| Best Choice |
|
Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
Lugz Men’s Clipper Sneaker | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
|
Supra Vaider Cold Weather Skate Shoe | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker
- 2. Lugz Men’s Clipper Sneaker
- 3. Supra Vaider Cold Weather Skate Shoe
- 4. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Shoe
- 5. DC Men’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe
- 6. Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage
- 7. DC Men’s Net
- 8. DC Men’s Court Graffik Se Skateboarding Shoe
- 9. Adidas Originals
- 10. Nike Mens SB Portmore II Solar
Hitting the pavement with your longboard doesn’t require too much — just some skill, some protective gear, and the right longboard equipped with the best parts for your skating style. But there’s one more pretty critical component: your shoes. Your shoes are the only thing between the soles of your feet and your longboard, and they can make a significant difference in how you skate. A good pair of skate shoes can help you get the right balance of grip and flex, support and freedom, and traction and comfort. Without the right pair of shoes for longboarding, your skating could suffer. So, which shoes are the best choice for every style of longboarding? We’ve rounded up a selection of shoes for longboarding that we think are the best of the best right here.
The Best Shoes for Longboarding
The Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker is an excellent all-around shoe for longboarding — and it’s specifically built for active wearers. Designed and constructed by Adidas, a brand that’s dedicated to sports shoes, you’ll have comfort as well as great skateboarding performance. The Seeley Sneaker is made for skaters, with a synthetic suede upper that’s abrasion-resistant and able to withstand the wear and tear of hitting your board. Even the toes are reinforced against wear. A textile inner lining offers great comfort, and the lightly padded mid-top cut on each shoe both protects and supports your ankles. The vulcanized rubber outsole gives you excellent traction, sticking securely to your longboard so you’re always in control. It’ll also provide a precise board feel so you get responsive results. However, despite these great features, these shoes may not last you more than a few months.
- Synthetic suede material
- Reinforced toes
- Padded ankle support
- Vulcanized rubber soles
- Brand Adidas
- Model KXT94
- Weight 1.55 pounds
Very comfortable
Suction-like grip on surfaces
Firm support
Wear out quickly with daily skating
If you aren’t worried about style and flashy features, the Lugz Men’s Clipper Sneaker is a great choice — and it’s also a very affordable one. This sleek and simple shoe is ideal for longboarding, with no frills and no laces to get in your way. Made with a canvas upper, these slip-on shoes are comfortable whether you’re skating at high speeds or carving and cruising. They have a cushioned insole for all-day comfort, and the stretchy side gore panels will perfectly fit your feet. A breathable inner lining keeps your feet at the right temperature while a padded ankle collar offers cushioning for every style of skating. Even more importantly, the rubber outsole offers solid traction and is durable enough to give you grip throughout many rides. You can wear these shoes for longboarding anywhere, but keep in mind they aren’t really tough enough to be an everyday shoe.
- Rubber outsole
- Canvas upper
- Cushioned insole
- Brand Lugz
- Model MCLIPRC-001
- Weight 3 pounds
Great price
Simple enough for anyone’s style
Break in quickly
Tight fit
Not durable enough for everyday wear
Need a longboarding shoe that’ll have you covered in every kind of weather? The Supra Vaider Cold Weather Skate Shoe is built for extra-tough conditions as well as extra-cold weather. This impressive high-quality shoe for longboarding is made with premium materials, and it does sell for a very premium price. However, some longboarders will love its benefits. Built with a grippy rubber sole and full trubuck leather, this skate shoe features metal hardware and accents. It’s reinforced with aluminum, which makes these shoes better equipped for cold weather as well as rough wear and tear. The vulcanized outsole is specially formulated for cold weather so you’ll get increased durability and protection from moisture, water, and snow. A gusseted tongue and foil strobel also lock out the cold as well as winter weather, allowing you to stay warm with just your body heat.
- Vulcanized winter-ready sole
- Trubuck leather upper
- Gusseted tongue
- Reinforced with aluminum
- Brand Supra
- Model 8043
- Weight 6 pounds
Extra warm
Highly durable
Keep feet dry
The insole is very uncomfortable
Expensive
When you’re longboarding, your feet can absorb the shock of many impacts — but if you wear the Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 3 Slip-On Shoe, you can ride in highly cushioned comfort. Your feet may even forget about the drops, falls, and general aches and pains of longboarding. These shoes for longboarding are made out of a 100 percent mesh upper and a uniquely comfortable Goga Pillars sole, which sits under a full length Go Mat energy return insole. Ultra-lightweight so you can ride your longboard with ease, a memory foam cushion in the heel and vamp make it feel like you’re walking on nothing but comfort. These skate shoes even feature responsive cushioning that’ll keep you protected as you flex, twist, and skate in any style. You’ll barely feel these shoes on your feet. However, keep in mind the sizing can be a bit off.
