Skate Shoes & Sneakers
The Importance of Skate Shoes
Skate shoes are crafted specifically for rigorous sports like skateboarding, longboarding, and scootering. Wearing skateboard shoes while skateboarding is crucial as they are designed to endure the hits and pressures associated with the sport. Additionally, their design features enhance performance by offering superior grip and board control. Moreover, these shoes ensure a high level of comfort, reducing the likelihood of foot fatigue.
While it's possible to skate using regular shoes or sneakers, they likely won't offer the same level of performance as skateboard shoes, which are optimized to improve your skating experience.
Features of Skateboard Shoes
The majority of skate shoes are crafted from materials such as leather, suede, or canvas to maximize comfort during rides. These shoes feature an extra-thick vulcanized rubber sole that minimizes wear from performing tricks and enhances durability. Generally, the soles are flat with tread patterns that deliver impressive grip. Additionally, they are equipped with excellent shock-absorption properties to withstand impacts and hard landings.
These attributes contribute to the durability of skate shoes, which are prone to heavy use on skateboards. However, it's important to be aware that skateboard shoes often wear out quicker than regular shoes, largely due to the grip tape used on skateboards.
Despite their specialized features for board sports, many individuals opt for skateboard shoes purely for their stylish design and comfort.
Maintain Your Skate Shoes Well
Skateboarding and longboarding can be demanding on your skate shoes, making proper care essential to extend their lifespan. If you frequently perform tricks, consider purchasing Shoe Goo or a similar silicone substance to apply on the tips and sides of the shoes. This creates a protective barrier on the shoe's most vulnerable areas.
Additionally, consider preventive measures such as applying super-glue to the stitching on the sides and nose of the shoes to prevent them from tearing during tricks. Opting for less abrasive grip tapes can also prolong the life of your shoes by reducing friction.