Are Converse Good for Skating?

Skateboarding has been a popular activity for decades, and finding the right shoes is crucial for both performance and comfort. One brand that often comes up in conversations about skate shoes is Converse. Known for their classic look and various styles, many people wonder if Converse shoes are a good choice for skating.

Converse has a long history in the world of sports, particularly basketball, but they’ve also found their place in the skateboarding community. Over the years, the brand has introduced different styles and materials to cater to the needs of skaters. Their Converse CONS line, designed specifically for skateboarding, offers various features that make them a viable option for skaters. However, it is essential to examine how they compare to other skate shoes brands and factors such as durability, comfort, and key features for skateboarders.

Key Takeaways

• Converse has a variety of styles and materials suitable for skating needs
• The Converse CONS line is designed specifically for skateboarders and offers valuable features
• When choosing Converse skate shoes, it is important to compare them to other brands and consider factors such as durability and comfort.

The History of Converse in Skating

Converse started off as a popular shoe brand among basketball players in the early 1900s. Soon, skateboarders picked up on the comfortable and trendy shoes. With the skateboarding boom in the 70s and 80s, Converse grew popular among skaters too.

These shoes easily caught the attention of skateboarders because of their classic, casual look and sturdy canvas material. In fact, Converse shoes were always around skate parks and the skater crowd, and they became a kind of iconic footwear for skateboarders.

To keep up with the skateboarding trend and cater to the skaters’ needs, Converse introduced its CONS line. This line featured shoes specially designed for skateboarding, with improved durability and grip for better performance.

Key features of Converse shoes that make them suitable for skateboarding include:

• Durable canvas material
• High-quality rubber outsoles
• Comfortable fit
• Stylish design

Today, Converse continues to maintain its legendary presence in the skateboarding world. Young and old skaters alike still love the brand for its classic look and evolving shoe designs catered to their needs. It’s safe to say that Converse has secured its place in skateboarding history and will continue to be a popular choice for skaters.

Different Styles of Converse for Skating

Converse has a few popular styles perfect for skaters! Let’s explore each one to find the best fit for your skating needs.

High-top: These are the classic Converse that come up above your ankle. They offer extra support around your ankles, keeping them safe while you do amazing tricks. The Chuck Taylor All-Star high-top is a famous example of this style.

Low-top: Low-top Converse shoes sit below your ankles. They give you better freedom of movement while skating. The One Star Pro is a great example of a low-top Converse shoe that looks stylish while offering the durability needed for skating.

Mid-top: If you want a mix of support and freedom, mid-top Converse shoes are perfect. They offer some ankle support but don’t restrict your movements as much as high-tops do.

The Louie Lopez Pro is one popular mid-top style designed specifically for skaters. These shoes come in slip, low, and high-top versions. They have durable uppers made of rubber-backed material, making them tough enough to handle skateboarding.

Here’s a quick comparison of the different styles:

Style	Ankle Support	Freedom of Movement	Example
High-top	High	Low	Chuck Taylor All-Star
Low-top	Low	High	One Star Pro
Mid-top	Medium	Medium	Louie Lopez Pro

Now that you know about the various Converse styles, you can choose the one that’s best for your skating adventures. Happy skating!

Materials and Construction

Converse shoes are popular for skating due to their materials and construction. The main materials used in these shoes are canvas, suede, leather, and rubber. Let’s learn a little more about how these materials help make Converse shoes great for skating.

Suede and leather are both durable and strong materials, making them perfect for skate shoes. In fact, some Converse CONS shoes are designed with full suede or leather materials for added durability. These materials can handle the wear and tear from skateboarding better than canvas, which tends to be thinner and less durable.

Vulcanized rubber is another key feature in Converse shoes, especially in the soles. This type of rubber is more flexible and long-lasting, providing excellent grip and board feel. The rubber sole of Converse shoes ensures your feet stay comfortable during all those jumps and grinds.

Speaking of comfort, Converse shoes also have foam sockliners that add extra cushioning. This helps absorb the shock from skateboarding and protect your feet.