- Mesh upper
- Go Mat energy return insole
- Memory foam cushioning
- Pull-on fit
- Brand Skechers
- Model 53980
- Weight 8.5 ounces
Incredibly comfortable
Prevents aches and pains
Offers hours of comfort
Sizing isn’t consistent
Durability (for walking) can be an issue
The DC Men’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe is classically styled, and it’s a well-rounded pick for any longboarder. This shoe is built with DC’s familiar chunky styling, adding both comfortable cushioning and protection for your feet and ankles — and it looks great on your longboard’s deck too. Made with a 100 percent leather upper, the Court Graffik sits on a rubber sole for traction and good grip. A lightweight mesh tongue and foam padded collar offer comfort as well as support while you skate. Vent holes placed all over the upper increase the shoe’s breathability, and you’ll have no problem getting good airflow even on hot days. Where this shoe for longboarding shines, though, is the pillow-cushioned panels that wrap your feet in protection no matter what kind of impacts you’re experiencing.
- Leather upper
- Cup sole construction
- Ventilated for breathability
- Padded panels
- Brand DC
- Model 300529
- Weight 1.12 pounds
Long-lasting
Well-cushioned, especially for wide feet
Great for tricks
Soles tend to rip or separate from the upper
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to skate with a pair of shoes that have no grip — but you won’t have that problem with the Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage. These shoes aren’t built for skateboarding but food service, which means they’re made for wearers who are on their feet in unpredictable settings every day. Each pair of these shoes features a mesh upper and slip-resistant outsole with a high level of traction. They’re even able to provide traction and keep your feet secure in wet or oily conditions. A set of elastic side gores allows for comfort and easy slipping on and off, while a padded collar and memory foam insole offers comfort. Reinforced stitching at the seams adds extra durability. Over time, however, the insole’s cushioning can flatten out and be less effective at keeping your feet well-cushioned.
- Mesh upper
- Slip-resistant in wet conditions
- Padded and cushioned
- Elastic fit
- Brand Skechers
- Model 77048
- Weight 10.6 ounces
Highly durable
Comfortable for hours of longboarding
Excellent cushioning
Insole flattens out
Can develop a smell
The DC Men’s Net is a great option if you’re someone who needs versatile shoes for longboarding. Made for all different types of skating and all different facets of skating style, these classic shoes are as comfortable as they are eye-catching. Made with a 100 percent leather upper, each pair features just the right amount of “puff” or bulk to help you look good while you skate. Additionally, the Net can provide all-day comfort thanks to its padding and cushioning. A lightweight, padded tongue made of mesh plus foam padded ankle collars keep you comfortable and supported while on your longboard. Vent holes across the shoe help you stay cool and encourage airflow, and you’ll have stability as well as flexibility thanks to the rubber sole. However, the soles of these skate shoes may be weak and prone to separating from the upper.
- Leather upper
- Foam padded collar and tongue
- Ventilated for airflow
- Cupsole construction
- Brand DC
- Model 302361
- Weight 1.02 pounds
Suitable for all types of skating
Lightweight
Well-cushioned
Soles can rip or tear away from the upper
If you like DC’s shoes but need something sturdier to support your longboarding style, the DC Men’s Court Graffik Se Skateboarding Shoe is a good fit. A sturdier, tougher, and more durable version of the basic Court Graffik, the Court Graffik Se will support you at high speeds, during tough tricks, and in any other kind of longboard skating. Built with a variety of different materials and available in a range of color choices, the upper part of this skate shoe features a low top with a padded collar and tongue. It features the same chunky design of many classic skate shoes, with extra cushioning around your foot from all angles. The trademark DC pill pattern tread on the rubber sole offers great grip on your longboard’s deck — and its sturdiness is especially great for tough maneuvers. However, there’s very little arch support in this longboarding shoe.
- Made with high-quality materials
- Sturdy rubber outsole
- Extra padding
- Good ankle support
- Brand DC
- Model 300927
- Weight 1.06 pounds
Great ground traction
Good for tricks and tricky maneuvers
Well-cushioned
Little to no arch support
Board feel can be lacking
If you want to keep your shoes for longboarding simple and timeless, it’s hard to beat the Adidas Originals. These shoes look like your basic pair of canvas shoes, but they’re constructed with Adidas’ storied performance and sports-oriented materials. They can deliver when you’re on your longboard, thanks to their canvas uppers and synthetic rubber roles. You’ll enjoy flexibility and freedom of movement, but the soles will help you hang onto the deck with ease. The outsoles are even vulcanized to offer top-tier durability and nice flexibility after many, many miles of longboard skating. Simple laces allow you to adjust your fit, and the low top design lets your ankle move freely. These longboarding shoes are soft enough to feel great on your feet, but they’re tough enough to survive the demands of skating.
