Top 10 Best Shoes For Longboarding

Top 10 Best Shoes For Longboarding In 2023 (Buying Guide)

Folks in urban areas seldom have the opportunity to partake in team sports and field games. Therefore, many prefer extreme sports to satisfy their weekly adrenaline rush or exercise requirements.

Among the many variations in this game genre, one of the most popular ones happens to be longboarding. The rush of wind when plowing down the street during this experience is incomparable.

However, you will need a few accessories other than the board to improve your longboarding skills. Out of all available attachments, it’s pivotal to have the best shoes for longboarding.

Not only do they substantially increase your overall grip and control, but they also upgrade your aesthetics. Some of the top-notch options are considered to be status symbols.

Our Top 10 Best Longboard Shoes


Here we present to you 10 of the finest shoes for longboarding you will find available in the present market. Continue reading to learn more about its features and perks to decide which one is the perfect fit for you.

01. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker


41nO6UOX1zL. SL500

If you’re into retro aesthetics and prefer your apparel to have a 90s feel to it, you probably know of Converse. The globally renowned brand is famous for making simple yet sophisticated footwear. You will find the Canvas Low Top Sneaker to perfectly fit this bill as it boasts a solid yet minimalistic design.

Girls will love longboarding with this shoe as it perfectly caters to their foot structure. The top part is made of cloth, which allows more room for the feet to wiggle around. Thus, the extensive comfort level this product provides makes it one of the best longboarding shoes for girls.

Although the All-Star Canvas Low Top Sneaker provides users with the highest possible comfort, it was also very tough and durable. It maintains the benchmark the Chuck Taylor series belongs to promises.

The bottom portion has hard plastic, which quickly adapts to harsh surfaces, which is excellent for preserving control while longboarding.

Lastly, the final feature that makes this unit so unique is its lacing. Converse ensures that users will easily be able to get a good grip on the shoelaces. The points have hard rubber, which makes it easier to tie up and prevents unlacing.

Moreover, the laces go through metallic holes, which ensures that they won’t break apart. You can go longboarding with it knowing the sneaker won’t come off.

Pros

  • Available in wide color varieties
  • Minimal yet functional design
  • Cloth cover for more foot space
  • Durable lower portion for superior control
  • Durable and well-constructed shoelaces

Cons

  • The Center loop doesn’t align properly
  • Lacks support for prolonged use

02. Vans Unisex Old Skool Classic Skate Shoes


31ZMXFyRYTL. SL500

Anyone who is conscious about footwear fashion in the 21st century has definitely heard about Vans. The US-based shoe brand is famous worldwide for its classic design and comfortable experience.

Similar to its other products, the Old Skool Classic Skate Shoes are a vintage pair. Slipping one of these on will make you realize why millennials love this brand so much.

At first glance, you will be drawn to this item by its aesthetics. It carries a simplistic color combination that matches well with any wardrobe. Furthermore, the design is minimal and isn’t too flashy.

Two different colors go into this shoe, a primary and a secondary color. The black and white combination alongside the fabric-like stitch makes pop-out with almost all fashion choices.

One of the significant risk factors of longboarding is heat. High temperatures are a common problem as the heat from the pavement mixes with the board and badly affects the rider’s legs.

Vans has gone to great lengths to ensure maximum comfort. This sneaker is made from pure cotton so your legs won’t sweat or get burned, making it one of the best shoes for sliding.

Unlike most of its competitors, the Old Skool Classic Skate Shoes provide equal emphasis on both style and performance. You can easily use this to ride your longboard for hours every day and still make heads turn during hangouts or parties.

Its soles are made from rubber; therefore, you will have an excellent grip on the base and perform many tricks on your longboard.

