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The 10 Best Skate Shoes for Men In 2022
Shoes are an obvious everyday staple in everyone’s wardrobe. And unless you live on a private tropical island and can walk around barefoot all day, let’s face it: you’re gonna need some shoes. While there are many brands, styles, and designs available on the market today – whether it’s casual sneakers, dress shoes, running shoes, or even Crocs – every shoe has its purpose, and skate shoes are no different.
Okay, so technically, you can ride a skateboard wearing any type of shoe, but there’s a reason skate shoes exist in the first place, and that’s because they’re designed with durability, protection, and comfort in mind, and can also help you skate to the best of your ability. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced rider looking to up your skate shoe game, from tried-and-true classics to some of the best new kicks available today, we’ve got you covered when it comes to the 10 best skate shoes in 2021.
Best Buy
1. Vans Skate Old Skool
Is there anything more classic than a pair of Vans Skate Old Skool shoes? These babies are a go-to for both new and seasoned skaters alike, and with features like increased durability so you can skate longer and more often, all-day comfort technology, and Vans’ “stickiest rubber yet” to ensure maximum grip, you really can’t get a much better option when it comes to skate shoes.
Vans Old Skool shoes are also available in seven different colors, including white/white, black/black, and black/white for a clean, sleek look that’ll match any aesthetic. The best part? They come with a relatively moderate price tag so you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune.
2. adidas Seeley Sneaker
If you can afford to shell out a little more cash for skate shoes, then look no further than adidas’ Seeley Sneaker, which you can conveniently score on Amazon – AKA, you don’t have to wait long between ordering and skating with your brand new kicks if you’re an Amazon Prime customer.
Featuring the classic adidas three-stripe design, these skate shoes are not only stylish but are also a premium pick for skaters everywhere. According to customer reviews, the Seeley Sneaker stays in “great shape” for months after daily wear and is “perfect,” as one satisfied customer put it.
3. Lakia Bristol Shoe
If you’re looking for skate shoes that’ll give you the most bang for your buck, direct your attention over to Los Angeles-based skate company Lakia, which was founded in 1999 by pro skateboarders Mike Carroll and Rick Howard.
The Lakia Bristol shoe features a new DELUX-LITE premium foam sock liner for maximum comfort and arch support, is designed for “performance and comfort,” and comes in three different colors (black/grey, red/white, and gold/gum) to fit any classic skate style. The shoe’s upper is made of suede in “high-wear” areas, and its rubber soles are perfect for high-impact absorption.
4. Fallen Eagle Skate Shoe
The Fallen Eagle Skate Shoe is perfect for those who are looking for more than just a pair of kicks you can skate in. These sleek, monochromatic skate shoes may look simple, but thanks to their “low profile cupsole construction,” FLX EVA midsole for impact cushioning in the heel and maximum board feel in the forefoot, and impact foam designed to absorb even the highest impact, the Fallen Eagle Skate Shoe is a must-have in your sneaker arsenal.
Given the shoe’s almost-five star rating on Amazon, it’s no wonder these bad boys are one of the top picks when it comes to skating.
5. eS Accel OG Shoes
If you’re new to skating, you may not realize that the eS Accel OG shoes are one of the most classic – not to mention, iconic – skate shoes on the market. Dating all the way back to 1995, eS has been outfitting skaters with durable, comfortable, and reliable shoes for more than two-and-a-half decades – in other words, there’s a reason these shoes are a classic skating staple.
On top of featuring a premium suede upper built for long-lasting durability, the Accel OG shoes also boast a thick, puffy tongue for maximum comfort, and will also give you that fresh 90s vibe that’s ever-so-popular right now. Retailing for less than a Benjamin Franklin, these skater shoes come in a minimalist-inspired cream color.
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6. DC Manual S Skate Suede Shoe
DC is a brand that’s proven to be one of the best when it comes to skating gear, and that of course includes its moderately priced Manual S Skate Suede Shoe. These shoes are some of the most durable on the market thanks to their SUPER RUBBER outsole that “lasts longer than traditional rubber” outsoles, along with a breathable mesh lining and unique herringbone sole designed especially for skateboarding. The DC Manual S Skate Shoe comes in two colors (grey and navy/white) and is a favorite of DC team members John Gardner and Evan Smith.
7. Etnies Marana
There’s a reason Etnies shoes have been worn by skateboarders for nearly four decades. Since 1986, the skate company has been supplying skaters of every skill set with some seriously cool kicks that are not only stylish but insanely durable and long-lasting.
The Marana shoe boasts a rubber toe cap, thick tongue for comfort (and a subtle nod to its 80s roots), flexible rubber outsole that moves with your foot, and a “car tire-like tread pattern” for maximum grip. The shoe also has over 200 four and five-star reviews on the company’s website and comes in a whopping thirteen colors to choose from.
8. Globe Mahalo Plus
The Globe Mahalo Plus skate shoe is an upgraded version of the company’s classic Mahalo shoe. The difference? There’s an added rubber ollie patch on the side of the shoe to ensure the sneaker stays intact with repeated use.
Like the original Globe Mahalo, though, the Mahalo Plus features a rubber sole, “Super V outsole” and a Shockbed insole to absorb high impact activity. The shoe comes in a variety of colors, including black, dark shadow, and shiraz, and with a 4.9/5 star rating, you really can’t go wrong with the Globe Mahalo Plus.
9. Emerica. Collin Provost Provider
Ever since its 1996 launch, Emerica’s products have been a must-have for boarders of all skill levels. Emerica’s Provider skate shoe, the third shoe designed by pro-skater and Huntington Beach, CA native Collin Provost for the company, is made exclusively with skateboarding in mind.
The Provider’s lightweight insole is “high memory” and “impact resistant,” which means it’s one of the top picks on the market when it comes to comfort. Its rubber toe cap and minimalist design also make it one of the most enviable pairs of shoes available, and with eight color schemes to choose from, you can’t go wrong.
10. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top
If you don’t already own a pair of classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops, then take this as your sign to go out and get yourself a pair. The shoe features the company’s iconic star patch on the inner ankle, and its rubber sole is ideal for those who are looking for durability, grip, and comfort while cruising on their board.
You can score these classic babies in seven different colors, including white, black, red, and more. While Chuck Taylor High Tops are perfect for casual skaters, they also double as solid everyday sneakers, which is another reason to scoop up a pair.
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Skate Shoes FAQs
Skate shoes are shoes worn while riding a skateboard – whether that’s casually, recreationally, or professionally, and are designed with the sport, as well as the skater’s safety, in mind.
Skate shoes differ from “regular” shoes for a few different reasons. One, they’re designed to help people skateboard better and more efficiently. While you can technically skate while wearing most shoes, you won’t have as high of a performance wearing something like flip flops or dress shoes while you’re skateboarding.
Skate shoes are designed with durability in mind, as skateboarding shoes go through more wear and tear than your average pair of sneakers. They’re also designed with protection in mind, as it’s easy to hurt yourself while riding a board if you’re not wearing proper footwear.
When shopping for skate shoes, there are some features you should keep in mind. While comfort is definitely a key factor in picking the right pair of skate shoes for you, you should also look at the outsole material, as it will ensure that you’re able to grip the board and concrete while riding. The outer construction of the shoe is also important. Many skate shoes are made of suede, which ensures both durability and comfort.
Although it’s not as important as the construction of the shoe, the style, and aesthetic design are the consumer’s choice, and in today’s day and age, there are options for skate shoes that will fit every person’s particular style.
