The 30 best skate shoe brands in 2026
VANS, Nike and DC Shoes lead our ranking of 30 skate shoe brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Skate Shoe brands, ranked
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1
VANS
Vans makes flat-soled skate shoes such as the Old Skool and Authentic, long associated with skateboarding.
Website: vans.com |Brands like VANS
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Nike
Nike makes sneakers and offers skate-focused footwear through its SB line.
Website: nike.com |Brands like Nike
Popularity 4.4/10
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3
DC Shoes
DC Shoes makes skate shoes and skate-inspired footwear for skateboarding and street use.
Website: dcshoes.com |Brands like DC Shoes
Popularity 4.0/10
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4
etnies
etnies makes skate shoes built for skateboarding, with a focus on durable soles and flat boards.
Website: etnies.com |Brands like etnies
Popularity 4.0/10
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5
Emerica
Emerica makes skate shoes, known for skate-specific designs and durable cupsole construction.
Website: emerica.com |Brands like Emerica
Popularity 2.4/10
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6
Lakai
Lakai makes skate shoes designed around skateboarding, with padded and durable skate-focused models.
Website: lakai.com |Brands like Lakai
Popularity 2.3/10
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7
AIRWALK
AIRWALK makes skate and casual sneakers, with a skateboarding heritage in its footwear line.
Website: airwalk.com |Brands like AIRWALK
Popularity 1.8/10
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8
DVS
DVS makes skate shoes with a skateboarding focus, including durable suede and canvas models.
Website: dvsshoes.com |Brands like DVS
Popularity 1.8/10
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9
HUF
HUF makes skate-style sneakers alongside its skate apparel, sold through its streetwear range.
Website: hufworldwide.com |Brands like HUF
Popularity 1.5/10
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10
Classic Canvas
Safety bags are necessary for those actively working in the industrial sector. These bags are mainly used by those involved in the physical works revolving in that particular industry. That is why Classic Canvas took it on themselves to produce...
Website: cccliftbags.com |Brands like Classic Canvas
Popularity 1.5/10
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11
adidas
adidas makes skate shoes, including its Busenitz and Adi-Ease models, alongside its wider sneaker range.
Website: adidas.com |Brands like adidas
Popularity 1.4/10
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12
New Balance
New Balance makes running and lifestyle sneakers, some of which are worn for casual skating.
Website: newbalance.com |Brands like New Balance
Popularity 1.4/10
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13
PUMA
PUMA makes sneakers and has offered skate-focused footwear as part of its lifestyle range.
Website: us.puma.com |Brands like PUMA
Popularity 1.3/10
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14
Heelys
Heelys is a flashy footwear company with an extensive repertoire of edgy options to consider. Innovation runs deep and free at Heelys with its custom-made character-inspired designs and premium light embedded shoes to catch the most nonchalant clientele. Elaborate collaboration...
Website: heelys.com |Brands like Heelys
Popularity 1.2/10
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15
Converse
Converse makes Chuck Taylor sneakers and has a skate line, Cons, built for skateboarding.
Website: converse.com |Brands like Converse
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
K-Swiss
K-Swiss makes tennis-inspired sneakers and casual lifestyle shoes, sometimes worn for skating.
Website: kswiss.com |Brands like K-Swiss
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
British Knights
British Knights makes casual and skate-inspired shoes and boots sold across several style lines.
Website: britishknights.com |Brands like British Knights
Popularity 0.9/10
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18
FILA
FILA makes sneakers and lifestyle footwear, with some models styled for casual and skate wear.
Website: fila.com |Brands like FILA
Popularity 0.7/10
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19
Volcom
Volcom makes skate-style shoes as part of its surf and skate lifestyle footwear range.
Website: volcom.com |Brands like Volcom
Popularity 0.7/10
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20
Diamond Supply Co.
Diamond Supply Co. makes skate apparel and has offered skate shoes as part of its skateboarding range.
Website: diamondsupplyco.com |Brands like Diamond Supply Co.
