Well that is the golden question. Technically, no, you don’t need skate shoes. You could wear any shoes. But the point is, skate shoes are made to help you skate better. And it’s true - they do help. Skate shoes have flat, grippy, and usually extra wide soles to help you hold onto your board better. Some skate shoes have extra padding on the sides and the tongue to help protect your foot when doing technical tricks. On the other hand, more of the old school skaters prefer the thin classic style skateboarding shoes which allow you to feel the board while doing tricks. A lot of skate shoes now have reinforced side panels to help protec your shoes while doing ollies, or have extra padding around the heel collar to help hold onto your foot. There is a lot of research going into the skate shoe of today since they are rather expensive and the companies want to build them to last longer.

Etnies has been making skateboard shoes for a long time and they are one of the most popular brands out their on the market today.

Is it really that complicated? Well yes it is. STI has done extensive research into what it takes to make a skateboarding shoe last. Introduced just a few years ago, System G2™ was the first technology ever developed by STI. Today, it is recognized as simply being the best shock-absorbing device for action sports shoes and snowboard boots. Inserted into the heel and combined with EVA or PU, System G2™ provides dual-cushioning comfort and protection that helps absorb a wide range of impacts–from the very soft to the most extreme–that riders put on their feet, to help reduce injuries and prevent heel bruises. The result is the ultimate skateboarding cushioning technology that absorbs up to 75% more force than conventional skate shoes and snowboard boots. It’s no wonder then that System G2™ is found in almost every pro model endorsed shoe Sole Technology manufactures.

STI is constantly doing research on skateboarding shoes and they have a development team working on just that, making a better skate shoe for you.

Here is a list of some of the new features that have been designed to help you shoes last longer and for your feet to last longer as well:-)
Vulcanized rubber soles
Air pockets in the heels
Shoelace protectors
DGT (DC Shoes)
Super Suede (DC Shoes)
System G2 Cushioning (etnies, Emerica, Es Footwear)
STI foam (etnies, Emerica, Es Footwear)
Lace Loops that “hide” shoelaces
Action Leather
Thermoplastic Toe Box Reinforcement(Vox)
EVA Mid Sole
Fusion Grip Rubber Outsole
Asymmetric stabilizer
Silicon Rubber makes shoes last longer(SiRC)