Image: MomJunction Design Team
Whether you are a pro-skateboarder or one just learning the sport, you know the importance of getting the best women’s skate shoes. Brands are now designing the best skate shoes for women that are trendy, cool, and provide the perfect support required to enjoy the sport. These shoes feature comfy elastic uppers with double or triple stitching for increased durability and have minimal or no tread patterns. The best part about these stylish skateboarding kicks is that they are perfect for non-skaters too. We have compiled a list of the best-selling skater shoes from trusted brands that you can check out.
Top Picks
15 Best Women Skateboarding Shoes
1. Best Vulcanized Construction: Vans Authentic [DK1]
This model skate shoe is a representation of the original and iconic Vans shoe style that has remained almost unchanged in over 50 years! The trusted shoe has Vans signature rubber waffle outsoles, metal eyelets for the laces, and a low top. The upper of these women’s skateboarding trainers is made of canvas material.
Features:
- Signature Vans waffle tread offers excellent grip
- Vulcanized construction gives you an optimal level of board feel
- Vans cushioned footbed gives your feet comfort
- Fits true to size and breathes really well
- Features a gum-style bumper at the top
2. Best Reinforced: Vans Women’s Old Skool Core Classics
The Old Skool Vans Classics Skate Shoe was the first to have the iconic side stripe. The low-top and the upper of these sleek skate shoes for women are made of a combination of suede and canvas, which adds to its durability.
Features
- Tongue of the shoe is padded
- Features a Vans signature rubber waffle outsole
- Vans cushioned insole offers impact support
- Classic design and vulcanized construction gives you an optimal board feel
- Lace-up closure with reinforced metal eyelets give it a trendy and iconic look
Point to consider3. Best Heel Support: Vans Unisex Sk8- Hi Slim Women’s Skate Shoe
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 1,856 reviews on Amazon.
Liked by several reviewers, the Sk8-Hi Slim Women’s pair of athleisure skate sneakers is a slimmed-down version of the legendary lace-up high top.
Features
- Canvas and suede uppers give this pair of shoes a sturdy finish and classic appearance
- Tongue of the shoe is padded and comes with lining
- Vans signature waffle rubber outsoles offer stability and traction
- Padded collar gives it a soft feel and offers enhanced ankle support
- Heel counters provide reinforcement and support the back of the foot
Vans Authentic DK1 Best Vulcanized Construction | Vans Women’s Old Skool Core Classics Best Reinforced | Vans Unisex Sk8- Hi Slim Women’s Skate Shoe Best Heel Support | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | - | 11 x 4 x 7 inches | 11.81 x 7.87 x 5.91 inches |
| Weight | - | 3 Pounds | 3 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1 | 6,683 | 1,856 |
| Price | - | $69.95 | $68.01 |
4. Best Breathable: Vans Sk8- Hi Unisex Casual HighTop Skate Shoes
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,381 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
This trusted model of the Sk8 Hi High-Top street-style skate shoes for women from Vans comes with a wide mouth. It is ideal for women who need a little more room at the top.
Features
- Vans signature waffle rubber outsoles ensure comfort and durability
- Vulcanized construction gives you an optimal board feel
- Canvas uppers ensure the shoe is breathable
- Cushioned high top provides the ankle with additional support
Did you know?5. Best Lasting: DC Women’s Chelsea TX SE Sneaker
DC Chelsea Sneaker is a plain-woven low-top canvas sneaker with a textile upper and is quite popular for its durability.
Features
- Vent holes make the shoe very breathable
- Rubber outsole with DC’s trademarked Pill Pattern tread promotes a longer lifetime and higher safety
- Comes with cushioning around the ankle area
- Trendy skateboarding shoes with metal eyelets
- Vulcanized construction offers you a great board feel
6. Best Abrasive-Resistant: DC Women’s Trase TX Skate Shoe
These low-top women’s skateboarding kicks with mesh lining have been designed to endure hard knocks, provide flexibility, and at the same time, offer comfort.
Features
- Quality skate shoes come with breathable vents
- Proprietary Pill Pattern rubber outsole is abrasive resistant in a bid to minimize sliding off the board
- Upper fabric can endure extreme moves
- Lighter, thinner, and more flexible compared to other skate shoes
- Vulcanized construction offers you a great board feel
7. Best With Foam Padding: DC Women’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 1,013 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
The DC Court Graffik feminine skateboarding kicks are low-top shoes that come with a foam-padded collar and tongue for added comfort and durability.
Features
- Features a nubuck or leather upper with a rounded-off-sneaker-style toe area
- Laces are designed to give a secure fit
- Cushioning on the collar and tongue area offers optimal comfort
- Outsole is made of rubber and offers a secure grip
- Fashionable skate shoes come with ventilation holes for breathability
Quick tip8. Best Printed: Vans Unisex Slip on Rainbow Chex Skate Shoe Sneaker
This tried-and-tested pair of slip-on shoes by Vans features an iconic print that resembles a checkerboard. These skater-chic sneakers come with padded collars and elastic side accents.