- Canvas upper
- Vulcanized rubber sole
- Lace closures
- Low top design
- Brand Adidas
- Model B22706
- Weight 10.4 ounces
Lightweight
Flexible from all angles
Durable soles
May be uncomfortable for some
The Nike Mens SB Portmore II Solar is a solid pick for any longboarder who wants to feel the movement and flex of their board while skating. Board feel is particularly critical for longboarding, and this Nike skate shoe allows you to stay in control — and you can even achieve precise performance. Built with a durable canvas upper that features a mesh inner lining for extra breathability, a cushioned footbed offers comfort as you ride and roll. The slim low profile of these shoes for longboarding gives you flex and ankle freedom. And the vulcanized rubber soles are what give you the right balance of board feel and control. You’ll also enjoy stickiness, or extra grip and traction, thanks to the soles. The only downside is the time it’ll take you to break these shoes in for total comfort.
- Canvas upper
- Cushioned footbed
- Padded tongue
- Vulcanized soles
- Brand Nike
- Model 880268
- Weight 12 ounces
Nice flex
Lasting durability
Insoles are well-cushioned
Takes time to break in
Canvas creasing can be uncomfortable
Best Shoes for Longboarding Buying Guide & FAQ
The shoes you wear while longboarding might not seem like they matter too much. But choosing the right pair of shoes is quite critical — and it can even affect the way you perform on your longboard. You need shoes with the right flex, strong grip, and comfort that’ll last through hours of cruising, carving, and racing. You need longboard shoes that’ll survive all of the different ways you like to skate.
If you’re searching for the perfect pair of shoes to wear while longboarding, you’ll want to follow our helpful buying guide. We’ll guide you through the process of comparing and choosing the right shoes for your skating style.
The Advantages of Owning Shoes for Longboarding
Do you need a special pair of shoes just for longboarding? You do — and you can improve your skill, your performance, and the results of your longboard whether you’re mastering tricks or racing downhill at high speeds. And shoes that are specifically designed for longboard skating will deliver comfort and design features that can handle everything you might put them through while on the deck of your board.
Wearing a pair of shoes specifically designed for the sport of longboarding will make a significant difference in how you skate. The following are some of the biggest benefits of choosing quality shoes for longboarding.
- Longboarding shoes offer grip and traction to hang onto your deck with more ease.
- Shoes for longboarding feature thick, flat soles for superior connection with your board.
- Longboarding shoes with a low profile and low tops offer great flexibility and maneuverability.
- You can find shoes for longboarding with either slim uppers or highly padded uppers for your personal comfort preference.
- Cushioned insoles and foam padding on longboarding shoes help absorb impacts and prevent aches and pain.
Types of Shoes for Longboarding
Skate shoes might seem simple, but there are plenty of intricate details and design features that make some stand out and some fall by the wayside. While every pair of skate shoes looks a bit different, there are just two types of shoes for longboarding: vulcanized or cup sole shoes. Learn more about what each type has to offer right here.
Vulcanized
Vulcanized shoes for longboarding are skate shoes that feature a specially formed sole. The soles of vulcanized shoes are, well, vulcanized — which means they’re baked. This baking process bonds the outsole and the upper part of the shoe, hardening the sole’s rubber to create better traction and a gummier feel.
Vulcanized longboarding shoes tend to have thinner soles, which allows you to have a better board feel while you skate. They’re also quite durable thanks to the specialized heat process used to bond the soles, meaning you can get more life out of the soles even with repeated contact with the pavement, grip tape, and more.
Cup Sole
A cup sole longboarding shoe is one in which the upper part of the shoe is sewn or glued to the sole. You can find cup sole shoes with various types of adhesives and stitching, like reinforced seams or specialty adhesives, for strength and long-term durability of both the soles and the shoe uppers.
Typically, cup sole shoes for longboarding have thicker, bigger soles than vulcanized shoes. This means the soles tend to last long and offer increased stability. They may be a bit heavier in weight and less flexible — and you’ll experience less board feel — but they’ll withstand pushing and contact with rough surfaces for a long time to come.
