Let's talk Shoes

Something that is way too often overlooked when learning to skateboard is the shoes. While it is okay to start wearing your running shoes for your first few skate sessions, it is important to switch to skate shoes as soon as you realize you will spend more time doing this sport.

While running shoes are great for everyday running and other fun adventures, they are not the best or safest choice for skateboarding. They will not only quickly take damage but can also hinder your progression. In the following, we are breaking down the aspects that differentiate running shoes from skate shoes and elaborate on why it is important to wear them.

1. Durability: The fabric on running shoes is much thinner and will quickly wear holes when trying ollies or other flip tricks. Skate Shoes, on the other hand, have thicker padding and extra rubber to withstand the wear and tear of skateboarding. They typically have reinforced areas to protect against grip tape abrasion and repeated impact with the skateboard.

2. Grip & Traction: Running shoes are usually more gripey, but in the sense that moving and turning your foot on the board is harder and impedes your flexibility to switch foot positioning. Skate shoes feature specific patterns and materials that provide the right traction on the skate deck, allowing you to move your foot easily while also providing grip to stay in touch with the board.

3. Board Feel: Skateboarding Shoes' flat soles are designed to provide maximum surface contact, allowing for more board feel and better balance. Shifting your weight between your heels and toes will be easier in skateboarding shoes, as your foot will be flat, compared to running shoes, which often offer a shaped sole, tilting your foot to the front. This can obstruct the balance shift. Additionally, Skateshoes are shaped to support skating, and the rounded toe caps help with board control during flip tricks.

4. Impact Protection: Extra padded collars, insoles, and midsoles in skate shoes are designed to absorb shock from landings and high-impact maneuvers, reducing the strain on a skateboarder's feet and joints. Additionally, there are hightops offered that provide extra protection for the ankle.

5. Flexibility and Support: Features like reinforced stitching, heel counters, and ankle support provide extra support, while the shoes' design offers the flexibility needed to perform tricks.

6. Fit and Comfort: Shoes (any shoes) must fit well to reduce the risk of blisters, discomfort, and distractions. Shoes that fit well and provide good support can help skateboarders focus on their progression without worrying about footwear.

7. Style: While not directly impacting performance, we can refer to "Look good, feel good"; if you look like a skater, you feel like a skater, boosting the skateboarder's confidence and the overall enjoyment of the sport.

In conclusion, to make skateboarding easier and safer and to ensure the safety and progression of the skateboarder, it is important to switch to skateboarding shoes as soon as possible.