Finding the best skate shoes can make a huge difference in your skating experience. The right pair gives you grip, board feel, and durability, allowing you to skate confidently without worrying about quick wear and tear. With so many choices, knowing what is the best brand of skate shoes is essential to get your money’s worth and a pair you can rely on. Below, we’ll dive into some of the top skate shoe brands, including New Balance Numeric, Adidas Skateboarding, Nike SB, Vans, Last Resort AB, and Lakai, each bringing unique technologies and style.

New Balance Numeric: The All-Rounder

New Balance might be best known for its running shoes, but their skate line, New Balance Numeric, has quickly become a favourite in the skate community. In my humble (but without doubt definitely correct) opinion, New Balance Skate Shoes currently stand out as the best all-round skate shoe brand, combining spartan-like durability, cloudy cush comfort, and style that skaters can depend on to look primo even when you stack it in front of a large crowd.

What sets New Balance Numeric apart is the brand’s focus on performance. Their shoes are equipped with NDurance technology for a long-lasting outsole and C-CAP midsoles for impact protection. This makes Numeric shoes ideal for all types of skating, whether you’re hitting the park, street, or transitions.

Their team includes influential skaters like Tiago Lemos and Jamie Foy , both known for their big tricks and heavy skating. New Balance Numeric’s commitment to quality, reinforced stitching, and cushioned comfort really shines, making them my top pick for the best all-round skate shoes right now.

Adidas Skateboarding: Blending Style and Performance

Adidas Skateboarding has brought classic style to the skate world with updated designs of their iconic silhouettes like the Superstar, Busenitz, and Gazelle. Known for their durable leather uppers and comfortable midsoles, Adidas skate shoes provide exceptional board feel and flexibility without sacrificing longevity.

The brand has invested heavily in skate technology, using ADIprene midsoles for impact absorption and Geofit technology for an anatomical fit. These features add stability, which is great for skaters who need extra support when taking on big gaps or high-impact tricks.

Adidas also has a killer skate team, featuring names like Lucas Puig and Nora Vasconcellos , who bring unique style and creativity to the brand. Adidas’ skate shoes are particularly suited to skaters looking for retro-inspired designs with modern-day durability.

Nike SB: Innovation Meets Style

When it comes to skate shoes, Nike SB has been a big player since the early 2000s. Known for blending performance with innovative tech, Nike SB offers everything from the iconic Dunk to the popular Bruin React . Nike’s focus on cushioning, grip, and durability has made their skate shoes one of the top choices for serious skaters.

The brand’s Zoom Air technology adds a responsive feel and cushion in the insoles, which is particularly valuable for high-impact skating. The Hyperfeel system , another standout feature in some SB models, improves board feel by bringing your foot closer to the sole, offering better control over the board.

Nike SB boasts a well-respected team, including Ishod Wair , Nyjah Huston , and Eric Koston , each contributing to the brand’s continued innovation and style. For skaters who prioritize performance and don’t mind a slightly higher price point, Nike SB offers skate shoes that won’t let you down.

Vans: A Timeless Classic

For many skaters, Vans is the go-to brand for skate shoes. As one of the original skate brands, Vans has stood the test of time with iconic models like the Old Skool , Sk8-Hi , and Slip-On . Vans skate shoes are characterized by their waffle sole , which offers unrivalled grip, making them a staple in skateboarding footwear.

Vans has also integrated their PopCush insoles in recent years, adding an extra layer of comfort and impact protection that enhances the traditional flat sole design. Duracap technology provides additional reinforcement to high-wear areas, ensuring these classics stay durable even under heavy use.

The Vans team includes legends like Steve Caballero and Anthony Van Engelen, further cementing their place in skate history. Vans skate shoes are perfect for skaters who want a timeless look and reliable performance at a solid price.

Last Resort AB is a relatively new brand founded by Pontus Alv, the skater behind Polar Skate Co. Last Resort’s tagline, “Intention to Detail,” captures the brand’s approach to creating simple, effective, no-frills skate shoes. While they don’t have high-tech features like some other brands, Last Resort shoes are built to be skater-friendly, with durable suede uppers and vulcanized soles.

The Last Resort VM001 has become a popular choice among skaters who appreciate minimalist design and functional performance. The shoes focus on durability and board feel without any excessive branding or gimmicks. These shoes are ideal for skaters who prefer a clean, stripped-down style that’s all about getting the job done.

The Last Resort AB team includes names like Jesse Alba and Chris Milic , who bring a creative flair to the brand, representing its DIY ethos and commitment to authentic skateboarding.

Lakai: Pure Skate Heritage

Lakai was founded in 1999 by pro skaters Mike Carroll and Rick Howard , and it has been committed to the skateboarding community ever since. Lakai’s skate shoes are known for their Vulc Lite construction and Para-Mount outsoles , which provide durability and grip that’s perfect for technical skating and flip tricks.

Lakai’s DELUX-LITE footbeds give skaters extra comfort and support, which is essential for long skate sessions. They’re also known for their innovative collaborations, releasing limited-edition models with skate shops and artists, making each release a bit more unique.

The Lakai team includes talented skaters like Vincent Alvarez and Riley Hawk , who have contributed to the brand’s reputation as a true skater-owned and skater-run company. If you’re looking for a brand with deep roots in skate culture, Lakai is an excellent choice.

So, What Is the Best Brand of Skate Shoes?

With so many great brands offering unique styles, performance features, and strong skate teams, picking the best brand of skate shoes depends on your personal style and needs. Here’s a quick recap:

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• New Balance Numeric: My personal pick for the best all-rounder. With durable materials, high-tech soles, and excellent skater support, Numeric skate shoes offer comfort, longevity, and style.

• Adidas Skateboarding : For those who like classic style and advanced tech, Adidas blends heritage and performance.

• Nike SB : Known for innovation, Nike SB shoes come packed with tech features like Zoom Air and Hyperfeel for high-impact protection and grip.

• Vans : The timeless classic, offering durability and grip with a retro edge.

• Last Resort AB : Minimalist and functional, Last Resort shoes are perfect for skaters looking for durability and simplicity.

• Lakai : A skater-owned brand with a rich skate history, Lakai combines comfort with classic designs ideal for technical skating.

Whatever brand you choose, finding a shoe that fits your style, comfort, and durability needs is key. And if you’re looking for the best all-rounder right now, New Balance Numeric has defo got my vote for combining quality, tech, and a design that supports all types of skating. Cant argue with their monster of a team as well, check out the upcoming video 'Intervals' (surely gonna cement Foy for SOTY):