Nike SB Leo skate shoes

SB Leo skate shoes

Leo Baker first joined Nike SB in 2017 and has since become an influential skater on the team known for having an uncompromising attitude and creative style. In 2023, the brand chose to honour Baker with a bold new signature skate shoe, the Nike SB Leo.

The upper of the SB Leo brings together a supple leather base with durable suede overlays and a luxurious satin midfoot panel. Double stitching enhances sturdiness, while three lines of thread attach the overlay to the triple-layered forefoot for outstanding longevity. The perforated forefoot adds breathability, the mid-cut collar protects the ankle and the traditional lacing works with the internal straps to reliably secure the foot, creating a great fit and feel. Extra structure supports the back of the foot, with a pull loop at the top for easy entry.

For the Nike SB Leo’s sole, the brand introduced a hybrid vulcanised-cupsole design that is flexible, hard-wearing and offers a great flick. Everything comes pre-broken in, lending comfort and freedom of movement straight out of the box, with layered foxing tape increasing durability around the toe and an extra line of stitching bolstering the heel. The drop-in React foam midsole delivers high-quality shock absorption and comfort through the rear half before thinning out towards the toe for superior boardfeel. Beneath this, the robust rubber outsole provides excellent traction through its classic herringbone tread.

Along with its utilitarian construction, the SB Leo exhibits a classy look full of complex textures and heritage style. Its overall appearance evokes retro court shoes, while fine details such as the midfoot piping and ribbon heel pull elevate the aesthetic. Classic Swooshes adorn the sidewalls alongside a chic Leo monogram pattern, and a sophisticated tongue patch with Leo Baker and Nike Skateboarding text woven into it completes the stylish design.

To celebrate the launch of its first gender-neutral skate shoe, Nike SB released an uplifting video part of Leo Baker showing off an array of tricks at various locations around the world, including Prague and Lyon. Filmed over the course of a year, the film is a celebration of positivity that also displays the SB Leo’s durability and technical prowess. The joyous song “Steal My Sunshine” plays in the background as Baker performs bucket-list tricks like the half-cab heel nose manual in the debut ‘Cacao’ edition and various other suave colourways, demonstrating the silhouette’s ability to pull off compelling colour-blocking with ease.

The Nike SB Leo is a highly durable and inclusive skate shoe built to withstand hours and hours of wear-and-tear on the board. As well as being comfortable and supportive, it is decorated with eye-catching couture-inspired elements, making it both great for skating and captivatingly stylish at the same time.