Shoe choice is crucial for skateboarding, affecting both performance and comfort. Many skaters wear Converse, especially the classic Chuck Taylor All-Stars. But, is it a good idea to skate in them?
The Chuck Taylors were initially made for basketball in the 1960s. Skaters later adopted them. Recognizing this, Converse launched the CONS line for skaters. These shoes offer better grip, flexibility, and cushioning, which helps during skateboarding. We’ll look at how the traditional Chuck Taylors stack up against the CONS for skating.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the evolution of Converse shoes from basketball to skateboarding.
- The Converse CONS line offers features like enhanced grip and flexibility specific for skating.
- Traditional Converse Chuck Taylors have different characteristics compared to modern CONS models.
- Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of skating in Converse.
- Tips on choosing the right Converse for skateboarding.
- Care tips to prolong the life of your Converse after skating.
- Explore alternative skate shoe options for various preferences.
Understanding Converse Shoes and Skating
Skating requires the right shoe, and Converse has made its mark here. Especially, the Converse CONS line blends style, durability, and performance perfectly. Originally, Chuck Taylors were the go-to for skaters back in the 60s. However, they missed essential skate shoe traits like enough cushioning and protection. Over time, Converse upgraded their designs to meet skateboarding’s needs.
The CONS line was created with skateboarders in mind. It includes features like CONS traction rubber for a better grip on the board. This helps with stability and makes it easier to do tricks with accuracy.
Converse CONS shoes also offer extra cushioning and adjustable tongues for comfort. Skaters can enjoy a snug fit without losing flexibility. Rubber toe caps add to the durability, especially in areas that wear out fast. The shoes’ strong stitching and reinforced tape make them last longer under skateboarding stress.
- Converse CONS traction rubber for advanced grip
- Enhanced cushioning for added comfort during long sessions
- Adjustable tongues to maintain a snug fit
- Rubber toe caps for increased durability in high-wear areas
Let’s compare Converse CONS to typical skate shoes to highlight their strengths for skateboarders:
| Feature | Converse CONS | Traditional Skate Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | Advanced CONS traction rubber | Standard rubber soles |
| Cushioning | Enhanced for comfort | Varies, often standard |
| Durability | Reinforced with rubber toe caps | Typically less reinforced |
| Fit | Adjustable tongues | Standard fit, less customizable |
These points show why the skating community values Converse CONS. With their focus on skaters’ needs, Converse stays on top in the dynamic world of skateboarding.
Pros of Skating in Converse
Converse skate shoes are a big deal in skateboarding. The Chuck Taylor All Star and One Star are very popular. They are loved for their advantages of Converse skate shoes cool look and how well they fit into skate culture. They’re not just good-looking; they work great for skating too.
What makes these shoes stand out is their amazing Converse flexibility. They use CONS Traction Rubber for better grip, flexibility, and durability. This makes them great for skateboarding. They are lighter than many other shoes. This lets skaters move more easily and do tricks better.
The latest Chuck Taylor All-Stars have more cushioning. This makes a big difference in how comfortable they are. The extra cushion helps protect your feet during long skateboarding sessions. This means less chance of hurting your feet or getting tired.
If you’re picking skate shoes, go for suede ones, not canvas. Suede lasts longer under the tough conditions of skateboarding. Converse shoes also offer a good mix of comfort, durability, and affordability. This makes them a great choice if you want to save money.
Converse has a special line just for skaters called Converse CONS. These give even better grip and traction for skateboarding. For more about why Converse are good for skateboarding, check out this resource.
| Feature | Traditional Converse | Converse CONS |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | Moderate | Enhanced |
| Flexibility | High | Very High |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
In summary, Converse skate shoes are great for style and performance. They offer flexibility and comfort. Skaters trust them for their needs and styles.
Cons of Skating in Converse
Converse shoes have made their mark on skating. But, there are downsides to consider for your performance and comfort. One key drawback is their lack of cushioning compared to skate-specific shoes. Designed as basketball shoes in the 1960s, they weren’t made for skateboarding’s high-impact needs.
The canvas material of Converse wears out quicker than suede or leather. Frequent use, especially aggressive skating, means you may need to replace them often. The toe cap and heel areas are especially vulnerable, affecting the shoe’s durability.
Protection is another issue with Converse shoes during skating. With minimal cushioning, they might not offer enough foot protection for intense skating. Compared to high-top or cupsole skate shoes, Converse fall short in protection and ankle support.
Even with Converse’s skateboarding line, Converse CONS, they still miss some features. Other skate brands offer technologies like Zoom Air Bag heels and advanced suspension systems. These are preferred by pros for better cushioning and foot protection.
So, if you value shoe longevity and foot protection, Converse might not be the best for skating. Yet, for those seeking a lightweight and affordable option, they can work. Just be ready for faster wear and tear.
