Best Skateboard Brands – Decks, Trucks & Shoes

There are so many skateboarding brands out there, it's hard to know which ones are worth your hard-earned cash.

Certain brands have expertise and specialties in areas where other brands do not, but working out the good from the bad can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to bring you the best skateboarding brands for decks, trucks, and shoes.

Best Skateboard Brands - Decks, Trucks & Shoes

Our extensive research has led us to these findings so we can bring you a couple of brilliant brands for each category and also some top recommendations for each product.

We’ve also compiled a buyer’s guide to cover everything you should know before buying each item and also a frequently asked questions section filled with questions from skateboarders just like you.

If you haven’t got time to read the whole article and just want to shortcut to our best brands then we’ll jump ahead. 

Best Skateboard Brands for Decks

Element

Element was founded in 1992 by founder Johnny Schillereff and manufactures not only skateboarding decks but also clothing and footwear for the action sport as well.

Schillereff has been skateboarding since the age of 4 and knows everything anyone would need to know about making a solid skateboard. 

DECKS

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The Section skateboard deck is one of Element’s highest-selling decks and it’s not hard to see why. The deck features Element’s featherlight construction and is professional-grade quality.  

The deck has a width size of 7.75” and 31.25” in length and is perfect for any level of skater.

It’s a totally versatile skateboard and can be used for street, vert, and park skating. The thriftwood construction offers plenty of pop so you’ll be ready to perform all your jumps in the park. 

The deck comes with pre-drilled holes to make assembling your truck and wheels much easier. 

The deck boasts the iconic Element red, white and black theme with the logo included and also the names of the four elements on the bottom.

The design of the Section is on the more simplistic side when it comes to skateboard designs nowadays but still packs a punch with its iconic colors.  

The deck is medium concave and provides a comfortable and stable feel under your feet when you’re on the board. 

Pros

  • Comes with pre-drilled holes
  • Suitable for all skill levels
  • Professional grade quality
  • Featherweight construction
  • Lots of pop in the deck
  • Versatile skating

Cons

  • Design may not be unique enough for some people

DECKS

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This Element deck is constructed with 7-ply of North American Maple and is of professional quality and can be used by the most advanced to the most amateur of skaters. The Slimer 8.25” like many other Element decks is built to last. 

The 8.25” width makes it a top candidate for cruising, verts, skating around pools and going old school.

The deck would have to be used by adults or anyone who has size 9 feet or up, otherwise, it’ll be too hard to control. 

The deck comes with a unique design that features Ghostbusters character Slimer who is on full display.

If you’re a huge Ghostbusters fan or feel your personality correlates with that of this food-obsessed ghost then this board will be right up your ramp.

The top deck features the Ghostbusters logo which has been altered to also incorporate the Element symbol. A nice added touch, but will be covered with grip tape soon enough.  

The deck doesn’t come with any grip tape on top, so you’ll need to buy some separately before you consider heavy skating on this board. 

The deck comes with pre-drilled holes so you'll assemble all your components with no bother.

Notably, this deck does not come with trucks or wheels attached, so make sure you use your own or check out our recommended products in the trucks section of this article.  

The Slimer deck is a collaboration between Ghostbusters and Element and whilst still being a cool-looking deck, it’ll be able to stay in your collection after you’re done using it to keep as a collectible item.  

Pros

  • Fun design
  • High-quality deck
  • Suitable for all kinds of skating
  • Pre-drilled holes already installed
  • Collectible item 

Cons

  • No grip tape included

Powell-Peralta

Powell-Peralta was founded by Stanford engineer George Powell and skateboarding legend Stacey Peralta in 1978, but the brand is nowadays known as Powell or Powell Classic.

The company started soaring in popularity in the 80s when skateboarding began to hit the mainstream and gain huge popularity amongst communities.

They started The Bones Brigade which was a skateboarding team that was graced with some legendary members such as Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero throughout the years.

To this day, the brand still makes outstanding high-quality decks and is said to be suitable for both beginners and more advanced skaters. 

