ETNIES HISTORY

Etnies, a skater owned and operated company, was founded in 1986 by current CEO and former professional freestyle skateboarder Pierre André Sénizergues following his retirement from the sport.

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.

“My goal is to leave the right footprint with Sole Technology. We’ve become a leader through the intelligence and hard work of our team of people. We strive for innovation and excellence in all we do. Together, we keep growing the right way in a healthy organic process,” Sénizergues said.

Aside from Etnies, Sole Tech includes brands like Emerica (also a skate brand), éS (resumed production in 2014 after a 2-year hiatus), Altamont (apparel brand) and ThirtyTwo (snowboarding brand).

Aside from its goal of providing products that are excellent in design, technologically advanced, comfortable and stylish, Etnies and all of the Sole Tech brands have also been active in providing positive impact to their customers’ lives and working harmoniously with the environment by sponsoring action sports events worldwide and giving back to the community.

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.

In 2012, Etnies donated two thousand pairs of shoes in Los Angeles for the less fortunate residents as part of an Easter shoe drive.

At the moment, Etnies continues to sponsor a world class team of skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, moto-x and BMX riders.

Etnies remain true to its roots but at the same time, has been applying technological advances in its production of high-quality skateboarding shoes for skaters of all ages. The brand’s vision is to remain as the leading action sports company committed to creating innovative products that provide the most style, comfort and protection possible.