Best BMX Shoes: From the Park to the Street | 2024

Bicycle Motocross (BMX) has roots that trace back to the early 1970s when it was initially conceived as a more affordable and accessible variant of Motocross racing in Southern California. The sport quickly grew popular among young thrill-seekers, and its excitement and accessibility led to a surge in its popularity. 

BMX became an official Olympic sport in 2008 and since then, has been a part of every Summer Olympics. [1]

BMX cycling is a physically demanding and competitive sport that requires the right gear for both optimal performance and safety. BMX is a sport that can be dangerous and has a high risk of injury. Every year, a large number of kids end up in the hospital due to BMX-related injuries. Among the essential safety equipment, BMX shoes play a vital role.

Proper footwear enhances grip, control, and comfort, leading to improved performance and safety. 

A study by the Journal of Sports Sciences revealed that optimal cycling footwear can enhance power output by up to 5% by improving the cyclist’s connection with the bike.[2]

This article aims to guide BMX enthusiasts and new riders alike in choosing the best BMX shoes available in the market today.

To learn more about the BMX cycling brand, I recommend reading my dedicated guide on the best BMX brands that are worth your money.

BMX Shoes

BMX shoes are a specific type of footwear designed to cater to the needs of BMX riders. Unlike regular shoes, BMX shoes are crafted with a focus on certain specific attributes such as superior grip, foot protection, and the ability to absorb shocks from jumps and tricks. 

They are built to withstand the high-intensity demands of the sport while providing the necessary comfort and support.

Key Features of a Good BMX Shoe

Here are a few key features that make ideal BMX shoes and provide ultimate safety.

Grip: A primary feature of BMX shoes is their grip. A strong grip allows riders to maintain contact with their pedals, even during high-intensity tricks or rides. This grip is usually provided by soles made from sticky rubber compounds and designed with specific tread patterns.

Comfort: Comfort is crucial for any sporting footwear, and BMX shoes are no exception. A good BMX shoe provides adequate padding, arch support, and a snug fit to keep riders comfortable during extended periods of riding.

Durability: BMX riding is a sport that involves a significant amount of wear and tear. Therefore, durability is a key feature to look for in BMX shoes. High-quality materials, reinforced stitching, and abrasion-resistant soles are some of the features that contribute to the durability of a BMX shoe.

BMX shoes play a vital role in both enhancing performance and ensuring safety during rides. A shoe with excellent grip keeps the foot securely on the pedal, allowing for better control and more precise execution of tricks. This control plays a direct role in enhancing a rider’s performance.

In terms of safety, a good BMX shoe offers protection against foot injuries. Its sturdy construction helps protect against impacts, and the enhanced grip reduces the risk of foot slips off the pedal, which can lead to accidents. 

Therefore, investing in a pair of high-quality BMX shoes can make a significant difference in both your performance and safety while practicing the sport.

5 Best BMX Shoes: Our Top Pics 2024

Here is a concise list of the Best BMX Shoes available at the moment:

1. PUMA Select Men’s Suede Classic Plus Sneakers (Best Branded)

2. Vans Men’s Old Skool Pro Skate (Best Overall)

3. Ride Concepts Men’s Vice Bike Shoe (Best Quality)

4. adidas Originals Men’s Superstar (Best Budget)

5. VANS Sk8-Hi Unisex Casual High-Top Skate Shoes (Best Hi Unisex)

1. PUMA Select Men’s Suede Classic Plus Sneakers

PUMA Select Men’s Suede Classic Plus Sneakers stand out as an excellent choice for BMX riders who prioritize both style and function. One of the key features of these shoes is their iconic branding. 

PUMA has been a leading player in the sports industry for many years, and this particular model embodies their commitment to quality and style.

The suede material provides both an aesthetically pleasing look and the rugged durability needed for BMX riding. The shoes are well-crafted, promising a comfortable fit and extended durability, crucial for riders who spend long hours on their bikes. 

A major highlight of these sneakers is their rubber sole, designed to offer superior grip and traction, an essential feature for BMX riders for secure footing on the pedals.

PUMA’s Suede Classic Plus Sneakers strike a fine balance between a classic shoe with a classic style and the specific requirements of BMX riding. 

This blend of classic design and modern functionality makes these sneakers a popular choice for many riders.

Pros:

• The excellent grip provided by the rubber sole
• Durable suede material
• Iconic PUMA branding and classic style
• Comfortable fit

Cons:

• May not be suitable for riders who prefer a more modern, sporty look
• Lacks additional protective features found in dedicated BMX shoes

2. Vans Men’s Old Skool Pro Skate

Vans Men’s Old Skool Pro Skate shoes are a standout selection in the world of BMX footwear. Known as an iconic staple in the skateboard and BMX community, these shoes continue to deliver top performance thanks to their superior design and innovative features.