DECKS

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The Powell Peralta flight decks are strong, thin and light and made with fiber-reinforced 7-ply maple.

The deck measures 8.25” in width and will only be able to be used by adult or taller skaters. It has a mellow concave construction which makes it suitable for most styles of skating. 

This flight deck features a unique tiger beetle design that is sure to make a statement whilst you’re out ripping up the streets.

The tiger beetle design is from British photographer Levon Bliss, so if you’re into your art as much as you’re skating this design sure ticks all the boxes. 

You’ll get used to using this board within only a couple of hours and you’ll be surprised by the tricks you can do as a result of it being a light flight deck. You’ll even be able to ollie higher due to the greater rebound and snap.

The epoxy-infused structure is extremely resistant to breaking, long-wearing, and maintains the ‘pop’ that normally fades after long usage. 

Pros

  • Interesting design
  • Suitable for all skating styles
  • Long-lasting pop
  • Light flight deck
  • Good rebound and snap
  • Long-wearing construction

Cons

  • Not budget-friendly

DECKS

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This Powell Peralta deck features a distinguished design with a Chinese dragon on a bright red background.

This deck design is bound to draw you some attention out on your next skate park outing.

This design is a reissue of the original ‘Cab- Chinese Dragon’ deck from the 1980s and was highly sought after by Caballero fans for his recognized ‘dragon’ and was ridden by Steve Caballero himself. 

The deck is suitable for those who are just beginning to get into skating or for those who are looking for a sweet deck to be able to practice their favorite skills. 

The spoon nose means that the deck is great for ditch-skating and also for verts. 

The deck’s width is 10” and sports a medium convene in the fish shape design. This shaped deck is perfect for pool skating, bowls, and doing all of the tricks you can possibly imagine.

It’s made out of 100% Canadian maple and will be able to withstand all the heavy-duty usage you could put it through. The deck is also AirLam fused (waterproof glue) for extra security and strength. 

The deck is no longer sold directly on the Powell Peralta branded site, so getting your hands on one of these bad boys will set you with a collectible item for life.

The deck features 4 - 2.5” old-school truck hole patterns. Most modern trucks do not have old school patterns, so you may have to drill your own holes into the deck unless you want to use some vintage trucks. 

Pros

  • Vintage deck and collectible item
  • Fish-shape makes it great for tricks
  • Amazing design
  • Strong construction
  • Suitable for all levels of skaters
  • AirLam fused 

Cons

  • Features old school truck hole patterns 

Best Skateboard Brands for Trucks

Independent Trucks

Independent Truck Company is a skateboard manufacturer based in California and was established in 1978.

The company is owned by NHS inc (another skateboarding company) and pride themselves on being able to make skateboarding trucks that actually turn and don’t break.

The trucks have been through many stages since their initial distribution in the late 70s which has seen many variations of the small part. Independent trucks tend to perform better in skateparks and on ramps. 

TRUCKS

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This 129mm Independent pair of trucks is a durable, high-performance truck for all types of skateboarding

The truck includes a 356 T6 Aluminum hanger and baseplate, solid Chromoly steel axle, grade 8 kingpin, supercush cushions with cylinder bottom. All components are high-quality and built to last for long periods. 

The trucks feature a superior turn and stability, better grind clearance, improved no hang-up yoke for grind tricks, and less wheel bite.

Trucks from Independent are hugely popular and used on many big branded skateboard decks because they last longer and are stronger on impact than any other truck on the market.

The recommended wheel size with riser pads is 55mm whilst the recommended wheel size without riser pads is 56mm and under. The recommended deck size for these trucks is 7.4" - 8".

If you’re a lightweight person then the bushing on these may need to be changed as you’ll find it hard to turn otherwise.

Pros

  • Suitable for all kinds of skateboarding
  • Durable
  • High-quality materials
  • Superior turn and stability
  • Less wheel bite

Cons

  • Bushing will need to be changed

TRUCKS

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These new stage 11 standard mid-height trucks combine the best features that Indy has produced.

They’ve improved the modern performance features and updated the stage 10 design with the reworked geometry of the Independent stages 5-7. 

