Honestly, there is no such thing as the best shoes for skateboarding, it all depends on personal preference. Sure, there are shoes that last longer than others; some provide more board feel and make it easier to kickflip your skateboard, others offer lots of heel support and can deal better with impacts.
This post is about the shoes we tested and I think we got a shoe for every type of skater. The criteria for testing are:
- Durability: how long do they last.
- Board feel: are you able to perform tricks easily, when will they really break in.
- Impact: can they handle huge ollies and 7-stairs?
- Comfort and fit: true to size, suitable for wider feet or great for narrow feet? Got you covered!
- Laces: will they rip fast or is there a shoe that can deal with this stuff?
- Lastly, for those who want environmentally friendly skate shoes, you came to the right place.
How do you know skate shoes kicks will best complement your tre-flips? Or perhaps you need some extra support for ollieing 7-stairs?
This post contains affiliate links.
Contents
The Best Skate Shoes
The shoes here were tested by me and my local SkateboardersHQ crew. The skaters are from different levels, none of them are pros though one used to ride competitively. This way you get a realistic idea of how long they last and what shoe will work for you. This list is not done, there are many shoes to come.
All of these shoes are great for skateboarding, some didn’t make the list. After all, you are looking for the best shoes so I won’t recommend anything that didn’t meet our quality standards.
Let’s look at a couple of skate shoes, do a brief review, and show you the wear after a couple of months. I really would love to show you how long they actually last, so we’re tracking the hours.
Important note, we skated Jessup grip tape, not brand new (around 1 to 2 months old).
1. Etnies Joslin 2
Named after one of California’s secret skateboarding weapons Chris Joslin, the Etnies Joslin2 is a professional skate shoe that is based from the Etnies Marana, with the same Michelin outsole but more updated. It’s an impressive shoe and may look bulky at first, but it’s very flexible and lightweight.
Feedback from the rider:
Lots of impact resistance when I ollie stairs. You hardly feel anything! Extremely grippy shoes and the Michelin soles hardly show any signs of wear after skating for over 2 months. Once the grip starts to chew trough the suede, they wear fast which was a bit of a surprise.
Even though this is a cupsole, the shoe is very flexible. I like them the most for flick tricks on flat and ollieing stairs and the heel and ankle area feels super comfortable. Compared to the Nike SB Shane I skated previously, they offer less board feel. I think it took about 4 to 6 hours to break them in.
Pros
This is the most comfortable shoe on this list with lots of arch support. It feels extremely comfortable, has decent insoles (great impact protection) and despite its bulky appearance, it’s very flexible. The Michelin soles are insane, superb impact absorption and lots of arch and heel support.
Cons
When I first unboxed them and inspected the shoe, I expected this one to be very durable, however, this is not the case. Once the lace protectors are gone and the toe stitching wears, they will wear extremely fast.
If you don’t fix them or take some preventive measures, you can throw them away after 80 hours of skating. If you fix them, you can add another 40 hours at least.
Board Feel and Grip
Just like the Etnies Michelin Marana, this Joslin variant offers a cupsole design with the Michelin rubber compound outsole that offers excellent grip and performance. They need some time to break in, more than some of the other shoes we tested, but it only takes about 5 to 6 hours, not bad.
The Etnies Joslin 2 provides great board feel, even for a cupsole. The Michelin outsole is very grippy and flexible once you break in these shoes. Despite their bulky look, they are very lightweight.
Shoe Shape
At first glance, the shoe looks bulky and wide. To be honest, at first I had my doubts about board feel. Compared to the former Joslin shoes it now has stitching in the toe area, lace protection, and Velcro strips on top.
This low-top sneaker is slightly bulky on top shape that gets narrower towards the toe box. This allows you to do those subtle moves of scooping, flicking, and popping the board. The shoe keeps its shape even after months of usage though the wear really becomes noticeable after about 50-60 hours of skating.
Style
The Etnies Joslin 2 are impressive and look very sturdy, when unboxing they really have that ‘WOW’ factor. It has a massive tongue, quality suede and thick padding in the ankle. The lace protectors look cool and are functional, though they don’t last long.