One defining element of these shoes is the incorporation of the POPCUSH cushioning. 

This state-of-the-art cushioning technology offers outstanding impact protection and custom energy return, making those long-riding sessions much more comfortable and less taxing on the feet.

The Old Skool Pro Skate shoes live up to their “legendary grip” fame. The signature rubber waffle outsoles provide excellent traction, which is vital for maintaining control and stability during BMX riding.

As an overall package, the Vans Men’s Old Skool Pro Skate shoes can easily claim the title of one of the best overall BMX shoes in the market.

Pros:

• Superior POPCUSH cushioning for enhanced comfort
• Legendary grip due to signature rubber waffle outsoles
• Increased durability with reinforced toe caps
• A respected brand name in the BMX and skateboarding community

Cons:

• May not provide enough foot and ankle support for some riders
• Lack of variants in design and color choices compared to some other brands

3. Ride Concepts Men’s Vice Bike Shoe

The Ride Concepts Men’s Vice Bike Shoe is a well-regarded option for BMX riders who value quality and performance. This shoe has been designed with rider-specific features that provide excellent traction, comfort, and durability, essential for BMX riding.

The rubber sole on these shoes is designed for optimal grip, ensuring that riders have secure footing on their pedals, particularly crucial during tricks or uneven terrain riding. It provides the necessary balance between flexibility for comfort and stiffness for effective power transfer.

One of the key features is the internal TPU toe protection, providing an additional layer of safety for riders. This feature is especially beneficial for those into intense BMX riding as it offers solid protection against possible impact or injuries.

The shoes also incorporate RC Fuzion technology, featuring sloped-angle inverse hexagons of varying diameters. This unique design improves pedal contact, enhancing control, and stability while riding.

Considering all these features and the shoe’s build quality, the Ride Concepts Men’s Vice Bike Shoe ranks high on the list of the best overall quality BMX shoes available today.

Pros:

• Rubber sole for optimal grip and control
• Internal TPU toe protection for increased safety
• Innovative RC Fuzion outsole design for improved pedal contact
• High overall quality, ensuring durability and longevity

Cons:

• The design may be too sporty for riders who prefer a classic look
• The price is on the higher side compared to some other BMX shoe options

4. adidas Originals Men’s Superstar

The Adidas Originals Men’s Superstar II Shoe is an excellent pick for BMX riders who want a blend of style, functionality, and affordability. Known for its reputation in the sports shoe industry, 

Adidas has crafted these shoes with high-quality materials and a design that caters to BMX riders’ needs.

The shoe boasts a 100% rubber construction, which adds to its durability and longevity. This type of material is known for its resistance to wear and tear, a must-have for any BMX shoe considering the rough usage associated with the sport.

One of the defining features of this shoe is its abrasion-resistant design with a vulcanized outsole. This feature ensures the shoes can handle high-impact tricks and frequent use while providing excellent grip on the pedals.

Light padding around the ankle area offers some degree of protection, an important feature for riders prone to injuries or those who indulge in adventurous tricks and jumps.

Pros:

• 100% Rubber construction for increased durability
• Abrasion-resistant design with a vulcanized outsole
• Lightly padded for some level of ankle protection
• A budget-friendly option from a reputable brand

Cons:

• May lack some BMX-specific features found in more specialized shoes
• Light padding might not be enough for some riders, especially those into high-risk stunts

5. VANS Sk8-Hi Unisex Casual High-Top Skate Shoes

For those seeking high-top BMX shoes, the VANS Sk8-Hi Unisex Casual High-Top Skate Shoes make a formidable choice. Recognized by riders worldwide for their comfort, durability, and classic style, these shoes bring several coveted features to the table.

As a legendary high-top, Sidestripe™ shoe, this model offers increased ankle support, beneficial for BMX riders doing extensive jumps or tricks. The high-top design also brings added style and can be a defining part of a rider’s look.

The lace-up closure ensures a secure, adjustable fit, allowing riders to customize the shoe tightness to their preference. This feature is crucial in ensuring foot stability during rides and reducing the risk of slippage or discomfort.

The Sk8-Hi shoes incorporate VANS’ signature rubber waffle outsoles, known for their excellent grip and pedal feel. This key feature enhances control and stability during BMX riding, a must-have for both beginners and experienced riders.

Combining these beneficial features with the universal appeal of a unisex design, the VANS Sk8-Hi shoes rightly claim their spot among the best Hi Unisex BMX shoes in the market.

Pros:

• High-top design for added ankle support and style
• Lace-up closure for a customizable and secure fit
• Signature rubber waffle outsoles for superior grip
• Unisex design appeals to a wide range of riders

Cons:

• Might be too warm for some riders due to the high-top design
• The style may not cater to those who prefer a more modern look

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Shoes for BMX

As a regular rider, when I buy my bike shoes, I definitely look for some key features that I need. It depends on individual choices and preferences regarding what they want. Here are some key features to consider when buying a pair of top BMX shoes.

