With the ever-increasing popularity of skateboarding and the subsequent revival of skate style in recent years, skatewear has come a long way from its subculture roots, firmly carving a place for itself in mainstream fashion. It's safe to say then, that there's plenty of choice when it comes to finding the perfect pair of men's skate shoes.
The best men's skate shoes fuse comfort, support and – of course – good looks. Depending on your usual go-to shoe, they may differ somewhat from your everyday kicks, but that's not to say that you can't wear them when you're not nailing flips. In fact, the beauty of skate shoes is their versatility – which is why they have been so readily adopted by the wider style set. Team yours with baggy cargo shorts and a heavyweight tee in the skate park, or take things up a notch and master smart-casual style by contrasting the low-key look of skate shoes with more formal tailoring. (Check out our guide to wearing sneakers at a summer wedding in order to master the look).
So whether you're a bone fide skateboarding pro, an amateur looking to step up your game, or simply a fan of skate style, we've rounded up some of the best men's skate shoes on the market today. From canvas kicks to suede sneakers; ankle-supporting high-tops to flexible low-tops, you'll find a pair for every style and need.
The best men's skate shoes in 2024
Cariuma CATIBA Pro
Brazilian sneaker brand Cariuma describes its CATIBA Pro model as "a new kind of skate shoe made for you and the planet". For every pair purchased, two trees are planted to aid in the restoration and protection of Brazillian rainforests. The signature style is sustainably made from premium suede and organic cotton canvas and features a slip-resistant natural rubber sole and a memory foam insole that mimics the anatomy of the foot for arch support and ultimate comfort.
CLAE Malone sneakers
CLAE's iconic Malone model is sleek and sporty, perfect for tackling those skate tricks in style. The upper is crafted from a combination of Italian Nappa leather and suede, offering a unique contrast between textures. With their sturdy rubber sole, they're ready for whatever you have in store. Team them with anything from slouchy jeans to tailored trousers.
ETQ Amsterdam LT 01 Premium Suede sneakers
ETQ Amsterdam's iconic and bestselling LT 01 style has been reimagined in butter-soft suede, meticulously crafted from an unlined single piece of leather. Natural rubber outsoles will help you maintain traction on your skateboard, while removable memory foam insoles offer breathability and help to manage moisture. All of this isn't even to mention the super-sleek style that's guaranteed to turn heads for the right reasons.
Oliver Cabell Vegan 481 sneakers
Oliver Cabell – masters of minimalist leather sneakers – have turned their attention to vegan sneakers, and the result is nothing short of impressive. The elegant upper is made in Italy from a combination of corn waste and bio-based polyurethane. In tandem with a partly recycled rubber sole, the result is a shoe with drastically lower carbon emissions than typical sneakers. Plus, they look the part, boasting a sporty, old-school-inspired silhouette.
DC Shoes Manteca 4 sneakers
These men's skate shoes from skate scene stalwart DC Shoes are made from super-sleek leather, with a foam padded collar and tongue for a classic-meets-contemporary look that's a sleek upgrade on the iconic Cali skate style. An ultra-durable abrasion-resistant sticky rubber outsole offers ultimate grip and will ensure you look the part – whether you're skating up a storm or meeting friends at your local watering hole.
Vans Sk8-Hi Shoes
This legendary sneaker style from Vans – one of the OG skate shoes brands – has been a firm favourite of skaters and style mavens alike since it debuted in the '70s. The lightweight high top shoe features heel cushioning for comfort, re-enforced toecaps for durability and padded collars for support and flexibility. You simply can't go wrong.
Adidas Busenitz Pro sneakers
Produced in collaboration with legendary skateboarder Dennis Busenitz, Adidas' Busenitz Pro sneakers are rugged yet refined, built for Dennis' signature all-terrain skating, but without skimping on style. A durable textile upper, robust cupsole construction and supportive Geofit collar will have you poised to tackle anything.
Converse CONS Chuck Taylor All Star Pro
Taking all of the essential design cues of the 1917 All Star original, Converse has integrated performance technology to produce a skating staple. A rubber-backed canvas mid-top upper provides support while added cushioning helps to absorb impact. The best part? They'll look as stylish teamed with elegant tailored separates as in the skate park.
Love leather? Discover our pick of the best leather sneakers to buy now.