Cushioning
One of the key features is the impressive padding. They are very comfortable to wear and deal well with impacts. This is one of the most comfortable shoe on this list and they feel like walking on clouds. Cushioning can handle impacts like no other shoe listed here.
Durability and Wear
The Etnies Joslin 2 isn’t a very durable skate shoe. Compared to the Etnies veers, they last about half of that, maybe even less. You can skate in them for 20 hours or more, and it will look as good as if you just got it straight out of the box, but around 50 hours they wear fast.
The Velcro strip on top didn’t take long to separate, though it’s easy to fix with a bit of glue. The Velcro strips are removable if this isn’t your cup of tea.
After about 50 hours of skating the lace protectors will disintegrate, resulting in ripped laces, this is the point where they really start to wear fast. Around 60-70 hours the suede rips near the toe area.
Shorty after that happens, the stitching will succumb and I strongly advise patching them with glue to get another 30-40 hours out of them.
The sole is indestructible, though. Hardly any signs of wear.
Honestly, I was a bit disappointed and expected a more durable shoe, especially for the price. These are the most expensive shoes on the list.
After 60 hours of skating the stitching near the nose is completely gone (which is to be expected) and the tearing begins. We had to fix them to make them last longer. I cut up some old skate shoes and patched the holes with Shoe Goo, RipCare, and a piece of suede. Here a a couple of tips to make your shoes last longer.
After patching them up, they get a second life. So far we’re 30 hours in which comes to a total of 90 hours of skateboarding. My guess? You can keep skating for a long time if you fix them properly.
Fit and sizing
The Etnies Joslin 2 sits nicely and firmly with its extra-thick ankle padding that provides great support, and prevents displacement of your foot inside. They are true to size, also suitable for skates with wider feet.
Verdict
The Etnies Joslin 2 skate shoes offer almost all the qualities you want in a pro model. Although, it may take some time to break in, once but they do, you will get super comfortable shoes that offer superior padding, impact protection, but durability is really an issue.
Check prices on Amazon (affilate link).
2. Adidas Tyshawn
I was a bit skeptical about these shoes at first but as soon as I did my first drop in, I was sold. Super comfortable shoe and lots of board feel and heel support. We actually tested two pairs, one for street and one for transition.
This skateboarding shoe is a product of the design collaboration of Adidas team riders, which include young icon Tyshawn Jones and footwear designers, with Scott Johnston at the helm.
This is a very comfortable skate shoe that offers lots of board feel, even for a cupsole. This is the best skate shoe we tested, and the absolute winner.
Feedback from the rider and me:
The soles are amazing, lots of grip and they handle impact well even on 7-stairs. It doesn’t take long to break them in; it takes a couple of hours but you feel confident from the first time you ride these shoes.
I can’t believe how durable these shoes are, and even after skating them for 150 hours they feel as new! The shoe remains flexible (not at first) and offers lots of support when you ollie stairs, very impact resistant.
These are the best shoes I’ve ever skated considering the board feel, durability and flex. I used to skate Vans vulcs but they are not match compared to the Adidas 3st. I thought about the cons but the be honest, I have zero complaints. I would recommend these shoes to everyone, they last for ages and i probably would have gone through 3 pairs of vans. Still shredding!
Pros
These shoes are the most durable you can get. Even after skating them for 150 hours, the ollie and kickflip holes stay to a minimum. The soles offer lots of impact protection and hardly wear. The suede is of outstanding quality.
The (somewhat) lack of stitching on the nose really is key here, they will not tear or rip easily. Perhaps when you skate them on fresh Grizly grip tape they will wear faster, so sand down new grip tape!
Other than durability, they just look great and feel very comfortable. They offer enough support to wear them daily and can deal with 7-stair ollies. This is the shoe I would recommend to anyone who’s looking for a cupsole.
Cons
Hardly any cons here but there is one deal breaker. They have a rather narrow fit so skaters with wider feet might need to get a size bigger. I have wider than feet and struggled at first; they broke in eventually.
We really had a hard time getting the right size. I think we ordered 3 pairs before we got it down. Adidas skate shoes are not true to size, at least not this one.
Skateboarders that prefer vulcanized shoes over cupsoles might also need some time to adjust. It’s a cupsole, but even for a cupsole they are super flexible.
