| Best Choice |
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Puma Men’s Classic Plus Sneakers | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
Under Armor Men’s Street Encounter IV | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
|
DC Men’s Pure Skate Shoe | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Are you tired of always ruining your shoes or ending up with blisters and sores on your feet every time you go out to ride your longboard? Well, it could be because you’re not using the right shoes. Longboarding shoes aren’t just a fashion statement but are also part of the basic protective gear you need to ride safely. They not only provide comfort and protection but can also help improve your riding performance.
However, the thing with shoes is, new models are being released all the time, and it can be hard to keep up with the trends and at the same time find a shoe that’s comfortable enough for longboarding. This is where we step in. If you are an avid longboarder and are looking for appropriate shoes, then this is a great place to start.
Giving a classic look and feel, Puma’s Men’s Classic Plus Sneakers are a perfect pair for anyone looking for a durable pair of longboarding shoes. They have a lace-up design and are padded at the tongue and collar for a snug and comfortable fit. The upper body is streamlined to fit perfectly on the rider’s feet and to reduce resistance when moving. It’s made of abrasion-resistant suede with Puma’s signature Formstrip overlay for a stylish look. The material is thick but is also designed with small perforations so your feet don’t get too sweaty.
The sole is made of rubber and has waffle-style treads for optimal traction on the board. These shoes are available in multiple mixed color options, including black and white, vibrant yellow and black, and more. However, the laces only come in either black or white.
- 100 percent suede
- Rubber sole
- Lace-up design
- Brand Puma
- Model 35263475
- Weight 13 ounces
Comfortable padding
Breathable
Thick, long-lasting laces
Accurate sizing
Only black or white laces
Not available in wide or extra wide sizes
Classic style may not appeal to everyone
Gain extra ground contact and stability with these flexible street shoes from Under Armour. They trade in the regular slip-on design with a bungee lacing system that stretches to accommodate the foot of the rider, and at the same provides a snug fit. Also adding to its flexibility is a stretchable synthetic upper body that accommodates random foot movement when performing tricks.
To ensure rider comfort, it features a padded tongue and collar and has a breathable inner polyurethane sock liner. A vulcanized rubber sole provides enhanced grip on the ground, though it may wear out easily if you perform pro stunts or ride frequently. Best of all, these shoes are affordable, and you get four colors to choose from.
- 100 percent synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Bungee lacing system
- Brand Under Armour
- Model 3022914
- Weight 6.4 ounces
Breathable interior
Lightweight padding for a comfortable fit
Easy to slip on or off
Available in multiple colors
Not for professional riding
Not for everyday riding
The sole wears out easily
The DC Men’s Pure Skate Shoe comes with all the bells and whistles you would want from a longboarding shoe. It’s a mid-top shoe with a lace-up design that’s made of overlays of Nubuck Leather and suede. The overlays are reinforced with triple stitching to make the upper body abrasion-resistant.
As is typical with most DC shoes, this shoe is designed for optimal comfort and has foam padding on the tongue and collar. The cup-sole is made of rubber and has pill-pattern treads that offer maximum grip for flips and tricks. So your feet don’t get sweaty under this heavy-duty design, the toe cap and side panel are fitted with ventilation pores for breathability. However, the shoes have a break-in period, and the inner mesh lining may feel a bit stiff only for the first few days.
- Leather and suede upper
- Cup sole
- Pill-pattern treads
- Brand DC
- Model ADYS400065
- Weight 2.2 pounds
Stylish
Abrasion-resistant
Cushioned to prevent foot injury
Several designs available
They have a break-in period
Bulky
Sizes run small
The Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker offers a stylish look beyond longboarding and is the best shoe for upgrading to pro skating. It’s designed to be lightweight and comfortable so the user can do tricks with ease. The design features a synthetic suede upper body. The suede is abrasion resistant and helps to keep the seams intact. It also keeps them from wearing out. Additionally, it features a padded collar and tongue for comfort and safety as your ride.
The bottom part is designed with a vulcanized sole that’s made of rubber to achieve more flexibility. Herringbone treads on the sole improve grip and stability on the longboard. As for the inner sole, it’s glued to the rubber sole so it doesn’t come loose easily even if you perform intense stunts. It’s a somewhat slim shoe so it may not be the best for people with wide feet. But to make up for that, the manufacturer offers multiple colors to choose from, and each comes with Adidas Originals three stripes signature.
- Synthetic suede upper
- Vulcanized, rubber sole
- Lace-up design
- Brand Adidas Originals
- Model KXT94
- Weight 1.55 pounds
Sleek and stylish
Designed for comfort and durability
Offers optimal grip and stability on the board
Available in a variety of colors
Not for people with wide feet
Minimal insole padding
Hard to clean shoe body
Sporting a low-top design for optimal mobility around the ankle area, these shoes are designed for riders with wide feet — people with narrow feet may find them a bit bulky. They are made out of Nubuck leather and have EVA foam padding running from the midsole to the tongue and collar. This makes the shoes comfortable and supportive so you can ride for longer. Also, EVA foam is lightweight and still flexible despite the bulky look.
