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Best Globe Shoes On The Globe Reviewed
Since the early '90s, Globe Shoes have been paving the way in developing one-of-a-kind technologies to help skaters reach their performance goals and get air like never before. Globe has become a trusted name in purpose-built footwear and is a must-have for skaters, surfers, and snowboarders alike.
We hope that our list of top ten Globe shoes will help you rock the skate park like never before!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Skate shoes offer a distinctive vibe that sets them apart from other kinds of footwear. Their unique design is the driving force behind the ‘skate shoe’ trend that took off in the mid-'90s, early '00s. Since then, this style of footwear has become increasingly popular with both skaters and non-skaters who simply enjoy adopting the skater attitude and style of dress.
Despite their recent rise to public notoriety, skate shoes have been around for quite some time. During the late ’70s and early ’80s, the birth of low-profile sneakers like Converse and Vans were paving the way for the skate-style shoes to come. Around the same time, skateboarding was making its transition from the sidewalk surfing of then to the complex set of skills it is today.
Skate shoes have become synonymous with streetwear and youth flock together in a myriad of board-inspired looks that have become the holy grail to the young and rebellious. This weighs heavy on the need for these shoes to look the part and to deliver the right level of style.
Known for their broad structure and puffy appearance, these styles truly bring their own flair to the world of shoes and have become synonymous with overly comfortable wearability. Those with wider feet no longer have to cramp their toes trying to wear a pair that’s considered ‘stylish’ thanks to this footwear trend that’s taken the world by storm and has shown no signs of slowing down.
If you're looking for the most stylish option out of all the Globe shoes we laid out in our list, don't hesitate to sort them by this criterion and choose off the top!
Outsole
The outsole is an integral part of any skate shoe! It dictates the kind of grip you have and how well you’re able to move while on your board. The outsole is also responsible for your overall stability, which is a very important aspect. There are various features to look for in your outsole, including shock absorbers, cushioning, grippy tread, and more.
There are two kinds of soles used in the construction of Globe shoes: vulcanized and cup.
Vulcanized soles are generally lighter and more flexible thanks to their thin structure. Another benefit to this design is that you get excellent board feel because of the way that vulcanized options are glued to the shoe and adhered using only a narrow rubber strip. The downside to this design is that its less durable than a cup sole and is easily scuffed.
Cup soles are sewn right into the shoe, which allows for guaranteed performance every time. This style is long lasting and holds up well under heavy wear. However, despite its heightened stability this design is heavier and hampers agility.
There are also different outsole profiles available that enhance both the cup and vulcanized options, making them more flexible, with better cushioning and grip.
The most well-known kinds of sole profiles are the herringbone and the waffle.
The herringbone traction pattern is a basic design that’s proven to be a favorite among athletes for decades. It consists of a simple multi-directional groove pattern that provides a better grip on almost any surface.
Waffle patterns are exactly what they sound like: a sole that has a similar groove pattern to a waffle iron. These grooves allow for a solid grip and excellent board-feel, making them the perfect choice for any skater.
Globe has developed their own unique spin on athletic traction pattern with their S-Trac™ tread. This innovative option delivers an original type of traction thanks to its carefully constructed grooves that allow for exceptional grip while still maintaining a lightweight structure and superior board-feel.
Materials
Skate shoes and performance shoes are made from various materials that offer certain benefits over the others.
One of the most popular choices is leather because its durable, water-resistant, and breathable. Leathers have an incredible knack for wicking excess moisture away from the skin and pushing it outwards, making for a drier environment inside of your shoes.
Suede is a popular choice of material for the upper unit because it’s durable and long-lasting. Despite its tough exterior, suede will stretch and soften with continued wear, so it's a good idea to buy it a bit tighter than your normal shoes. This will let you break in the material for a more comfortable fit that feels tailored to your foot. Globe often uses this option on areas of heavy stress like the toe caps because it's one of the toughest there is.
Patent leather is thinner and delivers a lighter build overall, though it is far less durable than suede. This material is good for warmer weather because of its lightweight feel and breathable consistency that allows for adequate airflow inside of the shoe and around your skin. The downside to this choice is that you will find yourself having to replace your shoes far more frequently.