Pros

  • Dual-color combination
  • Jean fabric-like design
  • Pure cotton body
  • Rubberized sole for maximum grip
  • Sole covers the entire interior

Cons

  • Laces require fitting
  • The body is comparatively narrow

03. Vans Unisex-Adult Authentic Core Classics


31BFPOnjB+L. SL500

Although there are many longboard riders who prefer their shoes to be stylish and attractive, many old-school veterans prefer them to be simple. They want their footwear to be all about performance and functionality.

For them, Authentic is the perfect option. Its classic white body and stellar efficiency are what originally put Vans on the map.

There are various reasons why this product is considered to be light years ahead of its competitors.

The main reason behind this belief is the integration of its manufacturer’s signature Waffle Outsole. Not only is it an incredibly stylish addition, but it also makes the shoe extraordinarily frictional and will provide users with a grip perfect for longboarding.

Another excellent quality of the Authentic is its unique body structure. You will be able to wear this shoe with ease, and it will not cause any problems with movement.

The main reason behind this is its unique shape. It won’t cause any trouble when you’re trying to wear it, as your feet will conveniently slip in without having to put in any pressure.

Longboarding is an extreme sport that does not discriminate when it comes to gender. Anyone can excel at it if they practice hard. This unit is an excellent testament to the sport. It is compatible with both men and women due to its unisex build.

Moreover, it comes in different sizes according to gender, and anyone can wear it with ease.

Pros

  • Single color body
  • Ergonomic shape for easy slip-on
  • Waffle Outsole to increase overall grip
  • Unisex build and available in different sizes
  • Available in a variety of patterns

Cons

  • Color susceptible to fading
  • The body tends to scuff quickly

04. Adidas Originals Men’s U Path Run Sneaker


412FrghScnL. SL500

Longboarding is essentially an extreme sport, unlike the opinion of many conventional athletes. However, no one comes to making sportswear better than Adidas. It is one of the leading brands in the games industry, and its items are a perfect combination of style and performance.

They have excelled in longboarding as well with the U Path Run Sneakers. All it will take is one glance at this item to convince you that it is regarded as the best for downhill.

The main reason behind this confidence is its build material. Unlike its competitors, this option does not compromise on the ingredients. Each pair is made with a combination of textile and synthetic fabric. Therefore, it can protect your feet from most injuries.

An excellent aspect of the U Path Run Sneaker is its sole. It has gone all-out to ensure that this component is of premium quality, unlike most of its competitors.

Each sole is entirely synthetic. Therefore, users can wear it and go longboarding for hours. It will hold the feet in place and provide users with the maximum grip to maintain balance.

Body dimensions are essential for good longboarding shoes. It plays a vital role in the comfort and control of the feet on the board. If it doesn’t have enough space, then you run the risk of spraining your ankle or hurting your nails due to the cramped-up area.

Adidas ensures that this shoe has a heel that measures up to at least 3″ so you can move your feet at various angles effortlessly.

Pros

  • Roomy heel area
  • Textile and synthetic body
  • Synthetic soles for maximum balance
  • Ample heel spacing
  • EVA midsole increases suitability for prolonged use

Cons

  • Material is relatively thin
  • The frontal part is susceptible to getting undone

05. VANS Unisex Era Skate Shoes


31ULSvT yBS. SL500

It will take one look for you to understand that this product is a proud creation of VANS.

While the logo stands proudly on top of the shoe’s outer side, another dead giveaway is its retro look. It bears all the hallmarks of a shoe that is ideal for longboarding. Its aesthetics is something that will pair perfectly with the youth and those engaged in extreme sports.

Build materials play a vital role in the unisex era skate shoes. The ingredients and their ratio are accurate and almost scientific to give you the ultimate longboarding experience.

It has a textile covering the top with laces for tightening according to user preference. On the other hand, it has thick soles to plant the feet on the board firmly.

An excellent feature of this unit is its universal compatibility. Its size ranges from 5.5-14.5″, which means that people of varying heights can wear it with ease.

Furthermore, it also offers half sizes for women, making this option completely unisex. The customization of half-size allows customers to get the perfect fit for themselves.