Durability
This shoe is surprisingly durable. It took a long time before the first kickflip hole appeared. The sole is super flexible and very durable. Even after 80 hours of skating there are hardly any signs of wear.
The suede material on most shoes usually fades after a few ollies, but not this time. After skating them for a couple of days there is hardly any visible wear.
100 hours in and finally some wear appeared. I’d say they can last for another 100 hours given the toe section holds up fine. Still after 150 hours of skating there is not much wear, only a small kickflip hole.
The lack of stitching on the vamp and toe box prolongs the lifespan of the shoe. These shoes are really worth the money and aren’t even that expensive considering how long they last.
Check the suede near the toes, sure there is some wear but the most interesting wear is at the toe area. You will not break the suede easily, you’re more likely to rip rubber toe area, and if you do, you got an extra layer of protection. Wow, Adidas really did an outstanding job.
After skating them for 170 hours, the suede near the toe area finally ripped. This is a good time to patch them up, truly the most durable shoe we tested and they’re still going strong.
Board Feel and Grip
The shoe provides enough support and stability with the additional padding from the tongue, which is directed towards pressure points.
The front of the shoe is pretty basic and offers great board feel which really gives you a confidence boost, weird how that works. The improved elastic material of the sole accounts for its better grip such that it is perhaps one of the best there is.
Form and Shape
The shape is a classic with its low profile and has super comfy padding. It also gives some room towards the front where the toes are, given that you don’t have wider than average feet. They will not lose their shape even after skating them over 100 hours, which is seriously impressive.
Style
The Tyshawn variant is one of the best looking shoes out there. Staying true to the classic Adidas aesthetics, it’s sleek and sexy, and they feel ridiculously comfortable to wear. Not only when skateboarding, it’s a shoe you can wear everywhere.
Cushioning
Although the insoles aren’t that impressive. The outer sole provides lots of impact protection, more than Vans skate shoes or Nike skate shoes. It’s pretty thick and at first you might think the outer sole is a bit bulky but they really don’t feel that way.
Fit and Sizing
Because I have wider than average feet. They felt tight at first, but this will go away once you break them in. Also, they don’t fit properly, and I had to get half a size bigger. They are not true to size!
Since we tested 2 pairs, I can say that this is the case for most riders. The other skater also needed half a size bigger.
Once you get the proper size, the fit is snug yet comfy, they perfectly grab your feet for better balance. For those with regular feet, they feel just fine.
Verdict
When looking for skateboard shoes that are durable, comfortable and stylish, Adidas is a good pick. It comes at a slightly higher price tag but I got them pretty cheap on sale. The price is easily justifiable as the Adidas Tyshawn is more than just your average kicks, making it worth its price.
This is the number one shoe in durability, board feel (debatable), comfort, and impact resistance. No sore feet and great heel support, great skate shoes and no sore feet. This is (for now) the best skate shoe, it ticks all the boxes. Not only are they great for skateboarding, you can wear them all day without issues.
Availabe on Amazon (affiliate link)
3. New Balance Numeric 306
Let’s move on to a vulcanized shoe. The New Balance Numeric are not only great to look at, it’s one of the most durable vulcs on this list. No special story behind the shoe but that doesn’t mean much because these shoes rock in durability.
New Balance really did a superb job designing these shoes. They are aesthetically pleasing and offer lots of extra layers to prevent them from ripping. Here’s what the rider has to say about these shoes:
Great for ollieing off stairs until you have to bail, it will hurt because they don’t absorb impacts that well. This won’t go away, but this is pretty normal for vulc shoes.
They offer great grip but you will notice some wear on the soles after 60-70 hours of skating. The rubber around the toe area will wear if you do lots of flip tricks.
It feels like they are indestructible. After skating them for 50 hours there are no signs of wear. The biggest con is ollieing stairs, they don’t provide enough support and it hurts. Consider replacing the insoles, they offer little protection honestly.
They lasted me 3 times as long as my previous skate shoes and despite the pain that comes with ollieing 7-stairs they are the best skate shoes I’ve ever skated.
