A vulcanised sole - a must in the world of skating - is a sole made from rubber that is heated under pressure. Vulcanisation glues together the fabric upper, the rubber band and the sole.
This technique has numerous benefits: it makes the shoe sturdy, supple and light. Plus the texture means you can feel the board well.
The 100% rubber sole also gives you good grip.

A particularly thick, durable type of cotton.

Choosing a skate shoe means finding something that gives you freedom while staying on your foot.
You therefore want something that is neither too wide, which would mean the shoes fall off, nor too tight, which would squash your toes. New vulcanised shoes are generally quite narrow the first few times you wear them. After a few hours the vulcanised band will change shape to fit your feet.
The best thing is to get shoes that are fitted.

Aside from their style, high and low shoes do not offer the same advantages.
A high upper provides more stability and protects the ankle by supporting it better.
A low upper will offer a greater range of movement and lighter weight.

The moulded air sacs inside the sole limit vibrations by dampening the shockwaves caused by skating tricks.