Contents
Are Converse Shoes Good for Skateboarding? Both yes and no
I recall a time when Converse shoes were in style, and if you didn’t have them, you were considered a loser. Skateboarding necessitates the use of a shoe that is light, durable, and flexible. Let’s see what Converse has to offer and whether they’re good skate shoes
But “Are Converse shoes good for skateboarding?” Converse sneakers are excellent skateboarding footwear. Converse has a wide range of shoes on the market, including Converse CONS, which is a skate shoe line. These skateboarding shoes are equipped with a number of features that make them an excellent choice. Converse are one of the classic brands that have been found on the feet of skateboarders for decades. While many shoe brands make shoes that would work well for skateboarding, Converse are one of the classic brands that have been found on the feet of skateboarders for decades.
-
What Makes Converse Shoes Skateboarding-Friendly?
For better shock absorption and distribution, CONS models have more cushioning inside the shoe. While the original Chuck Taylor All-Stars were extremely thin, the newer models provide more protection and comfort while still maintaining the Converse style.
Many of the CONS shoes have additional features that are ideal for skateboarding, such as an elasticated tongue, rubber toe-cap, and are available in mid- or high-top styles for better ankle support and protection.
- Best skateboard for 8 year old kids
- Different types of skateboard wheels
- Are Santa Cruz Skateboards Good
While not all Converse shoes are suitable for skateboarding, the CONS line is a good option if you avoid the canvas models and opt for suede instead.
After a few ollies, the canvas is likely to rip and holes will appear sooner rather than later. Canvas is fine for less demanding cruiser riders, but technical skaters will rip it to shreds on the first day. Your deck’s grip tape will eat through the material, especially if it’s new. When shopping for shoes, keep this in mind.
-
What Are the Characteristics of a Good Skate Shoe?
While you can skateboard in any old tennis shoe, it is recommended that you choose a shoe designed specifically for skating to maximize comfort and reduce the risk of injury. I once skated in my Nike sneakers to avoid a nasty heel bruise, but it felt very unstable. There is a lot of support, but there is no sense of being on a board. So, what characteristics define a good skate shoe?
Skateboarding requires a shoe that is lightweight, durable, flexible, and supportive. Consider trying to skateboard while wearing a clumsy boot. You’d probably trip over your own feet a lot!
A heavy shoe will slow the skater down and, to some extent, contribute to fatigue. It would also be much more difficult to feel the board beneath your feet, resulting in less control.
You’ll need a shoe that allows you to feel the board beneath you because you’ll be using your feet to control and steer the board. Furthermore, flexibility aids the skater’s ability to stay on their feet when they do slip. The shoes must provide protection and comfort while remaining relatively unobtrusive.
The bottom layer of the shoe, the outer sole, must be resistant to scrapes and scuffs while still providing flexibility and stability to the skater.
While you may desire the most durable shoe available, you must weigh the cost of that shoe against its durability. If a shoe costs twice as much but will only last a month or two, it may be more cost effective to choose the less expensive shoe, even if you will have to replace it sooner. Keep an eye out for sales; I once got a pair of Reynolds for only $30!
-
Low-tops, mid-tops, or high-tops for ankle support?
Ankle protection may be a factor to consider when selecting a skate shoe.
When it comes to ankle protection, there are three options to consider: low-tops, mid-tops, and high-tops. To determine which style is best for you, consider your individual requirements.
Low-tops provide the most range of motion, but they don’t provide much in the way of ankle protection. There is no direct support for the ankle, which is completely exposed. More likely are bruises and abrasions from the board slamming into your ankle while doing tricks. Have you ever heard of a shark bite? When your razor tail collides with your ankle or heel, this is what happens. I’m sure you’ve experienced it.
Low-tops, on the other hand, are the lightest option because there is literally less shoe. For many skaters, the loss of ankle protection is a fair trade-off for the lighter weight and greater range of motion. Unfortunately, it won’t keep you from rolling your ankles.
High-tops are on the other end of the spectrum, completely encircling and supporting the ankle. While they won’t completely prevent sprains or breaks, they will provide more impact protection. They also have a completely different feel to them; it may take some time to adjust, but I appreciate the extra support that my Vans Highs provide, for example.
Extra cushioning is frequently included for added protection. However, this protection comes at the cost of reduced board feel (which isn’t a problem for most riders). Because your feet won’t be able to breathe as well, they may become more sweaty. All you have to do now is find the right shoe for you and stick with it once you’ve found it.
Mid-tops are in the middle, and many skaters consider them to be a good compromise. They provide some ankle protection while still allowing for a good range of motion.
-
Brands That Are Comparable
Emerica, Etnies, Lakai, DC, and many other great skate shoe brands are available. All offer excellent skate shoes, making it even more difficult to choose. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to the best skateboarding shoes. We put them to the test in a way that no one else has, and the results are surprising.
Vans are a skateboarding staple that has been on skaters’ feet for decades. The waffle-patterned soles of their lightweight skate shoes are made of their own proprietary rubber, and the insoles are cushioned.
Vans also has a wide range of styles to choose from, including the ability to create your own custom style. Vans have been associated with skateboarding since the 1980s because they combine form and function.
Adidas has a wide selection of athletic shoes for almost any sport you can think of. When skate fashion collided with hip-hop fashion in the 1990s, they became a more popular option for skateboarding (where Adidas had been popular for many years).
They now have a line of skateboarding shoes that include a vulcanized rubber sole and lightweight cushioning in the sole, similar to Converse.
Though not usually associated with skateboarding, Nike’s Nike SB brand, which debuted in 2002, produces a fantastic skate shoe.
They’re stylish, light, and comfortable, with the Nike swoop logo on the side. Converse has also been a Nike subsidiary since 2003, so they should know a thing or two about skate shoes at this point.
Last Thoughts
Skateboarders have unique shoe requirements that other sports may not have. Skaters who are tall or heavy, for example, have even greater requirements.
We require a shoe that is both durable and lightweight, as well as flexible. So that impact is absorbed, comfort and foot protection must go hand in hand, but they must still be able to feel the board beneath their feet.
Leave a Reply