If you are a first-time skateboarder, running or regular walking shoes are okay to use. However, we highly recommend that do not skate in running shoes if you plan to skateboard more than a couple days.
As skaters, we are constantly using our feet to do tricks, push, navigate, and even bail by jumping off the skateboard when attempting a trick/maneuver. Skateboarding is a difficult sport, and running shoes makes the sport much harder, puts the skater at a big disadvantage and increases the chances of getting injured.
Below are some of the major differences between running shoes and skateboard shoes.
Footprint:
Skate Shoes have wide soles that provide an increased surface area contact with the deck of the skateboard. Having a wide footprint allows the rider to navigate their skateboard with maximum balance and control.
Running shoes have a really small footprint, making it harder to navigate and balance.
Material:
Skate shoes are very durable. They are a bit heavier than running shoes because they are built to endure the abuse skaters will put on them. Skaters are always jumping down/over obstacles, sliding their feet across the grip-tape, and stopping by dragging their foot across the ground.
Running shoes are made to bend easily, and the material rips very easily when riding.
Angle:
Skate shoes have a flat sole that allows the bottom of the shoe to completely touch the ground and the skateboard. flat soles also provide maximum grip to the deck.
Running shoes have heel raised soles that puts the skater in danger of twisting/rolling their ankle when stepping off their skateboard. Simple moves such as pushing, stopping, or jumping off the board in emergency situations can cause an ankle sprain. Additionally, shoes on an angle will make it harder to balance when riding, increasing the probability of the skater jumping off and twisting their ankle.
Recommended Skate Shoes: Vans, Nike SB, DC Shoes, Es, Emerica, Lakai
To buy a board, you can visit our newest skate shop at 120 Yorktown Plaza, Elkins Park, PA, 19027. At our shop, we will expertise to get you properly sized for the correct skateboard and safety equipment. You can also order products from our website and have them delivered to your skateboard program or lesson. If Skate The Foundry is too far from your home, go to your nearest local skate shop. Skate shops will have the products and expertise to guide you on the whole process. Steer clear of the malls and toy stores such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon that sell crude versions of skateboards because that will be a much lower quality board. In fact, purchasing a skateboard outside of a skate shop can be dangerous. Here are a few reasons why you want to stay clear of Amazon, Target, Walmart or any other toy store:
1. Turning ability. The trucks will not react with your body weight when trying to navigate around around a skatepark. You are most likely to fall at faster speeds when you have the inability to turn.
2. Weak Trucks. The trucks are usually a low quality metal or plastic. These trucks will break and fall apart as you ride on different concrete surfaces, because they are not made to withstand the vibrations.
3. Bad Wheels. Most wheels we’ve seen at Target and Walmart are plastic and have low quality bearings. These wheels can stop at any time when skating. I’ve personally seen people ride up a ramp and come to an abrupt stop while on the transition. Most often when your mind prepares your body for a trick/maneuver, but suddenly your skateboard comes to an abrupt stop , you will fall.
4. Wrong board shape. Most often, toy stores will have low quality longboards, penny boards, scooter/skateboard, rip-stick or some other non-traditional skateboard. To many people starting out, these non-traditional skateboards may look cool and fun to ride. However, stay clear of them. They are not made for skateboarding on ramps, and you will struggle and fall much more then you should.
5. Slippery griptape. The griptape is the top sandpaper-like surface you stand on. Within only a few sessions of skating, the griptape will 100% rub off. I’ve seen some griptape rub off within one hour after purchasing it. When this happens, the skateboard is very difficult to ride because your feet will slide around, making it easy to fall and twist your ankle.
6. Heavy and Squishy Deck. The skateboard deck is the wooden part you stand on. On low quality skateboards, the deck is usually thicker and heavier, making it hard to maneuver. Also, within a short period of time the skateboard will feel soft and squishy which will have a negative impact on your ability to ollie (jump).
