About etnies

Founded in 1986 for skateboarding,
etnies was built on the passion, rebellion &
courage to create what didn’t exist.

Skateboarder performing a trick down stairs with spectators nearby.

Pioneers from day one.

etnies always wanted something bigger for skateboarding. Supporting the community, designing footwear specifically for skaters, while opening up doors and tearing down walls.

Looking at skateboarding as our culture, home & place to belong, not a trend.

etnies was shaped on the streets of Paris and Southern California, specifically for skating. From the beginning, our focus has been on pushing the culture forward by meeting the real needs of the people involved. Our roots run deep and every push we take stays true to what defines us.

A pair of white and gray sneakers on a colorful pavement. Skateboarder performing a trick over a rail near parked cars.
Skateboarder performing tricks on stairs, with a shoe and a person sitting.

Legacy of firsts & a commitment to progress.

When Natas laced up the first-ever pro model shoe, it redefined what was possible within skate footwear. When Stéphanie Person became a sponsored, she opened doors for greater diversity within the scene. When Elissa Steamer designed her signature pro model, she carved a path for future generations of women in skating. Innovation and progress fuel everything we create, always pushing whats possible.

Action speaks louder than words, purpose drives everything we do.

Skateboarding moves beyond our streets and it builds communities that drive change. From constructing free skateparks for underserved communities to introducing animal-friendly skate shoes ahead of the curve, every decision we make is with purpose. With over 2 million trees planted so far, our commitment to sustainability creates a lasting change where it matters most.

Fog rolling over a lush green forest landscape.
Fog rolling over a lush green forest landscape.

Action speaks louder than words, purpose drives everything we do.

Skateboarding moves beyond our streets and it builds communities that drive change. From constructing free skateparks for underserved communities to introducing animal-friendly skate shoes ahead of the curve, every decision we make is with purpose. With over 2 million trees planted so far, our commitment to sustainability creates a lasting change where it matters most.

Person performing an ollie on their skateboard. Blue sneakers with text Built Different in bold above them.

Durability & innovation define our approach.

etnies are engineered for high performance and longevity, supporting skateboarders with the technology they need most. Our influence goes beyond the act itself — blending function with style for those who live this life, day in and day out.

Legacy in motion.

After decades of elevating the game, embracing diversity and making meaningful impacts — we’re going to keep moving forward. New projects, new designs — every new initiative builds on that legacy. Every milestone lays the foundation for the future of our community.

Two skaters in an urban area holding their skateboards.
Skateboarder performing a trick during sunset with palm trees in the background.

A word from our founder:

For nearly half a century, my passion for skateboarding has fueled everything we do at etnies. Each shoe we create is designed to help you push limits, express creativity, and strengthen our culture and community.

We’re also committed to sustainability, ensuring our durable shoes tread lightly on this beautiful planet. Together, let’s make a difference while having a blast along the way!

Merci for being part of this amazing journey!

With gratitude,
Pierre-André Senizergues
Founder, etnies

Signature of etnies founder, Pierre-André Senizergues. Signature features his first name and a small doodle of a stick figure skating on the lower right.