Are you searching for the best BMX shoes to keep your feet safe and enjoy an epic grip?
Whether you’re a street wizard, flatlander or a park machine, you’ll find a shoe for you.
Yes, yes, trail dudes, too!
I tried many different brands, testing different shoe models for BMX riding over the course of 20+ years.
But I can safely say that Vans and Etnies are doing the best job.
However, if you’re following the news, a new BMX shoe brand dropped, Higher Footwear, which has some super dope kicks for you to check out.
Enjoy the grip and feet protection you deserve!
This post covers:
I like slip-ons the most, and you?
Best BMX Shoes For Every Rider
By the way, all these shoes are also great if you are a brakeless rider.
1. Higher Footwear Crypt BMX Sneakers
The Crypt is the kind of shoe that gets it right because it was built by BMX riders who actually ride.
Everything here serves a purpose – from the full suede (or canvas) upper with reinforced zones to the custom-developed sole that grips pedals like it was made for them (because it was).
The grip is super solid, whether you run plastic or metal pedals.
The breathable tongue and upper perforations help with airflow during long summer sessions, while the foxing caps at the toe and heel give you that extra durability where it matters most.
You also get two fat lace options – one reflective – and subtle branding that keeps the shoe looking clean and minimalist.
Whether you’re stacking clips or just cruising with the crew, the Crypt holds up and keeps you locked in.
Price: $85.00 (may vary)
GET YOUR CRYPT SHOES2. Higher Footwear Salem BMX Slip-Ons
The Salem slip-ons from Higher aren’t just another skate-style shoe slapped with a BMX tag.
And we’ve seen plenty of those over the years.
These were designed by riders who actually put in work – and it shows.
Full suede upper, reinforced toe box, and gummy vulc sole for that impact protection you need when sending it down stairs.
The elastic tongue lets you ride them laceless for chill days, but when it’s time to get serious, throw in the laces for a tighter fit.
I wish Higher would make these without the lace option by default, similar to the classic slip-ons. Still, these look super RAD!
Moreover, the custom-developed sole pattern grips pedals way better than your average vulc shoe – no slipping, even during tech lines. Or super sketchy landings.
Minimal look, max function – that’s what’s up when it comes to the Salems.
If you’re after a reliable, low-key shoe that rides hard and holds up, this one’s a sleeper hit.
Price: $85.00 (may vary)
GET YOUR SALEM SHOES3. Cult X Vans Slip-On BMX Shoes
Here we have the Vans BMX Slip-On shoes. According to the Vans site, these are the first of their kind and are exclusive to BMX shredders.
Of course, being a BMX-specific shoe, these have the Wafflecup BMX Sole, which is “designed to deliver the best combination of pedal feel, support, and durability.”
With riders like Trey Jones and Dakota Roche on the Vans BMX team who enjoy riding in slip-on shoes, it only makes sense for the company to make a version dedicated to BMX in collaboration with Cult.
Price: $69.99 (may vary)
GET YOUR SLIP-ONS4. Etnies Jameson Mid Crank Flat Pedal Shoes
The Etnies Jameson mid crank flat pedal shoes are a perfect mix of style, comfort, and performance for BMX riders.
Designed with input from Brandon Semenuk, these shoes are built tough to handle the demands of riding while keeping your feet feeling great.
The Pro Foam 1 insole provides softness, while the Strobel board midsole adds stiffness for better pedal feel and support.
The grippy Geo-Hex tread ensures your feet stay locked on the pedals, and the asymmetrical collar offers extra ankle protection.
Made with durable action nubuck and Cordura, plus reinforced TPU underlay, these shoes are ready to shred while looking sharp.
Park riders, street riders, trail riders – they all love shredding in these!
Price: $114.99 (may vary)
GET YOUR JAMESON SHOESNote: When it comes to high-top BMX shoes, I recommend the Vans Sk8-Hi shoes. But the Style 114 and Half Cabs (both from Vans) are also super solid if you’re looking for something not that high.
And if you’re searching for BMX race-specific shoes, check these out.
Why Is Choosing The Right BMX Shoe Crucial?
The right shoes can make or break your session.
Yes, literally.
BMX puts a ton of stress on your feet – from heavy landings to crankflips and pedal smashes.
If your shoes don’t have good grip, cushioning, or durability, you’ll feel it fast.
The sole design is especially crucial if you’re running plastic pedals. If the design isn’t well-thought-out, the shoes will be slippery.
Luckily, with metal pedals, the sole design isn’t so important because the pins pretty much bite into the sole, regardless of the design.
Here’s Why It Matters:
- Grip = control. Slippery shoes make it harder to keep your feet locked during tricks.
- Padding = protection. Good soles help prevent heel bruises and sore arches from hard landings.
- Durability = value. Cheap shoes fall apart in weeks. Reinforced toe caps and vulc soles last way longer. (But longevitiy really depends on how hard and how much you ride.)
- Fit = feel. You want something that stays snug – not floppy, not stiff.
You’re not just buying a shoe – you’re buying confidence, comfort, and control on your bike.
Fun fact: Back in the day, I remember always wanting to run Vans shoes. However, it always happened that they got super soft after a few weeks. I then distanced myself from Vans because the heel bruises are the worst. But NOT ANYMORE!
Vans improved their shoes – especially slip-ons (my favorite BMX riding shoes!) – making them super durable.
Should You Ride BMX In Slip-On Shoes?
Short answer: Yes — but it depends.
Well, I tried it all – but nothing beats riding BMX in slip-ons for me.
Slip-ons can be a solid choice if you’re riding light, doing tech tricks, or just cruising.
They’re quick to throw on, feel low-profile, and some (like the Higher Salem or Vans Slip-On BMX) offer surprisingly solid pedal grip.
BUT – they’re not for everyone or every type of riding.
And that’s perfectly fine!
Here’s what to know:
- No laces = less support. For heavy impacts or big sends, lace-ups stay more locked-in.
- Heel slip can be a thing if the fit isn’t dialed.
- Less padding on some models means more foot fatigue over time.
If you like a minimalist feel, ride mostly street or park, and want simplicity – go for it.
Just make sure the slip-on has a solid outsole grip and a snug heel.
Pro tip: I run my Vans slip-ons with ankle guards. One of the worst pains is getting hit in the ankle bone. But I’ve always been running ankle guards, even with higher-top shoes.
FAQs About BMX Shoes
What do BMX riders wear?
The most common BMX shoe brands are Vans and Etnies. These two offer a wide variety of shoes for everyone, whether you like low- or high-top sneakers.
Why do BMX riders wear Vans?
Because Vans has been part of the BMX industry since its early days. Plus, Vans created an exclusive BMX-specific line of shoes that are much stronger.
Can I use skate shoes for BMX?
Yes, you can ride BMX in skate shoes. In fact, many riders wear DC, Nike, Adidas, etc. shoes.
How important is the sole grip of a BMX shoe?
Sole grip is extremely important in BMX shoes. A good grip ensures your feet stay on the pedals, especially during tricks and jumps. You don’t want slippage when riding!
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Note: This article was originally published on December 4, 2021. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