Correct Fit

The fit of your BMX shoe is crucial. A shoe that’s too loose can lead to foot slippage, reducing your control over the bike, while a too-tight shoe can cause discomfort and even foot problems over time. 

It’s recommended to try on shoes in person whenever possible, and remember to wear the same type of socks you would typically wear while riding. Some brands may run larger or smaller, so check out customer reviews and sizing guides.

Material

Material plays a major role in the durability, comfort, and breathability of BMX shoes. Leather and synthetic materials are commonly used due to their durability and resistance to abrasion. Mesh sections are often added to improve breathability and comfort, especially in warmer climates.

Design: Low-Top vs. High-Top

The choice between low-top and high-top can depend on your style of riding. High-top shoes offer more ankle protection and support, which can be beneficial for those doing a lot of jumps and tricks. Low tops, on the other hand, may offer more mobility and are often lighter.

Sole Type: Flat vs. Clipless

Flat-soled shoes are the most popular among BMX riders. They provide the flexibility to quickly plant your feet on the ground or adjust your foot position on the pedals. 

Clipless shoes, where the shoe connects directly to the pedal, offer better power transfer but limit mobility. They are usually preferred by racing BMX riders.

Brand Reputation

Consider the reputation of the brand. Brands with a solid reputation in the BMX world often have extensive experience and feedback to create well-performing shoes. Brands like Vans, Nike SB, and Adidas are known for their quality BMX shoes.

Laces vs. Slip-On

Laces can offer a better fit and adjustment, but they run the risk of getting caught in the chain. Some BMX shoes come with a strap to keep laces secure. 

Slip-on shoes offer ease of use and eliminate the risk of caught laces but may not provide the same level of fit customization.

Stiffness

Stiffer shoes can offer better power transfer and protect your feet, but they can also decrease pedal feel. Softer soles increase pedal feel and flexibility but can lead to foot fatigue over time. Your choice should depend on your riding style and personal preference.

Retention

How well the shoe stays on your foot is also important. Look for shoes with good heel and arch support to ensure your foot doesn’t shift around inside the shoe. Some shoes also offer additional straps for better retention.

Style and Design

While performance is key, you likely also want your shoes to match your style. BMX shoes come in a variety of designs, colors, and patterns, so you can choose a pair that fits both your performance needs and aesthetic preferences.

How to Maintain Your BMX Shoes for Longevity?

Purchasing is not everything; you also need to care for and maintain your shoes or any other items for long-lasting use. Here’s what I do to take care of my shoes.

Routine Cleaning Tips

BMX shoes are typically subject to harsh environments, and therefore, regular cleaning is crucial. The cleaning routine, however, depends largely on the shoe material. 

For suede shoes, use a soft brush to remove dirt and grime, and for leather shoes, a damp cloth should suffice. 

Synthetic materials usually allow for more vigorous cleaning, often with soapy water. Always ensure the shoes are dry before their next use to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.

Storage Advice

Proper storage of BMX shoes can significantly impact their longevity. Always store your shoes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent material degradation. 

Using shoe trees or stuffing the shoes with newspaper can help retain their shape. It’s also advisable not to store BMX shoes in a closed bag for a prolonged period to prevent moisture build-up and subsequent damage.

When to Replace Your BMX Shoes?

Knowing when to replace your BMX shoes is key to ensuring your safety and performance. Some signs to look for include worn-out soles, decreased comfort, and damaged toe and heel areas. 

If your shoes no longer provide adequate grip, or if they’ve experienced significant wear and tear, it’s time to consider a replacement. 

Long Story Short

As I’ve explored in this article, selecting the best BMX shoes can make a significant difference in a rider’s performance, comfort, and safety. The right pair will not only support your feet during your ride but also enhance your control over the bike. 

From aspects like grip, durability, fit, and design, to the type of soles, every feature matters in the final decision.

Investing in a quality pair of BMX shoes is one decision you won’t regret. Among all the shoes reviewed, my personal recommendation would be the Vans Men’s Old Skool Pro Skate shoes. They strike an excellent balance between comfort, grip, durability, and style. 

The POPCUSH cushioning technology is a standout feature for comfort during long riding sessions. The legendary grip provided by the rubber waffle outsoles ensures excellent control, while the reinforced toe caps add to the shoe’s durability. 

The classic design of these shoes is an added bonus, making them a great fit for almost every BMX rider.

Remember, the ultimate decision should be based on your personal needs, riding style, and budget. Whichever pair you choose, ensure it ticks all the right boxes for you. Happy riding!