The 3 Best Skate Shoes of 2024

Size Purchased: Men's US Size 8 | Type of Sole: Vulcanized

Our favorite overall skate shoe is the Emerica Pillar Mid. We love the ankle cushioning and support offered by this mid-top shoe, which also serves to hold the heel in place so it doesn't slip out. The sole is constructed of double-wrapped vulcanized rubber (read: more durable) with rubber taping that extends up higher around the shoe's outer. This, along with the suede upper and rubber ollie guard, makes it one of the most durable shoes for flip tricks in our test group. Though they required a break-in period, after a day or two, they were comfy and offered a great board feel and good control. The forefoot tread has a deep dot tread, while the back part of the sole features a tighter pattern of lines that grips the board well and assists with flip tricks. Emerica is a skater-owned brand known for making quality skate shoes for decades, so it's no surprise that this model won our first-place skate shoe award.

Since the Pillar is a mid-top with more material than the other models, it is slightly heavier, although not enough to make a noticeable difference when skating or to affect its ranking in our assessment. Most of the upper is suede (aside from the canvas tongue), so they can get rather hot, but the few small perforated areas provide some ventilation. The break-in period was a bit longer than most of the low-tops, but they also held up longer, making it a pretty fair trade-off. The sole is somewhat thick, so the foot sits slightly higher above the ground, which can decrease stability. But fortunately, the footbed sank as the shoe broke in and formed to our foot. While the Pillar provides ankle support, the insole is very flat and offers little in the way of arch support. Those with pronounces arches may want to get a pair of top-rated aftermarket insoles. Overall, the Emerica Pillar is an excellent skate shoe that offers more support and protection than any of the others in our test fleet. We think it's the best option for high-impact skating and the pair we always reach for first. If you want a more breathable option, we recommend the Lakai Carroll.

Size Purchased: Men's US Size 8 | Type of Sole: Vulcanized

The DC Kalis Vulc is an all-around great skate shoe and another updated version of a classic. Josh Kalis' first DC shoe was originally released in 1999 and shared the same side panel with the Kalis Vulc, but the similarities stop there. Compared to the Kalis OG, the Kalis Vulc is much thinner, slimmer, and weighs less atop a much simpler vulcanized sole. This shoe is very comfortable and requires virtually no time to break in; it's ready to hit the board straight out of the box. The suede toe is great for flip tricks and held up really well during testing, giving it points in durability. The mesh tongue and collar give it adequate ventilation without sacrificing structure or integrity. The vulcanized sole is very grippy, and the insoles are plush and soft, providing some impact protection and making this one of the most comfortable shoes in the bunch.

The Kalis Vulc's relatively thin sole means it's ready to skate right away. However, this could also be considered a drawback depending on the style of skating you do, as these shoes are not designed to withstand significant impact or abuse. Although though they held up reasonably well and didn't initially exhibit indications of wear, they quickly lost their shape and became floppy. The absence of lace protection was the other major flaw. Even though most of the shoes we tested lack lace protection, this shoe's wider lacing has the potential to cause easier ripping or breaking of the laces. Overall, the DC Kalis Vulc is a decent skate shoe offered at an affordable price, resulting in a product with strong value. The Adidas Seeley is an affordable alternative.

Size Purchased: Men's US Size 8.5 | Type of Sole: XLK Cup Sole

The Lakai Carroll is a remastered version of the legendary skateboarder Mike Carroll's first Lakai shoe, originally released in 2000. Now over 20 years later, Lakai released this newer version built of the same upper, but on a more contemporary XLK cup sole. These fit great and are very comfortable, with a thicker tongue than any of the others and a good amount of padding around the collar, helping to hold your foot in place and offering great support. The upper is a mix of suede and mesh. The suede wraps around the lower panels providing protection and durability in the areas used most, and the mesh windows and mesh tongue allow for excellent ventilation. The XLK cup sole breaks in quickly and provides the best impact absorption of all the shoes we tested, and the outsole around the forefoot has a light grid pattern, which grips very well for tricks. The Carrolls are the only model that offers lace protection, which further adds to their durability. These are not only one of the most breathable shoes we tested, but also among the most durable.

These Lakai shoes felt great and skated well, but it's important to note that they run a bit small, so getting a half size up may be necessary (our lead tester did this). Since the Carrolls are thicker and have more padding than most others, they take some time to break in, but like the Emericas, the added durability makes it worth the wait. Once broken in, the XLK cup sole provides a great amount of board feel and grips well while skating, but the tread is not very deep, so the traction began to wear out faster than other shoes we tested. Several skate shoe companies have started reissuing or releasing updated versions of shoes from the early 2000s, and the Lakai Carroll is a great example of an iconic shoe with an updated sole for a more modern fit and performance.