Pros
Despite being a Vulc shoe, they are surprisingly durable. The lack of stitching on the nose and quality suede make these shoes one of the longer lasting skate shoes.
The New Balance Numeric 306 are very flexible and provide superior board feel. It doesn’t take long to break them in and should be considered by skaters that are looking for great board feel and shoes that can handle flip tricks.
Cons
Less durable compared to the Adidas Tyshawn (still way more durable than average) and less impact resistant but the comparison is a bit unfair since it’s a vulcanized shoe. Skaters that suffer from heel bruise should consider a shoe that offers more support. This is not your shoe.
The laces rip rather quickly so I suggest reinforcing them with Shoe Goo or bring an extra pair. The soles will wear faster than the suede as you tell from the wear images.
Durability
These shoes are super durable which was surprising because at first glance they look quite fragile. After 20-25 hours of skating the laces ripped but still no signs of kickflip or ollie holes, or tearing.
This shoe comes with high-quality suede and the reinforcement band on the side of the shoe that serves as an extra protective layer which takes a long time to eat through. Once that layer is gone, there is still an extra suede layer which can take many hours of ollieing and flips.
The upper toe panel covers the ollie area, and the stitching stays intact because it’s placed quite far away so it won’t get into contact with grip tape easily.
The out sole net the toe area is the first part that will show signs of wear but still holds up great after 70 hours of skateboarding. I think the suede will hold up for at least 120 hours but by that time the out soles are probably beyond repair.
The soles are starting to wear and the grip is getting worse, it’s not a Michelin insole but compared to Vans, they seem to last longer.
Board Feel and Grip
Vulcanized shoes usually offer better board feel compared to cups, and this shoe is no exception. It takes about 30 minutes to break them in and by that time you’ll land kickflips, treflips or any technical stuff with confidence.
After 15 hours they feel less grippy but not in a way that it impacts performance.
Fit and Sizing
The New Balance Numeric 306 fit true to size. No need of getting a smaller or bigger shoe. They feel very comfortable given you have average feet. People with a high arch might feel some discomfort on top.
Available on Amazon (affiliate link).
4. Etnies Veer
Another great looking shoe, no background story let’s just get straight to the point. Sorry about the label, that is entirely on me.
The Etnies Veer skate shoe is a fairly new addition to the Etnies footwear collection and it is comparable to the Etnies Marana skate shoe. A big difference is the updated sole thread pattern.
Anyway, he’s pretty happy with the durability but this is a skate with narrow feet which caused some issues. Might have to test them again to see what a skater with ‘normal feet’ has to say about them:
Decent impact protection when you ollie a 5-stair but they don’t feel like landing on clouds. Still no complaints or much inconvenience after a session. They are great for skating flat though I noticed them slipping when skating ramps. Could be because the mini ramp was a bit dusty.
A very durable shoe, the wear only becomes visible after 70 hours of skating I would like to add that the soles felt pretty stiff and only after skating for 40 hours they feel more flexible. Could be personal preference though.
Compared to the Vans High I skated before, this shoe feels 10 times better regarding board feel, impact and comfort.
What I don’t like are the laces, way too long and I had to cut them. Also, I have rather narrow feet which show on the images. Don’t get these when you need narrow shoes!
Pros
Enough impact for 5 stairs, they don’t feel like landing on clouds but overall pretty decent.
It took a long time for the soles to finally break in, 40 hours to really get the maximum flex, the soles were still intact at this point. However, they perform better the more you skate them. at 70 hours the wear kicks in.
Cons
Minor complaint are the laces that are way too long so you might need to cut them which is rather annoying. They don’t offer a lot of impact protection, the insoles just won’t cut it and I suggest getting some FP insoles for that.
Less grip when riding mini ramps, but that might have something to do with the dust and dirt. The biggest con is that it really takes a long time to fully break them in, it will take a long time before the shoes perform like they should.
Since this the rider that tested these shoes is used to Vans high, he didn’t really like the lack of ankle/Achilles tendons protection. This is probably not a real con but just something you’re used to.
Fit and sizing
The Etnies Veer are true to size but not for those with narrow feet. If you have narrow feet, you might have issues like my rider had. Consider different shoes if this is the case. They aren’t super wide, just a regular fit. Just something to point out to skaters with really narrow feet.
