Lakai Skate Shoes Review

If you have been in the skating world for any length of time, you have learned that shoes are a big deal. That is why there are hundreds of skate shoes which were specifically designed for skateboarding. Your average shoes won’t provide the comfort, safety, and control of a skate shoe.

If you haven’t purchased your first pair of skate shoes, or if you are looking for a new pair, this review of Lakai skate shoes should help you find the right pair with the right features for you. We are going to compare the Lakai skate shoes with three other highly rated shoes to see how they stack up.

COMPARISON TABLE

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What Are Lakai Skate Shoes?

Lakai Footwear is a trusted brand that has been making shoes for almost 20 years. The company was founded by professional skaters who wanted to make great shoes and offer a brand that makes people feel good and motivates them to enjoy skating. Lakai skate shoes are used and endorsed by several professionals. One of Lakai’s most popular shoes is the Lakai Griffin, so that is the one we chose to review.

Product Specs

The Lakai Griffin is a modern take on the classic skate shoe style. It resembles the skate shoes you might have grown up wearing, but it has been slimmed down to follow the current trends. These Lakai skate shoes are very lightweight and feature vulcanized, or vulc, rubber which has several benefits. They fit true to size, but these Lakai skate shoes don’t come in wide sizes, so they may not fit as comfortably if you have wide feet. Some skaters with wide feet noticed that the shoe stretched after skating a couple of times, which diminished the nice, snug fit.

If your feet are not wide, the fit and comfort are pretty good. The insole of the shoe will conform to your foot, making the shoes more comfortable, but some skaters thought the insole was too thin, and it can’t be removed. This means you can’t replace it with a higher quality insole if needed. The insole also lacks the arch support you see in other skate shoes, but it is still a surprisingly comfortable shoe.

These Lakai skate shoes are low tops, so they won’t provide as much support as a high top shoe, but they do come up higher than most other low tops. This, along with the crated midsole, provides great support. The hidden crating in the midsole also offers extra shock absorption, which adds some comfort. When wearing these Lakai skate shoes, you should have a good center of gravity and feel that your ankles are safely supported while as you ride and do tricks.

Pricing

These Lakai skate shoes are available for around $65 from Amazon, Journey, Zumiez, Lakai, or other shoe stores.

How They Compare

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

• Supra Stacks Vulc II
• Vans Sk8-Hi
• DC Court Graffik

Lakai Griffin Skate Shoes

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• Price
• Comfort
• Quality
• Durability

4.0 of 5 stars

The comfort of these Lakai skate shoes was improved by slightly higher ankle support. The insole could be a little bit thicker, but it conforms to your foot which improves the comfort over time. There is no arch support, but the crating in the midsole provide extra shock absorption which prevents your feet from taking the impact.

4.0 of 5 stars

This is a fairly high quality shoe, especially at this price point. The Lakai brand has had issues with durability in the past, but they worked to improve that in this shoe. The Griffin is a popular shoe among professionals and beginners alike. If you want to pay more, you can get a shoe with more features and support, but the Lakai Griffin is a basic shoe with great grips, fair durability, a nice look, and good support.

4.0 of 5 stars

The Griffin holds up pretty well due to the one piece toe cap, sturdy material, and durable grip on the bottom. There were some issues with the shape of the shoe changing, and the shoe may stretch out, especially if you have wide feet. Details like the logo also wore out more quickly, but the core of the shoe is durable.

Pros

• Provide good support
• Crating in the midsole for shock absorption
• Good grip and boardfeel

Cons

• Could be more comfortable
• No wide sizes
• May not hold shape

Supra Stacks Vulc II

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The Supra Stacks is a very functional shoe, but it has a casual and modern look. If you are looking for a shoe that can be worn for several occasions, not just for skating, this is a great choice. Some of the color and fabric options look more like a classic skate shoe while others would blend in with modern casual sneakers. This shoe is definitely defined by its style.

Beneath the surface, the Stacks provide great arch support, added padding for comfort and durability, and toe protection. Comfort will be no issue with this shoe due to the padded tongue, padding around the heel, and the premium-grade EVA sock liner. The Suprafoam midsole protects your feet from taking too much impact.

This is a low top shoe, meaning it doesn’t provide as much support as a high top. Otherwise, most skaters have been very happy with their purchase of the Supra Stacks and usually end up buying them again. For serious skaters, these shoes have not measured up when it comes to durability, but most recreational skaters haven’t had a problem.

• Price
• Comfort
• Quality
• Durability

The Supra Stacks cost around $65 and can be purchased at Amazon, Zumiez, Zappos, and other shoe stores.

5.0 of 5 stars

Comfort is one of the outstanding qualities of this shoe. Right out of the box, they will feel supportive and comfortable, so you won’t need to spend a lot of time breaking them in. The arch support, padding around the heel and tongue, and Suprafoam midsole are all evidence of attention to comfort when designing these shoes.

4.0 of 5 stars

This is a great shoe that can be worn in almost any setting and is made with nice materials and vulcanized rubber. The design differs from other skate shoes and makes the shoe look more expensive than it is. This is a comfortable shoe at a low price that keeps people coming back for more. It lacks some features of top-notch skate shoes and may fall short on durability, but this shoe excels in design and comfort.

