These 10 Fool-Proof Skate Shoes Are Cooler Than Ever

If you lived through—and, perhaps, regretfully participated in—the big and bulky skate shoes trend of the early aughts, we understand why you may have reservations about reading this any further. But the good news is that skate shoes have changed a good deal since we were all trying too hard to imitate our pop-punk heroes of that era.

And if you, like many of us, were merely following a shoe trend from the 2000s instead of being legitimately involved in skateboarding—an official Olympic sport as of 2020—we’d like to stress that skate shoes, as it turns out, actually serve a very specific purpose for actually talented individuals.

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So here’s what to know: Flat soles are a crucial part of skate shoes, which allow riders to have greater control of their boards and to maximize their ability to balance themselves. The overall construction should also provide a decent amount of cushioning. When you’re literally flinging yourself into the air, impact protection is key.

And sure, skate shoes aren’t the first practical footwear to be coopted by those more interested in fashion than function, so if you’re still into this style of shoe, go for it. With big sportswear brands all refining their takes on skate shoes, it’s hard to resist these cooler, sleeker offerings. As for the pros, you know what separates the good from the great, so keep scrolling to shop our picks of the best men’s skate shoes.

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