Board Feel and Grip
The Etnies Veer offer great board feel but it really takes some time to break them in. The Michelin outsole is indestructible, just like the Joslin 2 and Marana’s.
Form and Shape
Pretty much the same shoe as the Etnies Marana (to be reviewed) but more flexible. They look pretty similar but the major difference is the stitching near the front, the Marana’s will last longer.
Perhaps hard to see and I really need to get a comparison shot, but performance and durability wide, they are comparable.
Durability:
The stitching near the toe area raises some concerns, but compared to other shoes they seem to hold up fine. Not on the level of the New Balance 306 or the Adidas Tyshawn, but they are quite durable.
The out soles show hardly any wear as you would expect from the Michelin composite, very durable stuff. There are a few issues which has mainly to do with the type of feet of my rider. For one you can clearly see the side wear from the laces (rider has narrow feet). The stitches will come loos so a warning for those with narrow feet, don’t buy these shoes!
The toe area will wear after 70 hours and by that time you really need to patch them with shoe goo and Ripcare. After repairing the shoes they should be good for another 40-50 hours, will keep you posted.
Cushioning
The insoles aren’t that impressive, from what I’ve seen in cupsoles the impact resistance comes from the sole itself. No point in adding more because they should be able to do the job. They can deal with primos mainly because of the Michelin stuff and the foamy sole.
Verdict
The Etnies Veer are very durable skate shoes and provide lots of board feel considering it’s a cupsole. They don’t offer a lot of impact protection and might not be suitable for every day wear.
Despite the stitching near the toe are, they hold up for a long time. You might want to Shoe Goo them before you start shredding the streets to make these skate shoes last longer. It takes longer than average to break them in, but when they do you really have an awesome shoe.
Available on Amazon (affiliate link).
5. eS Silo
This trainer is a retro-styled skate shoe that has been updated with modern features. The updated eS Silo returns with the previous outsole, but with a de-puffed upper to allow for more technical skating. It will require a couple of hours to break them in, and at first you will struggle with the lack of board feel.
The reason I listed these shoes in not for their durability or board feel. It’s a great shoe for those who need skate shoes for more comfortand support.
My impression so far:
I’ve been suffering from a heel bruise since I was 16 and it comes back every four years. These shoes really offer the support I need, but dang, it takes a long time to break them in. They feel really awkward at first but in time they will become more flexible. Unfortunately, that’s the point where they wear.
Great shoes for high impact but less so for those who are looking for board feel from the start, it really takes about 20 hours to break them in. Once you do, you get used to them, but I still feel a bit uncomfortable riding these shoes. It’s a tradeoff, and I’m honestly glad for the much needed support they offer.
This is a great shoe for those who don’t need a lot of board feel but want something that can deal with impacts. They don’t look great but compared to a Vulc, they really offer the support I need currently. As soon as my heel bruise is gone, I will get back to my Adidas shoes though.
Pros
One of the most comfortable skate shoes on this list with lots of arc support. They feel very comfortable around the heel and ankle area and are great for those who really need lots of support. Great for transition skaters that also like to hit the street once every while.
Cons
It takes quite some time to break them in and can feel a bit frustrating to ride at first. This will go away, don’t worry. The fish grate pattern is very sticky but also attracts mud. Really hard to get rid of the dirt.
The focus is on comfort, not durability or board feel. If you do lots of flip tricks, this is a deal breaker.
Board feel and grip
Even though the eS Silo is a bulkier than average skate shoe, they still offer enough board feel and control. The soles are flexible enough (once you break them in) and the tread patterns provide lots of grip. Less board feel compared to a vulc shoe, but great for those who need more support.
Shoe Shape
They look bulky but less so than the classic 2000 model. It’s more slimmed-down version with a rounded toe box and an elevated midsole. It has ample arch support and feels comfortable in the heel and ankle area.
Style
These shoes have a chunky style and not everyone is a fan. For those that dig the old school style shoes, the eS Silo is a splendid choice.
Cushioning
The STI Energy foam is very noticeable and feels very comfortable. I bought them for the extra support needed because of a heel bruise and compared to other shoes; they offer the most support so far.