Features
- Laceless upper provides a signature laidback and timeless look
- Quality skate shoes are a combination of durability and functionality
- Slip-on shoes are made of breathable and lightweight material
- Classic Vans vulcanized sole unit with signature gum rubber waffle patterned outsole gives maximum grip on the board
- Features a padded insole for extra comfort
9. Best For Daily Use: Anqila Women’s Skateboarding Shoes
Made from canvas material, the Anqila skateboarding shoes are a comfortable choice for professional as well as beginner-level skateboarders.
Features
- The shoe features a breathable upper to prevent sweating
- Anti-skid rubber soles with superlative shock absorption
- Comfortable skate shoes with a wear-resistant upper
- Comes with round toes to provide protection while skateboarding
10. Best Comfortable Design: VenusCelia Pro Women’s Perforated Skate Shoe
This time-tested pair of vintage low-top skater girl shoes from VenusCelia comes with durable soles and is super comfy to wear.
Features
- Durable skate shoes have a classic breathable and lightweight plimsoll design
- Features a padded insole for added comfort
- Upper canvas has been double-stitched to offer durability
- Comfortable shoes with fixed arches make landing smooth
- Perforations ensure the shoe is breathable
11. Best Extra Cushioning: Etnies Women’s Callicut W Skate Shoe
The Callicut by Etneis is a re-release of one of its iconic designs of women’s skateboarding sneakers. It has been given a classic look based on the original and comes with a lot of padding and a mid-puff silhouette, offering quality assurance.
Features
- Features a midsole egg-crate construction
- Tongue and collar are padded for extra cushioning
- Front foot tread area has grooves in many directions
- Classic double strobel stitching on the outsole sidewall offers durability
- Comes with a soft terry lining for extra comfort
12. Best With Midsole: Etnies Women’s Scout W’s Skate Shoe
The Scout skate shoe from Etnies features an upper with breathable mesh. Its comfort factor gets a boost with a supportive heel that is elastic. The interior part of these feminine skate trainers is completely lined, giving it a competitive edge.
Features
- Features a fully-lined Lycra spandex interior
- Breathable shoes with durable outsoles and rubber pods
- Shaft measures low top from arch
- Features a proprietary Foam Lite 1 insole and Exposed STI Evolution Foam midsole
13. Best For Wet Conditions: Etnies Women’s Jameson Vulc Ls W’s Skate Shoe
Etnies Women’s Jameson Vulc Skate Shoe is another pair of skateboard shoes for women that is currently in demand. These trusted skateboarding shoes for ladies are a new version of the Jameson Vulc. It has stayed with the original design in terms of simplicity. The low toe box keeps the upper front of the shoes close to the foot, making these comfortable shoes a reliable choice for women.
Features
- Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
- Extra cushioning is provided by an egg-crate-like construction inside the midsole
- Features an STI Foam Lite 1 insole
- Fully deconstructed upper is made of fabric
- Offers a safe grip during wet conditions
14. Best Quick Drying: Etnies Women’s Jefferson Mtw W’s X 32 Skate Shoe
This Women’s skate shoe from Etnies has been designed for winter. These female skate trainers protect your feet from the cold and keep them dry and warm, making them a hit among the reviewers.
Features
- Insulated with microfleece and comes with a quick-dry lining for comfort
- Durable shoes feature a protruding reverse leg tread for traction
- Comes with a 3M Thinsulate and Scotchguard to keep your feet dry and clean
15. Best For Daily-Wear: DC Cure High Top Shoes
The DC Cure High Top shoes feature a nice design that can elevate the look of your outfit on a casual day-out with friends or when you go for classes or work.
Features
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort and support
- Suede, nubuck, or leather upper construction
- Cupsole outsole for added foot and ankle support
- Available in many size ranges and color variants
How To Choose The Right Skate Shoes?
Here are some important pointers for you to review before buying the right skate shoes for you.
- Your skate shoes should not be too loose or too tight. Do a fit assessment to find the one that fits snugly to your feet.
- There should be no discomfort or pain while wearing your skate shoes.
- Make sure there are no heel lifts.
- Look at the different features and select the one that works well for you.
Different Features Of A Skate Shoe
1. Material:
The upper part of a shoe comes in one or a combination of these materials:
- Suede: Scores high on softness, flexibility, and mobility
- Full-grain leather: Durable but doesn’t provide good grip or flicks
- Synthetic: Affordable and cruelty-free
- Canvas: Light and breathable but not so durable
2. Layers
The different layers of a shoe include:
- Tread pattern: This affects the grip and level of board feel.
- Midsole: This is the middle part of the shoe. It affects the cushioning.
- Insole: This is the footbed of the shoe. It affects the heel support, board feel, and cushioning.
3. Rubber soles
These are of two kinds based on the manufacturing process:
- Vulcanized: A vulcanized sole is flexible, provides excellent grip and board support, and doesn’t require time to break in.
- Cupsole: It is durable, absorbs impact, and offers great heel support.
4. Design
The design of a shoe affects the ankle position. The lower the top of the shoes, the greater the mobility it offers. There are generally three types:
- Low top: If a shoe stays below your ankle, it’s a low top
- Mid top: If a shoe stays at your ankle, it’s a mid-top
- High top: If a shoe stays above your ankle, it’s a high top
Do You Need Special Shoes For Skateboarding?