Finally, the icing on top of this excellent pair of shoes is its overall weight. It is incredibly lightweight despite having rubber layers on the bottom and comfortable insoles. Therefore, you will have the privilege of getting a grip on the slipperiest of surfaces while also comfortably resting your feet inside.

Pros

  • Thick soles for proper traction
  • Rubber layering on the bottom for more grip
  • Wide variety of sizes and unisex build
  • Shoelaces for effective and safe fitting
  • Waffle Outsole to pair well with the board

Cons

  • Significant breaking-in time
  • Gum fades away too quickly

06. Adidas Men’s X_PLR Fashion Sneaker


31H82u28tfL. SL500

If you are someone who prefers their longboarding shoes to be all about the hype, the X_PLR is the perfect choice for you. It’s an ideal lifestyle shoe that stands out among all of its competitors. Available in a plethora of color combinations, there is one edition for almost all wardrobe combinations you may have.

One of the greatest fears among athletes who are into longboarding is rough weather. Rain can make the roads incredibly slippery, and you will need a good shoe for longboarding that can withstand the harshness of the surface then.

Adidas has gone to great lengths to ensure that this apparel’s performance will be consistent regardless of weather conditions. The ballistic mesh on the upper portion makes it water-resistant.

A solid structure is essential when it comes to longboarding shoes. You will need the footwear to be incredibly strong to protect your feet from sprains.

The X_PLR is an excellent choice in this regard. It has a mid-foot caging mechanism that ensures your feet stay in place consistently. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about placement when trying to land tricks.

Very few manufacturers seem to be conscious of prolonged use when designing longboarding shoes. It can be a costly mistake as it can start hurting the user’s feet after a couple of hours.

Adidas has incorporated premium nubuck on this item’s heels to maintain balance. Moreover, the PrimaLoft insulation ensures proper airflow for continuous use regardless of weather conditions.

Pros

  • Wide variety of color combinations
  • Ballistic mesh to resist water
  • Mid-foot caging for maintaining balance
  • Nubuck in heels for balance
  • PrimaLoft insulation for long continuous use

Cons

  • Soles tend to tear off
  • Prone to holes

07. Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Sneaker


41Qe 3c9M+L. SL500

Among all of Adidas Original’s footwear options, the Seeley Sneaker is something that is popular among athletes and casual players alike.

It has met all the regular sneakers’ benchmarks while also containing special features to improve your longboarding experience. Its build and ingredients are the perfect combinations for extreme sports.

One of the first things that will attract you to this pair of sneakers is its excellent build materials. The top part features the iconic three stripes of the brand that lets you know that it is of premium quality.

Furthermore, it has synthetic suede on the top portion, an equally practical and aesthetic option. The inclusion of this material makes the shoe sturdy and abrasion-free.

A magnificent aspect of these shoes is their soles. The Seeley Sneaker uses vulcanized rubber to construct its soles.  It ensures that you will place the apparel onto your board with superb strength. You won’t have to worry about falling off while longboarding when wearing this pair. You can even use it to learn tricks.

Last of all, the incredible quality of this product happens to be its outsoles. The component has top-notch textures with a thoughtful pattern to stitch it in properly.

You can ride on your longboard for hours wearing them without having to worry about hurting your foot. Controlling the board will never seem more straightforward, thanks to this part.

Pros

  • Synthetic suede to prevent abrasions
  • Vulcanized rubber soles for a strong grip
  • Premium quality outsoles for crisp control
  • Pre-laced shoelaces for more convenience
  • Multiple color options

Cons

  • Lacks arch support
  • Soles run the risk of ungluing

08. DC Men’s Pure Skate Shoe


31Z7kUSJOrS. SL500

Many newcomers in longboarding might not be aware of this brand, but there are very few manufacturers that can measure up to the artistry of DC.

Among all of its vintage footwear options, the Pure Skate Shoe is a more suitable and reliable option. Slipping on one of these pairs will make you nostalgic as you embrace its thick paddings.

