What type of footwear are you supposed to wear when you’re fighting against speed, obstacles, and tricks? Whether you’re suffering from feet-related problems or searching for the best BMX shoes on the market, we’ve got your back.
Right off the bat, BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross, a type of cycling that took the world by storm around the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Scot Breithaupt, who was a young boy at the time, was obsessed with motocross but couldn’t afford a motorcycle. So, he dared to perform different tricks on the motocross track on a regular bicycle.
Motocross enthusiasts were obsessed with Scot’s performance and a bicycle manufacturer, Al Fritz, decided to start working on bicycles that resembled motorcycles ASAP.
Little by little, BMX became one of the most popular cycling sports for younger generations around the world. When you’re performing tricks on a BMX bicycle, your feet aren’t something you’re bothered by.
But when you start getting blisters and bruises that prevent you from performing, you might wonder – what are the best BMX shoes out there?
We’re here to make sure you don’t overspend on overhyped kicks promoted by OGs and celebrities and focus on what matters the most – support, stability, and protection. Read more down below!
What to consider when shopping for the best BMX shoes for your feet?
We’d say you have to pay attention to two things – whether or not you’re experiencing feet-related problems and whether or not you’re on a budget.
Right away, you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get orthotics and/or physical therapy for problems such as overpronation, underpronation, plantar fasciitis, etc.
Rather than praying the pain away, you’re better off addressing the problems before you damage your feet even more. BMX performances aren’t “rainbows and butterflies” at all times.
In case your feet are happy and healthy and you’re on the hunt for high-quality sneakers that are going to keep them safe, supported, and protected, keep your eyes peeled on a few key features.
Flat soles, for example, offer plenty of stability that’s crucial when you’re hopping over obstacles. For once, that’s a feature you won’t find on all sneakers that are marketed as BMX shoes.
Wide platforms and toe boxes are a great addition, too, because you’re going to need enough room to spread and wiggle your toes. Not to mention that wider feet need more room, too.
Padding for comfort can offer more stability and support and ensure you don’t hurt your feet when you slip and fall. Also, traction and grip are a must to prevent slipping and falling.
Other than that, you might want to opt for darker colors because you’re going to get your kicks dirty as soon as you get on the BMX court.
On top of that, you might want to buy two pairs of sneakers when you catch them on sale or get some sort of discount. You’d be surprised at the speed at which BMX sneakers get damaged and destroyed.
What are the best BMX shoes on the market right now?
1. Vans Old Skool Classic
Starting with a bang, these Vans Old Skool Classic sneakers are everyone’s favorite because they’re lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Not to mention that Vans design some of the most popular footwear for BMX enthusiasts. Honestly, we could make an entire list of the best BMX shoes with Vans only!
Now, these Vans sneakers are made to accommodate a biker’s feet. With arch and ankle support, a wide toe box, reinforced toes, and cushioned insoles, they’re guaranteed to provide you with stability and support. We’re rooting for them because they’re fashion-forward, sleek, and simple, too. Whatever floats your boat, though!
2. Etnies Windrow X Doomed
Vans might reign supreme, but Etnies come a close second for a million reasons. We’d go as far as to argue that Etnies might not be the best BMX shoes, but they’re the most attractive and appealing for sure. So, depending on what you’re on the hunt for, these might be the perfect fit for you.
Etnies Windrow X Doomed sneakers are made with a bunch of features that promise to make your ride smoother and better. They’re equipped with Force Shield reinforced uppers, Foam Lite 2 molded EVA footbeds, and rubber outsoles. They’re made with breathable fabrics that allow airflow and prevent sweaty feet, too. They’re everything you need and more, right?!
3. DC Trase TX
When you’re on the lookout for a sleek and simple silhouette, we recommend going for the DC Trase TX sneakers.
They’re super similar to Vans sneakers. You can wear them with pretty much everything and you can rely on them to get you through the day pressure and pain-free (for the most part). They’re made with a high-profile textile and a mesh upper which means they’re perfect for the summer. They’re flexible and simple to slip on and off.
Not to mention that they’re pretty freakin’ affordable when compared to some of the other BMX sneakers on the market. Needless to say, you’re going to get your money’s worth with these bad boys.
4. Adidas Grand Court
OK, you can’t go wrong with Adidas sneakers.
Because they’re such a brand name, you know you’re getting high-quality, hardwearing sneakers that are going to get you through years and years of practice (they’re known to come with a warranty, too). But we’d opt for Adidas Grand Court sneakers because you can choose between a bunch of fabrics, colors, and patterns.
Moreover, these sneakers are made with rubber outsoles to prevent you from slipping and falling. On top of that, they’re padded for comfort, equipped with a roomy toe box, and designed to accommodate different feet widths.
5. Nike Zoom Stefan Janoski
Nike sneakers might be even more popular and prominent than Adidas ones (not to stir any drama among the sneakerheads).
When you go for Nike sneakers, you know you’re going for comfort, durability, dependability, and a fashion statement.
Whether or not that’s something you’re on the hunt for, Nike sneakers have got you covered. Nike Zoom Stefan Janoski sneakers, however, are a favorite among the BMX crowd because they’re lightweight, flexible, and breathable.
Not to mention the fact that they’re simple to slip on and off, wearable, and fashionable. Now, we do need to mention that they’re not protective whatsoever because they’re made without padding.
But that’s something you need to figure out on your own. You may need more padding depending on the condition of your feet.
6. Vans SK8-Hi
We’re going back to Vans because we can’t forget about one of the best BMX shoes on the market – Vans SK8-Hi. Vans are a great choice whichever style you opt for, but the Vans SK8-Hi sneakers are perfect for BMXers who need more arch and ankle support.
They’re high-tops, for starters, which means they will offer you more stability and support than other sneakers we’ve mentioned beforehand.
They’re reinforced with the BMX Wafflecup, the Vans Duracap, and the signature gum rubber grip – what’s not to adore, right? They’re created with high-quality, hardwearing fabrics which means they’re going to last you a long time, too.
7. Globe Motley Mid-Top
What do you do when you’re supposed to wear high-tops for ankle and arch support but you’re not sure about the way that style looks on you? Go for mid-tops – they’re a thing, too. Globe Motley mid-tops are an excellent choice because they’re supportive and protective, breathable and lightweight, and flexible.
When you take a closer look, you might notice that they’re made with durable fabrics which means they’re going to last you a long time.
They’re made with rubber outsoles (and a herringbone pattern, for that matter) which means they’re going to keep you on your feet. And, they’re padded for comfort. At the end of the day, they’re a great, affordable alternative.
8. Osiris Protocol
Back to low-tops, we’re swooning over the Osiris Protocol sneakers because they’re equipped with everything you need.
Before you spend your money on Adidas or Nike sneakers (you do you, though), don’t shy away from checking out the cheaper, but super similar option, too. Osiris Protocol sneakers are breathable and lightweight, to start with.
They’re made with abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles that offer excellent grip. They’re padded all around which means they’re great for when you’re planning on spending the entire day on your feet. They’re easy on the eye, too.
9. Vans Dan Lacey Slip-On
We started with Vans and we’re ending with Vans – that’s the circle of life right there.
Slip-on sneakers are popular among the BMX crowd because they’re more wearable than most of the other sneakers we mentioned beforehand. They’re easy to slip on and off (clearly), and they’re a signature style made by the one and only -Dan Lacey.
They’re padded for comfort and protection, and they’re made with a myriad of features that Dan swears by. They’re designed with the classic waffle soles for traction and they’re equipped with everything a BMXer might need.
