etnies

The History of etnies

etnies was founded in France in 1986. The current owner of etnies is the founder and CEO of Sole Technology, Pierre- André Senizergues. He also founded Emerica, Altamont and éS Footwear. The ex-design student and passionate skateboarder initially designed shoes for etnies, but eventually ended up helping the label expand overseas and enter the American market. etnies was also the first brand to give a skater his own pair of “signature shoes”. Natas Kaupas, skate legend and idol of many, got the honor of being “the first” in 1990. At the end of the 1980s, the etnies brand was already supporting other skate giants like Sal Barbier and Eric Dressen and was well-established in the scene. 

In the 90s, other pro skaters like Jamie Thomas, Eric Koston, Chad Muska, Marc Johnson, Tom Penny and Mike Vallely were also wearing etnies shoes. The child prodigy Ryan Sheckler was one of the brand’s biggest supporters and has been skating on their team since 1998. In addition to skateboarding, etnies sponsors BMX, snowboard, surf and motocross teams and athletes.

etnies - The Planet is our Playground

etnies has always been about developing the most technically advanced skate shoes on the market. They’re always messing around in the lab at Sole Tech’s HQ, trying to figure out how to improve existing skate shoe models. The Sole Tech Institute (STI) tests shoes based on their grip, flexibility, padding, breathability and durability and are therefore very prominent in the action sports industry. Owner Pierre Andre is very interested in the social and environmentally-friendly responsibilities of a company. Using recycled materials, giving shoes and clothing to the homeless in LA and a tree-planting project in Brazil are just some examples of sustainability projects they’ve overseen before. 

etnies in the Titus Online Shop

Californian label etnies has deep roots in the history of skateboarding and are always looking to improve their quality levels. Their current shoe and streetwear collections can be found online in our etnies brand shop. Check out our frequently updated etnies outlet online for great, low-priced sale items, too!