If you can have the right pieces of longboarding equipment, then you can reap the full enjoyment of the sport. Among the accessories that you need to secure, at the core are the best longboard shoes.
Although you may think of getting by with ordinary shoes, such footwear isn’t adapted to the sport. For instance, it won’t give a good feel of the board, or cushion your feet adequately.
So if you need to improve your game with the best longboarding shoes, then here are viable choices for you.
Best Longboard Shoes Review
Vans Unisex Authentic Velvet Skate Shoes
True to its reputable name, the Vans’ longboarding shoes charms in appearance and performance. When you look at it, the low sidewalls, woven Vans logo combined with crushed velvet upper gives it a unique appearance. At the same time, the low sidewalls inject considerable flexibility to the stylish skate shoes.
As for the closure, Vans couldn’t have chosen a much better choice. It features a combination of sturdy metal eyelets and laces that delivers reliable closure. Besides, that makes it easy to adjust your fit, depending on the size of your feet.
Once you have slipped your feet into the shoes, the die-cut EVA insert feels soft and comfortable. The comfy EVA insole blends perfectly with the rubber outsole. Accordingly, the combination delivers unparalleled comfort and dampening effect.
The presence of a signature waffle outsole injects a superior feel and grip on the board. Thus you won’t worry about the shoes slipping off. And to crown off its dazzling look, the eyelets, sole, and toe box all create an appealing contrast.
Pros:
- Presents the classic look
- Rubberized sole for extra grip on the board
- Dependable lace closure system
- Available in two colors
- Complete with size chart guide
Cons:
- With time it stretches a bit
- Lacks adequate arch support
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker
One of the chief considerations of the best shoes for longboarding is supporting quick foot braking. And, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas shoes nail it rightly. It employs a durable rubber outsole that provides an enhanced feel of the board. Therefore it makes control and braking while longboarding straightforward.
At the upper, it features the canvas material. At a glance, the canvas may fool you to be flimsy. But that’s not so. Despite its thin cross-section, it’s durable and holds up well in regular skating. Skating is an outdoor activity performed in ice infested ground.
For that reason, Converse provides sufficient waterproofing to the supportive skate shoes. That means a light shower or splash of water can’t penetrate or corrode them. Hence, it keeps your feet dry, comfortable, and fresh-smelling all the time. That makes Converse suitable for skating.
A side view of the sneakers reveals their low cut classic look. By using a canvas upper, Ortholite insole and rubber outsole Converse sneakers achieve a lightweight of 1.18lbs. The provided insole has a very minimal cushioning effect. However, you can add an extra insole and increase the padding as well as boost the skate shoe’s arch support.
Most users testify that the converse longboard shoes run large, long, and take a narrow shape. Therefore to get the snug-fitting footwear, choose a slightly lower number than your usual size.
Pros:
- Presents the classic look
- Thick rubber sole
- Durable and withstand regular wear
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Inadequate insole padding
Adidas NEO Mens SE Daily Vulc Lifestyle Skateboarding
Every skateboarder looks for proper skate shoes that can last regular use. That’s why Adidas NEO features a vulcanized rubber sole. Compared to ordinary rubber, they are long-lasting. At the same time, most longboarding shoes for guys begin to tear at the toe region. Thus Adidas NEO employs a toe bumper, thereby giving extra life to the shoes.
Furthermore, it features a comfortable rubber sole. Hence when you strap the shoes to the longboard, you’ll experience a superior feel of the skateboard. And even as you make swift turns and bumpy rides, your sneakers remain intact, thanks to the good traction rubber sole.
Hard impacts while skating shouldn’t meet your delicate feet directly. For that reason, the Adidas shoes for skateboard features cushioning insole and Cloudfoam sock liner. Hence your feet enjoy great comfort and protection from all sides.
Skate shoes need to have adequate arch support, especially if you have curved feet. You can improve the Adidas moderate arch support by incorporating gel inserts. Only the longboard shoes of the correct fit feel comfortable and protective.
Unfortunately, most sneakers run either small or large. Adidas, on the contrary, presents the true to size shoes. Hence you won’t have to gamble in finding your best size. Besides, it also provides a size chart guide.
Instead of restricting you to one color, the skating sneakers present dual color options. And the tints they reflect, allow the sneakers to blend with a wide variety of outfits. Its low profile design and the three stripes brand give it a distinct look.
Pros:
- rubber sole
- 11.5oz. lightweight and comfortable
- outstanding traction
- reputable brand
- two pair of laces
Cons:
- Ideal for narrow feet shape
DC Men’s Pure Skate Shoe
Like other sports, longboarding forces sweat out of your body. To the unsuspecting mind, that might contribute to a smelly pair of longboard shoes. But not so when you have DC Men’s Pure Skate Shoe.
At its toe box, dc longboard shoes feature a meshed upper. Furthermore, on either side, it has two breathing holes. Hence as the skating intensifies, the numerous perforations let in fresh air to sweep between your toes. That greatly minimizes the chances of your toes developing foul smell.
