Etnies Shoes Windrow Vulc Navy Tan White 09 US

Etnies is an American shoe brand based in Lake Forest, California and owned by Sole Technology.

The first designs are attributed to Alain Montigné, known as “Platoon”, who died on 06/16/1989, as well as to Franck Boistel and Gilles Le Bon Delapointe (known as “Gatzby”). The name was changed to "etnies" following a court request, concerning a similarity of name. The first French representatives promoting the brand to surfshops were Bertrand Châtelier and Eric Chabiron.

It specializes in shoes and clothing for skateboarders, snowboarders, BMXers and surfers.
The firm was founded in Cholet, Maine & Loire, and La Gaubretière, Vendée, France in 1986, with the original name “Etnics”, derived from the word “ethnic” and referring to the skateboarding subculture of the time. This brand, created by brothers Guy and Yvon Rautureau (Apple Shoes, Pom d'Api, Free-Lance), sought to bring together the different tribes from boardsports, such as surfing, skateboarding and BMX.

Since 1995 , the skate shoe market has developed strongly, and many innovations have appeared: lightweight models, air bubbles, breathable mesh, reinforced ollie pads, lace protection ... However, since several years ago, we went back to basics: solid, understated and functional shoes with a flat soft rubber sole for good grip.