The upper body has ventilation holes for enhanced breathability, and you can adjust the lacing for a snug fit. To give your feet traction and cushioning from shock, it’s made of a thick rubber sole that’s double stitched for durability. They also look stylish, and there are multiple colors to choose from.
- 100 percent leather upper
- Synthetic sole
- Lace-up design
- Brand Etnies
- Model 4101000091
- Weight 13.4 ounces
Extra padding keeps your feet secure
Great traction on the ground
Absorbs impact
Well-constructed
Bulky
Sizes run small
Narrow toe box
Experience optimal ankle mobility with the Lugz Men’s Clipper Sneaker. It offers a casual look with a low-cut, slip-on design so you can bend, flip the board, and do other tricks without experiencing resistance from your shoes. The upper body is made up of durable and breathable canvas so you can wear it for long without sweating or wearing out the material. The front edges of the collar are fitted with elastic bands for easy fitting while the back is padded for enhanced comfort.
The bottom features a cushioned insole for comfort and is backed with a breathable textile lining. The sole is made of vulcanized rubber that offers a great grip for skating stunts. However, the canvas gets stained easily, and may also fade easily if exposed to rain or wet conditions. But with proper care, you will enjoy having these shoes.
- Canvas upper
- Rubber Sole
- Slip-on design
- Brand Lugz
- Model MCLIPRC-001
- Weight 3 pounds
Available in multiple colors
Minimal yet durable design
Comfortable
Easy to slip on and remove
Stains easily
May fade on rainy days
Limited ankle protection
New Balance is another reputable shoe designer that always delivers on fashionable looks and high-quality construction. The All Coasts V1 Sneaker is a great example of a shoe that offers all these qualities. It has a canvas upper with bits of leather sewn into strategic parts that are most prone to wear for enhanced durability.
It doesn’t miss out on the signature skateboarding shoe design with a padded tongue and collar to keep the rider’s foot secure and supported. The footbed is cushioned and though the cushioning is limited, it helps absorb shock from minor impact. Additionally, an inner fabric lining offers extra comfort and breathability so you can wear them even without socks. Lastly, a grippy rubber sole with herringbone treads provides maximum foot traction for kicking or braking. There are multiple colors to choose from, and each comes with an adjustable lace-up design.
- Canvas upper
- Rubber sole
- Lace-up design
- Brand New Balance
- Model AM210GRP
- Weight 12.4 ounces
Fashionable look
Multiple colors available
Provides a lightweight fit
Responsive enough for tricks
Limited foot cushioning
Upper body isn’t abrasion resistant
Color bleeding issues
Vans offers a stylish and comfortable low-cut shoe that’s designed to provide a maximum connection with your board and the pavement. It features a lace-up design with a canvas upper and a flat, vulcanized, rubber sole. The rubber sole not only ensures a good grip but can also last through frequent foot braking. However, the cushioning on the insole is a bit minimal, but it helps increase your connection with the board.
With a padded collar, the shoe provides enhanced comfort when bending your foot so you can do more pain-free tricks. The padding isn’t ankle-high but in return, you get more freedom of movement. To prevent toe injury, the shoes include reinforced toe caps that also aid in the durability of the outsole.
- Canvas upper
- Rubber sole
- Lace-up design
- Brand Vans
- Model VTSVBXH
- Weight 12 ounces
Flexible
Lightweight and comfortable
Breathable interior
Provides optimal foot support
Limited colors available
Minimal sole cushioning
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Best Longboarding Shoes Buying Guide & FAQ
When you hear of a longboarding or skating shoe, the first thing that comes to mind may be a specific brand or a certain shoe style. But just like running shoes, skating shoes come in different styles and types. So, it’s perfectly acceptable to try out different designs so long as they meet your longboarding needs.
However, not every shoe out there that’s curved with the same design as a standard skate shoe will give you the same performance and durability. We understand that telling the difference may be a bit challenging, especially when the designs are similar. This is why we have come up with a buying guide that will help you differentiate between a longboarding shoe and a standard shoe so you can find the perfect pair of kicks.
Do You Need Longboarding Shoes?
While you don’t necessarily have to wear longboarding shoes when skateboarding, they help you skate better and more professionally than any other type of shoe. For example, it’s easier to perform tricks with low-cut longboarding shoes than with bulky army boots.
Longboarding shoes typically have a grippy rubber sole that helps the rider to gain more stability on the longboard for better riding. This also offers better control for braking, propelling, and doing demanding tricks.