Besides good breathability, the DC skate shoes have 100 percent leather upper. Moreover, unlike other sneakers that employ single stitching, it uses fortified stitching of leather. And since the toe box meets rough treatment often, DC gives it a double leather layer. So in terms of durability, they present one of the best men’s longboards reliable shoes.
While cruising and meandering between trees, you won’t worry about sustaining scratches on the shoes; thanks to the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole. Also, the vulcanized sticky rubber sole offers great traction on all surfaces.
And even despite such sturdiness, it still maintains a lightweight of 1.1lbs. With the padded tongue and collar, even the most delicate skin will feel comfortable in the sneakers. It gives the color-conscious sportsmen numerous colors to select. The distinctive DC logo not only adds stylishness but also makes it easy to identify the DC longboards accessories.
Pros:
- Complete leather material
- Rubber sole
- Sturdy design with reinforced toe region
- High breathable
Cons:
- Most people say they run small in size
Globe Men’s Mahalo Skate Shoe
Even the best shoes for longboarding soon become dirty and thus require regular cleaning. That’s why concerning ease of cleanliness, Globe forms one of the best men’s longboards shoes. It uses a sturdy textile upper material that you easily brush to remove stains. Also, its insole easily detaches for effortless cleaning.
Longboarding shoes must have reliable traction. Therefore, Globe Men’s Mahalo uses synthetic sole with superior traction ability. While gliding on bumps, hard impacts register on the feet uncomfortably. The Globe counts among the best skating shoes for beginners since its insole has an appreciable shock absorbing ability.
Since comfort also counts, it also gives you a nicely padded tongue. Consequently, when the mountains feel cold and wet, the cushioning offers warmth to your feet.
Considering that the synthetic sole sneakers run true to size and the manufacturer also provides size guide chart, choosing the footwear that fits you is less troublesome.
With an overall weight of 15.2ounces, the skating shoes add very minimal weight to the board. As a backup, the manufacturer gives you an extra pair of laces.
Pros:
- Trouble-free to clean
- Runs true to size
- Insole dampens shock waves and removable too
- Vulcanized quality
Cons:
- Limited shoe sizes
DC Men’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe
As a brand that has established its roots in the skating accessories niche, DC unveils yet another skateboard shoes for men. Only this time, it designs the footwear in plenty of colors that even the pickiest sportsman finds his choice.
Longboarding crosses various terrains. Consequently, DC longboards shoes feature sturdy leather upper material. That means even the regular skating won’t wear it down easily. A totally closed leather shoe feels very hot. That’s why the DC skateboard shoes for men feature adequate perforations to let in the fresh air, thus allowing your toes to breathe.
Most manufacturers use glue only to attach the sole and shoe upper. Such joining gives way easily to straining activities. However, the DC shoes for skating employs a cupped rubber sole. Besides gluing, it reinforces the sneakers joining with stitching along the raised walls of the outsole.
As a result, it dampens shock waves, remains firmly joined, and withstands shaky movements. On the other hand, the tongue and collar feature comfy padding and support even amidst cold weather. The on and off-board sessions then feel great.
A heavy skating pair of shoes adds significant weight to the board and thus making swift movement tiring. The DC popular skateboard shoes weigh 1.06lbs only. So, it won’t pull down your legs.
Pros:
- Breathable
- Adequate padding
- Made of sturdy leather
- Available in a wide array of styles
Cons:
- Isolated discomforts in the toe region
Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker
Think of how irritating it could be when other skateboarders are ready to go down the mountain while you are still struggling to put on your pair of sneakers. For that reason, Adidas gives you a pair of laced sneakers that’s effortless to put on and off.
Sometimes you may desire the shoes that not only excel in longboarding but also look astonishing. Adidas doesn’t disappoint on such ground. Its upper features a synthetic suede material that presents an alluring look.
At the same time, the synthetic suede upper is resistant to abrasions. So by extension, the sneakers will maintain their sleek appearance for an extended duration. Even in cold weather, your foot will feel comfy if you wear the Adidas stylish skate shoes. That’s because of the canvas upper combined with the textile liner.
The pair of sneakers that slip off the board deprives you of a good feel of the board. However, that’s not so with the Adidas popular footwear; it features a rubber sole that offers good traction and feel of the board.
The three signature stripes of Adidas and the contrast it creates with the upper crowns the stylish look of the shoes. By blending low profile sidewalls to a canvas upper, the sneakers achieve a high degree of flexibility.
Pros:
- Wide variety of colors
- Abrasion-resistant upper material
- Vulcanized and durable outsole
- Striking appearance
- Lightweight of 1.55lbs
Cons:
- less durable compared to leather
KEEZMZ Men’s Running Shoes Fashion Breathable Sneakers Mesh Soft Sole Casual Athletic Lightweight
If you want to inflict a sense of fear among your competitors, then smash them with your dress code. KEEZMZ gives such a pair of sneakers that singles you out in a sea of skaters.
