Skateboard Shoes

Q: Should I choose vulcanised or cup sole?

Skate shoe soles come in two main types: vulcanised (vulc) soles and cup soles. Vulcanised soles are made by welding the outsole and intermediate elements to the upper material using a lateral rubber strip called a foxing tape. These shoes offer excellent board feel and flexibility, with a short break-in period. However, they provide less cushioning compared to cup sole shoes. Cupsole shoes have an outsole and sidewall made of one piece, similar to a flat cup. The upper, cushioning midsoles, and cup outsole are glued and usually stitched together. Cup sole shoes offer good cushioning properties and durability, with added stability. However, they are less flexible than vulc shoes and require a longer break-in period. Ultimately, the choice between vulcanised and cup sole shoes depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the skater. Some prefer the enhanced board feel and flexibility of vulc shoes, while others prioritise the cushioning and durability of cupsole skateboard shoes.

Discover one of the UK's widest selection of skateboarding shoes at NOTE Shop in Manchester. Our stockade features arguably some of the best skate shoes from the top brands like Nike SB, New Balance, Adidas, DC Shoes, éS, Emerica, Converse, Last Resort AB, Village PM, Lakai, and Vans. From true classic styles like the Nike SB Dunk Pro, Adidas Superstar and Vans Old Skool to the freshest and most innovative designs like Adidas Tyshawn and New Balance Numeric 480, we have something for every skater. Whether you're a casual skateboarder or simply looking for some new skate trainers to bob round town, our collection caters to all. Explore our cupsole and vulcanised skate shoes in suede, leather, and canvas materials. Shop now and enjoy free UK delivery and hassle-free returns.

Shop Skateboard Shoes By Brand

Iconic Skate Shoes

Dunks, Superstars and Half Cabs

Over the years we’ve housed loads of iconic trainers and numerous limited edition sneakers, from the the Nike SB Janoski, Nike SB Dunk and the Nike SB Blazer to the Vans Eras and Vans Half Cabs and Adidas Samba to the Converse One Star Pro. These days we’re still getting the best from around the industry while also getting the latest brands and designs. Last Resort AB - with their VM001, VM002, VM003, CM001 models - from Swedish Legend Pontus Alv and more recently Village PM coming out of France are two independent skate shoe brands we're stoked to stock.

Pro

Skate Shoes

The Pro skate shoe is still a trophy and life ‘Hammer’ all skaters dream of and at NOTE we keep up-to-date with the latest pro models. The Pro models we stock include the Nike SB Ishod Wair Max, Adidas Busenitz, Converse Cons AS-1 Pro (the Alexis Sablone pro model), the Adidas Tyshawn and New Balance Tiago Lemos 1010 to name a few.

About Skateboard Shoes

NOTE shop is the ultimate destination for skateboarding shoes and skate trainers in Manchester since 1999. While we’re not one for self-congratulation, our selection of shoes is pretty in depth with a diverse range of brands, designs, and styles to suit every skater's preference. Our collection boasts renowned brands like Nike SB, New Balance Numeric, Adidas, DC Shoes, Lakai, Emerica, Last Resort AB, War Saw, Village PM, Etnies, éS, Converse, and Vans, ensuring you have access to the best in the industry when looking for your next pair of skate footwear.

Whether you're a seasoned skater, just starting out or just into sneakers and the culture, our collection is designed to meet the diverse needs of skaters at all levels. From casual skateboarders to dedicated amateurs, we have the perfect pair for you. Even if you don't skateboard but appreciate style and streetwear, our collection is sure to pique your interest. Shop with confidence at NOTE Shop, knowing that we offer free UK delivery and hassle-free returns. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring your satisfaction with every purchase. Discover the perfect skateboarding shoes that combine style, performance, and quality - shop with us today.

Need help?

Skateboard Shoes FAQs

Should I choose vulcanised or cup sole?

Skate shoe soles come in two main types: vulcanised (vulc) soles and cup soles.

Vulcanised soles are made by welding the outsole and intermediate elements to the upper material using a lateral rubber strip called a foxing tape. These shoes offer excellent board feel and flexibility, with a short break-in period. However, they provide less cushioning compared to cup sole shoes.

Cupsole shoes have an outsole and sidewall made of one piece, similar to a flat cup. The upper, cushioning midsoles, and cup outsole are glued and usually stitched together. Cup sole shoes offer good cushioning properties and durability, with added stability. However, they are less flexible than vulc shoes and require a longer break-in period.

Ultimately, the choice between vulcanised and cup sole shoes depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the skater. Some prefer the enhanced board feel and flexibility of vulc shoes, while others prioritise the cushioning and durability of cupsole skateboard shoes.

Which material upper should I choose?

When it comes to buying skateboard shoes, durability is a crucial factor to consider. Skate sneakers are designed to withstand constant contact with the griptape, which makes them prone to wear and tear. Duarble skate shoes can be made from various materials, including suede, leather, nubuck, and canvas.

Suede Skate Shoes - Suede is a popular choice due to its durability and flexibility, making it a common material used in most skate shoes.
Leather and Nubuck Skateboard Shoes - Leather and nubuck uppers are treated with dye and additional layers to ensure durability, giving skate shoes a clean look.
Canvas Skate Shoes - Canvas is another material used in skate shoes for its breathability and lightweight properties, making it a suitable choice for less stressed areas of the shoe. Additionally, canvas skate shoes without leather are a great option for vegan skaters who are looking for vegan skate footwear.