Tips to Find The Skate Shoes That Perfectly Fit with Your Skills

Like any sport, you need the best equipment for the best performance. Skating isn’t any different; shoes play an important role in ensuring you can perform to the best of your ability. With hundreds of unique skate shoes on the market, how can you decide which is the perfect pair for you? That’s where we can help. We’re here to provide you with tips that will help you find the perfect pair of shoes that perfectly fit your skills. 

Besides aesthetic preference, the rise on your skate shoe will contribute to the level of control you have over the board and how much protection your ankles have. If you’re unsure about the difference between low and high rise shoes, take a look at an online sneaker store, and you’ll be able to see the difference, shoes play an important role in developing your skating skills. Make sure you know which is the most practical for your skate style, not just what you like the look of.

High top shoes provide extra protection for the ankles. However, this extra protection means you have less control over your ankles, which can infringe on your control over the board. If you rely on having full-movement to control your board, high tops might not be the right choice for you. 

Halfway between a high and a low top is a mid-top. A mid-top provides a level of protection around the ankles whilst allowing slightly more movement than the high top. If you want a decent amount of control whilst still having a little bit of extra protection around the ankles, this could be the perfect style for you.

Low tops allow complete ease of movement due to the ankles not being restricted by any material. Of course, this means your ankles are vulnerable to any hits and knocks from the board. It also means that fewer shocks are absorbed by the material, which will result in you feeling more impact.

When picking the rise of your trainer, consider what is most practical for your style of skating. If you’re someone that does a lot of tricks but is just starting out, you might opt for a high top, as this will provide more protection.  If you’re more experienced and having a good feel and control of movement is your number one priority, you might decide to pick a mid to low rise trainer. 

There are two types of soles you’ll encounter when researching skate shoes: cupsoles and vulcanized soles. Again, each of the different styles has its benefits, so you need to decide which design is most beneficial to your skating style.

Cupsoles have a thicker sole, made up of multiple solid layers of cushion and rubber. This excess material means that the shoe absorbs more impact so provides extra protection on the board. Due to the extra material cupsoles have, they have less grip feel, which can impact your control and movement over the board.

Vulcanized soles are much lighter and slimmer. They provide more board feel but have less protection. Vulcanized soles are often cheaper but less durable. If you’re unsure which soles are the right fit for you, think about them in terms of an investment. If you’ve been skating for a long time or plan to take up skating regularly, it’s worth investing in a cupsole due to their protection and durability. If you’re new to skating, and not ready to invest, purchase a vulcanized sole trainer and see how your skating develops.

The grip is one of the most important parts of your skate shoe; you must invest in skate shoes that provides a good grip as this will help you stay on your board and help to absorb any external impact.

Make sure your skate shoes are double, if not triple stitched. A seam that’s only a single stitch isn’t going to be appropriate for skating in. You can find skate shoes with no outer stitching at all, which eliminates concerns over your stitching coming undone and the seams of your skate shoes taring.

Suede and canvas are the most common materials for skate shoes. Canvas shoes tend to be a lot cheaper and lighter, making them more breathable. Whereas, suede shoes are more durable and are going to provide the foot with more protection.

It's important to make the right investment for you and your skate journey. If you know you're going to be wearing your skate shoes all the time, make sure your purchase reflects this, and buy a shoe you'll benefit from. Protect your body whilst advancing your skate skills and buy the perfect pair of skate shoes for your skill set.

There are several things to think about when you buy your next pair of skate shoes. By investing in good quality skate shoes now, you’ll help develop your skills quickly and protect your body from injury. If you’re not sure you’re ready to buy a pair of skate shoes that are top of the range, several cheaper alternatives can help you develop your skating and gauge an idea of what you need from your skate shoe. The best person to know the perfect skate shoes for you and your skills is you. We hope these tips and pointers can help you discover what you need from a skate shoe and lead you to find the perfect pair for you.