35 YEARS

1986-2021

As a skateboarder-owned brand that has remained true to its mission since 1986, Etnies thanks skateboarding for an unforgettable 35-year ride! In 2021, Etnies salutes its past, enjoys the present and looks to continue pushing the limits in the future. Etnies CEO, owner and a skateboarder, Pierre-Andre shares the brand’s story in a video released today.

Pierre-Andre Sénizergues designed several of Etnies’ shoe models, including the "Senix", "Lo-Cut", "Low-Top Rap", "Intercity" and "Scam," all styled with a blend of fashion and durability unique in the industry. These models were designed to enhance every rider’s skateboarding experience. Etnies was originally an up-and-coming European brand but eventually made its way to the US as part of the Sole Technology, its parent company that specializes in skate shoe production and distribution.

Making history in 1987 with the creation of the first pro model skateboarding shoe, the Etnies Natas, was only the beginning. The skateboarders behind Etnies were joined by legends to create the Rap, Sal 23, and pro shoes for Arto, Sheckler, Elissa, Dill, Nathan Williams and more. Through the years, Etnies has continued to support the skateboard, snowboard, BMX and MTB communities. Over the span of three decades, the legends on Etnies’ roster of riders gravitated toward authenticity and the brand’s support of the community with events like the GvR, giving 50,000 pairs of shoes to the homeless and planting more than 2 million trees in the rainforest through the Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree program. Etnies looks to the future and remains driven to taking steps toward sustainable living in our world. Being owned by a skateboarder has allowed the brand to prioritize making shoes that last longer, with innovative materials like Michelin rubber, and minimize the footprint left behind.

In 2003, the company worked with the city of Lake Forest, California to open the largest public skatepark in the state. The etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest (over 40,000 square feet) has been the site of some of Sole Tech’s skateboarding sponsored events as well as local summer camps, skateboard camps and skateboarding classes, among others.

Etnies not only pushed the envelope by creating the first pro model skate shoe, but it pioneered technological advances and changed the face of skateboard footwear forever. Today Etnies' vision, led by owner and skateboarder Pierre-André Senizergues, is to remain the leading action sports company committed to creating innovative products that provide the most style, comfort and protection possible. Etnies stays true to its roots by sponsoring a world class team of skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, moto-x and BMX riders and continues its dedication by giving back to each of these communities.