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Few sneaker brands have proven to revolutionize every corner of athletics. But adidas has always been an exception, from innovative adidas gym shoes to adidas running shoes and the best adidas skate shoes. The brand’s skater-approved selection boasts exemplary performance technology and trendy style appeal at the same time, while adidas continues to revamp best-selling models with comfort and stability features that keep riders ahead of the curve.
These days, adidas skate shoes are a style statement for the everyday fashionista due to platform sneaker iterations, punchy colorways, and lug soles that echo the resurgence of Y2K trends. However, from a purely technical standpoint, adidas makes some of the best kicks for shredding because the brand works with skate professionals on a separate line of skateboarding shoes called adidas ADV (meaning “Advanced”). Consider any ADV-labeled sneaker the skater-friendly version of the best adidas sneakers of all time, including the adidas Superstar, Stan Smith, and Samba, all of which have been deemed the Greatest Sneakers of All Time by Footwear News. The line reinforces timeless shoes with stronger durability and grip, often with extra stitching, padded collars, molded sockliners, and more flexible rubber outsoles.
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Just like the best adidas basketball shoes, adidas skate shoes celebrate pro boarders in signature silhouettes, too. Whether you opt for the Puig, Nora, or Tyshawn skate shoes, each sneaker is distinct in style and technology, representing the stars’ early inspirations and functional needs through collaborative design. Even recent adidas releases like the Puig Samba modernize heritage styles with hybrid technology that not only equip boarders for serious shredding but also serve as comfortable adidas walking shoes all the same. And, when it comes to adidas’ skate shoe expansion, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. In just the last year, cult-favorite skate authorities like Dime have infused their own spin on the Superstar, Stan Smith, and Busenitz Vulc II shoes, while Atmos and Bape debuted entirely new skate shoe models like the Adimatic and N Bape sneakers.
Whether on the board or off it, the aesthetic versatility, durability, and increased comfort features of the best adidas skate shoes make them ubiquitous for skaters and casual wearers alike. They can be worn just like any adidas white sneaker, whether with dresses, athleisure, or with buttoned-up office attire. After all, if Samba and Gazelle celebrity style has taught us anything, it’s that sleek adidas shoes go with everything.
At the end of the day, skate shoes don’t come handcuffed to knee pads and helmets, so however and wherever you plan to wear your adidas shoes, there’s a pair for you. Below, discover the 11 best adidas skate shoes of 2024.
Colorways: Black and white, white, white and black
Materials: Leather upper; rubber cupsole
Special features: One-piece tongue, additional stitching for support
The adidas Superstar was also one of the first skate shoes showcased in the ADV line, and in 2023, the Montreal-based skateboarding clothing brand Dime collaborated to create a new line of the adidas Superstar ADV. Its thinner insole gives you a closer board feel, it has double stitching for extra durability, and features a thick layer of rubber that’s practically begging to perform flick-on-heel tricks.
What testers say: “I always love skating these. The flick on the shell toe is mint and just feels all-around amazing for skating. These shoes are a great addition to my Superstar collection!
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Colorways: Black and white
Materials: Leather and suede upper; rubber cupsole
Special features: Upgraded T-toe design
Modeled after a thin soccer cleat, these sneakers have a snug, tight fit that’s best for narrow feet. It also leaves the colorways, black and cloud white, untouched from the first silhouette. However, the ADV makeover added some fat to the trimmer soccer shoe with a padded collar to keep feet secure, and it has an upgraded T-toe, whose slick design balances its chunkier counterparts. Another way this sneaker is made for skateboarders is the design of the stitched-down tongue — this considerate addition ensures you’re not constantly adjusting it and disrupting your flow. What’s more, it also has a block rigid heel that will help with heel flick tricks.
What testers say: “I really wanted a pair of Sambas and I love the way this style looks. I like the thick toe on the ADV version and the extra padding is great. The elastic that the tongue in place is a great detail.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: White and black, white and blue, white
Materials: Suede and leather uppers, gum rubber outsoles
Special features: Molded Adiprene sockliners, EVA midsoles, Adituff toe reinforcement
What testers say: “The Puig wraps your feet and has a great board feel when it comes to skating. You feel locked in and has a great flick. These kicks are smooth. I would purchase again in a heartbeat.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Colorways: Blue, yellow, grey, black, and more
Materials: Leather upper; rubber outsole
Special features: Updated proportions from the original style
Today, adidas updated its original model to better blend in with the concrete ground of skateboarding parks by designing the sneaker with a durable leather upper and thick rubber outsole to last against flip kicks and barely grinds. This 21st-century revamp also has eleven colorways, a wider toe box, and extra cushioning, making them ideal for those with wide feet who need additional arch support.
What testers say: “Initially, I was hesitant to purchase them because I have a higher arch and a wider foot. I felt like it would make my feet look huge but honestly, it’s not the case at all. I absolutely love them.
