Shop our curated selection of Skate Shoes. We stock premium pairs of both cupsole and vulcanised skateboard shoes. Whether looking for suede, leather or canvas skating shoes, black skate shoes or white skate shoes, you'll be sure to find a pair to meet the concrete. We all know how quick shoes can wear through, so be sure to shop skate specific styles to ensure premium longevity. Our selection includes Adidas skate shoes and New Balance skate shoes.
Skate Shoes represent the foundation of every skater's setup, engineered specifically to handle the unique demands of skateboarding while delivering the grip, durability, and board feel that proper skating requires. Skateboard Shoes have evolved from simple plimsolls to sophisticated footwear featuring cutting-edge technology designed by and for skaters. Like skateboarding itself, skate shoe design holds innovation and authenticity at its core, creating footwear that performs under pressure while looking the part. Shop the best in skateboarding footwear from premium skate shoe brands.
Essential since the 1970s and constantly evolving with skateboarding culture, skate shoes represent the most critical piece of any skater's kit. What started as modified boat shoes has developed into sophisticated footwear designed specifically for skateboarding's unique demands—flat soles for board feel, reinforced high-wear areas for durability, and advanced grip compounds for maximum control. From the iconic Vans Era that launched the skate shoe revolution to modern innovations like Nike SB's Zoom technology and Adidas' ADV construction, every genuine skate shoe combines decades of skating heritage with cutting-edge performance features. Whether you're after vulcanised soles for maximum board feel or cupsole construction for impact protection, the right skate shoes transform your skating while keeping you comfortable through the longest sessions—built by skaters who understand that great footwear isn't just about protection, it's about connection to your board.
Skate Shoes History & Evolution
Back in the 1950s, skateboarding pioneers were literally skating barefoot, treating the sport as "sidewalk surfing" with no thought given to protective footwear. By the mid-1960s, forward-thinking skaters started wearing Keds and Chuck Taylor All-Stars for their flat rubber soles that provided essential grip before griptape became standard. The real revolution began in 1965 when Randolph Rubber Company released the Randy 720—the first shoe specifically advertised to skateboarders, featuring reinforced toe and heel areas. A year later, the Van Doren Rubber Company launched in California, initially making custom boat deck shoes that would become legendary among skaters. The breakthrough came in 1976 when Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva, and Vans collaborated to create the Style #95 (now known as the Era)—the world's first shoe designed by skaters for skating. This was followed by the Style #36 (Old Skool) in 1977, establishing the template for modern skate shoe design. As skateboarding progressed through the 1980s and Allan "Ollie" Gelfand invented the ollie in 1978, shoes had to evolve to handle new stresses and wear patterns. From those humble beginnings of skating barefoot to today's technologically advanced footwear, skate shoes have grown alongside the sport itself, constantly adapting to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern skateboarding.
Skate Shoes Key Features & Technology
What separates proper skate shoes from regular trainers comes down to specific design elements developed through decades of skating. The most crucial feature is the flat sole, whether vulcanised or cupsole construction, that maximises board contact and feel. Vulcanised soles are heated and pressed directly onto the upper, creating thinner, more flexible shoes with superior grip and board sensitivity. Cupsole construction uses moulded rubber soles attached via cold cement, offering enhanced durability and impact protection at the expense of some board feel. Quality skate shoes feature reinforced high-wear areas, particularly around the ollie zone and toe, using materials like suede, leather, or synthetic overlays. Advanced grip compounds in the outsole provide the perfect balance of stick and slide needed for technical footwork. Modern innovations include impact-absorbing technologies like Nike's Zoom Air, Adidas' Bounce cushioning, and Vans' WAFFLEGRIP outsoles. Proper skate shoes also incorporate features like reinforced stitching, padded collars for ankle protection, and low-profile designs that don't interfere with board control. The best examples seamlessly blend all these elements while maintaining the classic aesthetics that define skate culture.
Skateboard Shoe Brands & Styles We Stock
Explore our comprehensive range of skate shoes at The Vines Supply Co., featuring the finest brands and styles that represent authentic skateboarding heritage and cutting-edge performance.