The insole isn’t impressive compared to the competition, but the rest of the sole will take care of that. Probably a good thing though, you don’t want super thick insoles when the rest of the sole takes care of impacts. This is one of the most comfortable shoes you can wear.
Durability
After an hour of skating the Silo’s I could already see lots of wear from ollies. These shoes won’t last for long. Perhaps suede would have been a better option but you’re stuck with cheap nubuck and weird plastic (?) materials. For those who need a durable shoe, skip this one.
The soles hold up though, and that is what you probably need when looking for a skate shoe that can deal with impacts.
Fit and sizing
The eS are true to size that they fit like a glove, making you feel that they hug your feet. They may be puffy but they are quite lightweight, so they are comfy to skate in. This is also a great shoe for those with slightly wider feet, if the Adidas 3st are too small, these will fit perfectly.
Verdict
The eS Silo shoe is one of the better choices when you need lots of support but it lacks board feel. It takes time to break them in and they aren’t very durable, but for those who need maximum support it is a shoe to consider.
Available on Amazon (affiliate link).
6. Cariuma Catiba Pro
In 2019, Cariuma dropped like a bomb on the skate shoe industry. The Brazilian company, founded by two fans of board sports, marked the minds with its eco-friendly shoe that has a very recognizable design.
If you follow skateboarding, you have probably seen the Cariuma brand everywhere: from video games, to sponsored post on social medias by renown skaters and influencers, to their animated ads. One thing is sure: Cariuma knows how to play the marketing game!
But does the shoe hold up to the hype? That’s what we’re going to see today by testing Cariuma’s star product: The Catiba Pro.
Durability
So how does a carbon-neutral shoe hold up compared to traditional skateboard shoes?
Well, the Catiba Pro, made of premium suede and organic cotton canvas, has an added triple-stitched patch to reinforce the flick points of the shoe. The patches work wonders, showing no visible sign of wear in the area that matters the most.
Special point for the laces made of recycled plastic with metal aglets. They’re way harder to rip out than most stock laces.
First few sessions: My fresh grip tape tore apart the logo on the first session wearing the shoes, which scared me regarding the longevity of the Catibas. The shoes felt great to ride right from the start with no breaking-in period.
1 month: By the end of month 1, the ollie and heelflip reinforced patches show no sign of wear. The shoe is as responsive and protective as it was fresh out the box.
Cushioning
The Cariuma Catiba Pro sole is made of raw natural gum rubber with a classic Herrington pattern. The shoe has a thin carved outsole and the cushioning element is an organic cotton sock liner.
Coupled with a thick insole, this makes for a super protecting shoe which handles impact like few others do.
Shape
The Catiba Pro has a thick silhouette with a wide toe box. Its shape hugs the feet closely while letting enough room for it to breathe through its cotton contour. The model offers the flexibility to adapt to most type of feet.
To give you an idea, they have a similar shape and foot support than some Adidas models such as the Campus Vulc or Matchbreak.
Board feel & Grip
The rubber sole, guaranteed 100% slip-resistant, sticks firmly to the grip tape while leaving enough room for movement to readjust your feet quickly.
What makes the shoe unique is that the sole and outsole are seamlessly connected. This side traction facilitates flicking as there’s no edge to cause friction against the grip.
Another advantage of this construction is that the shoes don’t require any adaptation time. They’re instantly broken in. one of the few pairs that didn’t feel like a struggle to skate on their first session.
Comfort & Stability
The handmade vulcanized construction with stitch midsole makes for a super comfy shoe.
One huge selling point of the shoe goes to the insoles. Removable and 100% carbon neutral, they’re made of cork, organic Mamona oil and memory foam that conforms to your foot for better arch support. I can definitely see myself keeping the insoles once the shoes wear out.
The Catibas are right in the middle of puffy shoes, like Etnies or Adidas, and thinner ones, like Nike or Converse.
Verdict
So far in our test, Cariuma seems to keep the promise raised in their catchphrase: “Sustainable Style—Endless Comfort”
The Catiba Pro is the hybrid shoe by excellence. Providing durability and looks while keeping its ethical and ecological engagements. The only dark point is the price, which is significantly higher than some comparable models from their concurrent.