These trucks come in the authentic raw silver colorway to give that classic look underneath your deck.

These trucks are recommended to be used with decks with a width of 8.25” to 8.75”. They’re also recommended for wheels up to 55mm. 

The trucks allow for smooth turning and improved stability, especially when landing from jumps and traveling at high speeds.

The Independent 149mm trucks are ultra-durable and some of the best in the business.

Pros

  • Lightweight body
  • High rebound cushions
  • Heavy-duty materials
  • Improved performance
  • Authentic silver colorway

Cons

  • Need a few days to break-in

Havoc Trucks

Havoc Skateshop was founded by passionate skateboard enthusiasts in Ottawa in 2013. They produce a selection of boards, hardware, and accessories at a more budget-friendly price. 

TRUCKS

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These Havoc Trucks are made from an aluminum alloy which makes for a strong yet light truck.

So you can have peace of mind that your wheels will stay secure without weighing your board down too much.

These trucks use the same aluminum alloy as some of the high-end brands but offer them at a much more budget-friendly price. Especially good for younger skaters. 

Havoc Trucks are a great fit for most deck thread standard sizes wheels, however, you’ll want to check with the product description to decide if you need a bigger hanger to fit your particular wheels. 

These Havoc 5.0 trucks come in a variety of colors, so whether you’re focussed on just their functionality or wishing to add a splash of color underneath the board then you’ll find something just for you. 

The trucks themselves hold up extremely well, but the bushing may need replacing after some time. 

Pros

  • Variety of colors to choose from
  • Strong but lightweight aluminum construction
  • Fit most deck sizes
  • Fits most sizes of wheels
  • Durable and will last a long time

Cons

  • Bushings will eventually need replacing

Best Skateboard Brands for Shoes

Vans Shoes

Skateboarders were seen as early as the 70s sporting Vans shoes all over Southern California. Vans are known nowadays as some of the key innovators of skate shoes and have a huge collection of some of the most iconic skate shoes ever seen.

Tony Alva and Stacey Peralta were the first two skateboarders to be seen wearing the Vans canvas shoes, they altered aspects of The Authentic to design the style of what is now known as the Era. 

Vans has collaborated with some high-fashion brands like Marc Jacobs and has also done some highly sought-after special collections such as The Simpsons, Disney, and Marvel.

Despite originally being recognized as a skateboarding shoe, Vans are also worn today by skaters and those who prefer them for fashionable purposes. 

SHOES

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The Old Skool Classic Skate shoes are arguably Vans’ most popular model due to their timeless and classic design.

The shoe is made using high-quality and strong construction materials which allow skaters to do tricks without the shoes getting too beaten up.

Like many of the other iconic Vans shoes, these Old Skools feature a durable upper canvas that’ll maintain its shape regardless of how much wear you get out of them.

These Old Skool Classics are available in over 30 different colors and designs and will be able to attract a wide variety of users, from anyone who stays more conservatoire with their fashion choices to anyone who likes to brave some funky designs.

The shoes have a cushioned ankle collar which prevents the backs of the shoes from rubbing against the ankles when wearing them, they’ll also provide extra protection for your feet if they happen to fall off your board.

The lacing system also provides extra cushioning to protect the front of your feet and the laces allow users to be able to cinch the shoe closer to the foot for a more secure fit. 

The shoes have a comfortable insole which takes a good amount of stress off the feet, especially when skating.

The bottom of the shoes features the typical vulcanized technology on the waffle sole of the shoe for ultimate durability and long endurance. The underneath of the shoe is very gripping and perfect for staying put on your board. 

The more basic colorways of these models are budget-friendly and great value for money when you consider how long they last and how much wear they can go through before they start to diminish in quality.

Many skaters comment on these shoes' ability to stay in great condition even when trying out new tricks on the skate park.

Even when these shoes have been worn for years they still continue to look really and fashionable even if they are beginning to look more worn down. 

