We stock one of the largest ranges of skateboarding shoes in the country. We are proud to carry heritage footwear brands such as Vans, skater owned staples Emerica, Etnies and éS alongside more contemporary and fashion forward core brands.
We also have a solid selection from Nike SB, Adidas skateboarding and New Balance Numeric, ideal for those who like an athletic take on skate shoe production, there is also a selection of tech-focused footwear from DC .We are confident we can help you find whichever footwear is best suited to your style of skateboarding.
Your choice of footwear will often reflect, and have a big effect on, your style of skating. Skateboarding shoes also fall into two distinct categories: vulcanised and cupsole. Vulcanised shoes tend to focus on a simpler and ‘less is more’ approach to design and have thinner soles which provide perfect boardfeel. Cupsole models tend to be thicker and are constructed more robustly therefore offering better protection and durability. There are exceptions to these rules and many skate shoe companies have now developed specific technologies to maintain the best of both worlds such as vulcanised/cupsole hybrids enabling skate-footwear to be scaled back without sacrificing durability, or protective without giving up boardfeel. Vans models featuring their unique ‘Wafflecup’ outsole are a perfect example of this new way of manufacturing skateboarding shoes but companies are constantly striving to create the best footwear possible. For example the Sole Technology Institute, parent company of etnies, éS and Emerica, use biomechanical research techniques whereas other brands focus on ergonomic impact systems to help prevent heel bruises. The development of materials, research and testing techniques allows the skateboard shoe industry to be increasingly diverse.
A surge in brands such as Vans and DC during the early 2000s could be considered the first instance of skateboarding footwear becoming part of standard high street shopping. Over the years, more brands have also gained popularity outside of the skateboarding market and conversely, mainstream sports footwear companies have branched out with their own skateboard focused divisions. From big box to core and skater owned, we are sure we can cater for whatever your preference in skateboarding footwear is. We stock the majority of men’s sizes and plenty of our models are unisex styles too, although some sizing can vary between brands. For example, a New Balance Numeric model may fit much smaller than Vans shoe of the same US size. If you are unsure with the sizing of certain brands or models then swing by our Manchester store and try them on for yourself. Our staff will be happy to give their expertise to find whatever skateboarding shoe is perfect for you.
