BMX shoes, freestyle and race
Our BMX Shoes page brings together our tips for choosing shoes suitable for BMX: vulcanised or cupsole construction, rubber and tread pattern, wear reinforcements, lace or Velcro closures, and specific race shoes, depending on whether you ride in parks, on the street, on dirt, or on tracks.
The right contact with the pedals.
Two types of construction
Two types of construction dominate. The vulcanised sole, thin and flexible, cooked with the upper, offers maximum sensitivity on the pedal and immediate grip, but provides little cushioning on landings. The cupsole, a shell-like shape sewn around the upper, is thicker, better protects the foot during jumps, and lasts longer. Street riders often choose the former, while dirt and park riders prefer the latter.
The rest of the gear
BMX equipment also includes:
All the equipment is gathered on the BMX page.
Sensitive areas
BMX shoes wear out quickly in friction areas: the front of the foot, used to brake by placing the foot on the tire, and the sides, which come into contact with the pegs. It's best to choose an upper made from suede or leather, which is more durable than canvas, with doubled seams. A patterned sole in honeycomb or chevron grips the pins without getting stuck.
For the track
In BMX racing, experienced riders use clip-in shoes, with a stiff sole that clips onto the pedal to transfer all the power at the start. They often close with Velcro or a dial, to prevent laces from getting caught in the chain. Beginners start with flat pedals and flat-soled shoes to learn to place their foot confidently.
Good deals
Great bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The big events of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school period.
Frequently asked questions
Vulcanised sole or cupsole, which one to choose for BMX?
The vulcanised sole, thin and flexible, offers excellent feel on the pedal, valued in street riding. The cupsole, being thicker, absorbs landings better and lasts longer, an advantage in park and dirt riding.
Why specific shoes for BMX?
Standard shoes wear out quickly on flat pedals with pins. BMX shoes combine a soft rubber that grips the pins, a flat sole pattern, and reinforcements in high-friction areas to hold the foot and ensure durability.
Are clip-in shoes necessary for BMX racing?
In racing, most experienced riders use clip-in shoes to push and pull on the pedals at the start and over bumps. Beginners and younger riders start with flat pedals, which are more reassuring, before switching to clip-ins.
How to make BMX shoes last longer?
Choose a reinforced model where it rubs, at the toe and side for tricks, and alternate between two pairs if you ride a lot. Hand washing and drying away from a heat source help preserve the glue and rubber.
Laces or Velcro for BMX riding?
Laces offer a precise fit but can get caught in the drivetrain: tuck them under the tongue. Velcro, quick to secure, stays in place and is particularly popular with younger riders.