Pros

  • Cushioned ankle collar
  • Vulcanized rubber grip
  • Comfortable insole
  • Very durable
  • Lots of variety in color and designs
  • Timeless design
  • Laces act as a cushion for the front of the foot

Cons

  • Not the most supportive shoe

SHOES

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The Vans Sk8-Hi Trains have been around since 1978 and became hugely popular with skateboarders as the high top design protected their ankles from the backlash of their boards.

The shoes carry the original and distinguishable style of the original vans but also offer more protection around the upper foot. 

The Sk8-Hi’s are available in both men’s and women’s sizes, the only difference varying between them being the size range and also the different styles and designs.

The colorways used for women’s versions may not be available in the men’s sizes.

However, Vans do state that their shoes are unisex and can be worn by both men and women as the width and overall design of the shoe doesn’t differ from gender. 

These shoes are very true to size and fit comfortably and snug enough without feeling too restrictive on the toes. The Sk8-Hi’s are easy to break in and won’t cause any blisters for the first few times you wear them.

The shoes are comfortable for general wear and skating purposes, but wouldn’t be recommended for working out or extensive wear.

If the flat design of the shoe causes problems for your feet then you could always insert an insole for extra comfort.

The shoes do not provide optimal arch support, but that is to be expected with shoes that are primarily built for skateboarding. 

They’re very durable and built to withstand the harsh conditions of boarding for a good few years without showing serious signs of wear and tear.

The lace fastening system is ideal for providing a more personalized fit and also provides extra cushioning if the front of your foot comes into contact with your board.

The laces will have to be undone quite a bit every time you put them on which can be inconvenient if you’re in a rush to head out.

These kicks offer great flexibility which makes them for moving your feet around areas of the board when performing tricks.

The sole is made from the typical Vans vulcanized gum rubber sole which grips excellently onto the board and resists wear.

The shoes are based at an affordable price point when you buy the more basic designs, but as you upgrade with the designs they will grow in price.

The Sk8-Hi Core Classics come in multiple colorways and designs, the shoes are popular footwear to wear with everyday attire but are still worn for skating purposes or recreational purposes.

Despite having a retro design with the exposed stitching, these shoes have been able to withstand the changes and tastes in fashion across the decades and will remain to be a timeless choice within the Vans collection. 

Pros

  • Durable
  • Multiple colorways
  • Easy to break-in
  • True to size
  • Good grip on the sole
  • Good flexibility 
  • Retro design

Cons

  • Arch support isn’t the greatest

DC Shoes

DC shoes were created by two friends back in 1994 with the aim to make suitable footwear for skating and other action sports.

DC managed to market themselves extensively through using endorsement by professional skateboarders who would promote the brand in tournaments and out on tours.

Since then the brand has become one of the top skate shoe companies in the world and has expanded its collection to create apparel and sports action equipment.

SHOES

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These Trase TX skate shoes by DC are made up of a lightweight yet sturdy construction which makes them a top candidate for more hardcore skateboarding as they’ll allow you to perform difficulty trickery more easily.

These shoes have vulcanized soles which makes them ideal for optimum flexibility but also means they lack heel support due to their super flat shape. 

The DC Trase Tx skate shoes have a very similar style to the classic canvas Vans shoes, but the tongue on the DC’s is a lot thinner and the laces don’t add as much cushioning.

If you’re after a skate though that is more streamlined and looks more like your typical casual day sneaker then these would be your best option.

The shoes possess a good level of grip on the bottom of the shoe which is supported through DC’s signature gum rubber sole.

The sole is also abrasion resistant and will be able to endure all the scuffs and scratches acquired from skating outdoors.

The foxing tape at the front of the shoe has DC’s signature pattern, which not only adds a nice touch for the shoe but also adds extra functionality and allows the user to have more grim and movement of their entire foot when skating. 

The upper canvas of the shoe is breathable, so your feet don’t get too sweaty or swell when you’re wearing them.

The canvas material that makes up the shoe is flexible enough to move your feet around the board but still firm enough that it won’t lose its shape after a prolonged period. 

The low-top design means they can be paired easily with any outfit, but are especially well suited for wearing shorts and even skirts for more casual day wear. However, they do not offer much protection for your ankles.