Yes, skateboarding requires you to wear special shoes to help protect your feet while performing technical tricks. Skate shoes are specially designed with flat and extra-wide soles to give you excellent grip and control. In short, a pair of good skate shoes acts as an assistant, helping you gain control over your board while minimizing injuries to your feet.[DK2]
Are Skate Shoes Bad For Your Feet?
Skate shoes are designed keeping in mind the unique requirements of a skater. Skating shoes do not offer arch support. Hence, skate shoes can be used majorly for skating and not for other purposes. Wearing them for walking long distances or for running can harm your feet.
Are Skate Shoes Good For Running?
The outsole of these shoes has a stiff grip that makes it difficult to use for running. You can wear them occasionally as they are well-padded, but making them your regular shoes may not be a good idea.
How Can You Make Skateboarding Shoes Last Longer?
Did you spend a bomb to buy these shoes? Regardless of the answer being yes, or no, you can follow a few simple precautions to make your skateboarding shoes last long.
- Do not use them for excessive walking or running.
- Clean and place them securely after every use.
- Identify the shoe areas that may require extra care and apply super-glue or shoe goo around those stitches.
- Avoid using duct tape or hot glue as they may damage the shoes.
- Lastly, remember that early prevention is the key. Hence, treat the shoes with love and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use running shoes for skating?
If you are planning to learn or master the skateboard, attempting with running shoes may not be a good idea. Skate shoes have wider and flatter soles to allow proper balance, maximum grip, and better navigation. Using running shoes may be okay if you are a beginner. However, they make learning harder and increase the risk of injuries.
2. Are skate shoes supposed to be tight?
No, skate shoes are not supposed to be tight and should provide wiggle room for your toes and sides. However, they should not be too loose as they might cause you to slip or fall off your feet.
3. How should I break in skate shoes fast?
Fill a ziplock bag with water to its 3/4th capacity, remove the air and fit these bags inside the shoes as the bag occupies the toe area, lace up the shoes to a proper shape, and put them in the freezer overnight. Repeat the process to break in the shoe fast without wearing them.
4. Are skate shoes safe?
Skate shoes are safe as long as you find a proper fit, especially ensuring the shoes are not too tight.
5. How long do skate shoes last?
Leather shoes may last longer than canvas shoes, and the better you care for them, the longer they will last. However, it also depends on the build quality of the shoe, the material used, and how often you use them.
6. Do I need special shoes for skateboarding?
Yes, skateboarding requires you to wear special shoes to help protect your feet while performing technical tricks. Performance skate shoes for women are specially designed with flat and extra-wide soles to give you excellent grip and control. In short, a pair of good skate shoes acts as an assistant, helping you gain control over your board while minimizing injuries to your feet.
7. Are skate shoes bad for the feet?
Skate shoes are designed keeping in mind the unique requirements of a skater. Skating shoes do not offer arch support. Hence, skate shoes can be used majorly for skating and not for other purposes. Wearing them for walking long distances or for running can harm your feet.
8. Are skate shoes good for running?
The outsole of women’s skateboarding footwear has a stiff grip that makes it difficult for running. You can wear them occasionally as they are well-padded, but making them your regular running shoes may not be a good idea.
9. How can I make skateboarding shoes last longer?
You can follow these few simple steps to make your skateboarding shoes last long. Do not use them for excessive walking or running; clean and place them securely after every use. identify the shoe areas that may require extra care and apply super-glue or shoe goo around those stitches, avoid using duct tape or hot glue as they may damage the shoes, lastly, remember that early prevention is the key. Hence, treat the shoes with love and care.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our team of experienced writers and reviewers has compiled this list of the best women skate shoes by keeping in mind all the requirements of our readers. After comprehensive performance testing and fashion analysis, aspects like cushioned footpads, sizes, padding of the tongue, and durability have been considered to handpick these stylish skateboarding shoes. We also analyzed the customer reviews to know the pros and cons of each shoe. We have also added a buying guide that will help you filter the perfect pair based on your needs.
The Bottom Line
The skate shoes you wear when skateboarding can either improve or hinder your performance. Therefore, you must pick a pair of skate shoes after extensive research. An ideal pair of skate shoes can keep your feet protected and offer you better balance and stability, allowing you to perform technical tricks with ease. We have listed some of the best skate shoes based on various parameters, including comfort, durability, thoughtful design, and material. Our top picks include the Vans Unisex Sk8- Hi Slim Women’s Skate Shoes, which stand out with their waffle rubber outsoles, the DC Women’s Court Graffik Skate Shoes with their foam-padded collar, and the Anqila Women’s Skateboarding Shoes with their wear-resistant upper. Choose a trendy pair that offers comfort and style.
Infographic: How To Care For Skate Shoes?
Skate shoes are specialized footwear that provides optimal grip, cushioning, and support for skateboarding enthusiasts. However, neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance can result in odor, mildew buildup, permanent discoloration, and compromised grip. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to care for your skate shoes properly.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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