Like the brand’s commitment to using premium ingredients, this product has some of the best options you can to make a pair of shoes. It proudly sports a combination of leather and suede components.

As an additional measure, everything is nicely tied up with a strategic triple stitching set-up. It permanently puts all your worries to rest regarding torn stitches while longboarding.

Many brands make the mistake of emphasizing durability when contemplating the design of longboarding sneakers. However, they also need to understand that airflow is essential for prolonged use.

Now you might think that the thick padding of the Pure Skate Shoe makes this point irrelevant. However, it has perforations that offer ventilation superbly.

One of the most popular options among longboarding shoe manufacturers for footwear is vulcanized rubber. However, DC has taken an unorthodox approach and went for a wrap-cup sole.

Thankfully, the risk turns out to be a good pay-off. Unlike the more conventional option, this is relatively less rigid, giving you more space to shift while longboarding.

Pros

  • Thick padding for safety
  • Leather and suede build combination
  • Triple stitching to prevent abrasions
  • Perforated body for consistent ventilation
  • Wrap cup sole for extensive space

Cons

  • Lacks bottom cushioning
  • Emits noise more due to a solid base

09. Adidas Originals Men’s Superstar Sneaker


41yV6GHuQNL. SL500

Among all of Adidas’s footwear options, the Superstar Sneaker might seem like a more minimalistic and humbling option.

However, do not let its simple design throw you off. With a pair of these shoes, you will deliver a level of comfort that very few alternatives. Combine that with its aesthetics, and it will feel like a timeless classic.

It is perfect for hard-court games like tennis and basketball while stylish enough to work as a lifestyle option. A full leather top body makes it stand out significantly and makes it more durable than its competitors.

A fantastic aspect of the Superstar Sneaker is its heavy emphasis on comfort. You can wear a pair of these for an entire day without feeling any strain on your feet.

The main reason behind this is mainly due to its materials which are incredibly soft and provide excellent ventilation. Thus, your feet will remain fresh and crisp consistently.

Another excellent feature of this product is its shape. Adidas went for ample cushion and a shell toe structure. Therefore, your feet won’t feel a great deal of pressure when you’re using this option. Furthermore, there is no breaking in the period as the footwear will adapt to your feet when you start wearing them.

Pros

  • Ample feet cushioning
  • Full leather top to increase durability
  • Body is well-ventilated
  • Shell toe structure for ample feet space
  • Doesn’t need breaking in

Cons

  • Lacks in width
  • Requires gel inserts

10. KEEMZMZ Men’s Running Shoes


Closing off our list in an off-brand yet super-effective model. You might not have heard of KEEZMZ before, but we guarantee that you become a fan of their manufacturing once you slip on a pair of their Men’s Running Shoes.

Their foam soles are incredibly comfortable, and your feet won’t feel any stress while wearing them.

Although this product might seem like a relatively low-budget option, it has features that are testaments of innovative thinking. One of the most noteworthy ones happens to be its upper mesh.

Soft fabrics go into making it, which makes it feel almost weightless and allows ventilation. You can ride your longboard with them for hours with ease.

Customizability is an excellent aspect of Men’s Running Shoes. KEEZMZ has fashioned it with a shoelace of ample length. Therefore, you can adjust it substantially to give your feet the perfect fit. This feature inclusion makes it ideal for pulling off big stunts on your longboard.

As a final addition to convincing you to give this item a try, the manufacturer has attached an MD outsole to these sneakers. It has a high elasticity that contributes to the overall performance of the unit.

This feature will help you keep a firm footing on your longboard and reduce the chances of slipping. Moreover, they will preserve the aesthetics on your board as they do not leave any marks like other best running shoes for longboard.

