BLUE The Top 12 Low Top Shoes

In a performance of epic proportions, Paul Rodriguez won his fourth gold medal in the 2012 XGames, and on the same day the sixth version of the Nike Skateboarding pro model shoe was offically released. The P-Rod continues on a solid track, no drastic changes made but that's a good thing in a world where sneakers can take on trends way too quickly. The most important aspect of this model is the Nike Lunarlon sole, which may be one of the biggest technological breakthroughs of all time for the skate world. An upgrade from the Zoom Air, the Lunarlon sole allows for an even slimmer shape that's incredibly lightweight with a super-thin layer between board and foot that still provides maximum cushioning and protection. This Black/Blue Glow colorway highlights the Lunarlon like a laserbeam, with bright blue sitting below an all-black upper made of suede with TPU heel at back for stylish reinforcement. Close panel

Stroll the streets or whomp at a highlighter party in the Neon Orange Vans Authentic shoes. This is a timeless classic skate shoe from Vans has a long history of comfort and durability. Featuring brighter than bright neon orange canvas upper, neon green lining and a thick white vulcanized sole for extra board feel and quick break in time. The Neon Authentics from Vans Shoes are casual shoes with an old school look and feel with enough color to light up the night. Close panel

The highly anticipated new release from Lakai founder Mike Carroll, the fifth edition of the signature model is a solid shoe with major upgrades in both performance and style. A slimmed down low-top, the Carroll 5 is a highly skate-oriented shoe with a focus on blending both a flexible vulc construction with an impact-absorbing molded PU sole. With a suede/canvas upper and clean Lakai branding at tongue and heel, the Carroll 5 currently comes in multiple colorways including this neutral grey tone with bright red accents. Close panel

Bright color accents have been pretty popular for 2012 footwear and the trend is evident on the Era Tri-Tone Pack from Vans. Taking the classic Era upper in all canvas, Vans created a three part color-block design using the front, back, and mid sections to highlight different color combinations. The most successful of the pack is this Black/Frost version, which uses a neutral black and grey combo with added pop of bright blue at the heel. Added blue accents at laces, logo tag, and stitching, puts this new take of a classic on top. Close panel

As the signature low-top style from SUPRA Footwear and Terry Kennedy, the Stacks continue to dominate over other new low-profile releases from SUPRA including the Vaider Low, the casual Wrap, or the athletic-style Owen. The Stacks has a certain clean yet innovative design that sets it apart. Part of the Fall 2012 "Ripstop Pack", this version of the TK pro model features a stylish black suede and ripstop upper with bright blue accents at brand tag, tongue tag, insole, and sole logo. The complete Ripstop Pack including the Stack, Vaider, and Skytop will all be available at Zumiez this fall. Close panel

Stefan Janoski is the king of cool, and his signature shoe from Nike Skateboarding could also carry the title. The hugely popular Nike Janoski pro model features a laid-back low profile upper that blends a sort of deck shoe inspiration with supremely skateable construction. The Janoski doesn't waste space with all sorts of crazy details, the minimally designed mid-section that wraps around the back keeps it super clean and simple while allowing new color combinations to really shine. With Nike Zoom Air insole for impact support and vulcanized construction, the Janoski is a low-top that can easily transition from streets to park. Close panel

Dunk Lows as of late have been a bit subdued with Nike many new releases in classic two-tones and super clean, simple colorways. However this version (very similar to the SB Dunk Low Pro in Black/Varsity Purple/Baltic Blue released May 2011) is a Dunk Low LR, given the tech treatment for a skateable and action-oriented shoe with bright Purple/Chlorine tones. Set on a black base with Chlorine blue at Swoosh and lining and bright white sole, this Dunk Low is a definite highlight for the season. Close panel

A true American classic the Vans Authentic in dove grey and lime green is a timeless skate shoe from Vans. Featuring all grey canvas upper, lime green lining and sole bottom, with a thick white vulcanized waffle sole that offers great board feel and quick break in time. The grey and green Vans Authentics are classic skate shoes worn by your favorite skateboarder, rock star, rapper, or celebrity. Keep them fresh or wear these Vans Authentics until they fall apart, either way your feet will be happy in these skate shoes. Close panel

This Nike 6.0 Braata borrows from the simple low-top canvas skate shoe design, but pumps it up, beefs it out, and comes out as a souped up 6.0 version, with markedly lightweight vulcanized construction, a minimally padded collar, a super durable canvas upper with added layers, and a flexible rubber outsole. Everything you were looking for in a basic low-top skate shoe, but built-to-last and with supreme comfort and support, whether you're running, skateboarding, or just hanging out. Close panel

Keep things fresh in the pewter denim Vans Authentic shoes that are as comfortable as your favorite jeans. This is a timeless skate shoe from Vans with a long history of comfort and durability. Featuring durable and stylish pewter denim upper, pewter lining, blue details, and a thick white vulcanized waffle sole for extra board feel and quick break in time. The denim construction make these Vans Authentics a perfect fit for any kit. Close panel

The Laced skate shoe from Emerica, featuring a lightweight hemp upper, gold eyelets and Emerica embroidery, a full-foot cushioning STI Foam Lite Level 1 footbed, vulcanized construction, and a flexible rubber outsole with tacky tread. Despite the name, they're intended to be worn without laces (don't worry, there's hidden elastic bands at the tongue to keep 'em snug), but they come with laces if you want to lace them up. Look sweet, and are great on a skateboard. Close panel

Hit the streets full speed ahead in the Vans Chukka Low skate shoes in the bright blue and pewter colorway. The Chukka Low skate shoe features a super grippy vulcanized sole for superior board feel and control, a durable suede and canvas upper for an extended lifespan, piped detailing and extra stitching in the ollie area, collar and tongue for some added protection and support, and custom Vans logo tags on the sidewall and rear heel to keep things extra buttery. Get geared up and ready to shred with the Vans Chukka Low skate shoes! Tested and approved by the Vans pro team! Close panel