Vans Skate Shoes:
The original and still the benchmark for skate shoe design. From classic Era and Old Skool models to modern Pro versions featuring WAFFLEGRIOP outsoles, PopCush insoles, and DURACAP reinforcements. Vans offers both vulcanised and waffle cup constructions across their extensive range, including signature models from team riders like Curren Caples and Rowan Zorilla.
Adidas Skateboarding:
German engineering meets skate functionality with models like the Campus ADV, Busenitz, and Gazelle ADV. Featuring technologies like Bounce cushioning, Geoflex outsoles, and skate-specific construction that adapts classic athletic silhouettes for serious skating. Available in both vulcanised and cupsole configurations.
New Balance Numeric:
Athletic heritage meets skate-specific design with models like the 440, 508, and signature shoes from riders like Tiago Lemos and Jamie Foy. Known for superior fit options, FuelCell cushioning, and construction quality that exceeds typical skate shoe standards.
DC Skate Shoes:
A serious core skate shoe brand with decades of heritage, offering models like the Lucien and Manteca. Focused on authentic skate construction, team rider input, and designs that prioritise function over fashion. DC Trainers understands skating because they're built by skaters.
Skate Shoes Buying Guide
Choosing the right skate shoes depends on your skating style, foot shape, and personal preferences. For technical street skating, vulcanised shoes like the Vans Era or Adidas Busenitz Vulc provide maximum board feel and flick sensitivity. If you're skating bigger gaps, rails, or need extra impact protection, cupsole models like the Nike SB Janoski or New Balance Numeric 440 offer superior cushioning and durability. Consider your foot width—brands like New Balance and Vans typically run wider, while Nike and Adidas tend toward narrower fits. For beginners, start with proven classics like the Vans Old Skool or Adidas Campus that offer versatile performance across all skating styles. Pay attention to reinforcement in high-wear areas, especially if you're hard on shoes. Quality insoles make a huge difference for comfort and impact absorption—consider upgrading to footprint insoles for enhanced protection. Most importantly, choose shoes that fit properly with enough room for toe movement but secure heel hold. Well-fitting skate shoes improve your skating and last significantly longer than ill-fitting alternatives.
Skate Shoes FAQs
What's the difference between vulcanised and cupsole skate shoes? Vulcanised shoes are heated and pressed for thinner, more flexible construction with superior board feel. Cupsole shoes use moulded soles for enhanced durability and impact protection. Choose vulc for technical skating, cupsole for bigger impact and longer sessions.
How should skate shoes fit? Skate shoes should fit snug but not tight, with minimal heel slippage and room for toe movement. They'll typically break in and stretch slightly, so avoid buying too large. Most skaters prefer a closer fit than regular trainers for better board control.
How long do skate shoes typically last? This depends on skating frequency, style, and shoe quality. Vulcanised shoes typically wear faster due to thinner construction, while cupsoles last longer. Quality brands like Vans, Adidas, and Nike generally offer 3-6 months of regular skating with proper rotation.
Can I use regular trainers for skateboarding? While possible, regular trainers lack the flat soles, reinforced construction, and grip compounds essential for proper skateboarding. They'll wear out quickly and won't provide the board feel and control that genuine skate shoes deliver.
What size should I buy compared to my regular shoe size? Most skate shoes run true to size, but this varies by brand. Vans typically run large, Nike runs small, and Adidas varies by model. Check individual product sizing guides and consider trying on in-store when possible.
Do professional skaters really use the shoes they're sponsored by? Yes, pros genuinely skate their signature models and provide input during development. However, they often receive custom modifications or multiple pairs per session due to the demands of professional skating.
Should I buy skate shoes online or in-store? Both work well, but in-store allows you to try different sizes and feel the construction. Online offers better selection and prices. If buying online, check return policies and sizing guides carefully, especially for unfamiliar brands.
Shop our complete skate shoes collection, featuring vulcanised and cupsole models from the most respected brands in skateboarding. Enjoy fast, free UK premium delivery on orders over £70, with free next-day delivery available for orders placed before 4pm.