Rubber toe caps are also important in skate shoes. They provide extra protection to your toes and help prevent the front part of the shoe from wearing out too quickly. Converse shoes often have rubber toe caps as part of their design.

Finally, foxing tape is used around the edges of the shoe, where the upper meets the sole. This tape helps reinforce the shoe and adds durability. Converse shoes typically have foxing tape, making them able to handle the roughness of skateboarding.

Converse Cons Line: Designed for Skating

When it comes to skateboarding shoes, Converse has got you covered with their dedicated line: Converse CONS. The Converse Cons line is specially designed for skateboarding, making it the perfect choice for skaters who love the classic Converse style.

Converse CONS shoes have important features that make them suitable for skating, such as better grip, added cushioning, and improved durability. A popular model of Converse CONS shoes is the CTAS Pro. These shoes are made to withstand the wear and tear of skateboarding, while still providing the iconic Converse look.

The CTAS Pro shoes provide the following benefits for skaters:

• Grippy soles: These shoes have a grippy rubber outsole to help you maintain control on your skateboard.
  
• Cushioned insoles: They come with cushioned insoles for added comfort and impact protection.
  
• Reinforced material: They use a reinforced material called “rubber-infused canvas,” which makes the shoes more durable and resistant to tears.
  
• Responsive: CTAS Pro shoes are designed to be responsive and flexible, making it easier to perform tricks and turns on your skateboard.
  

Don’t worry if you’re new to skateboarding – Converse CONS shoes are beginner-friendly! Their comfort and quality design make them a great option if you’re just starting out. Plus, with the recognizable Converse style, you’ll look cool while learning the ropes.

So, if you’re looking for skateboarding shoes that combine style, function, and performance, the Converse CONS line might be just what you need. Happy skating!

Key Features for Skateboarders

Converse shoes have become a popular choice for skateboarders because they offer a unique combination of performance, comfort, and style. Let’s explore some key features that make Converse shoes an excellent skateboarding option.

One of the most important aspects of a skate shoe is its grip. Converse uses a special CONS traction rubber, providing excellent traction on your skateboard deck. This high-quality grip enables better control and stability when performing tricks or cruising the streets.

Support matters too, especially in skateboarding. Converse shoes offer good arch and ankle support, whether you choose low-top, mid-top, or high-top options. Ankle support is essential to prevent injuries and improve your skateboarding experience.

Cushioning is crucial when skating for long hours. Converse shoes employ CX foam insoles, which absorb impact better than most other shoes. This means less stress on your feet and joints, allowing you to skate comfortably.

Protection is another essential feature for skateboarders. Converse shoes are made with durable materials like suede or leather, which help protect against abrasions. These materials also come with rubber backing in high-contact areas, further increasing the shoes’ lifespan.

Breathable and lightweight, Converse skate shoes keep your feet from getting too hot or feeling weighed down. A good skate shoe must be flexible to ensure natural foot movement and improve skateboarding performance. Converse shoes offer this flexibility, which contributes to their popularity among skaters.

So, if you’re considering a new pair of skateboarding shoes, Converse can be a great choice. With the right combination of grip, support, cushioning, protection, breathability, and flexibility, they’ll keep you skating comfortably and confidently.

Durability and Comfort of Converse Skate Shoes

Converse skate shoes are known for their durability and comfort. They are made from durable materials like canvas or leather, which helps them last longer even with everyday skating. The shoes also have a strong and flexible rubber sole, which is great for skateboarding.

Converse shoes are comfortable because of the padding inside the shoe. This padding helps in providing extra cushioning while skating, making the ride smoother and more enjoyable. The Converse CONS line is specially designed for skaters, offering more comfort and support.

One thing that makes Converse shoes stand out is their insole. The insole provides good shock absorption, which means that your feet are protected from the impact of jumps and tricks. This feature is essential for skaters as it helps reduce the risk of injuries.

Comparing Converse to Other Skate Shoes

Converse skate shoes have a unique style and offer good traction on street skating surfaces. However, there are other popular skate shoe brands that you might want to compare and consider. Remember, picking the right shoe depends on your personal skating style and preferences.

