It's not dishonest to say there are more non-skaters now wearing skate shoes than folk who actually skate. Formerly a corner of the footwear industry dominated by OG brands like DC, Airwalk and Lakai, these days, all the sportswear giants, including Nike, adidas, Puma and New Balance, operate their own specialist skate sub-labels.
Once upon a time, nearly all skate shoes were big and bulky to the point they'd inadvertently double as dangerous weapons. Now, it's hard to tell what a skate shoe even is. Among other things, a wearable, streamlined design approach has seen a mainstream (and celebrity) audience gravitate towards the shoes, with iconic models like the Vans Old Skool popular with soccer moms and teenage stoners alike.
With the market flooded, choosing the right pair can be tough, which is why we've rounded up 10 of our favorites that can be worn at — and away from — the park. Peep them below, and then check out the best Nike Mayfly models to cop right now.
Also, make sure to follow @Highsnobietysneakers to stay updated on news and release dates.