Popularity 0.5/10
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21
C1RCA
C1RCA makes skate shoes designed for skateboarding, with a focus on durable skate footwear.
Website: c1rca.com |Brands like C1RCA
Popularity 0.5/10
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22
P448
P448 makes skate-influenced sneakers and casual shoes, with several models sold for street and skate use.
Website: us.p448.com |Brands like P448
Popularity 0.5/10
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23
Fallen
Fallen makes skate shoes designed for skateboarding, with cupsole and vulcanised models.
Website: fallenfootwear.us |Brands like Fallen
Popularity 0.5/10
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24
Gravis
Gravis makes skate shoes and skate-style footwear, with models built for skateboarding.
Website: gravisfootwear.com |Brands like Gravis
Popularity 0.4/10
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25
Industrie
Founded in 1999, Industrie is an Australian clothing brand providing modern comfort wear for men and kids. They sell their clothes through multiple retailers and wholesale shops in Australia and New Zealand. Aiming to be a pioneer of affordable fashion,...
Website: industrie.com.au |Brands like Industrie
Popularity 0.4/10
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26
World Industries
World Industries is a pioneer in the field of skateboarding. Founded by Steve Rocco and Rodney Mullen in 1987, they have expanded a lot since then. From the very beginning, they took over the corporate skate companies by storm with...
Website: worldindustries.com |Brands like World Industries
Popularity 0.4/10
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27
Vision Street Wear
The contemporary design apparel line from Vision Street Wear might help you find your inner enthusiasm for living. They work hard to offer upscale clothes that redefine individuals. Their clothing is designed using top fabrics and groundbreaking technology to guarantee...
Website: visionstreetwear.com |Brands like Vision Street Wear
Popularity 0.3/10
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28
KAANAS
Are you looking for a stylish, cozy, comfy footwear range for upcoming occasions and day-to-day wear? KAANAS could be your resort. So KAANAS is a brand that designs footwear for modern women best suitable for them. Their designer footwear collections...
Website: kaanas.com |Brands like KAANAS
Popularity 0.3/10
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29
Dekline
Dekline makes skate shoes designed for skateboarding, with durable soles and skate-focused models.
Website: dekline.com |Brands like Dekline
Popularity 0.3/10
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30
Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk's name appears on skate shoes and skate products made under licence for skateboarding.
Website: tonyhawk.com |Brands like Tony Hawk
Popularity 0.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VANS | vans.com | /VANS | vans | @VANS_66 | VansShoes66 |
| Nike | nike.com | – | – | – | – |
| DC Shoes | dcshoes.com | – | – | – | – |
| etnies | etnies.com | /etnies | etnies | @etnies | – |
| Emerica | emerica.com | /Emerica | emerica | @emerica | emerica |
| Lakai | lakai.com | /lakailtd | lakailtd | @lakaiLTD | lakaiweb |
| AIRWALK | airwalk.com | /airwalk | airwalk | @airwalk_online | AirwalkOnline |
| DVS | dvsshoes.com | /dvsshoes | dvsmotosport | @dvsshoes | – |
| HUF | hufworldwide.com | /hufworldwide | hufworldwide | @hufworldwide | – |
| Classic Canvas | cccliftbags.com | – | – | – | – |
Skate Shoes Buying Guide
If you're looking to get into skateboarding, or you're a seasoned veteran, choosing the right skate shoes is essential for both performance and safety on a skateboard. Skate shoes are not just any ordinary pair of shoes; they are built to withstand the rigors of skateboarding and provide maximum comfort, control, and durability. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be tough to know where to start. In this article, we'll guide you through everything you need to know when buying skate shoes.
Factors to consider when buying skate shoes
When it comes to skate shoes, there are several factors that you need to consider before making your purchase. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Durability: Skate shoes need to be durable because they will take a lot of wear and tear from skating. Look for shoes that have reinforced stitching, extra padding, and high-quality materials that can handle the constant abuse.
- Grip: Skate shoes should provide excellent grip on your skateboard. Look for shoes with a sticky gum outsole that provides traction on the grip tape of the board.
