Which Skate Shoe Brand Comes Out on Top for You?

When it comes to choosing good skateboarding shoes, the right pair can significantly enhance your skateboarding experience. The perfect combination of grip, board feel, durability, and comfort can boost your confidence and performance on the board. Today, we dive deep into four of the most respected skate shoe brands in the market: Etnies, éS, Globe, and New Balance Numeric. Each brand offers unique features and caters to different skating styles, making it easier for you to find the best skate shoes tailored to your needs.

Etnies: Built for Durability and Everyday Skaters

Etnies has been a skater owned brand since the late 1980s, renowned for producing skate shoes that are tough, long-lasting, and comfortable. If you are looking for shoes with excellent shoe's durability that can withstand countless hours of skating, Etnies is a reliable choice.

Why Etnies Works for Skateboarding

• Durable construction with reinforced suede toe caps that provide extra protection for high wear areas.

• Impact protection through cushioned midsoles designed for shock absorption on big drops and hard landings.

• Use of synthetic materials and eco friendly processes, including recycled components, supporting sustainability.

• Versatile design suitable for both street and park skating, making them great all-rounders.

• Features like lace protection to extend the life of the laces during aggressive flip tricks.

Etnies shoes are perfect for skaters who want a no nonsense, durable shoe that performs well in various skating conditions, especially for those who prioritize impact protection and extra cushioning.

éS: The OG Tech Skate Shoe Brand

éS is synonymous with technical skateboarding. Known for iconic models like the Accel, éS focuses on delivering unmatched board feel and precision. Their shoes typically feature slimmer profiles and flexible vulcanized soles, making them ideal for skaters who prioritize control and finesse during technical street skating.

Why éS Works for Skateboarding

• Exceptional board feel thanks to thin, flexible vulcanized soles that connect you closely to the board's grip tape.

• Slim and responsive designs that enhance agility and precision during flip tricks.

• Classic silhouettes trusted by pro skaters for decades, blending style with performance.

• Lightweight construction with minimal padding, reducing the break in period and allowing for immediate use.

• Often feature a canvas upper or suede upper for breathability and durability.

éS shoes are the go to for skaters who want maximum responsiveness and a snug fit that enhances their technical skating abilities.

Globe: Comfort Meets Style

Globe merges skate functionality with lifestyle appeal, producing shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. Their designs typically include padded collars and tongues for comfort, alongside durable cupsoles that provide excellent shock absorption and protection.

Why Globe Works for Skateboarding

• Comfort focused designs with ample padding around the ankle, offering superior ankle support.

• Use of cupsole skate shoes construction, which provides better impact protection for high impact tricks and hard landings.

• Versatile styles that transition seamlessly from the skatepark to everyday wear.

• Ideal for beginners who need stability, comfort, and protection as they develop their skills.

• Durable uppers made from leather, suede, or synthetic materials for enhanced longevity.

Globe is a great choice for skaters who want a balance between performance and everyday wearability, especially those who prioritize ankle protection without sacrificing style.

New Balance Numeric: Modern Tech Meets Skate Performance

New Balance Numeric (NB#) combines New Balance’s athletic shoe expertise with skate-specific design, resulting in shoes that offer exceptional comfort, support, and performance. Their modern approach incorporates advanced materials and technology to meet the demands of today's skaters.

Why New Balance Numeric Works for Skateboarding

• Incorporates advanced cushioning technologies borrowed from running shoes, enhancing shock absorption during landings.

• Lightweight and breathable materials that help prevent sweaty feet during long sessions.

• Excellent arch support and heel protection, reducing foot fatigue and injuries.

• Designed with input from pro skaters, ensuring functional design and performance.

• Features like reinforced toe boxes and durable rubber soles for enhanced grip and longevity.

NB# shoes are perfect for skaters who want the latest technology combined with skate-friendly features for superior comfort and performance.

Comparing the Best Skate Shoe Brands: What to Look For

When choosing the best skate shoes, several factors come into play. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, understanding these key features will help you pick the right shoe for your style and needs.

