Skate Shoe Technologies

Nike SB continues to use Zoom Air in the heel for better cushioning. The small air unit effectively absorbs heavy impacts, especially from high drops. This technology is lightweight and low-profile, ensuring excellent boardfeel. Many current models, such as the Janoski+, feature this technology.

The Herringbone-Profile is a classic sole design used by Nike SB for enhanced grip. The zigzag structure provides excellent traction on the skateboard, supporting quick direction changes and controlled slides. The outsole wears evenly, extending the shoe’s durability and providing reliable grip for both street and park skating.

Nike SB uses an EVA-Midsole in many models for improved cushioning. EVA stands for ethylene-vinyl acetate, a lightweight, flexible foam. It absorbs impact forces, protecting your joints and feet when landing, while maintaining precise boardfeel, which is essential for technical skating. This technology combines comfort and performance in one shoe.

With Flyknit, Nike introduced a lighter, virtually seamless, strong, and durable upper material. In Nike SB, Flyknit appears as a sock-like extension of the collar, as seen on the Nike SB Koston 3. Flyknit technology locks your foot securely, protects your ankles, and helps you maintain better control of your board. Flyknit is made from ultra-light TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) yarn, processed into a durable fabric that wraps tightly around the ankle. Thanks to the high collar and inner sock, you feel completely connected to your shoes, making them respond precisely to your movements on the skateboard.

The abbreviation ADV behind some of adidas Skateboarding’s shoe models stands for “Advanced” and describes the improvements to the features of the shoes to meet the requirements of skating. The adidas Skateboarding Busenitz Vulc ADV shoe is the perfect example of how the optimal skate shoe can be created from classic adidas models.

The adidas Pivot Point can be found on a lot of the brands’ shoes right in the area of the ball of foot. The technology of the concentric circles has been proven itself over the years, which is why it’s part of a lot of adidas sports shoes. By contact with the ground, the openings provide a much better rotation to the foot, or rather let you position your foot a lot easier despite having maximum grip.

The adidas AdiTuff technology is an abrasion-resistant material that is used in the toe area and/or on the inside of the front foot area. It is basically a toe cap and is mainly used to prevent excessive wear. Especially with flip tricks the front area of skate shoes wears out pretty quickly. That’s where adidas Adituff comes in. The abrasion-resistant material mixture is designed to prolong the life of the skate shoes and also provides a high level of protection for the feet.

The adidas AdiPRENE® is used in many adidas skateboarding skate shoes. It is an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) based material which is incorporated in the heel area which absorbs impact forces and protects heels and joints from high loads. The adiPRENE® insert ensures long-term cushioning and pleasant wearing comfort.

With the STI Evolution Foam, etnies brings a lightweight, flexible and elastic midsole into the race. This gives the skate shoes a lot of damping in order to even counteract strong impacts. STI Evolution Foam centre soles are made of polyurethane, making them extremely durable. They also give you great boardfeel.

The material that etnies uses for the insoles in many of their skate shoes is called Pro Foam 1. It’s a foamed polyurethane footbed that provides superior impact absorption and support in combination with the STI Evolution® Foam midsole.

Much like és, etnies uses a 400 NBS rubber lining for the running soles of the Marana and Helix models. NBS is a measure of the density and abrasion resistance of rubber. 400 NBS corresponds to the highest value of rubber that is still sufficiently flexible for an outsole without becoming brittle. In short: you get maximum resistance and reliable flexibility.

Michelin and etnies have teamed up to develop a special cup sole for the Marana, Veer and Joslin models. The Marana sole also uses etnies’ STI Evolution Foam, which provides plenty of cushioning and impact protection. The deep grooves in the tread pattern provide high traction, while the Michelin rubber compound offers remarkable durability on all surfaces. According to etnies the Marana sole is 3x more durable than its predecessor.

Emerica’s G6 technology describes their in-house cushioned foam soles. These are made of EVA, making them lightweight and giving you the cushioning and comfort you need when skating.

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