- Flexibility: Skate shoes need to be flexible to allow for maximum movement and control while riding. A stiff shoe can hinder your performance and make it difficult for you to execute tricks.
- Cushioning: Skateboarding involves a lot of impact on your feet, so good cushioning is necessary to protect your feet and joints from injury. Look for shoes with sufficient padding in the insoles and heels.
- Comfort: Comfort is crucial when it comes to skate shoes. You will be wearing them for long periods, so make sure they fit well, provide good support, and don't cause any discomfort or pain when you're skateboarding.
- Style: While not as important as the other factors, style is still a consideration for many skateboarders. Fortunately, there are plenty of skate shoes available in various colors, designs, and styles, so you can find a pair that suits your taste.
Types of skate shoes
Skate shoes come in different types, each with its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. Here are the four main types of skate shoes:
Low-top skate shoes
Low-top skate shoes have a minimalistic design, low-cut profile, and offer greater flexibility and freedom of movement. They are ideal for skaters who prefer a more natural feel and want a shoe that won't get in the way of their tricks. However, low-top shoes provide minimal ankle support and may not be suitable for skaters who need more stability.
"Low-top shoes are great for doing flip tricks because they don't get in the way of your foot movements." - Tony HawkMid-top skate shoes
Mid-top skate shoes have a higher profile than low-tops and provide more ankle support, making them ideal for skaters who need more stability and protection. They offer a perfect balance between flexibility and support and are suitable for all types of skateboarding styles.
"Mid-top shoes are my go-to because they provide enough support without sacrificing flexibility." - Nyjah HustonHigh-top skate shoes
High-top skate shoes have the highest profile and offer maximum ankle support and protection. They are ideal for skaters who want the most stability and cushioning and those who like to skate big transitions and vert ramps. However, high-tops are the heaviest and least flexible of all skate shoes.
"High-top shoes provide the best protection for your ankles when you're skating big transitions and ramps." - Bucky LasekSlip-on skate shoes
Slip-on skate shoes have no laces and are easy to slip on and off. They are ideal for skaters who want convenience and prefer not to mess with laces while skating. Slip-ons provide good comfort and flexibility but offer minimal ankle support and may not be suitable for more aggressive skateboarding styles.
"Slip-on shoes are great for going to the store or cruising around, but I prefer laced shoes when I'm doing more technical tricks." - Eric KostonPopular skate shoe brands
When it comes to skate shoes, there are several brands to choose from, each with its own unique style and features. Here are some of the most popular skate shoe brands:
- Vans: Vans has been a staple in skate culture since the 1970s and is known for its timeless designs and classic silhouettes. Their shoes are affordable, durable, and come in a variety of styles and colors.
- Nike SB: Nike's skateboarding line is known for its innovative technology, stylish designs, and high-performance shoes. They offer some of the best cushioning, grip, and support in the market and are a favorite among pro skaters.
- DC Shoes: DC Shoes is a well-established skate shoe brand that offers some of the most durable and comfortable shoes in the market. They are known for their signature pill pattern outsole that provides excellent grip and traction.
- Emerica: Emerica is a skater-owned brand that focuses on creating high-quality shoes that are both stylish and functional. Their shoes are built to withstand the toughest skating conditions and provide great durability and support.
- Adidas Skateboarding: Adidas has been making skate shoes since the 1990s and is known for its iconic three-stripe design and high-quality materials. They offer some of the most innovative and stylish shoes in the market, with a focus on comfort, durability, and performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skate shoes is crucial for both performance and safety on a skateboard. With so many options available in the market, it's essential to consider factors such as durability, grip, flexibility, cushioning, comfort, and style before making your purchase. Whether you prefer low-tops, mid-tops, high-tops, or slip-ons, there is a skate shoe out there that fits your needs and preferences. Some of the most popular skate shoe brands include Vans, Nike SB, DC Shoes, Emerica, and Adidas Skateboarding. With the right pair of skate shoes, you can improve your riding experience, execute tricks with ease, and have more fun on your skateboard.
