EXPN.com - Story

Monday, October 8

Back to School Shoe Guide

By El Dedo
EXPN.com

See the Brands

Skateboard shoes have come a long way baby. I remember a day when skateboard shoes were an unfamiliar sight amongst the Nikes and Reeboks of my school and only those “in the know” could get their hands on a pair. But ohhhh how the times have changed. Not only is skateboarding as popular as it has ever been in it’s young life, but the shoe of a skateboarder has transcended the realm of “exclusively used to skate” and now dwells in the world of “damn I look good.” But not without reason, now a days the skateboard shoe is the most creative and innovative product in the sport shoe market. They look like nothing else and feel great on your feet, so no wonder people from skateboarders all the way to my mom have fallen in love with the newest and coolest thing to hit the feet of today’s global youth (and people who want to feel like the youth). A range of companies now make skateboard shoes, some have more history than Abe Lincoln (Airwalk) while some are huge shoe companies but new to the game of the “Skateboard Shoe."

The formula isn't that hard - a flat sole for board feel, a big padded tongue for foot protection/looks (some of these by the way go far above and beyond their intended function) plus some kind of ollie protection pad/material wrapped up in a cool looking package and voila! You have the skateboard shoe.

Big thanks to all the companies that sent shoes. Obviously not all brands are represented but hey, we took shoes from the companies who responded to our intitial request and ran with it. If you feel left out and want to get in on the next shoe guide shout us an email. Please enjoy.

Click on the logos below to check out the reviews.