BMX freestyle and race shoes
Our BMX Shoes page brings together our tips for choosing BMX shoes: flat rubber sole for grip on spiky pedals, reinforced upper against abrasion, padded tongue, ankle support, and automatic shoes for racing, depending on your style.
Perfect grip on the pedals.
Grip and Feel
In BMX freestyle, the foot must grip the spiked pedals while being free to reposition between tricks. The ideal shoe has a flat, soft rubber sole, often vulcanised, similar to skate shoes, which provides grip and sensitivity. A sole that is too thick or too ridged hampers pedal feel and precision in tricks.
The Rest of the Gear
BMX gear also includes:
All the gear is available on the gear page.
Durability and Support
BMX shoes endure friction against the ground, pegs, and frame, especially during foot-brakes and grinds. A upper made of suede or thick leather is preferred, with reinforcements at the forefoot and heel, and double-stitched seams. A padded tongue protects the instep from pedal impacts, and a mid-top shoe offers better ankle support.
Competition and Sizing
In BMX racing, experienced riders use clipless shoes, similar to those for mountain biking, which clip onto the pedals to transmit all the power at the start and during sprints. Beginners start with flat pedals. A snug-fitting shoe is chosen, with no heel movement, and it should be replaced as soon as the sole is worn and loses grip.
Good Deals
Good deals can also be found in bargains, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The year's highlights follow a steady order: Black Friday in late autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do BMX with skate shoes?
Yes, skate shoes, with a flat and vulcanised sole, provide the grip and sensitivity needed on spiked pedals. However, a reinforced upper is preferred, as friction and falls wear out the fabric quickly.
High tops or low tops for BMX?
A high top offers protection for the ankle from impacts with the pedals and provides support during landings. A low top allows more freedom of movement, favoured in street and flatland: the choice depends on personal style.
Why do BMX race riders use clipless pedals?
When clipped in, feet do not slip during the explosive start on the grid and sprints between jumps, allowing riders to pull on the pedal as much as push. This power gain is crucial in competition.
How can you prolong the life of BMX shoes?
Wear mainly comes from the friction of the sole against the spikes and the upper against the ground during falls: a suede or reinforced leather upper lasts longer than fabric. A sole that is coming unstuck can be repaired with shoe glue.
What size should you choose for BMX shoes?
The shoe should be snug, without compression, so the foot does not move inside while performing tricks. Try them on with the socks worn while cycling, leaving a slight space in front of the toes.