No regrets about my purchase, it’s a great shoe. The quality is extremely high and the fabric has an amazing feel. The shoe fits true to size and is comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Colorways: Black and white, cream and green, green and white
Materials: Suede upper; geoflex outsole
Special features: Adiprene sock line, higher foxing tape
The one featured in the ADV line is decked out with a couple of key elements skateboarders will love, like a geoflex outsole that grips to the board like glue, and higher foxing tape that keeps the outer sole and upper firmly connected for longevity. Not to mention, the black adidas skate shoes have a down-to-business, unbothered aesthetic, making them staple shoes that go with everything.
What testers say: “Great modification of a classic style. Hard-wearing in all the right places, good grippy soles, and great colorways. They look and wear great both on and off the board.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Black, white and black
Materials: Leather upper; rubber cupsole
Special features: Suede toe cap
And, though the adidas Tyshawn skate shoe is a streamlined, narrow leather shoe design similar to an adidas basketball shoe (the OG iteration was inspired by Jones’ memories playing the game on NYC courts after all), everything else about it puts skateboarder’s priorities first. The skater’s second-generation signature sneaker now includes shock-absorbing Lightstrike midsole cushioning, making it a lighter shoe, and a dual-layer toe cab for optimal durability and protection. This time, it also comes dressed in metallic reflective panels, with scuff-proof leather upper material and a multidirectional cupsole tread.
What testers say: This is not a pair to sleep on if you want to take your style to the next level — on or off the board. I love that the grey section near the laces makes it appear that the laced area is floating. I recommend going a half size up, as the toe box is narrow.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Black and white, white and blue, black and red, and more
Materials: Suede and leather upper, rubber cupsole
Special features: Geofit padded collar
The revamped Busenitz Vulc II shoes offer added cushioning and durability than the fan-favorite first iteration, which came inspired by Busenitz’s favorite soccer cleat, the Copa Mundial.
They maintain the same flat outsole for an immediate board feel, with a blocky thick heel that hooks to the deck for improved flip tricks. The suede outsole overlays another double layer of suede with vulcanized rubber outsoles, making these super resistant to whatever trials you put them through.
What testers say: “These shoes are very durable — they still don’t have a hole after hundreds of kickflips and ollies. I’m so impressed with these shoes!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Colorways: Grey and black, black and white, olive and white, and more
Materials: Canvas upper; rubber outsole
Special features: OrthoLite sockliner, reinforced tows
Sure, these classic canvas shoes may not outlast a series of repeated gnarly grinds and slides, but their breathable and lightweight feel, plus the addition of a thermoregulating OrthoLite sock liner, will win you over in any season. Additionally, trendy colors like olive green and teal will satiate sneaker trends while everyday shades such as dove grey and navy with brown accents are a nice node to ‘90s nostalgia.
What testers say: “I absolutely love these. They look great and are very comfortable as well. Great for everyday wear.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $6546
Colorways: Grey and white, black and white, green and white, navy and white, and more
Materials: Suede upper with canvas quarter; vulcanized rubber outsole
Special features: Molded sock liner
Designed with the “godfather of modern street skateboarding,” we wouldn’t expect their standards as a skateboarding shoe to be anything less than admirable. The slides have a sturdy suede outsole, and molded sock liner to keep them firmly attached to your soles even when you’re in mid-air, and a slim fit makes them a nice pick for those with narrow feet.
What testers say: I would highly recommend this pair to anyone looking for a comfortable everyday shoe. They look great with jeans or long shorts.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Colorways: Blue and white, white and black, black and white, black, gray, white, and more
Materials: Suede upper, rubber outsole
Special features: Extended toe cap, raised toe bumper
What testers say: “Pivot like a pro with these fresh ‘sneaks. If you like adidas skate shoes these will work for you. Great control. They are very durable as well as stable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Colorways: Blue and white, off-white and white
Materials: Canvas upper, vulcanized rubber outsole
Special features: Hidden ollie patch
What testers say: “These are a great looking shoe that feels comfortable, stable and secure on my feet.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $64
What to Look for in the Best adidas Skate Shoes
When it comes to decision time, the construction of your adidas skate shoes is as important as the style. Whether you choose suede, canvas, or leather — or opt for a thicker sole over one with less cushioning — it all comes down to personal preference and the type of activity you’ll be performing most in them.
- Upper construction: Suede has long been the standard for adidas skate shoes not only because it’s super durable and holds its own against scrapes and scuffs, but aesthetically speaking, the material has a look evocative of funky vintage styles. Leather is another common choice and though it’s a bit stiffer, the hard-wearing material touts the same benefits as suede, looks sleek, and can take a lot of abuse, meaning once you break the shoe in it’ll be in your life for a long time. Meanwhile, canvas is definitely less tough than the two. On the flip side, it still boasts breathability, a lightweight feel, and a nice casual appearance that pairs well with practically anything in your closet. Underneath the upper construction, many shoes have a layer of rubber that provides extra security; if the top material starts to wear down you have reinforcement to keep the shoe from falling apart. adidas coined this security blanket as AdiTuff, but every brand has a different name for it.
