Last Updated on March 8, 2021 by Jayda Salinas
No one can relate to damaged shoes than a skater who knows his skating tricks well.
But what good are those tricks if your shoe condition keeps interfering?
It would help if you remembered your first pair of skate shoes and how they gave up so quickly. Skating is a sport where there is a constant shift of momentum and continuous rubbing against some areas of skate shoes.
You will be surprised to know that even top class durable skating shoes used by professional skaters begin to show signs of wear within 2 hours of strong skating.
Whether professional or beginners, Skaters often make the mistake of using their skate shoes right out of the box. They add additional aids like super glue and duct tape later when they notice their skate shoes’ condition.
You have to start from the beginning!
Contents
1. Protective measures:
I always recommend not to wait for the shoes to wear or start showing the first signs of abrasion. You can add the protective measures I will be mentioning right from the start.
Take your previous worn down skate shoes as a template. Notice the pattern of wear and tear on these shoes. The place and signs may vary from company to company of sneaker skate shoes. However, the variation is not that different.
Following the pattern of old skate shoes, you can add certain reliable substances that will increase the functionality and durability of shoes. Remember to be careful and use safe products. I have mentioned the ones that have been used for years and bring a positive influence in prolonging the life of skate shoes.
2. Superglue:
Superglue forms a hard scaly layer that is resistant to rubs and protects the fabric underneath. Superglue is a versatile product and can be used with other skate shoe aids. You can apply superglue on materials like suede, canvas, and high-quality leather.
Super glue can be used for glueing on patches or individually. It would be best if you used it on shoe stitches to hold the fabric together. The heel, nose, and toe areas are most prone to damage.
3. Duct Tapes:
You must have seen your father use duct tape on his skate shoes. Duck tapes have long been in use, and to this day, they still bring benefits in protecting skate shoes.
However, there is variation in duct tapes. Remember to use less rigid and soft duct tape. Hard scratchy duck tapes cause more damage than good.
Apply tape on the sides of the outsole, front, and near the eyelets as those areas are readily exposed to rubs during flick and ollies.
4. Suede Patches:
Suede patches with super sticking are available in the market like Tricktape. They are a go-to for covering holes on your skate shoes.
Formation of holes due to abrasion is rare in new skate shoes but not unheard of.
You can cut the patch to size and dimension of the hole to cover it up. Not only that, but suede will protect the material and give durability to shoes. You can combine the patches with any of the materials, and it will not look odd.
Suede patches are another old method that can be used before the holes’ appearance to protect your skate shoes effectively. However, there is a limit to which you can add the patches. After that, you have to say goodbye to an old faithful pair sadly.
5. Lace-up and lace itself:
Laces play an essential role in holding your shoes together. They not only give fitness but also stretch to shoes.
6. Eyelets:
I am talking about the laces and the eyelets and upper mesh of shoes through which you weave the laces. They work in coordination to bring out the best of your skating skills.
The laces should be made of a durable material that will stand its worth even when the shoes are laced tightly. There is a catch. You have to know the right pattern of lacing skate shoes to get benefits.
7. Lace material:
The material of laces should not be a simple fabric but a durable elastic or high-quality leather. Even when stretched, they can hold their own and keep the upper mesh of skate shoes together. You can add wax to the laces yourself by following home remedies.
It is a common occurrence that the laces can rip through the eyelets if they are made of fabric only. Metal eyelets are preferable because they hold the mesh and laces together. Furthermore, the superglue and suede patches I have mentioned before added to the mixture make an ideal and robust blend.
8. Plasti Dips:
Another vulnerable point of skate shoes is the front. The toe area gets a lot of pressure, not just from the inside. The outer layer is exposed to bumps and ground grazing while doing backward flips.
To ensure the durability of the front, you have to use a sturdy material. However, it has to be soft enough not to damage the metatarsals and toe skin. For that purpose, you can use Plasti dips, which are liquids that, when sprayed, penetrate fabric and form a rubber-like layer.
You can control the density of the rubber by limiting the spray push. Plasti dips are of good quality and can be combined with converse, Vans, and suede material.
9. Update regularly:
After taking so many precautionary steps, you have to remember to keep the activities updates. Please do not make the mistake of doing these once as most people do.
To keep protecting your skate shoes, you have to update the grip tapes and glues regularly. Even if shoes’ fabric is safeguarded, the tapes are not, and heavier abrasions can inflict damage that surpasses multiple layers of protection.
Conclusion:
I have mentioned some of the most effective methods. Skate shoes are meant to be cherished as you have gathered each penny to buy your favorite pair. The good thing is a little more investment, and you can prolong the break in period. So, make the best out of your flips and continue to dominate the field of skating!