Etnies x Santa Cruz: A Skateboarding Legacy in Motion of two skate culture legendary companies.
Sep 13, 2024
At Amateur Athlete, we are thrilled to announce the latest collaboration between two of skateboarding's most iconic brands: Etnies Footwear and Santa Cruz Skateboards. These two powerhouses have come together to create a collection that honors the heritage and culture of skateboarding. We’re excited to offer two standout models from this collection at our shop—the classic Fader and the Marana, a signature model tied to skate legend Ryan Sheckler. Being in the skate culture for over 40 years we have seen shoe models come and go. The Etnies Fader and Marana are two shoes that have made a huge impact in the fashion side of things with the Fader, and the technology side of things with the Etnies Marana.
A Brief History of Etnies Footwear:
Etnies Footwear was founded in 1986 by Pierre Andre and quickly became a pioneering brand in skateboarding. As the first skateboarder-owned shoe company, Etnies made waves by understanding the demands of the sport from the ground up—literally. Etnies introduced innovative shoe designs that provided skaters with the durability, comfort, and style they needed to hit the streets, parks, and competitions. Natas was just one of many on the Skate team that helped with design and testing. Way before big companies got involved with skateboarding because it was not yet accepted for what it is today, Pierre created Sole Technology which pushed the skateboard footwear game to new heights. and still does to this day. At Amateur Athlete Skate Shop we have been around to see the entire story line and creation that Sole Technology and Pierre Andre have created and its one that set boundaries and blue prints for future skate shoe brands.
In the early to mid '90s, the Etnies Fader became a symbol of skate culture. Its chunky profile, reinforced build, and padded comfort resonated with skaters and bikers everywhere, earning a spot in the hearts of skaters across the globe. The Fader was everywhere it was recognized even by those whom did not take part in action sports. Chances are if you were in High school during the mid 90's to mid 2000's a large number of kids were in the Etnies Fader.
Santa Cruz Skateboards: A Piece of Skate History
Founded in 1973, Santa Cruz Skateboards is one of the longest-running skateboard companies in existence. Its iconic "Screaming Hand" logo, designed by Jim Phillips, has become synonymous with skateboarding culture. Santa Cruz is known for its high-quality decks, innovative designs, and a team roster filled with legends and future icons alike. Santa Cruz is one of the longest running skateboard companies around. It has been a pillar in the skate culture and has always enlisted the best of the best for their team. Santa Cruz id of course located in Santa Cruz California still to this day. Santa Cruz just celebrated 50 years! which is huge in skateboarding. Santa Cruz Is guided by Jeff Kendall Whom was a Santa Cruz pro for many years. So skaters still run the company and continue to help spread the culture and quality goods. Check out our huge Santa Cruz Apparel collection at https://aa1982.com/collections/santa-cruz-apparel and the Amateur Athlete deck wall always has Santa Cruz Skateboards. on it https://aa1982.com/collections/skateboard-decks
Check out the Etnies Footwear collections:
Santa Cruz Skateboards has always stayed true to the rebellious spirit of skateboarding. Whether through supporting grassroots skate culture or pushing the limits of deck design, the brand has cemented its place as a cornerstone of skateboarding history. Go do some homework and check out there huge history of Skate videos that are a must watch if your even slightly interested in the skateboard history.
The Importance of Etnies & Santa Cruz to Skateboarding
Both Etnies and Santa Cruz have deeply influenced skateboarding, not just as brands but as pillars of the culture. Etnies, with its dedication to performance and design, created shoes that pushed the boundaries of what skate shoes could be, providing riders with the support and protection they needed to evolve their craft. Santa Cruz, on the other hand, set the standard for skateboard art and design, blending aesthetic and functionality in ways that continue to inspire skaters of all ages.
Both have been important in Amateur Athletes history as well. We strived to bring new brands in our shop that haven't been seen everywhere at the time. Also the quality was always next level. One of the most important things at Amateur Athlete is that we carry only quality mad goods, stuff that lasts and doesn't fall apart in a week. And both companies from the start helped small shops like Amateur set apart from other stores in the local area.
Together, these brands have helped shape the global skateboarding landscape, from the early days of backyard pools to today's massive skate parks and street sessions. Their commitment to the sport and community is unparalleled, making this collaboration something truly special.
The Fader & Marana: Available at Amateur Athlete!
We’re proud to offer two models from the Etnies x Santa Cruz collaboration at Amateur Athlete:
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Etnies Fader (Santa Cruz Edition)
The Fader is a true classic that first hit the scene in the mid 1990s and quickly became a favorite among skaters for its durability and comfort. The Etnies Santa Cruz Fader edition breathes new life into this iconic shoe with exclusive Santa Cruz artwork, staying true to the chunky silhouette and padded design that made the Fader famous. This version is perfect for anyone looking to channel the essence of old-school skateboarding with a modern twist. And the Santa Cruz Jim Phillips artwork on the back of the shoe will have heads turning. -
Etnies Marana (Ryan Sheckler Pro Model - Santa Cruz Edition)
Although Ryan Sheckler is no longer with the Etnies team, the Marana remains one of Etnies’ most revered pro model shoes, originally designed in collaboration with Sheckler himself. The Etnies Marana Santa Cruz was created for skaters who push their limits, with a Michelin rubber outsole for enhanced durability and grip. The Etnies Santa Cruz collaboration adds a bold visual twist to this high-performance shoe, making it a must-have for those who love both form and function. -
In Conclusion
This collaboration is a celebration of skateboarding’s past, present, and future, with two legendary brands that have been staples at Amateur Athlete Skate Shop coming together to create something truly unique. Whether you're a lifelong skater or just getting into the scene, the Etnies x Santa Cruz collection has something for everyone. Swing by Amateur Athlete in Bethlehem, PA to check out the Fader and Marana in person—because in skateboarding, it’s all about the right fit, and we’ve got you covered. And if you can't make it in Shop visit the Etnies Collection page at https://aa1982.com/collections/etnies-footwear
Let’s keep the local skate scene rolling strong, and as always, thank you for supporting Amateur Athlete! Check out our YouTube channel where we often check out Etnies footwear and Santa Cruz skateboard and Santa Cruz Apparel! https://www.youtube.com/@aaskateshop1982