The model comes in a variety of colors, from darker to more vibrant and statement designs.

We always recommend going for darker colors with skate shoes as they’ll hide the dirt and dust from the outside the most and white shoes will only look haggard within a matter of days. 

The DC Trase TX skate shoes are a very narrow fit compared to other models from the brand and many customers say that you should size half a size up or even a full size up when buying them so they won’t feel too tight on your foot. 

Pros

  • Flexible canvas material
  • Versatile 
  • Good grip on the bottom of the shoe
  • Breathable material
  • Streamlined and sleek design

Cons

  • Narrow fit

SHOES

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These Court Graffik Skate Shoes by DC are some of the largest and chunkiest from the brand.

These bad boys were insanely popular in the early 2000s and were worn by some of the best skaters in the game back in the day. 

Nowadays, most skaters tend to opt for something a lot sleeker to perform better tricks but they are still very popular for their functionality and their oversized style. 

Despite their size, the DC Court Graffik shoes are still very lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day.

You’ll still be able to maneuver around our board and perform all the tricks you need with these shoes on. 

The shoes are suitable for both men and women and there is a large selection of colors which would be better suited for those with more specific tastes. However, we think the black design is classic and goes with any outfit. 

The cup sole construction offers more protection for the feet and also produces more foot and ankle support than most other skate shoes. 

The shoes feature cushioned panels that absorb strong impacts from jumps and tricks.

The laces are joined via the vamp of the shoe so there’ll be no chance of them getting caught in your wheels whilst you’re skating. 

These DC shoes feature vent holes for increased breathability to keep your feet nice and cool whilst you’re zooming around on the ramps. 

Pros

  • Cup sole offers more heel and foot support
  • Vent holes for breathability
  • Cushioned panels to absorb impact from jumps
  • Lace-up closure for a more secure fit
  • Lightweight
  • Good grip on boards
  • Very durable
  • Padded tongue for extra comfort

Cons

  • Not the best option for performing tricks

Skateboard Decks Buyer’s Guide

Size

Size and specifically width is the most important thing to consider when buying a new skateboarding deck. The width you need for your deck will depend upon your height, the size of your shoes, and also your preferred skating style.

If you’re buying a deck for a child who is under 3’5” and has size 3 shoes or smaller, then a micro deck with a width of 6.5-6.75” will be adequate. This size deck is normally for children around 5 years of age.

Children above 3’5” but shorter than 4’4” who have size 4-6 shoes should go for a mini-deck which has a width of 7.0”.

Older children and tweens up to 12 years of age who measure 4’5” and 5’2” and have size 7-8 shoes should opt for a midi deck. Midi decks have a width of 7.3”

Full-size decks are for skaters over the age of 13 and who are taller than 5’3” with size 9 feet and above. Full-size decks will have a width of 7.5” or larger.

Choosing a deck that is too large for your height or shoe size, will make skating more difficult for you as you’ll require more effort and energy to perform any trick.

On the other hand, by choosing a deck that is too small for your height and shoe size you’ll find it more difficult to stabilize yourself on your board. 

Larger decks around 8.25” or above are best for skating on vertical ramps and just generally cruising around the skate park. 7.5”-8” width decks are best for performing tricks.

Styles of Skateboard Deck

Shortboard

Shortboard skateboards, like the name, are shorter in length and are for performing tricks, especially aerial tricks.

Longboard

If you just want to get a skateboard that’ll transport you from A to B then a longboard will do you just fine.

They tend to have a symmetrical shape and allow the user to use larger wheels.

Cruiser

Cruisers are meant for just skating around the streets, hence the name. They are medium length and often feature kicktails at the back.

Cruisers are typically the best kind of boards for beginners to start using. 

Old School

Old School boards are flat at the front of the board and are curved upwards at the back of the board.

They’re best for skate parks where they have ramps and pools. 

Skateboard Shapes

Radial

The most common skateboard deck concave shape is radial. Radial decks are used for most types of skateboarding and provide the rider with a good grip.

Radial concave looks like a subtle U-shape.