Environmentalists love canvas and vegan fabrics that forgo the use of animal materials altogether. Canvas and other textiles provide an impressive alternative to the usual leather designs.
Canvas is less resilient than leather but is able to withstand quite a bit of wear and tear before its retirement. Textile options, including canvas and other plant-based materials, are usually very lightweight and breathable, which makes them a good choice for athletic shoes.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a big aspect of Globe shoes, especially if you’re planning on killing with your board tricks! If you’re an avid trickster who knows what it means to ollie or do 360 hardflips, then you know how important flexibility truly is.
Performing these tricks in the wrong type of shoes can put you at a greater risk of injury, while a flexible choice can keep you safer. A rigid shoe will negatively affect your speed, agility, and range of motion, which means your performance will suffer in the end.
Rubber is an excellent material for the outsole because its movable, waterproof, and extremely grippy. This makes for the perfect combination of qualities that are geared toward improving overall performance. Rubber provides just the right level of firmness without compromising your ability to move unrestricted, which is why it’s so popular among wearers.
Features
When it comes to features, there are a few key ones to consider for this type of shoes. The features that a pair offers can better your overall performance and will also make a world of difference when it comes to comfort. Let’s break down some of the most important aspects of Globe footwear.
Ventilation
Sweaty feet are just plain terrible! No wants to have damp slippery toes, especially while you’re trying to grip your board! Skating is a demanding sport and you probably already know how quickly things can get sweaty inside of your shoes! That’s why proper ventilation is so important to prevent a build-up of sweat and odor-causing bacteria.
Cushioning
Skating is an intense sport that puts a lot of pressure on your lower limbs; proper padding can help reduce the impact. The most important areas of cushioning are the tongue, the side walls, and the heel. These spots take the most strain while boarding and are the most susceptible to injury.
Seams
This type of shoes is prone to tearing at the seams because of the tough wear and tear they’re continually put through. This is why there need to be additional reinforcements along all of the seams to extend their lifespan.
Double and triple stitched seams in the toe and heel areas are the most durable and will be able to better handle the strain, making them a wise choice for boarders. There are also seamless toecaps available that prevent blowouts caused by rough grip tape which is highly recommended for advanced skaters.
Our Favorites
1. Sabre
The Globe's Sabre is ready to ride! It boasts an impressive 100% leather upper unit and a non-slip rubber sole that yields the kind of board grip the pros dream of. Its low-top build and utilitarian vibe make this pair a go-to for skaters far and wide and delivers the kind of style you want while you’re on the grind.
The Sabre’s step-in sock liner provides an optimal level of comfort while supporting your feet and lessening the chance of injury. Its flexible design allows you total freedom to move whichever way you choose and won’t restrict you while you’re on the go. Skaters love the impact control and whole foot cushioning the Sabre’s Nitrocel™ Airbag pockets provide, which prevents foot pain and lower limb fatigue so you can go for hours on end.
Its rubber S-TRAC™ outsole is lightweight and flexible but still provides a durable wear. Globe’s innovative S-TRAC™ sole gives better impact control by providing a solid grip that won’t let you down and holding tight to the board beneath your feet. This is a mid-priced pair that delivers exceptional value for its selling price and is guaranteed to impress.
2. Fusion
The Fusion from Globe features a nubuck leather upper and a grippy rubber outsole that’s perfect for life on the board! Its rugged design is built tough to last long and it won’t let you down, even after long hours of strenuous wear. This pair is perfect for skaters of any skill level thanks to its fully cushioned build that protects your feet from every angle.
Fusion’s nubuck leather upper is breathable and allows for better air circulation inside of the shoe which keeps your feet cool and dry. Leather offers excellent moisture-wicking qualities that draw excess moisture away from the skin, pushing it outwards to prevent a build-up of sweat and odor-causing bacteria. Globe's S-Trac™ tread pattern is specially designed with traction lugs that deliver better energy transfer. This unique pattern offers excellent shock absorption and lessens foot and leg pain, while at the same time it provides the ideal mix of grip and flexibility.
