Etnies was born in 1986, initially under the name “Etnics.” The brand’s founder, Pierre André Sénizergues, drew inspiration from the global skateboarding subculture, envisioning a tribe of skaters exploring the world. However, due to legal issues with a similarly named brand, they later changed it to “Etnies”.

Etnies holds a special place in skateboarding history. It became the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. Pierre André Sénizergues, a former professional skateboarder himself, took charge of the company in 1989, making Etnies Footwear the first skate shoe brand owned by a pro skater.

Etnies introduced the concept of pro model skate shoes, pushing the envelope with innovative designs. Some of their iconic shoe models include:

Senix: A classic design that resonated with skaters worldwide.
Lo-Cut: A low-top silhouette loved for its style and functionality.
Low-Top Rap: A shoe that blended skate performance with street aesthetics.
Intercity: A versatile model for both skating and everyday wear.
Scam: A name that captures the rebellious spirit of skateboarding.

Etnies sponsored an impressive roster of skateboarders, cementing its influence in the skateboarding community. While the team evolved over the years, some notable riders associated with Etnies include: Chris Joslin, Ryan Sheckler, Fabiana Delfino, Trevor McClung, Nick Garcia, Barney Page, Nassim Lachhab, Jake Wooten, Andy Anderson, Aurélien Giraud, Julian Lewis, Noah Francisco, Rune Glifberg, Sean Malto, Mikey Taylor, Jason Dill, Ali Boulala, Arto Saari, Elissa Steamer, Willow.

Etnies isn’t just about shoes; it’s about making a positive impact:
Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree: Etnies launched tree-planting projects in Costa Rica and Brazil. For every pair of Jameson 2 Eco shoes sold, they planted trees in these rainforests, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest: In 2003, Etnies collaborated with the city of Lake Forest, California, to create the largest public skatepark in the state. This park has hosted exciting skateboarding competitions, including the “Goofy vs. Regular” battle.

Etnies Skateboarding Videos:

Rollin' with Sean Malto! Etnies Skate Video

"I remember watching this 10 years ago, I loved how the microphone catches the skate’s sound"

"6:30 Kansas City history: "Who kick flip back lipped it?" Answer: Eric Koston"

Etnies Proudly Welcomes Aurelien Giraud To The Skate Team Video

"Now you have Chris Joslin and French Chris Joslin"

"Etnies making some big team additions this year already! So sick!"

"I love the history behind Etnies, first skater owned Shoe company, it's really sick, they're skaters supporting skaters for sure, love to see it"

"Damn finally! He's been rocking Etnies for so long now"

Etnies Skateboarding Videos:

Etnies Presents: Ryan Sheckler's Fifteen Years Strong Video

"Created by skate videographer Mike Manzoori, etnies' Fifteen Years Strong visually tells Ryan's skate history with etnies over the last 15 years through video clips, photos and interviews with industry vets, photographers and pros. Through their first-hand stories of Sheckler's rise in skateboarding, Oliver Barton, Ricki Bedenbaugh, Atiba Jefferson, Mike Manzoori, Arto Saari and more explain how Sheckler became one of the best and most celebrated skateboarders of our time."

"That kickflip over the fence gap has to go down as one of the gnarliest spots in skateboarding. Ryan Sheckler or not, that shit was insane."

"I used to hate on this guy so much growing up, but he deserves nothing but respect. He's become a real fucking fearless beast at skating, who cares how mainstream he is."

14 Things You Didn't Know About Etnies, by Shredz Shop

"Pierre Andre came to the US to pursue a pro skateboarding career, ending up homeless in California doing demos for money. Before long, he got connected with Roturo Apple on a shoe brand called Etnics. The brand soon shifted to the name Etnies.

Starting Etnies USA, Pierre worked alongside Natas Kaupas to launch his pro shoe on Etnies, modelling a high-top after a shoe called the Ellesse, which Natas, Jim T. and others had made famous. AirWalk had also made a similar shoe called the prototype.

Sole Technologies became the overarching network, including Etnies, Emerica, and Es.

As a skateboarder-owned brand, Etnies has had many of the greats on their teams, including Jamie Thomas, Ed Templeton, Erik Ellington, Andrew Reynolds, Rodney Mullen, Mike Vallely, Gonz, Natas, Eric Koston, Sal Barbier, Ronnie Creager, Ryan Sheckler, Jason Dill, and more.

STI Technologies has invested a large amount of money and time into researching what is best for the human foot in skateboarding, and Etnies has collaborated with Michelin tires for years in the rubber on their soles.

Etnies has put out some amazing content over the years, including High Five and, most recently, Album.

Now, Etnies team bolsters new talent with Trevor Mcclung, Matt Berger, Chris Joslin, Willow, Barnie Page, and more." Shredz Shop