Vans is a well-known brand in the skateboarding community, offering grippy soles perfect for keeping your feet on the board. They come in various designs and offer both low and high-top options. Vans shoes are popular for their all-around performance and style.

Adidas skate shoes are known for their stylish design and comfort. They often have extra padding for protection and cushioning. The popular Adidas Busenitz is an example of a skate shoe that provides excellent support and traction.

Nike SB is Nike’s skateboarding division, offering a range of skate-specific shoe models. These shoes often feature special technology like the Zoom Air cushioning system for impact absorption. Skateboarders choose Nike SB for its mix of great performance and stylish looks.

Etnies focuses on skate shoes that offer high durability, performance, and style. The brand is known for supporting professional skateboarders. Their shoes provide good grip, flexibility, and support, ensuring a comfortable skating experience.

Lakai is another skate shoe brand that offers footwear designed specifically for skateboarders. Their shoes have durable soles with excellent grip, enabling you to perform tricks and turns with ease.

Airwalk may not be as popular as some other brands, but they do offer skate shoes with good grip and style. They provide a casual look that can be worn both on and off the skateboard.

Remember, the best skate shoe for you depends on your own comfort, preferences, and style. It’s important to try on different brands and models to find the perfect fit for your needs. Happy skating!

Pros and Cons of Converse for Skating

When it comes to skating, Converse shoes have both advantages and downsides. Let’s take a look at some of the key points to consider.

Pros:

• Classic style: Converse shoes are known for their timeless design, which is appealing to many skaters. Their simple yet iconic look can give you a stylish appearance at the skate park.
• Affordability: One of the key benefits of Converse shoes is their affordability compared to other skateboarding shoe brands. They offer a balance between budget and performance for those starting out in the sport.
• Versatility: Converse shoes can be worn for various activities, not just skateboarding. Their versatile design makes them suitable for casual wear and other sports as well.
• Flexibility: The thin structure of these shoes allows for high flexibility, enabling you to achieve great board feel and better control over your skateboard.
• Rubber soles: Converse shoes come with CONS Traction Rubber soles, which offer enhanced grip and durability, providing you with extra stability while riding.

Cons:

• Lace issues: Converse shoes typically have long laces that might get in the way or come undone easily while riding. This can be a nuisance, particularly for beginners who might need to frequently retie their shoes.
• Sole thickness: Some skaters prefer thicker soles for better impact resistance, and Converse shoes have relatively thin soles. This can lead to reduced shock absorption when performing tricks or landing from jumps.
• Limited support: While Converse shoes offer some degree of support, they might not be as supportive as other brands specifically designed for skateboarding. Skaters looking for more ankle support might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Converse Cons work well for skating?

Yes, Converse Cons work well for skating as they have an entire line dedicated to skate shoes. They offer protection with features like a rubber toe cap, which provides extra protection without weighing you down or making the shoes heavy and uncomfortable¹.

Which skate shoes are the best?

The best skate shoes vary depending on personal preferences, skill level, and skating style. Some well-known brands that offer high-quality skate shoes include Vans, Nike SB, adidas Skateboarding, and Emerica. It is essential to prioritize comfort, durability, grip, and protection when choosing the best skate shoes.

Are Vans or Converse better for skateboarding?

Both Vans and Converse offer skateboarding shoes that cater to different preferences. Vans are known for their wafflecup sole, which provides excellent grip and boardfeel². On the other hand, Converse offers classic designs and comfortable protection features³. The choice between Vans and Converse depends on personal preferences and skating style.

Can you skate in platform Converse?

Platform Converse may not be the best choice for skateboarding, as their increased height and bulk might affect the skater’s balance, boardfeel, and control. A standard Converse skate shoe would be more suitable for skateboarding.

Is Converse One Star a skate shoe?

Yes, the Converse One Star is considered a skate shoe. It features a comfortable fit, durable suede upper, and a grippy rubber sole for enhanced boardfeel⁴.

Is it okay to run in skate shoes?

Skate shoes are generally not designed for running, as they lack the support, cushioning, and flexibility required for a comfortable and safe running experience. Running in skate shoes could lead to injuries and discomfort. While it’s possible to run short distances in them, it’s better to wear dedicated running shoes for running activities