Sick of corporate stuff? Here are 5 skater-owned shoe brands, to stop looking like every other athlete in the world. Note that this is a non exhaustive list (the South American brands would deserve a full post at some point), and none of these brands have paid to be featured in there.
By David Turakiewicz, illustration David Lanaspa
Fishing Lines
Created by: Michael Mackrodt
Year launched: 2023
Company based in: Berlin
Shoes are made in: China
Average price: 90€
Vegan alternative: Not yet
Corporate backing: No
Team: Djena Nkayilu (@4_1love), Gauthier Rouger (@teugo)
Website: www.fishinglinesworldwide.com
What if Decathlon offers to buy 1000 pairs a month? Then I could finally realize many ideas I have in mind and make a living of my passion.
If you had to buy a pair of skate shoes, what would you get? Probably some Lakai.
Last Resort AB
Created by: Pontus Alv And Sami
Year launched: 2020
Company based in: Sweden
Shoes are made in: Vietnam
Average price: 90€
Vegan alternative: Yes
Corporate backing: No
Team: Yes
Website: www.lastresortab.com
What if Decathlon offers to buy 1000 pairs a month? I doubt they would.
If you had to buy a pair of skate shoes, what would you get? Sad to say, but at this point in time there aren’t any other attractive options out there, this is my Last Resort.
Village PM
Created by: Basile Lapray and Bram De Cleen
Year launched: We will launch our first collection in February 2025
Company based in: France, between Paris and Annecy
Shoes are made in: Developed in Annecy, produced in Vietnam
Average price: We have two models, 120€ & 95€
Vegan alternative: Yes, the 1.30PM is available in synthetic suede or synthetic leather
Corporate backing: No, we have a partner though: All Triangles footwear agency, but they are a small company
Team: Will be announced when the time is right
Website: www.village-pm.com will go live when the shoes drop in stores in February 2025
What if Decathlon offers to buy 1000 pairs a month? Decathlon is putting skate shoes on the market itself, I can hardly see them ordering ours
If you had to buy a pair of skate shoes, what would you get? The Last Resort Chris Milic in black/black looks nice.
Hours Is Yours
Created by: Bryan Herman and Dennis Martin
Year launched: 2021
Company based in: Los Angeles
Shoes are made in: China
Average price: $85-$100 USD
Vegan alternative: Yes for SS/2025
Corporate backing: Nah, straight outta pocket here.
Team: Bryan Herman, John Dilo, Gage Boyle, Kevin Braun, Gus Bus
Website: hoursisyours.com
What if Foot Lockers offers to buy 1000 pairs a month? Would be nice to bring some outside funds back into skateboarding to support the skaters and travel. The inverse of what is going on now but I would have to say NO to selling to them at this point. They don’t align with our brand aesthetic anyway.
If you had to buy a pair of skate shoes, what would you get? If it had to be another brand I would sport some Clearweather shoes.
WAR SAW
Created by: Jamie Thomas
Year launched: 2024
Company based in: Southern California
Shoes are made in: China
Average price: $105
Vegan alternative: Yes, every season
Corporate backing: No
Team: New crew each season
Website: warsawltd.com
What if Foot Lockers offers to buy 1000 pairs a month? No thanks. Bloomingdale’s, yes please.
If you had to buy a pair of skate shoes, what would you get? Clearweather or Hours.