How We Tested the Shoes for Longboarding
When you’re choosing a pair of high-quality, highly durable shoes for longboarding, you’ll want to make sure to consider critical design features. One place to start is with the type of shoe — or sole. Vulcanized and cup sole shoes each have their benefits and disadvantages, so determine what’s most important: board feel or a thick sole.
Next, you’ll want to look at comfort. Features like padded insoles, padding or cushioning around the ankle collars, and padding throughout the upper part of the shoe can help determine a pair’s comfort level. Skaters who experience a lot of impacts or like skating at high speeds may want more comfort (and more cushioning) than those who simply like to cruise.
The Most Important Features of Shoes for Longboarding
Which features and details make for the best longboarding shoes? Well, it depends on what kind of skating you like best. But some features, in particular, make any pair of shoes an excellent choice for longboarding, like the following.
Lightweight
Experienced longboarders already know how important weight is when you’re trying to get your carves, your speed, and your tricks just right. Added weight can throw you off balance easily and lead to falls or harsh impacts. So, when you’re picking out a pair of longboarding shoes, it’s important to choose a lightweight pair.
Lightweight shoes will keep you light on your feet and your longboard. They’ll make it easier to master maneuvers of all kinds, and they’re especially handy when it comes to reaching high speeds and flying when you’re performing tricks. A lightweight pair of shoes can also be more comfortable throughout hours of skating.
Padded Footbed
Padding is key to staying comfortable, and a padded footbed will keep you comfortable from the very bottom of your feet up through the rest of your body. A pair of shoes for longboarding should have padded foot cushions for you as you skate. That padding underfoot will cushion the impact of every landing, absorbing the shock and passing less of it onto your feet and joints.
Additionally, a padded footbed will offer critical foot support. If you’ve ever spent a long day skating without any arch support or cushioning for your heels, you know just how much you can ache afterward. Opt for shoes with a padded footbed to keep your feet feeling good.
Water Repellent Material
A good pair of shoes for longboarding should be able to survive a lot of wear and tear — but a great pair will also be able to withstand outdoor elements. Rain, puddles of water, and moisture can all appear while you’re out skating on your longboard. So, having a pair of longboarding shoes that feature water repellent material can pay off.
Having water repellent material on your longboarding shoes can keep your feet dry when it’s wet outside. It can also keep other liquids from staining or dampening your shoes when you need to stay dry. This can increase your shoes’ durability, giving you longer use for your money.
Care and Maintenance for Shoes for Longboarding
Caring for and maintaining your longboarding shoes is pretty simple. They’re just like any other pair of shoes — you’ll want to make sure they aren’t ripped, torn, or completely worn out to ensure they’ll keep your feet covered and protected.
Of course, to do that you’ll want to make sure you know what kind of material you’re working with. Shoes for longboarding typically have uppers made out of materials like canvas, mesh, or even suede, and leather requires different levels of care. While you can toss canvas or mesh shoes into the wash, you’ll need special care products for leather and suede.
Here are a few more tips to keep your longboarding shoes in their best possible shape.
- Look for signs of wear on the soles first; that’s where you can begin to lose grip and traction, which affects your performance.
- If you need more cushioning or support, you can add memory foam or gel insole inserts into longboarding shoes.
- For increased flexibility, opt for low-profile shoes that keep your ankles free and easy to move.
Best Shoes for Longboarding FAQ
Trying to decide what shoes are the right pair for your style of longboard skating? Discover answers to some of the most common questions about choosing a pair of longboarding shoes right here.
You’ll want to look for skate shoes that include the most important features for longboarding: a light weight, a padded footbed, and water repellent material. You should also consider the type, either vulcanized or cup sole.
It’s a lot easier to master longboarding when you’re wearing skate shoes. Regular sneakers can be just fine, but shoes that are specifically designed for skateboarding — like longboarding shoes — will help you be even better on your board.
It’s always a good idea to pair your longboard and your longboarding shoes with proper protective gear. A helmet is critical, and you may also want to add knee pads and elbow pads to prevent scrapes or other injuries.
Our Top Pick
We chose the Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker as our top shoe for longboarding because it’s a high-quality sneaker that delivers when it comes to skating performance. Designed for sports performance, this Adidas shoe can survive all of the wear and tear that comes with longboarding. Reinforced and well-built for impacts, rough pavement, and daily use, these shoes can last you quite a long time no matter how you like to skate.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to go wrong with the Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker, a great all-around pick for longboarding shoes. The Lugz Men’s Clipper Sneaker is a classic, streamlined choice that’ll also deliver for longboarders, and it features an affordable price too.
Sources:
- Longboarding – Wikipedia
