In addition to your hardware, it is primarily your shoes that take the most wear and tear when skating. Apart from the sole, it is mainly the surface and the seams in the ollie area that are affected first. Once the seams are worn through, the overlapping (leather) layers often come apart and your shoes wear out disproportionately quickly. But it doesn't have to be that way! Even after your first session, there are a few things you can do to give your shoes a longer life.

This happens most often – hole in the ollie area / seam has come apart

Best solution (lasts longest):

    -Shoe Goo (or Pattex Repair Extreme)
    -Clean and dry the area
    -Apply a thick layer, smooth it out with an ice cube or a plastic or wooden knife
    -Leave to dry for 12–24 hours

If you really want to know, you can also try sewing the affected area back together with a strong needle and waxed thread (secret tip: dental floss). Then apply another thin layer of Shoe Goo.

You can make the whole thing even more durable by incorporating a small piece of suede.

After prolonged use of the shoe – the sole comes loose or is worn through

    -Open up, remove dirt
    -Apply contact adhesive (Pattex Classic, Kövulfix) to both sides
    -Wait 5–10 minutes, then press firmly together
    -Secure overnight with rubber bands or clamps

Pro tip for the future:

    -Apply Shoe Goo to new shoes at the ollie spot BEFORE use
    -Or use a skate patch/leather patch right from the start
    -Shoes made of suede instead of canvas last significantly longer