Can you skateboard with running shoes? (Shoes Shopping Tips)

From the fastest speedster to the most leisurely skateboarder, you want your shoes to provide comfort, quality, and most importantly safety when on a board.

But with so many choices on the market for skateboarding shoes, it can be hard to decide which ones will best suit your needs. Add running shoes into the mix and suddenly choosing what kind of shoe is even more daunting.

If you’ve ever wondered if running shoes are suitable for skating, then this guide is definitely for you.

We’ll explore whether or not regular kicks can get up and go with a deck, as well as introduce some key features all skaters should consider before hopping onto their board.

Quick Facts: Although it is possible to skateboard in running shoes, doing so isn’t the best option due to a variety of factors. Running shoes lack the necessary grip, support, and flexibility that is found in dedicated skateboarding shoes.

Can you skateboard with running shoes?

Skateboarding with running shoes is certainly possible, however, it’s not ideal. Running shoes are not designed to be able to withstand the intense wear and tear that skateboarding places upon them.

Therefore, they will not last as long and are more likely to break down than regular skateboarding shoes which are specifically crafted with protective and supportive features.

Moreover, running shoes may not provide the same stability as skateboarding shoes, meaning your time in the skateboard could be more dangerous or difficult.

Ultimately, if you don’t have a traditional pair of skateboard shoes handy but still wish to do some skating, you can make due with running shoes but just bear in mind you won’t get the same level of protection or performance from them.

Skateboarding Shoes vs Running Shoes: Which Is Better?

⁍ Support: Skateboard shoes typically feature a high-top design that provides reliable ankle support. This helps to prevent injuries if you land awkwardly or take a spill on your board.

⁍ Grip: Quality skateboarding shoes will also have a sticky sole that grips onto the grip tape of the skateboard and provides more traction when pushing off and landing tricks.

⁍ Durability: Skateboard shoes are designed to withstand the impact of landing tricks, as well as the daily wear and tear that happens when skating for extended periods.

Running Shoes

⁍ Comfort: Due to their cushioning and lightweight design, running shoes offer more comfort than skateboarding shoes which can feel quite stiff.

⁍ Flexibility: Running shoes also tend to be more flexible than skateboarding shoes which can help you better feel your board and easily move around it.

Overall, for the best skating experience, its recommended to opt for dedicated skateboarding shoes. While running shoes are certainly an acceptable option in a pinch, they lack the special features needed to provide you with the best performance on a board.

So if you’re serious about your skating and want optimal protection, stability, and comfort, then investing in a good pair of skateboarding shoes is worth it.

Drawbacks of using Running shoes while skateboarding:

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skateboarder, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with using running shoes for skateboarding.

While running shoes may seem like a good option due to their affordability and durability, they can present some unique drawbacks that could lead to injuries or accidents if caution is not taken.

Let’s take a look at the disadvantages of using running shoes for skateboarding.

1. Poor Grip on the Board –

Running shoes tend to have flat soles that provide very little grip when riding on your board.

This can result in slipping off the board and having difficulty controlling your speed or direction, which can easily lead to an accident.

Additionally, this lack of grip makes it difficult to do tricks such as flips or kickflips since you won’t be able to press down on the board properly with your feet. 

2. Limited Movement –

The stiffness and thickness of running shoes make them less comfortable than actual skateboarding shoes, which can limit movement while riding the board.

Being able to move freely is important when performing tricks or navigating around obstacles such as curbs or benches, so this decrease in mobility could pose a hazard if you are unable to move quickly enough. 

3. Poor Shock Absorption –

Running shoes aren’t designed with shock absorption in mind like regular skateboarding shoes are, so they won’t cushion your landing properly when doing jumps or drops from high heights.

This could cause injury if you attempt something too ambitious without the proper footwear protection against hard landings. 

4. Reduced Stability –

The more rigid construction of running shoes makes them more prone to wear and tear over time than dedicated skateboarding sneakers would be since they cannot flex as much with each step you take on your board.

This means that you will have less stability when skating around as your shoe will start losing its shape faster than regular skateboard-specific sneakers would under the same conditions. 

