Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport that combines skill, creativity, and physical endurance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skateboarder, one common issue you may face is ruining your shoes.
Skateboarding is tough on footwear due to the constant friction, impacts, and movements involved. However, with a few strategies and tips, you can extend the life of your shoes and keep them in good condition while enjoying the sport to the fullest.
In this article, we will explore how to prevent shoes from wearing out too quickly, including choosing the right footwear, proper techniques, and other key factors to ensure your shoes last longer.
Why Do Skateboarders Ruin Their Shoes?
Before we dive into the ways to protect your shoes, it’s important to understand why skateboarding is so tough on footwear. Skateboarding involves various movements such as ollies, kickflips, and grinds that put a lot of pressure on specific areas of the shoe. The most affected areas are the toes, heels, and sides, especially the area where the grip tape contacts the shoe. The repetitive impact, grinding, and friction cause the shoe material to break down over time.
Additionally, skate shoes are often subject to rough terrain, weather conditions, and other environmental factors that accelerate wear and tear.
Choosing the Right Skate Shoes
The first step in ensuring your shoes last longer while skateboarding is to choose the right pair. Not all shoes are made equal, and some are more suited for skateboarding than others. Here are a few factors to consider when purchasing skate shoes:
1. Durability of the Material
Look for shoes made from durable materials such as suede, leather, or reinforced canvas. These materials are better equipped to handle the wear and tear that comes with skateboarding. Avoid shoes made from soft or delicate materials like thin fabric or mesh, as these wear out much quicker.
2. Reinforced Toe Cap
Skate shoes with reinforced toe caps or rubber overlays will offer better protection in high-friction areas. The toe area takes the brunt of many skateboard tricks, so choosing shoes with extra reinforcement can help prevent premature damage.
3. Good Grip
A crucial aspect of skateboarding is the grip between your shoe and the skateboard deck. Choose shoes that offer solid grip, usually with a rubber sole and a tread pattern designed specifically for skateboarding. A good grip reduces the chances of slipping and helps prevent the material from wearing out too quickly.
4. Padded Cushioning
Good cushioning in the heel and sole areas can protect your feet from the constant impacts and jumps. Padded insoles or thicker soles can help distribute the impact and reduce the pressure on your shoes, keeping them in better shape for longer.
5. Proper Fit
Ensure your shoes fit well. If your shoes are too loose or too tight, they will be more susceptible to damage. Shoes that are too tight may tear at the seams, while shoes that are too loose may slip off your feet during tricks, increasing the risk of friction damage.
Skating Techniques to Protect Your Shoes
In addition to choosing the right shoes, it’s important to adopt proper skating techniques that will minimize the damage to your shoes. Here are some tips on how to protect your shoes during different skateboarding maneuvers:
1. Proper Foot Positioning
When skateboarding, try to keep your feet in the proper position on the skateboard. Avoid dragging your feet too much or overextending your toes, as this causes friction against the grip tape and can wear out the shoe material faster. Be mindful of where your feet are placed and ensure they remain in a controlled position.
2. Avoid Dragging Your Feet
One of the most common causes of shoe wear is dragging your feet along the ground or the board during tricks like ollies. Instead of dragging your foot across the grip tape, try to lift your foot higher and only make contact with the board during the trick. This will reduce the amount of wear and tear on your shoes.
3. Learn to Kickflip Properly
The kickflip is a classic skateboarding trick that involves flicking the foot at the edge of the board to make it spin. Many skateboarders unintentionally drag their feet too much during this trick, which accelerates shoe wear. To protect your shoes, focus on the proper technique of flicking the foot at the correct angle to avoid excessive friction.
4. Avoid Excessive Grinding
Grinding is another technique that can significantly damage your shoes, particularly the areas near the sole and the toe cap. While grinding is a great way to perform tricks, be mindful of how long and how often you perform these tricks. Excessive grinding will cause rapid damage to the shoes. If you’re constantly grinding, consider switching shoes more often or using skate shoes designed specifically for grinding.
5. Practice Control Over Speed
When practicing tricks or cruising around, controlling your speed can also help reduce unnecessary strain on your shoes. By slowing down your movements, you reduce the impact on your shoes when landing.
Additionally, avoid rough terrain as much as possible, since the harder and rockier the surface, the more damage it will cause to your shoes.
Maintenance Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Skate Shoes
Even with the right techniques, your shoes will inevitably show signs of wear and tear after some time. However, by following some basic maintenance tips, you can slow down the process and extend the life of your shoes.
1. Clean Your Shoes Regularly
Keeping your shoes clean is essential for their longevity. Dirt, debris, and moisture can all contribute to faster deterioration of the shoe material. After each skate session, take a moment to clean your shoes. Brush off dirt and wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any build-up that can cause damage over time.
2. Protect Your Shoes from Wet Conditions
Skateboarding in wet or muddy conditions can significantly damage your shoes. Avoid skating when it’s rainy or wet outside, as moisture can weaken the materials and cause them to break down faster. If your shoes get wet, let them dry naturally by removing the insoles and letting them air dry in a cool, dry place.
3. Use Shoe Protectors or Shoe Goo
Some skateboarders use shoe protectors or a product called “Shoe Goo,” which is a rubberized adhesive that can be applied to areas of the shoe that are prone to wear, such as the toe cap and the sides. Applying Shoe Goo can reinforce these areas and help protect against excessive friction.
4. Rotate Shoes
If you’re serious about skateboarding, consider rotating between multiple pairs of shoes. By giving your shoes a break between sessions, you allow the material to recover from the stress of skating. This can help prolong the life of each pair and reduce the frequency of damage.
5. Store Your Shoes Properly
After skateboarding, store your shoes in a dry, cool place to prevent any moisture or heat damage. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in places with excessive humidity, as these conditions can weaken the material and cause the shoes to break down faster.
How to Tell When It’s Time to Replace Your Shoes
Even with the best care, shoes will eventually need to be replaced. Here are a few signs to look out for to determine when it’s time to buy a new pair:
The Grip Tape is Worn Out: If the grip tape on your shoes is no longer intact or has worn down completely, it’s time to replace your shoes, as you’ll have less control and traction while skating.
Holes and Tears: Large holes in the toe cap, sides, or soles of the shoes mean that they are no longer providing adequate protection for your feet.
Soles Are Flattened: If the sole has become worn down and flattened, this affects the overall grip and support, making it difficult to perform tricks effectively and safely.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is an awesome sport, but it can be tough on your shoes. By choosing the right footwear, employing proper skateboarding techniques, and following maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your shoes and continue to enjoy the sport without worrying about constant replacements. Protecting your shoes will not only save you money but also provide the support and comfort you need to skate at your best.
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