Are Converse Good Skate Shoes? An Honest Look (2026)
Classic Chucks have flat soles and great board feel, but regular versions wear out fast. Here's how they compare with skate shoes.
The Short Answer
Classic Converse Chuck Taylors can be skated, and many skaters love their flat, grippy soles and board feel. But the regular canvas versions wear out quickly on grip tape and offer little cushioning for jumps. For regular skating, a skate-specific shoe with a suede upper and better cushioning is usually the smarter choice. Converse also makes a skate line, often sold under the CONS name, built with tougher materials.
Classic Chucks vs Skate Shoes
| Classic Canvas Chucks | Skate-Specific Shoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Board feel | Excellent, flat vulcanized sole | Excellent (vulc) to good (cupsole) |
| Grip | Good | Very good |
| Durability | Canvas wears through fast | Suede and reinforcements last longer |
| Cushioning | Minimal | Padded insoles, sometimes air units |
| Support | Low | Padded collars and tongues |
Pros of Skating in Converse
- Flat, flexible soles give great board feel.
- Classic look.
- Widely available.
Cons
- Canvas uppers wear through quickly where you ollie and kickflip.
- Thin insoles mean sore heels after jumps.
- Less ankle and heel support.
The Classic
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top
The classic canvas high-top. Fine for casual cruising, but expect faster wear if you skate tricks.
Check Price on AmazonBetter Options for Skating
Vans Old Skool
One of the most recognizable skate shoes, with a suede and canvas upper and Vans' waffle-tread vulcanized sole.
Check Price on AmazonNew Balance Numeric 306
A vulcanized shoe with a suede upper and an extra rubber layer around the ollie area to resist grip tape wear.
Check Price on AmazonNike SB Zoom Blazer Low Pro GT
A suede upper, vulcanized sole and a Zoom Air unit in the heel for cushioning.
Check Price on AmazonWhat to Look For in a Skate Shoe
- Suede upper: lasts much longer than canvas.
- Reinforced ollie area: rubber or extra layers where you flick.
- Cushioned insole: protects heels on landings.
- Vulcanized vs cupsole: vulc for board feel, cupsole for support and impact protection.
See all our picks in best skate shoes, and compare are Vans good for skateboarding. Keep laces from snapping with how to lace skate shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you skate in Converse?
Yes. Their flat soles give good board feel. Regular canvas Chucks wear out quickly, though, and offer little cushioning.
What's the difference between regular Converse and Converse skate shoes?
Converse's skate line (CONS) uses tougher materials like suede and added cushioning for skating.
Are Converse good for beginners?
They work, but a skate-specific shoe with suede and a durable sole is usually a better investment.
Why do canvas shoes wear out skating?
Grip tape is abrasive and quickly wears through thin canvas, especially where you ollie.
What shoes are better for skateboarding?
Skate-specific shoes with suede uppers, reinforced ollie areas and cushioned insoles.