Skate shoes
While most beginners will put on any pair of shoes and be fine on a board, as they increase the frequency of their riding quickly they will learn they seem to be wearing down their shoes faster than normal. Children might be asking their parents about skate shoes as they start to learn on their skateboard.
Skate shoes are not considered essential gear, in the same way that helmets are.
You don’t need skate shoes to longboard, but they are more comfortable. There is actually quite a different feel when pushing and carving in running sneakers as opposed to doing this with skate shoes.
The flat soles really do give a different feel, and foot braking is much easier as well.
Traditional shortboard skateboarding, that which you see at the skate park with tricks and jumps, is notoriously hard on shoes. Skaters flip their boards, dragging the tops of the shoe on the rough grip tape. It is not unusual to put holes in shoes in a matter of a few sessions.
Longboarders do not have as much of a problem unless doing a lot of freeriding tricks. Still – the soles especially will be worn down much more quickly with all the pushing and especially foot braking that is done.
What Are The Properties That Make A Shoe A Skate Shoe?
Typically, first and foremost is still style. Function is of course important, but the classic Vans aesthetic is common amongst skate shoes.
Integrated into the design, you’ll tend to find a flat sole for proper sensitivity and foot control. Some shoes have more cushion, but they tend towards more the flat soled minimal running shoes rather than the cushy, arch supporting variety.
In fact, many minimalist runners use skate shoes for the thinner cushion and increased sensitivity.
I myself prefer walking, and even running, in my skate shoes with their thinner soles and flat feel.
The soles are typically a vulcanized rubber, to help somewhat with durability. The outsole (part in contact with the floor and board) – is typically designed for grip as well as flexibility in addition to abrasion resistance.
Vulcanised Soles In Skate Shoes
These are the most common, and give the advantage with light weight, great flexibility, and excellent ground and board feel. The parts are glued together and attached to the uppers with a strip of rubber.
Less expensive, no need for break in, but faster wearing.
Cup Soles In Skate Shoes
These shoes inherently have more cushioning, but are heavier and need some time to be broken in. The outsole is glued to a cushioning foam midsole and then this is sewn into the shoe. The extra seam gives more stability at the expense of flexibility.
More cushioning and stability, harder wearing, at the expense of weight and feel sensitivity.
Reinforced Seams
Skate shoes are designed to at least offer some increased longevity. Most of the wear in shortboard skateboarding tricks comes art the seams. The increased seams at the heel and toecap areas allow for some increased resistance against the rubbing with the griptape.
What Are The Uppers Of Skate Shoes Made Of?
Suede is one of the more durable options. Even less expensive skate shoes often will have patches of suede at the high wear areas, such as the toebox.
Canvas is likely the most common material found, especially on less expensive shoes. It does not wear as long as the suede options, but they are lighter and more breathable.
Conclusion
Skate shoes are stylish, functional shoes that make longboarding even more enjoyable. They are somewhat mid way between the “minimalist” thin soled flat running shoes and regular cushy sneakers. Like me, you might find them your daily shoe as well.