Board Feel and Sole Construction: Vulcanized vs Cupsole Shoes

The debate between vulcanized shoes and cupsole skate shoes is central to skateboarding footwear. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your skating style.

• Vulcanized soles are thinner and more flexible, offering superior board feel and a quicker break in time. They are preferred by skaters who prioritize control and precision, especially for technical tricks and cruising. However, they provide less impact protection and durability.

• Cupsole shoes feature a thicker, single rubber piece that offers better shock absorption and durability. They are bulkier but provide excellent protection for skaters who do big drops, gaps, and need more ankle protection.

• Many skaters enjoy the lightweight, flexible nature of vulc shoes but switch to cupsole shoes for high-impact sessions.

Ankle Support and Shoe Cut Styles

Skate shoes come in various heights, each providing different levels of ankle support and mobility.

• High top shoes offer maximum ankle protection, ideal for skaters who perform high-impact tricks or have a history of ankle injuries.

• Mid top skate shoes balance support and mobility, providing moderate protection while allowing more freedom of movement.

• Low top shoes prioritize flexibility and a natural range of motion, favored by skaters who want speed and agility but less ankle protection.

Choosing the right cut depends on your personal preference and skating style.

Upper Materials: Durability and Breathability

The upper material affects both the durability and comfort of skate shoes.

• Suede uppers are the most common in skate shoes, offering a good balance between shoe's durability and flexibility.

• Leather uppers provide superior durability but may cause sweaty feet due to lower breathability.

• Canvas uppers are lightweight and breathable but less durable against the constant abrasion from grip tape.

• Many modern shoes combine synthetic materials with suede or leather to optimize durability and breathability.

Additional Features: Lace Protection, Toe Caps, and Gusseted Tongues

• Lace protection extends the life of your laces by shielding them from abrasion during tricks.

• Reinforced toe caps protect high wear areas, especially important for skaters who do many flip tricks.

• Gusseted tongues keep the tongue centered and prevent debris from entering the shoe, enhancing comfort and fit.

Detailed Brand Reviews and Popular Models

Etnies: Joslin Pro and Jameson 2 Eco

Etnies’ Joslin Pro model is famous for its durable suede toe and reinforced areas, offering excellent impact protection and board feel. The Jameson 2 Eco is an environmentally friendly option with recycled materials and solid performance for everyday skaters.

éS: Accel and Swift

The Accel is a classic slim-profile shoe with a vulcanized sole for maximum board feel. The Swift features a canvas upper and minimal padding, perfect for technical street skating.

Globe: Fusion and Motley Mid

Globe’s Fusion offers a cupsole design with plenty of padding, great for beginners needing ankle support. The Motley Mid balances style and function with a mid-top cut and durable materials.

New Balance Numeric: 306 and 288

The 306 model features reinforced toe boxes and rubber soles designed for durability and grip. The 288 offers advanced cushioning and breathable uppers for long sessions without sweaty feet.

How to Choose the Right Skate Shoes for You

Selecting the perfect skate shoes involves considering your skating style, foot shape, and personal preferences.

• Prioritize board feel if you focus on technical tricks and street skating.

• Opt for cupsole shoes with extra ankle protection and shock absorption if you do big drops and gaps.

• Consider your foot width and toe box shape for comfort.

• Look for shoes with lace protection and reinforced high wear areas if durability is a major concern.

• Ensure the shoe fits snugly without pressure points to avoid discomfort during long sessions.

Find Your Perfect Pair of Good Skateboarding Shoes

Whether you prefer the durability of Etnies, the technical prowess of éS, the comfort of Globe, or the modern performance of New Balance Numeric, there’s a perfect skate shoe waiting for you. By understanding the differences in construction, materials, and features, you can make an informed choice that elevates your skateboarding experience.

Explore the latest models from these top brands and gear up with footwear that combines style, comfort, and performance to help you skate better and longer.

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