3.0 of 5 stars

These shoes seem to focus on style and comfort more than functionality, so the durability didn’t compare with other shoes at this price point. Some skaters had an issue with the rubber sole separating from the shoe, and serious skaters found that the shoe didn’t last very long. If you are wearing these for everyday occasions, they will hold up nicely, but they aren’t as durable on the board as other skate shoes.

Pros

• Stylish; can be worn on different occasions
• Very comfortable

Cons

• Lack of durability
• Low tops are less supportive

Vans Sk8-Hi

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These high top skate shoes come from a well-know brand and live up to the good reputation of Vans. The Sk8-Hi shoes are made from premium leather which makes them weather resistant, adding durability and keeping them cleaner. On the inside, there is a warm lining and layer specifically designed for heat retention. Combined, the materials will keep your feet warm and dry when skating in less favorable weather.

The vulcanized lug and Vans signature waffle sole offer good traction while the reinforced toe adds even more durability to this shoe. It won’t quickly show signs of wear and tear. This shoe is one of the more durable shoes available.

The padded high top ankle will give you both comfort and support. The high top design also offers a different aesthetic than a lot of other skate shoes. The Sk8-Hi has a young and fun style that is distinctly “skater”.

While this is a high quality, durable shoe, it might not feel comfortable if you have high arches or wide feet. The shoe’s design is narrow, and the arch support is lacking. However, they are available in varying widths. The shoes can also feel hot when skating in warmer weather due to the heat retention layer.

• Price
• Comfort
• Quality
• Durability

Like the others we reviewed, you can purchase the Vans Sk8-Hi shoes for around $65. They are available at Amazon, PacSun, Urban Outfitters, and other clothing and shoe retailers.

3.0 of 5 stars

These shoes are not as comfortable as other we looked at. They were built more for style and durability and provide average comfort.

4.0 of 5 stars

While lacking a little bit in comfort, the Sk8-Hi skate shoes are well-designed for support while skating. The high top will adequately protect your ankle, and the materials of the shoe are high quality. The shoes are weather-resistant; they aren’t waterproof, but they do a good job at keeping your feet dry and warm. They will also continue to look nice after skating in any conditions.

5.0 of 5 stars

The use of premium leather makes these shoes more durable by protecting them from the elements. The material is also sturdy, so it holds its shape over time. Other features, like the reinforced toe cap, help this shoe to stay in good shape.

Pros

• High tops provide better ankle support
• Premium leather, weather resistant material
• Very durable

Cons

• Can be hot in the summer
• Narrow design and poor arch support

DC Court Graffik

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The DC Court Graffiks look distinctly different from the other skate shoes we looked at. They have the typical chunky look that might come to mind when you think of skate shoes. This has been a classic style of skate shoe for a long time, so these are a good choice for you if you want to have the skater style. The shape of the shoe is heavily padded and provides a lot of comfort. The low top design leaves room for more ankle support, but the wide base will help you maintain your center of gravity.

The shoe is durable due to its strong leather material and sturdy stitching. It also has good grip due to the pill tread pattern and breathability due to the vent holes, so your feet will remain at a comfortable temperature.

Some people have had a problem with the sizing of these shoes. They sometimes run small, so you may need to order at least a half size larger than you usually wear.

• Price
• Comfort
• Quality
• Durability

You can buy these shoes for around $65 from Amazon, Zappos, DC Shoes, and other retailers.

5.0 of 5 stars

The large, padded design gives maximum comfort. Many people who aren’t skaters like to wear these shoes for their style and comfort. The tongue and collar of the shoe have extra padding, and the vent holes will keep your feet from getting hot and sweaty.

4.0 of 5 stars

The DC skate shoes are made from quality materials and feature great craftsmanship. The stitching is strong, and the leather will keep your feet warmer and dryer. The shoes are comfortable, and they get good traction on the board. This is a pretty good shoe all around. Some people might not prefer the bulky look of the shoe, and the sizing can tend to run small.

5.0 of 5 stars

The strong leather and durable stitching help this shoe to last a long time. Some skaters have been able to keep these shoes for many years before totally wearing them out. The thick rubber sole is strong and won’t wear through quickly.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Durable
• Leather material and vent holes keep feet cool and dry

Cons

• Sizing can run small
• Chunky look is not appealing to everyone
• Low top is not as supportive for the ankle

Conclusion

The Lakai skate shoes are one of many great pairs of shoes available in their price range. Which shoe is best for you will depend on what you are looking for in a shoe. The Supra Stacks are a good choice if you want to wear your shoes on more formal occasions. The Vans, with their high tops and leather material, are a good option if you want ultimate support and durability with a fun style. The DC shoes are durable and comfortable with a distinct, bulky look, so they are a good choice for the skater who wants a very classic “skater” style.

If you are looking for a shoe that has a simple look, great performance, and good support and durability, the Lakai skate shoes are a good choice. Other shoes may beat the Lakai Griffins in one category or another, but the Griffins are a total package. They aren’t super weak in any of the categories we used in our evaluation. Overall, we give them a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.