Quiksilver made their way to the Zappos.com Rideshop Expo to show off their new line of 2009 Summer kicks.

Having the right pair of shoes on your feet makes all the difference. Not only do they help you to perform better on your skateboard or on the basketball court, but they also ensure that you look and feel good as well. Element Omahigh is one of the coolest types of hi-top shoes on the market today, take at look at this shoe before you make your next shoe purchase.

Element Omahigh - The Basics

Element Omahigh are hi-top shoes that retail for $79.00. They offer a medium width in men's sizes 7-14, with half sizes available. This shoe is made with a leather upper, blind sided ollie reinforcement and cold-connect construction. These shoes weigh in at about 15 ounces, they have a 15 inch circumference and a six inch shaft (based on the men's size 9 shoe.)

Element Omahigh - Styles

The Element Omahigh comes in three different color combinations. If you are looking for a dressier shoe, then the black and antique style is a good option. On the other hand if you are looking for a shoe with lots of personality and flare, then the brown, black, suede and mustang style is a better option. The third style is a great mediation between the flashy and the dressy. It offers a black, white and regal color combination.

The colors used in the Element Omahigh are neutrals so they will compliment just about any wardrobe. However, you will want to select the style of Element Omahigh that will work the best with the clothes that are in your closet. If you don't know which style to buy print out a color copy of each style and hold them up to your clothes. See which style works the best with your wardrobe basics or that gives your wardrobe the most pop.

Shoe Care

Since the uppers of the Element Omahigh are made from leather you will need to take extra steps to keep your shoes looking great for years. To start with you will want to weatherproof or waterproof your shoes. This can be done by using a commercial weatherproofing product designed for leather/suede shoes. You can find this product at shoe stores or online. Next you will want to clean your shoes regularly by brushing dry dirt off the suede or leather portions of your shoes. Finally, you will want to condition the leather portions of your shoes at least once a year. This will keep the leather supple and prevent it from cracking and peeling.

According to a recent news report, a group of teenagers were eager to enjoy some fun in the sun on the Sunshine Coast of Australia by jumping off the Coolum Beach's Esplanade rooftop - on skateboards.

The teenagers were practicing awe-inspiring leaps, twists and jumps on top of the roof and managed to catch the attention of shoppers and retail store owners over the weekend. The daredevils managed to pull off an impressive lineup of skateboarding tricks including vertical jumps, 360 degree leaps and 180s on top of an uneven rooftop.

Residents and shop owners confirmed that they were dong no harm and were just having some fun. The skateboarders simply enjoyed their practice session and adrenaline rush before heading home for the evening.

Ramping Up Your Skateboarding Skills

Skateboarding tricks and stunts can take months, even years to master, but the gurus of the skateboard have learned how to ride, maneuver and balance properly to avoid serious injuries.

Beginners may need to wear protective gear such as knee and elbow pads, the right shoesand even a helmet to reduce injury from a skateboarding mishap. Getting just the right angles and balancing the body just right before performing a jump or leap can be difficult for the beginning boarder; still, there are some ways to improve your skills.

First, you'll be better off practicing at an actual skate park before venturing onto the rooftops of buildings in the near future. Skate parks are designed with special edges and tracks that cater to the wheels of a skateboard. This will make it easier to practice those ollies, grinds and 180s without running into walls or other skaters. Well, at least for the most part.

You'll also need to practice good form. Keeping your weight balanced by bending your knees slightly and relaxing the body will help you maneuver the board easily and help you execute each move with ease. Keeping your eyes focused on the ground ahead (and not on your feet) will also help you navigate better and plan your next move.

Finally, don't forget to use skateboard wax. You'll need to rub this on the ledge you are working against so that you can ride up to the edge and make your turns with ease. A block of hard wax is fairly cheap and will likely last you through an entire skating season.