But besides the charming appearance, it feels super light (0.899lbs) and won’t pull your feet down. So, if you want to make the head-turning entrance, then go for the KEEZMZ pair of sneakers.
Its upper is of fabric material. A close look at the fabric reveals numerous perforations. So when you put on the shoes, while others are sweating in their feet, you will be breathing fresh air. Also, that significantly reduces the bad odor from the feet and shoes.
If you are looking for the top 10 skate shoes with the best cushion and dampening feature, then the KEEZMZ falls among the top contenders. Its insole features cushion memory foam that is feet-friendly. Then the midsole are also made of highly elastic material. The outer flexible sole displays non-marking ability.
Regardless of your desired choice of color, you are bound to have it in the KEEZMZ 15 color variety. Since it runs true to size, choosing your snug fit size should be relatively easy.
Owing to its lightweight, striking look, and comfortable feeling, the KEEZMZ sneakers find versatile use longboarding shoes and general outdoor use.
Pros:
- Breathable upper
- Super comfortable to the feet
- A wide array of colors
- Ultra-light
Cons:
- Less durable compared to leather shoes
How to Choose Good Longboard Shoes
When you want to skate at higher speeds for an extended period, don’t pick on an ordinary shoe. Instead, go for the best longboard shoes designed specifically for that duty. Ideally, that kind of footwear should satisfy the following features:
Shoe Material
The material used in making the shoes, especially the upper, dictates its durability. You don’t need to invest in a pair of stylish skate shoes that soon tears apart in a few weeks. On the same note, leather shoes or suede can withstand daily use for an extended period.
However, besides durability, flexibility also counts. Therefore a blend of leather with synthetic overlay and low sidewalls deliver the much-needed flexibility. Although some shoes feature canvas upper, the material excels in flexibility but doesn’t impress in terms of durability.
For best performance, your foot needs to remain dry all the time. So go for the material that gives adequate waterproofing to the feet.
Comfort
Skating for long hours demands comfortable shoes. So the overall construction and design should offer maximum comfort to your feet. Any undue pressure and loose closure highly distract.
Thus a comfy lining and collar feel friendlier even as your feet rub against the edges of the shoe. But it also sums down to personal preference. For instance, some want longboard shoes with minimalist outlook and padding. Such features give them improved foot placement on the board.
Outsole Material and Design
The type of sole material is of utmost significance in longboarding. That’s because it’s the outsole that connects you to the board and even dictates its feel. At the same time, you’ll need to footbrake. That too depends on the outsole.
With that said, vulcanized rubber or polyurethane often delivers the best result without compromising on durability too. Moreover, it should have a flat outsole and few treads that provide a reliable grip on the longboard. During longboarding, rubberized sole cushions the feet, and thus boosting your comfort too.
Simple to Clean
After longboarding, your shoes will require cleaning. Thus, when purchasing, surf through several skateboard shoe reviews and pick on the shoe you can easily clean with minimal effort. It shouldn’t require rigorous scrubbing effort or money. Remember, you will be cleaning regularly, so the less effort and money it requires the better the deal.
Removable Insole
The removable inserts offer more convenience than the immobile insoles. For instance, you might find that particular skating shoes perform best in all areas except that it has minimal padding on the insole.
In such an instance, a removable insert makes it trouble-free to switch it out with another brand and customize your comfort. At the same time, when it wears out, inserting another insole or cleaning such footwear is effortless.
Correct Shoe Size
Not all top longboard shoes run true to size; in fact, very few models do. At the same time, it’s crucial to choose the right shoe that fits you rightly. Usually, the longboard shoes run smaller.
Also, look at the structure of your feet. Is it narrow shaped or relatively wide? If wide, then choose on skate shoes for wide feet. In addition to minding about sizing as the brand dictates, take into account the structure of your foot too.
Reinforced Safety
Although generally, the longboard footwear needs to offer superior protection, certain areas need extra attention. Those areas include the toe and the heel region. The two parts meet lots of wear, tear, and hard impacts. As a result, you need to pick on the model that gives reinforced cushion and sturdiness at the toe and heel.
Styles and Colors
Although not very crucial but some skaters take the color of their footwear very seriously. That’s may count if you want to pair it with your other wears and deliver a trendy look. Besides, longboard shoes exist in different styles.
Whereas some skaters find low profile styles ideal, others dislike them and prefer the high top. Therefore it’s important to know what works best for you. But in case you are new to the sport, then you might benefit from trying a couple of shoes from friends or a local store before making a purchase.
Conclusion
It’s vital to invest considerable time and resources to secure the best longboard shoes. Your comfort, safety, and performance rest on have the right accessories and, a longboarding shoe is thus vital.
That’s why the list gives renowned brands such as DC and Vans longboarding shoes. So if you follow our guide above and select any of the above models, you are more likely to get the proper skating shoes that promise comfort, durable and close connection to the board.