When it comes to the fashion and practical trends of skateboarding shoes, there are two main types to consider. High-tops and low-top sneakers are the main footwear, but knowing which to choose can be hard, especially if you’re new to the sport.

High-tops are great for providing extra ankle support and coverage. This is a great option for specific skateboarding styles as they offer better shock absorption properties which are great if you’re a more physical skater. However, while they are more durable, they’re less flexible.

In contrast, low-tops allow greater freedom of movement when on the board. If you’re into doing tricks, then these are the better option as they’re lightweight, flexible and still provide support.

There’s also the middle ground shoe, the mid-top sneaker, which offers something for both types. Though there are arguments that highs have better support than lows, there is no scientific consensus that one is better for reducing ankle injuries than the other. At the end of the day, it is personal preference and comfort that should inform your final decision.

Style Meets Function

When looking for skateboarding shoes, there are a wide array of different types and brands available for both low and high-tops. Designs differ across major brands such as Puma, Adidas, Nike, and Vans. What’s important to note here is that this type of shoe is popular across both streetwear culture and skating. Impressively when it comes to the type of shoes used in skateboarding, the design has transcended the sport alone. These days, it’s possible to use the shoe for both sport and fashion. In fact, they’re becoming increasingly popular as a fashion statement rather than solely as a sport item.

Despite their usefulness as a supportive shoe, high-tops are increasingly spotted outside both basketball and skateboarding. Their high-top style is good for support when it comes to simply walking around as well. In fact, they’re supportive on a daily basis. Better still, they’re good with a range of different outfits and styles, fitting nicely with skinny jeans, skirts, dresses, and even outfits with a looser style. Low-tops are considered the classic skate shoes and have a multitude of colorways and designs out there. They’re also great to pair with a range of outfits and can be styled with shorts and skirts to great effect. Not to be left out, mid-top sneakers arguably offer the best option when it comes to fashion. Sitting just above the ankle, they’re a great fashion-forward option as they’re not too bulky and work well for casual styles.

As mentioned, there are many brands and designs when it comes to all three of these shoe types. This means that it’s super easy to find something that matches your style, color, and aesthetic. One of the major players when it comes to the design of these types of shoe is Vans. The brand has a wide choice when it comes to the different colorways, styles, and designs available. Not only that, but they have site-wide promotions and discount codes which can be beneficial if you’re looking for quality footwear at a lower price. When purchasing footwear like this, especially if you’re skateboarding, it’s always worth investing in a brand, like Vans, where durability is key. It’s also an established brand, which has a cultural legacy, making the footwear you choose stand out even more. Finding a good deal is easy when you visit the Vans page on Discoup and it can also be beneficial for those wanting multiple pairs. Maybe you want some shoes for skating, while others are for everyday wear. Claiming discounts can make it easier for multi-buy purchases.

Finding Your Fit: Performance, Preference, and Personal Style

As we’ve mentioned, really at the end of the day, the choice of which shoe you wear is up to you and your own comfort. However, you can consider some other aspects as well. When determining whether you want high or low-tops, consider the terrain you will be skating on, and your skating style (vertical vs street for example). Also make sure you consider your own body and physical condition such as whether you’ve had an ankle injury before. Again, the right sneaker is completely subjective, so it’s worth experimenting and trying on different designs and styles, especially those from trusted brands, as you can find out what works best for you.