What Are Nike's Best Shoes for Skateboarding?

To get off on the right foot at the skatepark, invest in durable, supportive, grippy shoes. Whether you’re practicing your kickflip or cruising, you’ll need to choose a sneaker that helps you stay secure on the board, cushions hard landings, stands up to wear and tear, and looks stylish. Beyond that, prioritize features based on your needs. Here’s a rundown of what to look for and several skateboarding shoes that deliver.

Personalize your pick based on these shoe features.

Skateboard shoes are vulcanized (“vulc”) or cupsole. Vulcanized shoes fuse the uppers with the soles, resulting in sleeker, lighter, more flexible sneaks. They break in quickly and offer more board feel. Since they’re less protective and durable, though, they’re best for cruising and tricks on flat surfaces. Cupsole shoes feature a thicker, more rigid rubber outsole, providing more durability and shock absorption but less board feel and flexibility. Because they’re more supportive, they’re ideal for jumps and street skating.

High-top shoes offer the most ankle support but the least ankle mobility and the most bulk and weight. Opt for shoes with a higher collar for more ankle protection during high-impact tricks. Low-top shoes are the opposite and ideal for speed and agility. Mid-top shoes balance support with mobility.

Try these top-notch skateboarding picks, available for all genders.

Try the newest kicks in the signature line from pro skateboarder Stefan Janoski. With vulcanized construction, they feature a sleek design and flexible, broken-in feel. Suede uppers mean more durability, while Zoom Air cushioning offers a responsive feel. To keep your style fresh, switch between the two sets of laces.

The rubber sole with a full cupsole stitch promotes durability, while the stretchy inner gusset helps keep your feet secure. Thanks to canvas and suede construction, the uppers in these low tops are soft and flexible.

Designed with American pro skateboarder Nyjah Huston, these light, flexible low-tops feature cutouts in the uppers for breathability. Air Zoom cushioning in the heel adds responsiveness, and a plastic heel clip promotes durability.

These mid-rise vulcanized shoes balance ankle support with mobility. They feature a classic design and two sets of laces to switch up your look. Suede uppers offer softness, while a solid rubber outsole boosts traction.

A collaboration with American pro skateboarder Leo Baker, these mid-tops were designed to feel broken in right out of the box. A foam midsole adds cushioning, a rubber outsole promotes traction, and uppers with leather, suede and satin deliver a layered look.