Top 10 Best Skate Shoes | The Guide to Highly Skateable Shoes
Your guide to the best skate shoes from the top brands in skateboarding
Are you looking to replace your old ripped-up skate shoes? Or just want to try something new? You have come to the right place. Our list has new favorites and old classics that hold the essentials- style, comfort, and durability. We are here to help both beginner and experienced skateboarders discover the best skate shoes for them.
For many skateboarders, finding the perfect skate shoes can be tough. The right pair of shoes should look good on foot and provide comfort, durability, flick, and excellent board feel. It can be challenging to find that ideal pair, we made it simple.
FIND THE 10 BEST SKATE SHOES BELOW
Nike SB & Ishod Wair seamlessly merge skate shoe essentials with elements inspired by the Air Max legacy in the creation of the Nike SB Air Max Ishod skate shoes. Crafted from a combination of suede, leather, and mesh in a unique multi-layered upper construction, these shoes exude both style and functionality. Featuring the iconic Air Max unit and an air-sole unit, they offer superior impact protection for intense skate sessions.
Breathable mesh panels and a ventilated toe box ensure optimal airflow, enhancing overall comfort during wear. The Herringbone tread pattern on the outsole provides exceptional grip and precise board feel for maximum control. Signature details include Ishod Wair's embroidery on the tongue and eye stay, adding a personal touch to the design, while the Nike SB embroidered logo on the heel counter adds a final flourish. It's no surprise that the Nike SB Air Max Ishod skate shoes have earned their place among our top selections for skate footwear.
- Cut: Mid
- Key Features: Nike Zoom Air Unit
Watch our review of the Air Max Ishod here.
The Samba ADV not only pays homage to Adidas' rich soccer legacy but also earns its place on our best skate shoes list. Featuring a timeless T-Toe design reminiscent of the original style that made its debut over 50 years ago, these shoes blend classic aesthetics with modern skateboarding functionality.
The molded sockliner ensures a snug, glove-like fit, enhancing comfort and responsiveness for optimal performance on the board. The lightweight cupsole, with its directional herringbone tread pattern, guarantees lasting grip and precise board control.
While rooted in soccer heritage, the Samba ADV stands out as a top choice for skaters, earning its well-deserved spot on our list of the best skate shoes.
- Cut: Low
- Key Feature: T-Toe Design
The Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid-skate shoes are an excellent addition to our Top 10 Best list.
The shoe's upper is made from suede and leather, providing both durability and flexibility, while the rubber outsole ensures outstanding grip and traction on the board. The Nike Zoom Air unit in the heel adds extra cushioning and impact protection to keep your feet feeling good after those rough landings.
This shoe's overall design is simple and classic, featuring the iconic Nike swoosh on the side. These shoes are dependable and versatile, well-suited to a range of skating styles. With a winning combination of durability, grip, and cushioning, they are an excellent option for anyone seeking a top-quality skate shoe.
- Cut: Mid
- Key Feature: Zoom Air Unit
Watch our review of the Nike SB Blazer Mid here.
4. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Pro
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Pro High Skate Shoes are a classic, iconic skate shoe that combines vintage design with modern skateboarding performance.
The Chuck Taylor All-Star Pro High Skate Shoes have been designed for comfort and style with a vulcanized sole construction and canvas upper. Paired with the classic high-top design and iconic Converse branding, add a touch of timeless style; you can't go wrong.
Overall, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Pro High Skate Shoes are a must-have for anyone serious about skateboarding. Their blend of classic design and modern performance features offers unbeatable durability, ankle support, comfort, and style.
- Cut: High-Top
- Key Features: Hightops = No ankle bites
5. Nike Zoom Blazer Low Pro GT
The Nike SB Zoom Blazer Low Pro GT skate shoe is sleek, stylish, and perfect for skaters of all levels. The shoe's upper is a durable suede and features the swoosh on the side in classic Nike style. This shoe also hosts Nikes' Zoom Air unit in the heel, which provides excellent cushioning and impact protection, while the vulcanized construction gives the shoe a great board feel and durability.
