When it comes to longboarding, choosing the right shoes is key. A secure footing and a good feel for the board are essential for all aspects of longboarding, whether it’s downhill, dancing, or just cruising.
Counteracting Wear and Tear
Shoes often suffer the most wear and tear when skating. Due to foot braking and turning on rough griptape, the sole wears down quickly. Many longboarders therefore use Shoe Goo to repair holes or other damage to their shoes. This is an industrial adhesive that hardens into a tough rubber compound, effectively replacing the sole in thin spots.
The brake pad
Freeriders and downhill riders experience extremely high wear on their shoe soles, as they have to apply strong foot brakes at higher speeds. They use an extra brake pad [> Fig. 01], made from materials such as old go-kart tires or pieces of conveyor belt, which is simply glued under the shoe sole. The downside of a brake pad is that it makes it harder to feel the edges and concave of the board.