Also, the soles on longboarding shoes are thinner when compared to regular soles. This gives the rider a better feel of the longboard and the ground for better control.
- They help you skate better.
- They are lightweight for better control when performing complex tricks.
- They are grippy to hold you better on the board.
- They provide more traction than regular shoes for foot braking.
- Most are stylish and can be used as part of your daily wear.
The Most Common Types of Longboarding Shoes
You may prefer shoes from a specific brand because you trust their quality, love their style, or they always get your sizing right. However, you may be unsure of whether to choose lace-up or slip-on shoes for longboarding. This is why we have discussed each type in detail so you can choose the best design that works for you.
Slip-On
If tying shoelaces isn’t your cup of tea or you lose them easily, then you are better off getting slip-on shoes. Slip-on shoes are easy to wear and take off. This means that you can easily take them off to air your feet, or stretch out your toes when you’re exhausted and need a quick rest. These types of shoes typically have soft, breathable interiors to keep your feet comfortable.
The slip-on shoe could either have a stretchable collar, stretchable bungee cords, or Velcro straps. If the Velcro straps or bungee cords get damaged or wear out, you will have to replace the shoe. So, prioritize shoes with stretchable collars since they last longer. They typically have small elastic sections at front edges.
Lace-Up
If you would like a shoe that provides a more snug fit, then you should consider a lace-up design. Generally, they provide better support to your feet so you can perform more stunts without worrying about your shoes slipping off. Lace-up shoes are also more versatile and are available in low-cut to high-top designs that go up past the ankle.
Shoelaces come in a range of shapes, colors, and lengths. The color is more of a personal preference, but the best shoelaces are thick and short. Thick laces are long-lasting, and the shorter size means you won’t risk having them caught up in the deck or wheels in case they come loose when you are riding.
What to Consider When Buying Longboarding Shoes
It’s an accepted fact that you need to get a perfect fit to avoid discomfort or pain when longboarding. Besides getting the right shoe size, there are more important features that you need to look out for so you can get the right shoe that fits your skating style. Here is a deeper look into some of those considerations.
Upper Design
You can expect the upper body to be made of either canvas, suede, leather, or a flexible synthetic material. Canvas is the most breathable option, and while leather is more durable, the other options are more resistant to heat. When it comes to shoe design, you can either choose a low-top, mid-top, or high-top shoe.
A low-top shoe sits below the ankle to offer optimal foot mobility. A mid-top shoe sits around the ankle level to offer more foot protection than a low-top shoe. Lastly, a high-top shoe provides ample foot protection, but limits foot mobility. If you want more foot protection, you may have to compromise on the shoe’s flexibility when it comes to performing tricks.
Sole Type
There are two types of soles on any skating shoe: cup-sole and vulcanized. A cup-sole is made up of a single-piece rubber sole that’s sewn or glued onto the bottom of a shoe that already has a solid bottom and some cushioning. It’s designed this way to make the sole harder and thicker to withstand impact or high temperatures. So if you perform jumps or skate in high-temperature regions, a cup-sole shoe is the right pick for you.
On the other hand, a vulcanized sole is made by applying rubber in its raw form to the upper shoe and treating it with glue or tape before heating it so the rubber can stick on the shoe. The heat makes the rubber soft and flexible so the shoe breaks in quickly when worn. It offers a better grip on the longboard than cup-soles. This is why they are best used for riding electric skateboards and offer the flexibility of doing basic flips on beginner skateboards. However, the rubber can get heated in high temperatures and make your feet sweaty.
Best Longboarding Shoe FAQ:
Hopefully, now it’s easier to tell what you want in a longboarding shoe and can differentiate it from regular walking or running shoes. To clarify any more issues you may have, we have answered some questions frequently asked by longboard owners.
Though longboarding shoes may lack the foot protection features that are typical with most running shoes, they will not hurt your feet if you get the right size and are used correctly.
Yes, they are. They are just like regular shoes and you needn’t change into different shoes, especially if you are in casual wear.
Longboarding shoes can last for several months to a year depending on how often you use them. To get the most out of your shoes, we recommend going for high-end brands since their footwear is well constructed and designed for durability. You can get that from most of the shoes on our review.
Our Top Pick
The Puma Men’s Classic Plus Sneakers earn our top spot for their durable design that resists abrasion and damage from impact or frequent riding. They are also padded for just the right amount of comfort and are responsive enough to adapt to different riding styles.
Final Thoughts
The Puma Men’s Classic Plus Sneakers are a decent pair of longboarding shoes, but if you want to achieve smooth and sleek twists and turns while on a budget, we recommend the Under Armor Men’s Street Encounter IV. They are light, flexible, easy to slip on, and remove.
Sources:
- Skate Shoe – Wikipedia
- Longboarding – Wikipedia