Size Purchased: Men's US Size 8.5 | Type of Sole: Cup Sole

The New Balance All Coasts 574 is technically a “lifestyle” shoe, as it's not part of New Balance's skateboarding line, NB Numeric. However, we found it works as a casual skate shoe. While the sole took some time to break in, the narrow fit held our feet in place well, with no slippage of the heel. The upper is mostly suede around the toe, heel, and side panel for durability, with mesh over the toe and near the collar for ventilation. Although the sole is flat, the insoles provided sufficient arch support, which several other models lacked. The REVlite midsole is lightweight and provides good cushioning, and the gum sole bottoms deliver a decent amount of traction. Despite not being marketed as a skate shoe, the New Balance 574 is quite good for skateboarding and a very comfortable shoe overall.

One main drawback to skating in the All Coasts 574 is the slow break-in period. The sole is rather stiff at first, and the rubber seems harder than that used on the other shoes, which made them a little slick during the first couple of sessions. Even though this pair held up well for a few months of skating, some of the stitching came out of the tongue, which was more of a design issue than due to skating. This wasn't immediately a huge deal, but since the tongue already has exposed foam around the edge, the fabric on top separated, and the stitching continued to unravel and get worse. We were surprised that New Balance didn't seal up this exposed seam with stitching, leaving an obvious weak point concerning the longevity of the tongue. Aside from that, the only thing that may be of concern for some is the fit. New Balance shoes tend to run pretty small, so getting a half size up is recommended. This is especially true with these shoes, which are quite narrow, so they won't fit as well for anyone with wider feet. Still, if you desire a casual shoe that can occasionally hop on a skateboard and perform well, the New Balance All Coasts 574 is a good option.

Size Purchased: Men's US Size 8 | Type of Sole: Vulcanized

The Adidas Seeley is a decent skate shoe with a very simple design that delivers an excellent board feel. This shoe has a narrow fit and is very thin, both in the sole and the materials throughout, which allows them to be ready to skate right away. The upper is made completely out of synthetic material (although Adidas offers both suede and canvas versions of this shoe), which sits above a soft rubber vulcanized sole. The synthetic upper is fairly durable and holds up better than canvas, but won't last nearly as long as shoes made with real leather. The gum bottoms of the vulcanized sole deliver great traction and have a pivot point beneath the ball of the foot that is helpful for adjusting one's feet, and the rubber outsole grips the board well while doing tricks. These Adidas work for any level of skater, whether they're just cruising around or trying to progress.

While some may enjoy the fact that the Adidas Seeley are thin, the lack of protection and support is not ideal for taking impacts, and aside from a tiny bit of padding in the collar, there is nothing to keep your feet from taking a beating. They don't take long to break in, but the tradeoff is durability, as they showed more signs of wear and didn't hold up as well many of their rivals. Despite their light weight, the upper's synthetic material is not very breathable, and without perforation for ventilation, they can get pretty hot on warmer days. All things considered, the Adidas Seeley is a good shoe for skateboarding that's lightweight, affordable, and versatile.

Size Purchased: Men's US Size 8 | Type of Sole: Vulcanized Waffle Sole

The Vans Authentic is an icon and played a huge role in the development of skate shoes as we know them today. The first shoe designed specifically for skateboarding is the Vans Era, which is nearly identical to the Authentic, except that it has a little bit of padding in the collar. Vans' patented waffle sole is the gold standard for skate shoes, as it breaks in quickly, is super grippy, and delivers an incredible amount of board feel. The Authentic has a simple canvas upper with no additional materials or padding, which keeps them lightweight and breathable, but isn't very durable or protective. Vans also offers the Authentic Pro, which is reinforced with rubber and made with higher quality materials for added durability, but at a higher price. As a classic and instantly recognizable silhouette, the Vans Authentic is one of the most imitated shoes on Earth, and most skate footwear brands have a model that's heavily inspired by it.

The simple design of the Vans Authentic may have been ideal for skateboarding during its infancy, but the lack of padding support isn't great for high-impact skating of today. Many skaters prefer thin shoes, but with nothing more than a thin layer of canvas, these Vans offer little protection from the harsh nature of skateboarding and don't hold up very well. In fact, the Authentic showed the most signs of wear and was the only shoe that we ripped a hole through during our testing period. Another disadvantage of these Vans is that the sole is slightly heavier and thicker than the others we tested, which along with the low profile and lack of support, can reduce stability and increase the likelihood of rolling an ankle. Despite all of this, the Vans Authentic is still a great option for cruising around and low impact skating that will continue to be enjoyed by skaters around the world for years to come.

