Some people beleive that the type of shoes a person wears says a lot about that person. There was a time when skate shoes simply said, "I ride a skateboard", but skateboarding and it's culture have gone mainstream. In today's world wearing a pair of skate shoes doesn't exactly give anyone a window into your inner psyche, but it should at least tell people that you appreciate the culture that skating or board sports in general has created over the past few decades.

Skate shoes are quality shoes built for taking a beating, but they are comfortable and look good at the same time. skate shoes are made to grip the board, protect your feet and improve your skating skills. The added benefit of looking slick while you sport them is a welcome bonus.

Skate shoe manufacturers like DC Shoe Co., Osiris, Etnies, Airwalk, Lakai, Circa and others are producing shoes that are not only revolutionizing the skateboarding world, but also the ever changing fashion world on the street. In fact street fashion has embraced most of what the skate world offers up, but, it's the shoes that can be seen on the feet of people from across the spectrum.

You may ask, "What should I look for in a skate shoe?". If you find yourself asking that question, we can bet that you aren't just looking to make a fashion statement. If you're interested in what makes a good skate shoe, you are likely pairing your shoes up with a skateboard.

The answer to what makes a good skate shoe isn't the same for every person, just as not each shoe works on every foot. First and formost you'll what to find a shoe that feels comfortable on your foot and not just comfortable when you are kicking back with your feet up. You need to find a shoe that feels good to move around in, walking, jumping etc.

After that you'll need to find a comfortable shoe that is going to hold up to some serious skate sessions. Extra stitching, reinforced leather or suede, support for impact areas like the heel.

Picking the right shoe to skate in is important, but, in reality no shoe is indestructable, so, as long as you are getting out and riding hard you'll get more than a few opportunities to pick out the perfect shoe. If you don't get it exactly right the first time, don't sweat it. The important thing is that you get out and ride in some different shoes. With more skate experience you'll gain the knowledge of what makes the perfect skate shoe for you.

Enjoy the ride!