|
Skate Articles
Back to Skate Articles
| Etnies Skate Shoe Pioneers Etnies Skate Shoes – Etnies skate shoes are a product of Sole Technologies Incorporated. The skate shoe company began in 1986 to provide shoes for the growing skate board sub-culture that was booming at the time. The company was taken over in 1989 Pierre Andre making Etnies the first skate shoe company owned by a professional skate boarder. Since its inception Etnies has expanded out of just skate shoes. Today they provide surf clothing, snowboard outerwear as well as footwear that is geared towards those two scenes. Etnies is well known for being one of the founders of skate shoes and skate culture by mixing functionality with skate style. A French company, Andre knew Etnies would thrive if it was brought to the U.S., specifically Southern California - the Mecca of skate board culture. Etnies is responsible for the first signature skate shoe, the Natas, in 1987. The brand was born when Andre realized that although Vans and other low top skate shoes were cool they did not provide riders with the ankle support they needed. As more extreme and rigorous skate board styles emerged in the mid 1980’s skate boarders turned to high top athletic shoes like Nikes, Adidas, and Pumas. Etnies’ skate shoes bridged the gap by producing skate shoes that were both functional and distinct to the skate board scene. Sole Technologies also owns two more skate shoe companies. The first skate shoe company they started, Etnies, was so successful they were quickly accompanied by Es, and finally Emerica. The three brands all share the signature “E” in their name, a clever marketing scheme that allows Es and Emerica to retain their autonomy while still being associated with one of the biggest players in the skate shoe game. The second and third companies were formed to focus primarily on skate board culture and specifically skate shoes. Es and Emerica both have their own lines of successful skate shoes and their own team of riders. |
Revolution Surf Company © 2006