Pros

  • Foam soles for unparalleled comfort
  • Soft upper mesh for ventilation
  • Adjustable shoelaces of long length
  • Flexible MD outsole
  • Anti-slip and anti-mark sole

Cons

  • Inconsistent body shape
  • Lacks ankle support

How Do I Choose The Best Shoe for Longboarding?


You will find shopping for longboarding shoes to be an irritating task. The current market hosts a plethora of options with various features. However, the prime indicators for option supremacy lie in three primary functions.

How Do I Choose The Best Shoes for Longboarding

Keep an eye out for the following fundamental factors when settling on a purchase to find the ideal option for yourself.

i. Sole Quality

Soles are the main component of this apparel that has to face and absorb maximum pressure when in use. On the one hand, it experiences downward stress from your feet as you try to keep it planted on the board.

Meanwhile, it also has to bear the vibrations of the panel below. The best option will have to prioritize both factors equally and maintain a proper ratio.

ii. Traction Strength

Traction is pivotal for a shoe you want to use for longboarding. This quality bears the maximum contribution in ensuring your safety by firmly placing your feet on the board. Buying an option without this feature can be disastrous as it can result in your feet slipping and causing accidents.

Therefore, the best shoes are ones that have enough traction.

iii. Ground Connectivity

Finally, the last feature that is an absolute necessity in a longboarding shoe is its ground connectivity. It is a well-known fact that longboarding is a high-speed game that will have you flying past streets or performing tricks in the park.

Therefore, you will need a shoe that can resist the shocks of the ground. This feature is pivotal in maintaining balance during this sport.

Any brands that integrate the above-mentioned features undisputedly make the best longboard shoe. Longboarding is a sport with loads of risks. It’s easy to sustain significant injuries in this game.

Therefore, it’s only natural that you take as many protective measures as possible

What Are  Longboarding Shoes?

Why Do I Need A Perfect Longboarding Shoe?

There are a lot of debates regarding the suitability of shoes to perform well in longboarding. Well, the answer is more simple than your contemplating.

Longboarding is an extreme sport that comes from the family of skating. Therefore, there is a high chance that any shoe variation that excels in skateboarding and roller skating will work just fine.

Are Converses Shoes The Best For Longboarding?

Sneakers are some of the best options for longboarding. Their highly durable and are the perfect companion for beginners. They are extremely affordable, and therefore you will not have to worry about damaging them while zooming past traffic.

This variation also has a substantially higher grip than most of its competitors.
Converses are also excellent options for longboarding. They are really light and will give you more freedom to maneuver and control the board with ease.

Furthermore, their top part is made of cloth and therefore will ensure proper airflow around your feet. Lastly, they are very stylish and are an aesthetic option.

Are Hi-top Skating Shoes An Expensive Choice?

If you want to get a more premium option, then there are loads of hi-top skating shoes that will perfectly meet your demand. Although they have a slightly higher price point, they are more efficient for longboarding.

All of their features are dedicated to upgrading your skating game and will serve you perfectly.

Final Verdict


Among all the options, it’s imperative that you find the best shoes for longboarding. After all, it is your only connection between your feet and the board.

We highly recommend not cunning any corners or compromising when purchasing this apparel. It’s not just a fashion item, but also a sports accessory. Therefore, any compromise in quality can result in unforeseen injuries.

Pick the sneaker that suits your needs and fly through the streets in your longboarding more confidently than ever!

What Are The Important Factors While Purchasing the Best Longboard Bearings?

01. Size

8 mm bearings are commonly used. This size is perfect for the longboard bearing. You can choose the other sizes if they give you more comfort. But I will recommend you choose the 8mm bearing.

02. Type

You can get both the ball bearing and roller bearing around you. Most of the bearings are ball bearings. Ball bearings run faster and more smoothly than roller bearings. But ball bearings can not handle the load. In that case, the roller bearing performs well.

03. Durability

The bearing should be durable that can last a minimum of one year. You can increase its durability by cleaning regularly and running in dry places. Water and mud decrease their longevity quickly.