W-concave

W-concave decks have a w-shape towards the tail of the board, it doesn’t feature throughout the entire board.

These boards are highly responsive and allow the rider to turn quickly. 

Asymmetric

Asymmetric decks will feature sides that rise at different angles.

This provides the rider with more power in the heels to turn the board. 

Flatcave/Mellow/Tub

These boards are similar to radial-shaped boards. They keep your feet flatter on the board allowing for a more calm skating experience.

However, the flatter middle means that it will be more difficult to perform tricks.

Skateboard Trucks Buyer’s Guide

Materials

Most components of skateboarding trucks are made out of aluminum. You can also buy trucks that come in brushed steel and titanium.

If you’re a hardcore skater who puts a lot of pressure on your board when landing, then going for a truck with heavier metal. 

Width

The width of your truck’s axle should match the width of your skateboard deck.

Trucks that are wider than your deck will reduce the responsiveness of your wheels and cause them to jam, it’ll also prevent you from doing any tricks on the side of your board as it’ll be on an angle.  

Using trucks that are too narrow on your deck will reduce your stability 

Height (Low, Mid or High) 

The height of your truck will depend on personal preference, however, you will have more stability the shorter your truck is. 

You can buy trucks in low, mid, and high. Be wary though as what might be considered high trucks in one brand may be low trucks in another.

If you think you’ll want to be doing tricks or skating on the streets then you should go for low trucks. 

If you prefer to skate around and try out for ramps, then high trucks would be better. Mid or medium trucks are more versatile and can be used for general skating and more technical skills. 

Make sure you check the product description on your trucks to find out what size wheel would best go with them. In general, 50-53mm wheels are suitable for low trucks, 53-56mm for mid trucks, and anything that is above 56mm for high trucks. 

Axle

The axle is a pin that runs through the hanger to attach the wheels to the truck. The axle should be made of strong metal as it takes a lot of the impact from skating and jumps.

You’ll also have axle nuts which will help secure your wheels to your axle and stop them from coming off. 

Hanger

The hanger is the biggest component of the truck and is shaped like a triangle.

The hanger is what takes the brunt when performing grinds on railing or curbs. 

Kingpin

The kingpin is a bolt that sits in the middle of the truck and keeps all the components together.

Loosening on the truck on the kingpin will allow you to turn more easily whilst tightening it will offer more stability.

If your kingpin breaks then your whole truck will fall apart, however, a kingpin can easily be replaced.

Bushings

Bushings are the rings around your kingpin, their role is to help you pivot and turn smoothly when you lean on your board.

Bushing seems time to settle, so don’t expect them to be perfect straight away, you can always adjust them and do some trial and error until you’re satisfied. 

Skateboard Shoes Buyer’s Guide

What makes a good skateboarding shoe?

Skateboarding shoes are there to protect your feet and also offer support, as a lot of skate tricks can put strain and stress on your feet.

However, as well as protection and support, the shoe will also need good flexibility to get good control over your board when performing any skills. 

There are two main kinds of skating shoes.

Vulcanized soles

Vulcanized shoes are used to get good control on your board when you do tricks like grinds. These kinds of shoes are slimmer and look similar to casual shoes that everyone wears.

They are lightweight and flexible and offer more maneuverability so you can bend your foot around your board for your skills.

However, due to the flexibility and lightweight material, these shoes are more vulnerable to wear and tear, so will need replacing more frequently than other shoes.

They’re also a lot easier to break in for the first few times you’re wearing them. Vulcanized soles don’t offer a lot of cushioning, so if you suffer from problems with your heels, you should opt for cupsole skate shoes.

Cupsoles

Cupsoles skate shoes have a thicker sole and offer more cushioning for the feet. If you’re a skater who jumps from high distances or performs aerial tricks, then these will be the shoes to go for.

Cupsoles are a lot more durable than vulcanized soles as they are stitched to the top part of the shoe. They aren’t as flexible as vulcanized shoes but great for absorbing impact from jumps and tricks. 