Skaters love the Fusion’s step-in sock liner and TPR ollie reinforcement that make this shoe a heavy hitter. It won’t let you down no matter how much stress you put it through. Its Nitrolite™ insole is super lightweight and made from comforting EVA foam that holds up well under pressure so you won’t have to take it easy on this pair!
3. Dover
A skate design that you can take out to a fancy dinner without any problems - the Globe's Dover is here to meet all of your needs, from the skate park to a classy event. This mid-cut slip-on boot style is effortlessly elegant, not least because of its clean, simple lines. It features all the technologies and properties required of a good skate shoe, but it comes in one sleek, sophisticated package that simply breathes fashion.
The Dover’s upper is made from shaved suede for comfort, breathability, and that plush finish. It has two gore panels in the sides for accommodating feet and ankles of all shapes, as well as two pull tabs - front and back - to make it easy for you to slide in. In regards to skating, the Dover is equipped with a Shockbed insole for rebound protection, and a Super V vulcanized sole that has grip, flexibility, and a long lifespan.
We’re in awe of the look and feel of this option. The Dover is stunningly stylish, cool and great to wear practically anywhere - even to class! - and yet it doesn’t lack any of the performance features you need to make a lasting impression among your skater buds.
4. Los Angered II
Apart from having a cool name, the Los Angered II from Globe was created by Dion Agius, the professional surfer who is ruling the waves these days. He infused his penchant for excitement and unpredictability into this design, and thus the Los Angered II is a perfect blend of casual and handsome on one side, and skateboard-ready on the other.
This design has a canvas upper as a throwback to all the legendary skate shoes of the past (think Vans). It comes with a Shockbed insole which ensures maximum rebound and energy return, as well as a Super V outsole with a lug pattern that provides a good grip and more than enough flexibility. The Los Angered II is a high-top option, making it supportive for the ankle, and the lace-up closure all the way to the top ensures maximum adjustability.
The Los Angered II is not just a great skate choice, it is also a great fashion choice. This sneaker goes from laid-back to fancy in a blink of an eye, all with a simple change of the outfit. Dress it up or dress it down, and you’ll be ready to take it out on the board whenever you want to!
5. Motley Mid
The Globe’s Motley is a mid-cut skate shoe that boasts a shaved-suede upper unit and comfy faux-fur lining. Its herringbone patterned outsole is perfect for gripping your board and delivering reliable traction in any weather conditions. Every piece of this shoe is hand-picked to ensure the highest standards in quality and its long-lasting build is a favorite among skaters from far and wide.
The Motley’s ShockBed™ insole provides superior impact control thanks to its polyurethane structure that protects from rebound shock waves. Its Super 29™ sole delivers unmatched traction and longevity while remaining ultra-lightweight for a flexible and featherlight feel. An EVA outer shell and rubber inserts come together during the construction phase to create a top-of-the-line cushioning system that won’t let you down!
Wearers love the Motley for its laid-back look and superior comfort that propel this shoe straight to the top. Its an affordable choice of footwear and is available in a variety of color combinations, like black/tobacco, navy chambray, and charcoal/snake. The Motley's mid-top structure is a unique spin on the usually low-top skate shoe and its scorching hot vibe is the perfect addition to any skater's wardrobe.
6. Option Evo
It may not look like your standard skate shoe, but Globe’s Option Evo is a heritage design hailing from days past. However, it is infused with all the new technologies of the current era, ones that the company carefully developed to ensure your comfort and safety as you slide down that ramp. Option Evo comes in a few different color combos for maximum style, and you won’t be able to get enough of its retro flair.
This model has an upper that is a combination of nubuck leather, stretchy lycra, and breathable mesh materials. These three together make for a killer ride. The midsole is made from EVA foam and so-called Nitrolite technology, specifically designed for skaters. The Option Evo comes with a rubber toe cap for protection and a TPU shank that guarantees structure and stability no matter what activity you’re engaging in.
Finally, this roomy design has flared sides to extend its lifespan, as well as a semi-sock construction for your comfort. We honestly can’t think of a cooler throwback style that you simply have to take out on the board with you.
