Everything you need to know about the popular skate shoe brand Etnies.
If you’re in the skateboarding, BMX, or other extreme sport scene, it’s likely you’ve heard of Etnies. Etnies, or sometimes referred to as the stylized lowercase “etnies,” is a popular shoe brand for people who skate, bike, or otherwise interested in skating culture. The brand sponsors a fleet of skateboarders, which contributes to not only the brand visibility but also to the brand vibe. If you’ve never heard of Etnies, or you just want to learn more about the brand, here’s what you should know.
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What Happened to Etnies?
If you remember Etnies from when they broke into the footwear scene in 1986 and rose to prominence in the skating community in the 2000s, you may think that the skating shoe brand is defunct. However, that is untrue. Etnies is still kicking—no pun intended—and sells shoes on their site etnies.com. The skating footwear brand was founded in 1986 by retired professional skateboarder Pierre André Sénizergues. Since that time, he has consulted skateboarders on shoe design and merchandising.
Are Etnies True to Size?
It is commonly held that Etnies run a little bit small. Many customers of Etnies and lifelong skaters who wear Etnies suggest buying the shoes about a half size up to ensure that your foot has plenty of room to flex in the shoe and that there is plenty of room in the toe box so you don’t get pinched toes.
Are Etnies Good Skate Shoes?
Etnies are known not only for their cool look but also for their durability and their surprising amount of arch support. This makes them excellent skating shoes that really stand up to every grind, flip, and stunt in your skating repertoire. They are also known for being flexible and lightweight, making them a favorite among the skateboarding and BMX biking communities.
Are Etnies Still Cool?
Etnies have been a cool skating and BMX footwear option since they launched in the 80s and 90s. With tons of colors in their traditional low top Marana style, there is a pair for every skater. They also make high top styles for additional ankle support and a modern look. If slip-ons are more your style, there’s the Marana Slip, which are the iconic low top style that Etnies are known for but with a slide-on, laceless front. Any style of Etnies you choose will keep you supported on your skateboard and looking cool even when you’re off of your skateboard.
Where to Buy Etnies
You can find the popular skating and BMX footwear brand online on their own website at etnies.com.
If you’re looking for Etnies, you can also find them at Amazon, Glik’s, Eurostar locations, at local and boutique skating shops across the US, at surf shops in numerous cities, and more. If you’re in doubt of where to find Etnies in person and you’d like to try them on, your best bet will likely be to call the skating and biking shops in your area.
Etnies.com
Journeys
Get your Etnies at Journeys and pay in 4 with Klarna
Zappos
Find limited edition Etnies, low top and high top styles at Zappos!
Amazon
Shop the Etnies Store on Amazon and find styles for Men, Women and Kids
Design Your Own Custom Etnies
Etnies used to offer a personalization service on their website, but it looks like it has since been discontinued. For Custom Etnies you could try Ebay, Etsy or get creative and design your own with shoe markers and paint!
Create a shoe just for you at Etnies! Transform a Fader, Digit, Sheckler or Callicut with a various selection of colors and patterns. Prices start $49.95 for Youth and $69.95 for Men & Girls – that’s less expensive than most skate shoes, and these are customized and personalized.