Estimated read time: 5 minutes.
There is no better feeling than watching skaters do their tricks on roads. Skateboarding is an exclusive euphoric sport for people of different age groups. Like other popular sports, you need the right gear to explore different tricks and moves.
The basic requirements for skating include a helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and last but not least, the right skateboard shoes. With these acquired, you can start training or hit the road for some entertaining moments. However, one question most people ask is whether it is good to run or work out in skate shoes.
Even though skate shoes offer maximum grip for workouts, they are not recommended for running. These shoes tend to be heavier than regular shoes, and the overall design is not meant for running.
This article covers everything you should know about running in skate shoes. Also, we’ve covered the best workouts, types of skate shoes, and much more.
What are Skateboard Shoes?
As the name suggests, skate shoes are specifically designed to be used on skateboards. The features and everything about these shoes are customized to serve one purpose. The best skate shoes are built with technology that has evolved since the mid-70s.
This technology helps to deliver exactly what skaters need, including durability, protection, and comfortability. Although many shoes are designed to resemble skateboard shoes, they don’t offer the same features and performance.
How to Choose the Best Skateboard Shoe
With numerous options available in the market, it can be confusing for beginners to pick the right pair of skate shoes. In this section, we covered the key aspects to consider to get a good pair of skateboard shoes. The factors you must consider are:
- Type of Skate Shoes
There are different types of skate shoes you can find in stores. The choice of shoe will depend on one’s preference and the design of the feet. The main types of skate shoes are high top, low top, mid top, and slip-in shoes.
- Skate Shoes Soles
The type of soles plays a vital role in your skating. The sole designs and shapes will vary from one shoe to another. The common types of soles are cupsole sole and vulcanized sole shoes.
- Upper Material
Another essential factor to consider when buying a good pair of skateboarding shoes is the upper material. The common upper material used is leather, suede, canvas, and textile. Each material offers varying levels of durability and protection to the skaters.
- Type of Feet
The type of feet determines the shoe you will buy. The common types are narrow feet, large feet, and wide feet. Make sure the feet match with the shoes and protect them well.
- Brands
Many well-established companies produce high-quality skating shoes. Nike and Vans are the top recommended brands. They use durable materials and the right technology to keep you safe and comfortable.
- Features
There are different features that make up a good skate shoe. The best pair of shoes must have good quality seams, padding, ventilation, and laces.
Difference Between Running Shoes and Skate Shoes
There are significant differences between running and skateboard shoes. Though it’s okay to run in skating shoes, it is not advisable to skateboard in your ordinary running shoes.
Skateboarding involves different types of tricks that highly rely on the stability of your legs.
This makes it a pretty tricky sport that requires proper training and equipment. Using running shoes for skating will only make it even more complicated.
The following are the key differences between running and skateboard shoes:
Sole Designs
- Skate Shoes: The first thing you will notice in a skate shoe is that they have thicker soles that are hard and flat. The design of the flat soles makes them suitable for doing stunts and tricks while skateboarding. The side soles enable skaters to maneuver and balance.
- Running Shoes: Running shoes are designed with more cushioning in the soles for support and are comfortable on different terrains. The narrow soles of running shoes make them unstable for skating.
Safety and Protection
- Skate Shoes: Most skate shoes, like high-top and mid-top designs, protect your feet and ankle sprain while in motion. This is why they tend to have wide soles.
- Running Shoes: Running shoes are cushioned from the inside and with a firmer outside to prevent ankle injuries.
Durability and Flexibility
- Skate Shoes: The materials used to design the upper or covering part of skate shoes are very durable. Also, these shoes are heavier because they are designed to resist tears and protect your toes from injuries.
- Running Shoes: Running shoes are lightweight, relatively soft, and bend easily. Wearing running shoes for skating will damage them within a few days.
Performance
- Skate Shoes: The flat heels in skate shoes allow a skater to enjoy maximum grip and feel the skateboard.
- Running Shoes: Most running shoes have raised heels that offer fluidity when in motion. Using running shoes to skate puts you at risk since there is less grip on the board and ground.
The Best Workouts for Skate Shoes
Now that we’ve highlighted everything about skate and running shoes, including the key differences, you know where to use each type. The good thing is that there are different types of gym exercises you can do in your skate shoes.
If your focus is on training jerks, then you will need a good pair of weight-lifting shoes. Skateboarding shoes can help, though their performance may not be as good as cross-training shoes.
You can use skate shoes for recreation lifting, light cross-training like riding, and stability-focused workouts. However, it is not recommended to wear skate shoes for CrossFit exercise, long run exercises, etc.
However, subjecting these shoes to tough exercises, like jumping and long-distance running, can cause them to tear and eventually fall off.
Are Skate Shoes Good For Running – Summary!
Conclusively, running in skating shoes is possible but not recommended by experts. From our article, you’ve seen that these two types of sports shoes have different designs, materials, and features. Each pair of shoes is designed for a specific task and has all the features to support the user. Experienced skaters know the risks of wearing running shoes. To avoid injuries and other dangers, we highly recommend wearing the right running shoe that protects your foot and body.
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I also love blogging. It's a great way to share my thoughts and experiences with others. And, of course, family is very important to me. I have five kids (three girls and two boys) who keep me busy (in a good way!)
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