7. Tilt
The Globe Tilt pays tribute to the original skate shoe and delivers an incredible kind of comfort! This pair is made from breathable leather and smooth synthetics that keep your feet cool and dry even after hours of wear. Its exaggerated upper is likened to the ‘big shoes’ of the ‘90s skate scene and allows plenty of wiggle room.
The Tilt’s fully padded cup sole design looks great with nearly any style of clothing and its bold logos make it stand out from the crowd. This shoe offers a molded TPR collar and Globe’s innovative S-Trac™ sole pattern that yields incredible traction on any surface. Forget about losing your footing while wearing a pair of these grippy skate shoes because they were made to handle anything.
Frontal lacing and matching metal eyelets add to the uniqueness of this shoe while also providing a snug and stay-put fit. Wearers who have wide feet will love this option because it offers plenty of extra room inside and won’t cramp your toes as some styles do.
8. Mahalo
In collaboration with professional skateboarder Mark Appleyard, the Globe’s Mahalo delivers a solid piece of footwear. This shoe offers a Shockbed™ insole and a Super-V™ outsole that combine to form the most comfortable pair yet. Its cool shaved-suede upper unit adds to its overall vibe and helps to make this pair streetwear-approved.
Mark Appleyard is one of the best skateboarders around! He was named ‘Skater Of The Year’ by Thrasher and ‘Best Street Skater’ by Transworld, not to mention his myriad of top sponsors. Appleyard is one of Globe's team riders and has released several shoe models with the brand. The Mahalo is one of the best pairs in terms of both style and comfort, thanks to its rock-solid performance and smooth ride. It gives better support and flexibility, while at the same time delivering the kind of comfort that dreams are made of.
The Mahalo’s deep-cushioned footbed lessens the shock of impact and reduces the risk of injuries, making it an ideal choice for the demanding world of skateboarding. Its vulcanized sole is lightweight and moveable thanks to its smooth flex grooves that are super durable so you can go as hard as ever.
Forget about issues with board grip because the Mahalo has got you covered and will make sure you never miss a step. Its Super-V™ sole and hand-picked components ensure the highest standards in quality with every single pair that's made.
9. Tribe
The Globe’s Tribe is thinner than most of their pairs and offers a fit that hugs the contours of your feet. Its shaved-suede upper and contrast color design make this a cool pair that will look good with nearly anything. The Tribe’s smooth style and ultra-comforting build make this a great choice for skateboarders who can’t get enough of its lightweight feeling that is perfect for doing flip tricks.
This pair offers a Nitrolite™ footbed that provides added impact control and lessens foot and leg pain by reducing the shockwaves absorbed on landings. Nitrolite™ is made from a durable EVA foam material that’s practically weightless and delivers incredible comfort.
Anyone who is shopping on a budget will love this option that is super-affordable! Made from high-quality materials and boasting an impressive array of features, the Tribe is an excellent pair of skate shoes available for less.
10. CT-IV Classic
The CT-IV Classic is a '90s pro shoe and is one of Globe’s heritage series pairs. It’s made from tough nubuck and synthetics that are long-lasting and won’t fall apart under the tough wear and tear you put them through! The CT-IV was designed and tested by pro boarder Chet Thomas and offers innovative design features that boost performance in a big way.
Chet Thomas has been labeled as having the "tiny board, huge shoe skate style," which shows in the CT-IV’s utilitarian structure. This pair is larger-than-life and delivers a solid array of performance-enhancing features that will help you pull off the toughest tricks. Its retro style touches on the roots of skate shoes and pays homage to the original pros of this intensive sport.
The CT-IV Classic offers a Nitrocel™ airbag sole and a step-in sock liner that delivers the perfect glove-like foot feel. Its TPR ollie inserts offer better stability and help to prevent injuries by keeping your feet properly protected. Its PU outsole has just the right level of cushioning and was made to protect from heavy impacts. Its padding is strategically positioned throughout the arch and heel areas for total coverage that ensures your comfort and safety while you ride.
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