Choosing the Right Converse for Skating
Choosing the best Converse for skateboarding involves several important factors. First, think about the material. You can find Converse in canvas, suede, and leather. Canvas is light but not as tough as suede. Suede blends toughness with air flow. Leather lasts the longest but might not breathe as well.
Next, consider the sole type of the shoe. Converse skate shoes come with vulcanized and cupsole types. Vulcanized soles are light and flexible, perfect for feeling the board. They break in fast but don’t protect as much as cupsoles. Cupsoles are tougher and absorb shock better. They’re great for skaters doing big jumps or complex tricks.
| Feature | Vulcanized | Cupsole |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
| Shock Absorption | Low | High |
| Break-in Period | Quick | Longer |
Your style also matters when picking skate shoes. Low-top Converse are great for moving freely and doing tricks. Mid-tops balance ankle support and freedom, fitting many skating styles. High-tops, like the famous Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, give the most ankle protection for those who need it.
Certain Converse shoe features make them last longer. This includes double-wrapped foxing tape and reinforced toe caps. The Converse CONS line is made for skating and adds these for more support and durability. Other brands have heel protection, and Converse does too. This helps prevent heel injuries while skating.
Thinking about all these points will help you find the right Converse for skating. Whether you want shoes that are flexible, tough, or protective, knowing the Converse shoe features helps you choose wisely.
Care Tips for Your Converse After Skating
Every skater knows keeping their shoes in good shape is crucial. With Converse, a little effort can go a long way. Proper skate shoe care keeps them looking and working great.
Cleaning your shoes often is key. After skating, brush off dirt and gently wipe them with a damp cloth. This stops damaging build-up. For a deep clean, hand wash with mild soap and water.
Drying them the right way matters too. Don’t put them in direct sunlight or use a dryer. Stuff them with paper towels to keep the shape and let them air dry. Doing this avoids damage to the material.
How you store your Converse is also important. Keep them in a cool, dry spot. Use shoe trees to keep their shape. Make sure they’re dry before storing if they got wet.
Wearing different pairs can help them last longer. This saves your favorites from wearing out too soon. Regular care keeps your Converse looking great.
Want to know how the pros do it? Check out Tony Hawk’s shoe care tips here. His advice can really help.
Thinking about other shoes for skating? See how Converse compares at here. It’s good to know what other skaters think.
Alternatives to Converse for Skating
Looking for skate shoe alternatives to Converse means exploring what other brands offer. Vans, Nike SB, and Adidas Skateboarding have unique advantages for different skate styles. Each brand caters to specific needs in the skateboarding world.
Vans shines in skate footwear since the 1970s. Their shoes, made with vulcanized soles, are light and bend easily. This makes them quick to wear in and gives better grip. They also have high-top models for ankle safety, but these may feel heavier.
Vans are known for durable double-wrapped foxing tape. This tape strengthens the shoe in areas like toes and heels that wear out fast.
Nike SB and Adidas Skateboarding focus on superior cushioning. Nike SB has Zoom Air Bag technology for heel safety. Adidas uses ADIPRENE® for similar cushioning effects. Both feature cupsole designs for excellent shock absorbency, perfect for tricks and jumps.
Think about leather and suede for skate shoes, too. They may not breathe as well or might get wet, but they last longer against grip tape. Quality skate shoes often have toe caps. These protect parts of the shoe that wear out quickly.
Let’s compare these top skateboarding footwear brands:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Vans | Lightweight vulcanized soles, high-top options, double-wrapped foxing tape |
| Nike SB | Zoom Air Bag technology, cupsole designs for better shock absorption |
| Adidas Skateboarding | ADIPRENE® cushioning, durable construction, advanced heel protection |
When choosing skate shoes, think about the material, cushioning, and shape. This helps decide the best fit for your skate needs. Whether you want durability, softness, or bendiness, knowing different brands helps find the best skate shoes.
Personal Experience and User Testimonials
Many skateboarders love their Converse skate shoes, especially the Converse CONS made for skateboarding. One skater shared that the CONS helped him do kickflips and more for about a month without any holes appearing in the suede. This shows how durable the CONS are compared to other skate shoes.
Users say these shoes are light and feel great on the board. The insole is made with CX foam, which NIKE introduced after they bought Converse in 2002. This foam makes the insoles comfy and supportive, perfect for long skateboarding sessions.
Skaters like the Converse CONS’ thick soles more than the classic Chuck Taylors’ because they offer better grip and stability. But, they’ve noticed the suede can get dirty fast when skateboarding. Still, with options like hi-top, mid-top, and low-top, skaters can pick what works best for them.
People are really happy using the CONS for skateboarding. They like its mix of lastingness, comfort, and how well it performs. These qualities, along with the fame of Chuck Taylors, keep Converse popular among skateboarders of all levels.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!