Low, mid, and high-tops

Low-top skate shoes are some of the lightest and offer you more freedom of movement as you’re not constricted by much material around your feet. However, they do leave your ankles exposed and will suffer some knocks from your board.

Mid-top shoes will offer more protection for your ankles but also will restrict your movement a bit more. 

High-tops provide the least freedom of movement but will absorb some of the impact of the board hitting your legs. They won’t prevent serious injuries but will take the brunt from the cushioning within the shoe.

High tops will also make your feet sweat a lot more and they don’t offer a lot of breathability. 

Material of the sole

The sole is what will be between the skateboard itself and the skater, so you’ll want to make sure it is durable and material.

Most skate shoes have a gum rubber sole which improves the grip on the board. 

Material of the shoe

Most skate shoes will be made out of leather, canvas, or suede. This is because they’re heavy-duty materials and can withstand a lot of wear and impact.

Canvas material offers more breathability and is also a lot more lightweight. 

Brands

There are so many reputable skate brands out there that have shoes that have been used by the most famous skating stars.

Some of the most notable brands are Vans, DC, Nike, which offer high-quality, durable, and good gripping footwear specially designed for skating. 

Skateboarding shoes tend to be very fashionable and are often worn by people who don’t skate at all, so even if you’re not a seasoned skater, a pair of skate shoes will serve you well for fashionable purposes.

However, having a pair of skate shoes that feature the rubber sole is vital for any kind of skateboarding. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are skateboarding shoes bad for your feet?

Skate shoes don’t offer the most support for your foot arch and are designed to keep your feet firmly gripped on the skateboard.

The soles of skate shoes are flat and not designed for walking or running, so you should find a shoe with more heel cushioning and support for your arch for everyday use. 

Why do my feet hurt whilst skateboarding?

Skateboarding can cause repetitive stress at the bottom of your feet, it causes pain in the heel and the arch of your foot and is caused because skateboarders use their toes to intensely grip the board and have built up poor calf strength.

Overworking a muscle group or extensive pressure can injure or hurt anyone and skateboarding is no different. Skateboarding can cause swelling and sprains in your feet.

You can also develop a pinched nerve in your foot from poor technique or overworking your feet in certain positions, this can cause pain and often numbness. 

If you occur any of these symptoms whilst skateboarding, you should take a rest for a few days until it subsides, or if it doesn’t, consult a doctor.

What clothes should I wear whilst skateboarding?

There are no set rules on what you should wear skateboarding. In the early 00s, professional skaters were seen wearing oversized t-shirts and big baggy jeans, but nowadays we see skaters wearing slimmer-leg jeans, but still going for oversized t-shirts or hoodies.

The key is to wear something comfortable and flexible, so you can perform any tricks without being too restricted by your clothing. Don’t go out in anything that you would be afraid to damage.

You can wear shorts if you want to wear your knee pads, but some skaters prefer to wear long pants as it adds some extra protection from the board when you’re styling out new tricks.

Ideally, skateboards should wear protective gear like a helmet, knee guards, and elbow guards if you’re performing tricks. 

What brand does Tony Hawk use?

One of the known brands used by Tony Hawk is Powell Peralta, one of his boards sits in the National Museum of American History.

Tony has his own brand of skateboards called Birdhouse Skateboards which he founded in 1992.

Is it cheaper to build your own skateboard?

If you’re a newbie to skateboarding, you’re better off buying a complete skateboard as you won’t need anything too fancy.

If you’re looking to upgrade or customize your own skateboard then it can rack up the price if you’re going to use the top quality parts and designs.

However, if you’re trying to work on a budget, you can find some inexpensive parts to create your skateboard. Brands offer discounts on bundles when you’re buying lots of different parts to build one skateboard.

How often should you replace a skateboard?

If you skate for a few hours every day on the streets, then you should look to replace your board every 2-months unless it doesn’t show any serious signs of wear.

If you skate a few days a week, then your board could last you a couple of years. You should always try to maintain your board as much as possible and replace or fix parts that are broken.

Once your board starts accumulating some big impacts and starts chipping away, it’ll weaken its strength and be more prone to snapping.