What are Nike's best shoes for skateboarding?
Buying guide
Get ready to shred in these kicks.
To get off on the right foot at the skatepark, invest in durable, supportive, grippy shoes. Whether you're practising 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, prioritise features based on your needs. Here's a run-down of what to look for and several skateboarding shoes that deliver.
Factors to consider
Personalise your pick based on these shoe features.
Materials
Skateboard shoes come in leather, suede, canvas or a mix. Leather is the most durable but also the least breathable and flexible, and it takes the longest to break in. Canvas is the least durable, but the most breathable, the lightest and the quickest to break in. Suede offers a middle ground.
Construction
Skateboard shoes are vulcanised ("vulc") or cupsole. Vulcanised shoes fuse the uppers with the soles, resulting in sleeker, lighter, more flexible sneaks. They break in quickly and offer more boardfeel. 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 boardfeel and flexibility. Because they're more supportive, they're ideal for jumps and street skating.
Rise
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 in men's, women's and unisex.
Best vulcanised: Nike SB Zoom Janoski OG+ Electric
Try the newest kicks in the signature line from pro skateboarder Stefan Janoski. With vulcanised construction, they feature a sleek design and flexible, broken-in feel. Suede uppers mean more durability, while Air Zoom cushioning offers a responsive feel. To keep your style fresh, switch between the two sets of laces.
Best cupsole: Nike SB Force 58 Premium
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.
Best breathability: Nike SB Zoom Nyjah 3 Premium
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.
Best classic: Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Electric
These mid-rise vulcanised 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.
Best broken-in feeling: Nike SB React Leo Premium
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.
Words by Dina Cheney