When you’re just starting out in skateboarding, everything is new and exciting. Every push, every new trick, every slam. There’s a lot to figure out along the way, sure, but that’s part of the fun! That said, one thing you don’t want to overlook is the right pair of skate shoes.
The right shoes can make a huge difference in comfort, board feel, and durability—especially when learning tricks and putting in the hours at the skatepark, front yard or wherever it is you skate. So, to help new skateboarders get the best start, we’ve rounded up six solid skate shoes that are each designed to handle the wear and tear of skateboarding during those early days. Take a look:
The Etnies Marana Kids was designed to be the most durable cupsole in skateboarding, and its lightweight, super comfortable STI Evolution Foam midsole enhances cushioning and won't pack out. It's a great shoe for kids and grown-up kids all the same. It has a fused-on injected rubber toe cap, which makes it super hard to wear through. What does that mean? More bang for your buck—that's what! In fact, Ryan Sheckler said they are "the longest-lasting shoe I've ever skated!" Boom! They typically retail at $59.99.
DC was a brand that was pretty much unavoidable when I was a kid, and for good reason—everything they did was big! They're also a brand that really focuses on kids' footwear more than most, which gives both kids and parents alike plenty of options and variety to choose from. Personally, I'm suggesting the DC Kids' Pure shoes, as they remind me of the Manteca (a classic DC shoe) and look as strong as they do stylish. Plenty of color options, too. They typically retail at $55.00.
Vans is one of those legacy brands that everyone knows about, but its roots obviously stem from skateboarding. The Vans Hylane Youth shoes offer a ton of padding for comfort and are actually inspired by early-2000s skate culture, with their puffy profile and oversized details. "Nods to the past coexist alongside elevated design details like the 3D glossed Sidestripe and embroidered logos," Vans mentions on their site. "While the chunky stance and puffy skate tongue provide a retro look and feel." Long story short—can't go wrong with Vans! They typically retail at $65.00.
Nike SB knows a thing or two about making great skateboarding shoes, and the Nike SB Day One is a skate shoe made with your little ripper in mind. In fact, it's the first Nike skate shoe made from the ground up specifically for kids. Its skate-specific tread and Zoom Air unit help give skaters the grip and cushioning they need to keep pushing and trying new tricks. They added mesh up top to help make them breathable, while durable suede overlays help the shoes break in easily. Oh, and board feel? Absolutely! They might be a little pricier, but I'd say they're worth it. They typically retail at $80.00.
A fan favorite and timeless Fallen silhouette with a new name, The Goat is a comfortable vulcanized design and is a go-to for skateboarders of all ages and all levels—always ready to go right out of the box! From my experience, I've seen a lot of Fallen youth shoes at local skate shops (at least more than other brands), which is a huge plus! Nothing like walking into a shop and finding that perfect pair. For kids and beginners, you can't go wrong with a classic skate shoe brand like Fallen. And The Goat is always the right choice. They typically retail at $59.00.
The Leo Romero signature model—Romero Laced—is one of Emerica's top-selling styles, and it's now available in youth sizing! Designed, tested, and 100% skateboarding approved by Emerica pro Leo Romero, this updated version of their classic Laced features a low-profile cupsole for increased boardfeel, Emerica Triangle Tread pattern with high-density rubber heel drag pod for maximum grip and durability, and a tongue stabilizing wing for a snug fit if you decide to grind up a rail. And honestly, who better to have as one of your favorite pro skaters than Leo Romero? These are a solid choice. Simple as that. They typically retail at $54.99.
Each of these brands offer a handful of other skate shoes for kids as well, but these were just a few specific models I wanted to shine some light on. You really can't go wrong with any of these! It just depends on preference. What's important is that they look good, provide proper board feel, and last!
If you're a beginner skateboarder, I'd suggest heading to your local skate shop and asking the shop employee some questions as well. They're there for a reason and will provide some great insight! Happy skateboarding.
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