How We Test Skate Shoes

To find the best models on the market today, our lead expert spent weeks skating in each pair to punish them in the way that only skaters can. After researching over 40 styles and selecting 21 as potential options, we purchased all the models we reviewed at retail price. While some are classics that have been around for decades, a couple of them are updated versions of legendary pro models, and others are new models that were just released recently. Although most are low-tops, we purchased a variety of options made of various materials, and a mix of vulcanized and cup soles. Each pair was put through rigorous testing during multiple skate sessions, as well as just walking around on both dry and wet surfaces. To keep our testing process fair and objective, we performed each test in the same consistent manner and in roughly the same amount of time. After months of research and testing, our methods and experience give us full confidence in our recommendations.

Why Trust GearLab

As someone who has been both a skateboarder and a shoe collector for more than 20 years, our lead tester Adam Yee has skated through scores of skate shoes from numerous brands. He has tried shoes from nearly every company that makes skateboarding footwear and has a deep understanding of what makes a great skate shoe. During his teenage years, Adam had a shoe sponsor that he would test new models for each season, and he continues to keep a watchful eye on the latest models being released. Over the last 25 years, he has seen many brands come and go and watched skate footwear change from the thick and bulky models of the '90s and early 2000s to the thinner and more lightweight models of today. Regardless of the current trend, Adam will keep skating and collecting, and continue his endless search for the perfect skate shoe.

How to Choose The Best Skate Shoes

We have compiled four important buying considerations, including style, material, and lifespan, to help guide your decision-making process.

What Type of Shoe?

Skate shoes come in various styles and shapes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. First, deciding between high, mid, or low-top shoes will depend on prioritizing ankle protection over mobility and feel. Some skaters prefer to use high-top shoes to help support and stabilize their feet to avoid ankle injuries, but other skaters value low tops for their ability to move and flick their feet with more freedom, which often results in a better board feel. For those undecided, it's worth considering the type of skating you usually do and if you have had previous ankle injuries.

Cup Sole vs Vulcanized?

The great debate about skate shoes comes down to cup sole vs vulcanized construction. Both styles offer something valuable, but the choice is ultimately a personal preference. Cup sole shoes are constructed from a single rubber piece to provide shock absorption and durability. Vulcanized shoes are glued together with two rubber pieces and designed to be light and flexible, making them ideal for board feel connection and easy break-in. Deciding on the right shoe depends on your skate style and the rate at which you go through shoes. Someone who skates every day and regularly hits large gaps and stairs will prefer cup sole shoes, while someone who skates transition or just likes to cruise around streets will enjoy the board/feet connection that vulcanized shoes provide.

Does Material Matter?

Material selection will affect the durability, feel, and breathability of your shoe. Leather is known for its superior durability but does not offer much breathability for those long, hot days. Due to its lightweight construction and breathability, canvas works well for street skaters and those riding transition. Suede is the most common skate shoe material because it bridges the gap between leather and canvas, providing both durability and some breathability. When deciding on a material, consider how long-lasting a shoe you need and if a breathable shoe is important for your climate and usual skate sessions.

What Features to Look For?

Skate shoes often have special features that aid in landings, tricks, and board feel. Many skate shoes include heel protection to help avoid heel bruising and provide shock absorption for drops and landings. Another nice feature to look for is toe caps, which can improve the longevity of your shoes. Flip tricks can cause your shoes to take a beating, so having extra protection in high-use areas helps extend the shoe lifespan. Companies have also started using tongue gussets to help keep tongues in place while skating to avoid slippage and pressure points on your feet.

Analysis and Test Results

For skaters, having a shoe that moves with their feet and allows them to feel the board is imperative, so the majority of skate shoes are designed with a thin but durable upper on a flat sole. Since skateboarding is harsh on feet and shoes, having footwear that is protective and can withstand punishment, yet maintains a sensitive board feel, is a necessity, and like other athletic shoes, comfort, traction, and breathability are also important. We spent hours skating in each model and based our ratings on the performance of each of these features, as well as the sum of their parts, to determine the best option for any type of skating.

Comfort/Support

The first thing to be considered for any pair of shoes is how they fit and how comfortable and supportive they are. Size and fit can vary between brands or certain models, so it's important to get the correct size to ensure optimal performance. Many models these days are thin with minimal padding to reduce the amount of time it takes to get them broken in, but this also reduces the level of support and protection that they provide. To test the comfort and support, we spent several days walking around and skating in each, and the ones that kept our feet from getting sore received the highest marks.

