The Best Skate Shoes For Summer 2023

Don’t be fooled by the name: skate shoes aren’t just for skateboarding enthusiasts. While that may have been their purpose once upon a time, today these versatile kicks can take you from one point to another with ease, comfort, and style. They’re designed with elevated details that bridge the gap between fashion and function. The result is a collection of sporty, practical, and reliable shoes that you can count on wearing everywhere from the skate park to the coffee shop and beyond. Here are our top picks for the best skate shoes for summer 2023.

adidas Adimatic

Take a trip back in time and step into a pair of legendary adidas Adimatic sneakers. Evoking the quality of a solid pair of early naughts kicks, these deliver next-level appeal in gorgeous grey suede with black detailing for contrast. Worn with jeans and a T-shirt or shorts and a jersey, they complete the look to perfection (and they’re downright timeless, too).

$95$57

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adidas Campus 00S Shoes

Did someone say “classic”? Even if you aren’t familiar with the brand, there’s a good chance you’ll see something you recognize on a pair of adidas Campus 00S Shoes. They’re utterly iconic, bearing the label’s iconic trio of side stripes and a thick, heavily textured rubber sole for maximum traction. Find them in 10 cool colorways that will undeniably pair well with everything in your closet.

$120$84

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Vans Style 36 Gum Shoe

The famed Sidestripe is nothing new to Vans enthusiasts, who may even know that the recognizable design made its first appearance way back in 1977 when founder Paul Van Doren drew a little random zigzaggy line. Who could have predicted that the Vans Style 36 Gum Shoe — the first shoe to bear the landmark stripe — would become such a timeless favorite? It’s as relevant today as it was then.

$70

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Nike Killshot 2 Leather

If you favor a scaled-back sneaker that’s not without a little edge, the Nike Killshot 2 Leather makes a worthy companion. Whether you’re skating or smacking aces down center court, you’ll love the way these sleek leather sneakers wrap your foot in continuous comfort while evoking the vintage appeal of old-school tennis shoes. They’re so authentic, they’d be right at home on Centre Court at Wimbledon.

$90

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Cariuma Off-White Vintage

A sustainable shoe is something any modern mover and shaker can get behind, which may explain the popularity of the Cariuma Off-White Vintage. Gorgeously designed with a blend of organic cotton canvas, rubber, and a cork insert, plus recycled plastic laces, the shoe is thoughtfully constructed without sacrificing style, comfort, or durability.

$89

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Lakai Cambridge

With just a glance at the Lakai Cambridge, you might feel as though you’ve tossed it back to the 1980s and clad in a pair of too-short shorts and a graphic T-shirt. Yet these vintage-inspo kicks are very much a product of the moment, made with a luxurious blend of synthetic leather, suede, and mesh for the ultimate in all-day comfort. They’re cool for a skater, but just as cool for a statement-maker.

$75$56

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Nothing New Saga One

If you’d rather something other than stripes in familiar shapes, maybe a distinct arch will serve you better. You’ll find it on the Nothing New Saga One, a sporty sneaker that’s made with sustainable and upcycled materials and finished with Ultrasuede accents for a stylish yet laid-back look. They’re available in four easy neutral colorways that pair well with almost anything in your closet.

$120

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Nike SB Force 58

Own the moment in a pair of Nike SB Force 58 sneakers. Like a basketball shoe from the old days but with a fashionable twist, they’re made with a combination of buttery-smooth suede and sturdy canvas. Find them in multiple colorways that add a distinctive finish to your track suits, hoodies and joggers, jerseys and shorts, and everything in between.

$80

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Todd Snyder x Vans Dirty Martini Lace-Up 73 DX

Who doesn’t love a good collab? The Todd Snyder x Vans Dirty Martini Lace-Up 73 DX is about as good as it gets, offering seriously “dx” (deluxe”) quality coupled with that Vans reliability that longtime enthusiasts know and love. As skate shoes go, few rival the capability and stability of Vans — and these, in a gorgeous shade of olive suede, have a premium quality that sets them apart from casual counterparts.

$125

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New Balance NB Numeric Jamie Foy 306

In collaboration with one of the most well-known skateboarders in the United states, the New Balance NB Numeric Jamie Foy 306 is a fan favorite for obvious reasons. The fact that it comes Foy-approved could be sticking point number one, but there’s also the fact that these kicks are downright comfortable thanks to their breathable construction and flexibility. They’re a skater’s best friend.

$90

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