5. Unsafe Components –

While most running sneakers have metal components such as eyelets that help keep laces together.

These metal parts can pose safety hazards if left exposed during skating sessions because they may snag onto other objects and cause unexpected accidents during rides gone wrong.

It’s best to use all-fabric running sneakers without any exposed metal pieces whenever possible if you decide to use them for skateboarding purposes instead of the proper skateboard-specific footwear options available on the market today.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Skateboarding Shoe:

Now you know all the reasons why using running shoes for skateboarding isn’t the best option, let’s focus on what you should look for when buying a new pair of skateboarding shoes to ensure you get the most out of your purchase.

When shopping around, here are some factors to consider:

Quality of Materials Used

The material used in the construction of skateboard shoes plays an important role in how they perform while skating.

Look for thick canvas or leather materials that will provide cushioning and durability so your feet won’t suffer from repetitive strain injuries while skating.

The material should also be breathable to keep your feet dry during long days of skating.

Grip & Traction

Look for a sole that provides maximum traction on various surfaces such as concrete, wood, metal and more.

This will prevent slips and falls while performing tricks and other stunts on different surfaces.

Skateboard shoes with sticky rubber soles are ideal as they provide superior grip on slippery surfaces like wet concrete and metal ramps.

Design & Style

Skateboard shoes come in many different designs and styles, so it’s important to find one that suits your style as well as provides all the necessary features you need for skateboarding.

Some shoes have thicker soles, some have thinner; some have more padding around the ankle, some have less; some have extra features such as straps or laces; others may be more minimalist in design with just basic features. It’s up to you to decide which type fits your needs best.

Comfort & Support

Comfort is key when buying a pair of skateboarding shoes since they’ll be subjected to rough wear and tear during intense sessions on rails, ramps, or other obstacles.

Look for cushioning around the heel cup, collar, and tongue area of the shoe to provide superior comfort while skating.

Check if there is sufficient arch support provided by the sole since this can help minimize fatigue during longer sessions on rails or ramps.

Durability

Durability is also an important factor when selecting skateboard shoes as they tend to get worn down quicker than regular sneakers due to their constant contact with hard surfaces such as wood or metal ramps.

Choose a shoe with robust stitching along with reinforced areas such as toe caps or collars that can withstand wear-and-tear better than other designs without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.

Price

Lastly, price plays an important role when choosing which pair of skateboard shoes work best for you – not everyone needs expensive gear but it’s still important not to skimp out too much on quality either.

Depending on how often you plan on using them and what type of terrain you’re going up against will dictate how much money you should spend – just remember that cheaper isn’t always better.

Final Verdict

After testing out various skateboarding shoes, it is concluded that running shoes are not recommended for skating. They offer poor ankle support and lack the grip needed for skating. However, if you are in a bind and don’t have access to proper skateboarding gear, running shoes will suffice in a pinch.

When shopping for skateboarding shoes, it is important to consider quality of materials used, grip & traction, design & style, comfort & support as well as price. Taking these factors into consideration will help ensure you pick the right pair of skateboard shoes that best fits your needs and budget. Good luck!

FAQs

Does it matter what shoes you skate in?

Yes, it does matter what shoes you wear while skateboarding. Skateboard-specific shoes offer better grip and traction than running shoes. They also provide additional cushioning around the heel and ankle area which help to prevent injury during intense sessions on obstacles or ramps.

Are skateboard shoes more expensive?

Skateboard shoes are typically more expensive than regular sneakers but they can be worth the investment. Higher-end shoes offer additional features such as better grip and traction, more cushioning around the ankle area, greater durability and robust stitching. However, it is possible to find quality skateboard shoes at a reasonable price if you’re willing to shop around.

Are skateboard shoes comfortable?

Yes, skateboard shoes can be very comfortable if you choose the right pair. Look for cushioning and arch support around the ankle area to help your feet stay comfortable while skating. Also look for a breathable material that will keep your feet dry during long days of skating. Make sure to buy shoes that provide adequate grip on different surfaces such as wood, metal, concrete and more.