The amount of support varies greatly between skate shoes. Some (like the Emerica Pillar) have a lot of padding for the foot and ankle, while others don't have anything more than a thin layer of fabric, which can be light and comfortable but offers little support. Many low-tops, like the DC Kalis Vulc, have a great insole and good padding around the collar, and therefore still offer a good amount of support. So, depending on your preference and the type of skating you're doing, there's a skate shoe on the market to accommodate your needs.

Durability

Since skaters are constantly jumping on and off obstacles and dragging their feet across grip tape, durability is one of the most important aspects of any skate shoe. Despite having similarities in looks or design, the level of durability differs greatly between models, depending on the materials. The design also plays a part in the overall durability, as having a rubber toe cap or lace protection will help preserve the life of the shoe. To gauge the durability of each model, we did 25 consecutive kickflips, along with dozens of other flip tricks during hours of skating, to find the areas of weakness and see how well each held up.

Shoes made with leather, especially suede, hold up better and last longer than shoes made of canvas or synthetic materials. The shoes with the greatest durability were the Lakai Carroll, the New Balance All Coasts, and the Emerica Pillar, which are all made mostly of suede. All of these were great for skating and showed minimal signs of wear after several days of skating.

Board Feel

Skaters need to be able to feel the board underneath their feet, so the board feel is arguably the most important aspect of any skate shoe. Many skaters are fully dedicated to either vulcanized or cup soled shoes, as they prefer the board feel that they get from one over the other. To test the level of board feel offered by each, we measured how high the foot sat in the footbed and how long it took to get them fully broken in. We then wore them while skating boards with different sizes, shapes, and grip tapes, as well as various degrees of concave to see how each felt. Spending weeks wearing each pair allowed us to get a good understanding of how well one can feel through any given model.

Most brands are making lighter and thinner shoes to maximize board feel and reduce the time needed for breaking them in. While most of the shoes we tested delivered a high level of board feel, there were a couple of models that really excelled here. The DC Kalis Vulc and the Adidas Seeley provided the optimal level of board feel and required very little time to break in.

Traction

Another important factor for any type of athletic shoe is traction, as it helps with maintaining balance. The grip tape on top of a skateboard provides a lot of traction for the rider, but it's important to have shoes that work together with the grip tape to maximize control. The sole is only part of this equation, as the materials of the upper also need to grip the board for tricks, so the 25 kickflip test that we used to gauge durability also played a part in our traction test. To further measure the traction, we saw how well each performed when being used as a foot brake, at roughly 15 mph, as well as when walking on various wet and dry surfaces. Although no two shoes had the same sole, the different tread patterns delivered similar levels of traction.

Despite the mix of cup soles and vulcanized soles and the fact that each shoe had a unique tread pattern, there wasn't a huge difference in the traction they provided. However, the shoes with the grippiest soles were the Vans Authentic and the Emerica, which are on vulcanized soles. So, even though the shoes with cup soles performed well in other areas, the softer rubber of the vulcanized models typically offered the best traction.

Breathability

The final feature that we rated each shoe on was its breathability. Like durability, this metric was mainly determined by the materials and design of each shoe, as the type of fabric and where it's placed affects the ventilation. Canvas may not hold up as well as leather; it is much lighter and more breathable. However, some companies incorporate mesh panels strategically on a leather shoe to achieve a level of ventilation that's just as good, if not greater. In rating the breathability of each option, we wore socks of the same thickness throughout and spent several hours on multiple days skating in each pair. After skating, we would remove the shoes to see how hot the insoles and our feet were.

Even though the materials are the number one factor in determining a shoe's breathability, the climate and weather also play a part. Our initial review was conducted during the fall as the temperature was lower, so the results may have varied in warmer weather. However, despite this uncontrolled variable, the Lakai and New Balance models delivered the best ventilation and kept our feet cool through the long sessions. So, although some shoes may have gotten hotter in the summer, we still feel like we were able to get an accurate picture of the breathability of each shoe through our tests.

Conclusion

Skate shoes are one of the most popular types of footwear globally and are worn by skaters and non-skaters alike. As a group of individuals who spend a lot of time focused on their feet, it should come as no surprise that skateboarders know what it takes to make a good quality shoe that's comfortable, durable, and performs well. As skateboarding has grown, more and more brands make skate-specific footwear, so our lead expert spent months thoroughly testing several pairs to deliver our best recommendations. Although big companies like Nike and Adidas now have successful skate lines, we tried to balance bigger and smaller skater-owned brands to highlight in our review. So, whether you're looking for the best shoes to start skating in, or you're an avid skater that goes through a pair every couple months, we hope that this review helps you decide on your next pair of kicks.