7. Converse Louie Lopez
Louie Lopez was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in the epicenter of skateboarding, Louie started skating when he was only 5 years old. By the age of 7, Louie was already winning contests across California. With an incredible board control at such a young age, he quickly gained the attention of major skateboard brands such as Flip and Globe.
The young prodigy had his first video appearance in the “United by Fate” (Globe–2007) at 13. Two years later, he turned pro for Flip Skateboards, releasing his first video part in the “Extremely Sorry”, and he switched shoe sponsors, making the big move from Globe to Converse.
His first pro shoe—the one we will scrutinize today—released in January 2019. To design his shoe, Louie took direct inspiration from two models he particularly enjoyed skating among the converse catalogue: The All-Star CC and the Breakpoint CC.
Durability
Like with most brand-new shoes, the first hour of ride felt weird. But once the shoes broke in completely, they were a blast to skate. No apparent damage was noticeable during the first week of skating, aside from what Louie himself calls “sole pubes”.
By the end of the first month, the shoe showed no noticeable sign of wear—aside from a ripped off lace. The Converse are holding strong.
During the second month of skating, the Louie Lopez CC wore off slowly. By the end of month 2, a hole appeared in the ollie/kickflip area of the shoe—right before the toes.
During the third month of skating, the shoes lost some of its shape. The mid-section of the shoe became floppy. By the end of the test, a second hole popped up in the toe section of the shoe—the infamous 360 flip hole.
The suede contour resisted a month before showing any visible sign of wear—which I consider pretty impressive. The extra padding on the heel section makes the shoe a must-ride for heelflip enthusiasts. I usually puncture the heel side of my shoes before the toe one, and even after 3+ months of intense heelflip maneuvers, the heel pad remained intact.
The Chuck Taylor vulcanized sole holds up well against the grip tape, only started becoming blunt by the end of the 3 months.
Cushioning
Louie Lopez’s pro model sole construction is a vulcanized rubber outsole with the original Chuck Taylor thread patterns. Thicker than the average sole, they provide an incredible foot arch protection, making primo landings almost painless.
These Converse Cons come with molded Ortho Lithe sock liners which uses the Nike Zoom Air unit. These removable insoles provide great chocs absorption, especially on the heel area, allowing to skate middle sized gaps without pain.
Shape
The Converse Cons Louie Lopez has an unorthodox low-cut silhouette with pointy toe box. They represent the perfect balance between lightness and durability. The shape hugs the feet closely while providing enough flexibility in the mid-foot section to adapt to most type of feet.
Board-feel & Grip
The thin design and low-cut silhouette of the Louie Lopez CC bring a unique board-feel for an almost barefoot-like experience—similar to what you would feel skating certain Nike SBs such as the Stefan Janoski or Bruins.
Once the first layer of rubber of the outsole wore off, the premium quality suede contour of the shoe allows for an impeccable flick on grip action. Making flip tricks effortless to perform compared to thicker and less responsive shoes.
Comfort & Stability
The thick Converse Chuck Taylor sole felt destabilizing at first because of how thick the sole feels. But it ended up providing sufficient stability and an amazing protection from primos and other board hits. The interior contour—built in premium leather—makes for a comfy wear.
The only negative point of the shoe is the tongue. This is a common point shared with most Nike SBs. The tongue simply won’t stay in place and you’ll have to adjust it several times a session.
Verdict
All-in-all, the Louie Lopez pro models turned out to be one of my favorite shoes to skate. I’m particularly impressed by how robust they were and how long they lasted, despite the thin and low design of the shoe.
I’ll definitely pick up another pair in one of the many colorways available.
Check Amazon and compare prices (affiliate link).
Final Words
There are tons of great skate shoes out there these days and many last for a long time and offer decent board feel. There is no such thing as the best skate shoe, it really depends on what you personally like.
If you are a beginner and have no clue where to start, check out my selection of skate shoes for beginners or consult the included buyers guide.
I’m an aged skateboarder and I still shred responsibly. I started skateboarding 25 years ago but also love surfing, snowboarding, or anything that involves a board.