Top Skate Shoe Brands: Finding Your Perfect Ride

Skate culture has rapidly grown over the years, pushing skating shoes to adapt and blend functionality with style. Many brands have emerged, each offering unique designs and superior technology to enhance a skater's performance and comfort. With durability, grip, and protection being crucial elements, choosing the right pair can make a significant difference in your skating experience. Interested in finding out which brands stand out in the skating shoe scene? Dive in below to explore our list of the best brands.

Illustration of skating shoes

Best brands of skating shoes in 2025

Vans

Vans is a renowned brand in the skating shoes market, celebrated for its deep roots in skateboarding culture since its inception in 1966. The brand has successfully expanded its target market from skateboarders to a diverse audience, including surfers, BMX riders, and young adults interested in athleisure, with a strong presence among Gen Z and Millennials, where 88% of Gen Z consumers recognize the brand. Vans holds a significant market share, with around 12% of teens favoring the brand as of 2020, although it faced a decline during the pandemic. The company's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement, along with its innovative products like the iconic Old Skool and Era, has made it a staple in youth culture. Vans achieved $1 billion in annual global sales for the first time in 2006, marking a significant milestone in its history. For more about their journey and ethos, visit their official website.

Nike SB

Nike SB, introduced in 2002, has firmly established itself as a prominent brand in the skateboarding industry, overcoming initial challenges in gaining acceptance from the skateboarding community. The brand's popularity surged with the release of the Nike SB Dunk Low, which featured innovations like "Zoom Air" insoles. Nike SB holds a significant share in the athletic footwear market, with Nike overall maintaining a 38.2% share of the total footwear market and a 30% share of the athletic footwear market as of 2023. The brand's growth contributes to Nike's broader dominance, which has seen a 67.6% increase in its athletic footwear market share since 2011. Nike SB continues to be a key player in the skateboard shoes market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2024 to 2031. Find more details on their latest innovations on the official Nike SB website.

Adidas Skateboarding

Adidas Skateboarding is renowned for its high-quality and performance-driven skate shoes, leveraging the company's strong brand momentum and innovative designs. The Adidas Busenitz Pro, for example, is highly praised for its durability and precise control, making it a favorite among technical street skaters. In 2023, Adidas maintained its robust global presence, producing approximately 310 million pairs of shoes, despite a decline following the sale of the Reebok brand. The brand's focus on reducing discounting and improving full-price sales has also contributed to its success in the skateboarding market. With its soccer-inspired designs and commitment to quality, Adidas Skateboarding continues to compete strongly against other brands like Vans and Nike SB. For more details on their skateboarding collection, visit their Adidas Skateboarding website.

DC Shoes

DC Shoes is a leading brand in the skateboarding industry, renowned for its high-performance skate shoes and innovative designs. With an estimated annual revenue of $324 million and a workforce of 1015 employees, DC Shoes has established a strong presence globally, particularly in North America where it contributes significantly to the region's dominant skateboarding culture. The brand is known for pushing the boundaries of technical skate shoes, incorporating elements from sneaker culture and ensuring that their shoes not only perform well but also look appealing. DC Shoes has seen notable growth, including an 8% increase in employee count and successful collaborations, such as the Andy Warhol x DC Collection. Its products are widely available in core skate shops, better boutiques, and select department stores.

Etnies

Etnies, a skateboarder-owned brand since 1986, is renowned for producing high-quality skating shoes that meet the demands of the skateboarding community. The brand made history in 1987 with the creation of the first pro model skateboarding shoe, the etnies Natas, and has continued to innovate with partnerships like the use of Michelin rubber for durable outsoles. Etnies has supported various action sports communities and has been involved in sustainable initiatives, such as the Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree program, which has led to the planting of over 2 million trees. The brand's commitment to authenticity and community support has made it a favorite among skateboarders. Etnies' shoes are known for their longevity, impact absorption, and comfort, making them a top choice in the market.

Emerica

Emerica is a renowned brand in the skateboard shoes market, known for its high-quality, durable, and technically advanced footwear designed by skateboarders for skateboarding. As part of the Sole Technology parent organization, Emerica has been a staple in the skateboarding community since its inception in the early 2000s. The brand's shoes, such as the Romero Skater and Heritic series, are praised for their innovative designs, including features like lace-free closures and blind-stitched quarter panels for enhanced durability. Emerica is one of the key players in a market expected to grow from USD 2.2 billion in 2024 to USD 3.3 billion by 2032, with North America being the leading region. For more information, visit their official website.

Converse CONS

Converse CONS is a renowned brand in the skateboarding industry, having officially entered the market in 2009 with a strong lineup of skateboarders like Kenny Anderson, Nick Trapasso, and Rune Glifberg. The brand has maintained its heritage silhouettes while innovating to meet the needs of skateboarders, making it a favorite among both professionals and enthusiasts. Converse CONS has successfully hosted skate events, such as the 2012 event in Huntington Beach, California, further solidifying its presence in the skate community. With its unique blend of style and protection, Converse CONS shoes have become a staple in the market, contributing to the brand's overall revenue growth, including a 5% rise in direct-to-consumer sales in FY23. For more details about their products, explore their collection on the CCS website.

New Balance Numeric

New Balance Numeric has established itself as a prominent player in the skate footwear market, particularly since 2021, when it increased its share in the US due to enhanced momentum and awareness. The brand has successfully expanded into European markets, starting in the UK, Spain, and Italy, despite initial distribution challenges. New Balance Numeric is recognized for its innovative designs and technologies, such as cup sole products, which have been well-received by skateboarders. The brand has seen success with signature models from skaters like Jamie Foy, Brandon Westgate, and Tiago Lemos. As an independent and credible choice, New Balance Numeric continues to push for higher standards in skateboarding footwear. Learn more about their strategic decisions from New Balance Numeric's General Manager, Sebastian Palmer.

Lakai

Lakai Limited Footwear, founded in 1999 by professional skateboarders Mike Carroll and Rick Howard, is a renowned brand in the skateboarding community, known for its high-performance footwear designed specifically for skaters. With a revenue of $3 million and a team of 22 employees, Lakai has solidified its position as an authentic leader in the skate lifestyle. The brand has released several notable collaborations, including the "Yeah Right" series, and has won prestigious awards such as Thrasher's King of the Road competition. Lakai's commitment to quality and its strong skate team have made it a favorite among skateboarders. The brand continues to innovate and expand its product line, contributing significantly to the global skateboard shoes market, which is expected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2032.

HUF

HUF, founded in 2002 by professional skateboarder Keith Hufnagel, is a renowned brand in the skate and lifestyle industry, known for its premium footwear and apparel. Although HUF has shifted its focus from skate shoes to apparel, it previously experienced significant growth, including expanding its team and opening stores in the U.S. and Japan. Despite challenges in the skate footwear business, HUF maintained a strong presence, with margins sometimes as low as 30-40% for skate shoes. The brand is celebrated for its clean aesthetic, provocative designs, and quality craftsmanship. HUF continues to be a pioneering force, driven by its progressive vision and commitment to skate culture. For more information, visit their brand page.