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3 Best BMX Shoes For Every Rider (2025)

bmx shoes

Are you searching for the best BMX shoes to keep your feet safe and enjoy great grip?

Whether you’re a street wizard, flatlander or a park machine, you’ll find a shoe for you.

I tried many different brands, testing different shoe models over the course of 20+ years.

But I can safely say that Vans and Etnies are doing the best job.

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This post covers:

I like slip-ons the most, and you?

Best BMX Shoes

By the way, all these shoes are also great if you are a brakeless rider.

1. Etnies Marana Slip XLT

etnies marana slip xlt flat pedal shoes
After spending several months riding street in these I can confidently confirm that Etnies Marana Slip are really solid shoes for BMX. They have an extra thick insole, which helps prevent heel bruises. It feels really comfortable.

Plus, the rubber toe cap adds durability. The shoe tends to wear in pretty quickly so you may get a half size smaller.

Price: $77.99 (may vary)

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2. Cult X Vans Slip-On shoes

cult x vans bmx slip on
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)

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3. Etnies Jameson Mid Crank Flat Pedal Shoes

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)

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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.

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About Author

The BMX Dude (TBD) is led by Rok Krivec, with over 20 years of experience in riding bicycle motocross. TBD has been creating high-quality BMX content since 2019 with one goal: To have The Best videos, products, tips & tricks in one location.