (from Girl Skateboards). It is a company created by skaters for skaters. There is no shoe they create that wouldn’t be a good skate shoe. They are made specifically to skate in.

Check out the Lakai Proto Vulc Shoes.

Pros

• Extra grip thanks to dual density rubber outsole
• Comfortable premium foam foot beds
• Durable

Cons

• Tighter when first worn and will need to be broken in

Best Padded Skate Shoes (for that 90s feel)

Dc Skate Shoes

DC Shoes have been around since 1994. Overtime they have embraced the padded skate shoe feel. For an older skater like myself, I am drawn to these because they remind me of the skate shoes I learned to skateboard on. They are comfortable, padded, and have that 90s feel.

There are two DC show models that skate very well for me.

1. The DC Central Skate Shoes
2. The DC Lynx Zero skate shoes

Pros

• Durable suede that lasts through ollie and kickflip attempts
• Padded collar for that 90s skate shoe feel
• Comfortable

Cons

• Rubber sole will wear down
• Tight at first and will need to be broken in

Best Skate Shoe Overall

Es

eS is a skater owned brand that began in 1995. eS has always placed an emphasis on style and technical innovation. eS is owned by the parent company Sole Technology, Inc. That parent company is going to come up a few more times in this guide

Best Impact Absorption Skate Shoes

Emerica

Emerica began making skate shoes back in 1996. It is another brand that is owned by Sole Technology, Inc. Emerica embodies skateboarding. Rather than change with the trends, Emerica has consistently been making simple skate shoes for over 20 years.

Pros

• Cup sole construction with G6 polyurethane midsole for extra impact absorption
• Comfortable
• Durable

Cons

• Run a little narrow in the toe

The Most Durable Skate Shoe

Etnies

Etnies is another Sole Technology brand that began in 1986. Etnies have stood the test of time and are still making excellent skate shoes and sponsoring an incredible skate team to this day.

One of the most popular Etnies shoes is the Joslin pro-model shoe designed by Chris Joslin. Its sole is made from the same high-quality rubber as Michelin tires, making it both durable, skate-friendly, and ready to take the massive impacts that Chris Joslin takes. The new version of the Joslin features an upgraded suede overlay that prevents the shoe from tearing easily or blowing out. This shoe also has a hidden reinforced toe cap that helps extend the shoe’s life by preventing tears from ollies and kickflips. The Pro Foam 1 Insole and STI Evolution® Foam Midsole provide superior cushioning, while the elastic tongue straps ensure a snug fit. Additionally, the padded tongue and collar lining lock the foot in place, and optional lace holes offer extra protection.

The Joslin is one of the longest lasting skate shoes you can buy.

Pros

• Durable – This has a reinforced toe cap area to extend the shoe through ollies and kick flips
• Grip – This shoe’s sole is made from mich tire grip
• Padded tongue and collar for extra support

Cons

• Fit a little snug in the width. You will need to break these in.

Best Vulcanized Shoes

New Balance

New Balance Numeric began making shoes for skateboarding in 2012. Initially, they partnered with Blackbox distribution, the parent company owned by Zero skateboarding pro-Jaimie Thomas. At the time, the skateboard community was skeptical about why New Balance would have a skateboarding division. Today, the shoes are widely adopted as a beloved skate shoe brand.

A popular New Balance Numeric shoe is Jamie Foy’s pro model the 306. These have the style and the durable reinforced suede to make them last longer.

Here is an image of Jamie Foy doing a front blunt in the New Balance 306 shoes. The level of grip in the 306 is unmatched.

Pros

• Board feel – Vulcanized outsole gives these that grippy board feel.
• Durable – these have a high quality reinforced suede with extra toe protection
• Board feel – Vulcanized outsole gives these that grippy board feel.

Cons

• Laces run short
• Need to break them in (true of most skate shoes)

Best Shaped Skateboard Shoes

Fallen

Fallen began making skate shoes back in 2003. The brand was launched by skateboard pro Jaimie Thomas. After a few distribution changes, the brand is still going strong today. Since Fallen was created by a skateboarder, all of its shoes are designed and tested to high quality standards by its team of pro skaters.

The Forte is one of the best Fallen shoes. These shoes have the best shape and board feel. They have enough padding to provide absorption while not following the minimal, no padding, trend of most skate shoes today.

Pros

• Board feel – Vulcanized with thinly padded tongue and collar
• Impact Absorption – Impact Foam” Insole For Long Lasting Impact Cushioning
• Abrasion resistant suede

Cons

• While they are true to size, the toe box can be tight.
• Need to break them in (true of most skate shoes)

Best Shoe for Comfort and Style

Adidas

Adidas began making shoes specifically for skateboarding in 1998. As a skate company, Adidas manages to give the quality and icon look of their brand into durable, high quality shoes skaters love.

The best skate shoes for style and comfort are the Adidas Daily.

Pros

• Comfort – These have the OrthoLite sock liner offers soft padding inside.
• Support (and more comfort) – Padded collar and tongue for even more comfort
• Style – Adidas legacy stripes
• Comfort – These have the OrthoLite sock liner offers soft padding inside.

Cons

• The suede and stripes can take abuse with kickflips.

My Tip for Finding the Best Cheap Skate Shoes

Skate shoes can vary greatly in their price. Some brands rarely put their shoes on sale, while others go on sale regularly. Here is how I find cheap shoes whenever I need them.

Go to an online skate shoe retailer’s category page for skate shoes. I like looking for retailers with a page specifically for skate shoes on sale, like this one on Tactics.com/skate-casual-shoes/sale/.

Use the site’s filters to isolate the results to your size and sort the shoes by their price from lowest to highest.

As you look through the results, focus mainly on the shape and style of the shoe rather than its color. You will usually be limited in the colorway of the shoes you select when trying to save the most money. If you’re ok skating in a less popular color, you can find an excellent deal.

So there you have it.

Here are the world’s best skate shoes.

1. Cariuma CATIBA Pro Skate Shoes
2. Nike Skate Shoes
3. Vans Skate Shoes
4. Lakai Skate Shoes
5. Dc Skate Shoes Skate Shoes
6. es’ Skate Shoes
7. Emerica Skate Shoes
8. Etnies Skate Shoes
9. New Balance Skate Shoes
10. Fallen Skate Shoes
11. Adidas Skate Shoes

Last Updated: January 22, 2024 by Steve Weber