Overall, the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Low Pro GT is a top-performing skate shoe that balances style, comfort, and performance. Its durable construction, excellent cushioning, and superior grip make it a reliable choice for skateboarders of all levels.
- Cut: Low
- Key Features: Zoom Air unit
The Vans Half Cab is widely recognized as one of the premier skate shoes available today, and we've included it on our top 10 list for a good reason.
Its long-standing reputation for quality and performance is well-deserved, thanks to its vulcanized sole construction, reinforced suede and canvas upper, and waffle outsole that provides exceptional foot protection and board feel.
Overall, the Half Cab's enduring popularity among skateboarders of all levels is a testament to its quality and performance. It is a reliable choice for anyone who wants a skate shoe to keep up with the wear and tear.
- Cut: Mid
- Key Features: Duracap™ & SickStick™
Watch our review of the Vans Half Cab here.
7. New Balance Numeric 306
The New Balance Numeric 306 skate shoes are a fantastic option for anyone in the market for high-quality skate shoes. These shoes boast several features that make them a great addition to any skateboarder's collection.
The shoe's upper is made from durable materials, ensuring flexibility and longevity. The rubber outsole provides excellent grip and traction on the board, and the shoe's reinforced toe cap adds extra protection for your feet.
The New Balance Numeric 306 skate shoes are sleek and modern, with the New Balance logo displayed prominently on the side. These shoes are versatile and reliable, making them a good choice for a range of skaters' styles. With a perfect combination of durability, grip, and cushioning, they are an excellent option for anyone seeking a top-quality skate shoe.
Overall, we highly recommend the New Balance Numeric 306 skate shoes to any skateboarder looking for a comfortable, performance skate shoe.
- Cut: Low
- Key Features: Elastic Gusseted Tongue
8. Vans Old Skool
The Vans Skate Old Skool Shoes are classic skate shoes that are both stylish and functional. Made with a durable suede and canvas upper, the shoe is built to withstand the wear and tear of skateboarding. The shoe's padded collar and footbed offer additional support and cushioning, while the signature Vans waffle outsole provides excellent grip and board feel.
These shoes have earned their place on our list of the top 10 best skate shoes due to their iconic design, durability, and superior performance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skater, the Vans Skate Old Skool is a reliable choice to keep your feet looking and feeling great.
Overall, the Vans Skate Old Skool Shoes is a classic that offers both style and function. This durable skate shoe construction, comfortable fit, and excellent grip make them a must-have for any skateboarder.
- Cut: Low
- Key Features: Timeless style
Watch our review of the Vans Old Skool Here
9. Nike SB Malor
New From Nike SB, the Malor is designed for skaters looking for a durable and comfortable shoe that won't break the bank. Featuring a vulcanized outsole the Malor comes ready to skate right out of the box boasting a flexible upper with a broken-in feel. Key design features like the extended toe bumper and cushioned tongue, provide enhanced durability and comfort for long days at the park or in the streets.
- Cut: Low
- Key Features: Suede Canvas Upper
Watch our review of the Nike SB Malor here.
10. Vans Sk8-Hi
Originally introduced in 1978, the Sk8-Hi revolutionized skateboarding in the 80s by introducing new functions and style. Vans now pays homage to this iconic silhouette with the Skate Sk8-Hi Shoes, combining nostalgia with upgraded technology. As part of the "Vans Skate Classics" line, these shoes are a modern adaptation of Vans' most iconic skate footwear, tailored to meet the demands of contemporary skateboarding.
Enhancing both style and functionality, the Vans Skate Sk8-Hi integrates tongue straps for a secure fit, DURACAP™ underlay for increased durability, and SickStick™—a rubber compound that ensures a grippy outsole. Internal heel shanks contribute to heightened board feel, creating a perfect fusion of classic aesthetics and modern skate shoe performance. It's no wonder the Vans Skate Sk8-Hi has secured its place among our top picks for exceptional skateboarding footwear.
- Cut: Hi-Top
- Key Features: Vulcanized construction
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