- Outer sole: adidas skate shoes have two types of outer soles: vulcanized and cupsole. Designers construct the former by molding the sole to the upper part of the shoe through a chemically heated process and attaching it using a strip of thin rubber material known as foxing tape. This type of sole is more flexible and is great for low-impact, technical skating because it gives you a closer feel to the board and allows you to have better control over your movements. As a bonus, vulcanized outer soles often require a shorter break-in period. On the other hand, a cupsole is sewn to the upper part of the shoe and gives the wearer further distance from the board. It’s thicker than a vulcanized outer sole, thereby offering more impact protection. And, with added cushioning, shoes with a cupsole sometimes have more arch support and could last longer since their soles are less likely to separate from the upper part of the shoe.
- Level of comfort: Whether you plan on anchor grinding in your adidas skate shoes or taking them for a stroll around town, they should be flexible, breathable, and have plenty of support. Look for perforations along the tongue or collar of the shoes that allow for increased airflow. Since they’re super lightweight, shoes with a canvas material are a nice choice here if you’re prone to excessively sweaty feet or you’ve noticed that your sneakers start to feel claustrophobic in warmer weather. You may also want something with a cushioned sole, like the comfort-plus memory foam lining found in many adidas skate shoes. Some pairs even have a special kind of cushioning unique to the brand called adiPRENE, which is a thick blue internal lining that features ridges and has ultimate cushioning. Finally, for those who need the most support, try choosing an adidas skate shoe with the cupsole outer sole, as these are made of a thicker material and have extra padding.
- Fit: It’s important that your adidas skate shoes are snug everywhere, especially around the toe area since extra space here can impact your tricks, make them less precise, and could lead to more wipe-outs. Although, those with a wider foot can afford a little more room and may even benefit from a broader toe cap. Additionally, whereas shoes with a bootie-type fit, such as a mid or high-rise cut, have more ankle protection, low-top styles, like slides, might be optimal for narrow feet since this design is typically longer, slimmer, and less bulky and they offer the most mobility. If you have flat feet, look for shoes for flat feet designed with plenty of padding, such as the thick rubber outer soles of cupsole shoes that have more arch support, and ones with EVA foam insoles that will also help provide shock-absorption.
How to Clean adidas Skate Shoes
adidas skate shoes are made highly durable for years’ worth of wear, but that doesn’t mean your clean kicks won’t endure the occasional skid mark or mud stain. We recommend cleaning your adidas skate shoes section by section, focusing on the outsole, the uppers, and the laces. Start by removing the laces, scrubbing them in a bowl of warm water and bleach, and letting them soak until you’ve finished cleaning the rest of your shoes. Then, squeeze any excess water out of them by pressing a towel on top of the laces before lacing them back through your shoes.
For the uppers, it’s important to properly clean special materials to avoid unnecessary damage like water spots or fading.
- How to clean leather adidas skate shoes: While you can purchase a special adidas sneaker cleaning solution, dish soap and warm water also work just fine on leather uppers. Wet a toothbrush or cloth with your cleaning solution of choice, then gently scrub out stains or dirt spots in circular motions. Wipe away the residue and pat dry with a clean towel. If you’re cleaning white leather, a Magic Eraser sponge can help to remove scuffs, too.
- How to clean canvas adidas skate shoes: Vinegar and baking soda work like a charm on canvas sneakers. Create your cleaning solution by mixing two tablespoons of each ingredient together, then combine the mixture with one cup of warm water. Using a toothbrush or cloth, apply the solution to your shoes with short, scrubbing motions. Once you’ve removed all the grime, let your kicks air dry. Some adidas skate shoes may be machine-washable too, so just make sure to double-check before tossing them in the wash.
- How to clean suede adidas skate shoes: To clean suede shoes, it’s a good idea to invest in specialized suede cleaning sprays to target surface stains. But, if your adidas skate shoes need a little more TLC, you can also purchase suede shoe cleaners or create your own solution with equal parts white vinegar and water. Before you dive in, be sure to wipe away loose dirt and debris using a dry cloth. Then, use a toothbrush, suede eraser, or suede brush, to gently lift dirt and remove stains. Allow your shoes to fully air dry before wearing them outside.
How We Selected the Best adidas Skate Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To compile this list of the best adidas skate shoes we conducted hours of research. We first spent time scouring the footwear market, evaluating each sneaker’s comfort level, style, and durability. We also considered any extra factors like customer reviews, social media clout, number of colors, size range, and special features such as the use of sustainable materials. Our editors personally tested several of the shoes and made sure to include options for different foot types, conditions, and functional needs. This guide to the best adidas skate shoes also includes several shoe models featured in Footwear News’ list of the Greatest Shoes of All Time. This list was created with expert input from our editorial team and a diverse panel of footwear industry insiders, as well as key metrics and data related to the popularity and historical significance of the included shoes. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She contributed to this guide on the best adidas skate shoes in September 2024.