04. Performance

The performance of the bearings is the most important fact. If your longboard bearings are rough and run with less spin that will not satisfy you. Also, a smooth and fast bearing with noise will annoy you. So, check before buying if there is any defect in performance.

05. Precision

Precision is the exactness or correctness of the tolerance. The American manufacturers association uses ABEC to define precision. When the precision increases, the permissible range decreases. Precision is independent of bearing clearance. The higher the ABEC number, the tighter the bearing will be. Higher precision helps to move more smoothly and increase efficiency.

06. Lubrication Compatibility

Lubrication is a must before riding on your longboard. To convert your slow bearings into fast longboard bearings you have to clean them regularly and lubricate them. It will give a fast spinning movement.

07. ABEC rating

While buying bearings, you need to check whether it is ABEC-rated longboard bearings or not. ABEC rating stands for dimension. It only rates tolerances. Some ABEC classes are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. ABEC rating 9 is tighter than ABEC rating 1. The more the ABEC rating, the more the precision will be.

08. Engraved seals

Engraved seals prevent entering dust and other material inside. It also holds the lubricant inside and prevents friction. Most of the brands use rubber material for easy cleaning and to prevent the entry of water inside. While buying, check all the seals properly.

09. Price

Price is a big factor when buying anything. If you get a bearing with better quality at less price, then that will attract you the most. People mainly buy this type of bearings the most. Also, you should not follow the misconception that more expensive things mean better. Most of the famous brands are budget-friendly and careful about quality.

10. Brand reputation

While buying high-quality longboard bearings, people follow reputed brands. If the reputation is good then people do not hesitate to buy from the brand.

11. Warranty/Guarantee

If the brand provides you with a warranty or guarantee, that will be a plus point for you. You can repair the bearings if any problem arises at no cost within the given time. Also, the refund policy is beneficial for the buyers. You can change the defective set or can return the set with a full refund.

FAQs About Longboard Bearings

These are some commonly asked questions by people about the best bearings for longboards.

Is it worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings?

No, it is not worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings. More expensive is not equal to best quality. You can get a high-quality bearing within a suitable budget.

How do I know if my longboard bearings need to be replaced?

If the bearings start producing noise and are rough to run after cleaning, then you need to replace your longboard bearings. Also, the bearing will not spin if it is worn out.

What is the difference between ceramic and steel bearings for longboards?

The difference between ceramic and steel bearings for Longboards is durability. Ceramic bearings are more durable, smooth, and corrosion-resistant. At the same time, steel bearings are easily damaged by corrosive substances and are less durable than ceramic ones.

Can I lubricate my longboard bearings myself, or do I need to take them to a professional?

You can lubricate your longboard bearings yourself. )r if you have no previous experience, then you need to take them to a professional. But choose the right lubricant for the bearings.

Can I mix and match different brands of bearings on my longboard?

You should not mix and match different brands of bearings on your longboard as they are different from each other in size, shape, durability, and performance. Mixing different brands is unable to balance your movement.

Can I use the same bearings for both my longboard and my skateboard?

Yes, you can use the same bearing for both your longboard and your skateboard. The only difference appears in the case of wheel size. Otherwise, there is no difference between the bearings. But you should be careful about the dimension of the spacer.

Conclusion

Now it will be easy for you to choose the best Bearings for Longboards. You can compare the bearings and choose according to your comfort. I will recommend you choose the bearings which are performing well and have good customer service. If you still can not choose a perfect one then you can select it by brand reputation.

Also, choosing the brands which are giving warranty is the safest to pick. You can get these ten best bearings within an affordable range. Do not choose the bearings which are rated below ABEC 3. Below 3 ABEC-rated bearings have less tolerance.

About the author

This is Kyle Spinks from Butte MT, USA. A skateboarding expert and lover since 2019. skateupdates.com is my blog where I share my skateboarding life experience daily or weekly. If you're a beginner skater, I'll advise you to follow my blog daily.

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