The 90s were a golden age for skateboarding. A world where baggy jeans and wild tricksruled the pavement, where rebellious spirits found their freedom on four wheels. The sport was exploding in popularity, and there were a number of iconic brands that were at the forefront of the scene.
These brands helped to define the look and feel of skateboarding culture, and some of them continue to be popular today. Let’s take a thrilling ride down memory lane and dive into the world of 90s skateboarding brands.
“Prepare to be transported back to an era defined by innovative skateboarding, influential brands, and an uncontrolled passion for the sport that continues to inspire new generations of riders.”
Let’s rewind the tape and dive into the vibrant skateboarding scene of the 90s. This decade witnessed an explosion of popularity for the sport, fueled by groundbreaking tricks, the birth of skate videos, and a thriving community of riders pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard.
History witnessed that skateboarding sport became a lifestyle and a rebellious subculture. Neon colors, punk rock anthems, and an army of fearless riders pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a wooden plank.
It was a decade that witnessed a skyrocketing surge in skateboarding’s popularity, and with it came the birth of some truly influential brands.
Brands like Powell Peralta, Birdhouse, Blind, and many more played a pivotal role in shaping the skateboarding scene of the era. These brands became the Holy Grail for skaters seeking that perfect ride.
These brands unleashed a revolution of style, innovation, and unforgettable team riders, becoming identical to the spirit of skateboarding itself.
Their distinct aesthetic seeped into popular culture, making its mark on everything from music videos to fashion runways. Suddenly, baggy pants, oversized t-shirts, and skate shoes were summery of cool.
Read about the popular skateboard clothing brands that have played a pivotal role in making this sport a lifestyle.
Iconic 90s Skateboarding Brands
The first 90s skateboarding brands emerged in the early part of the decade. These brands were founded by skaters who were passionate about the sport, and they were committed to creating high-quality products that would meet the needs of skaters.
Some of the most popular 90s skateboarding brands included:
1. Powell Peralta
Powell Peralta, the OG of 90s skateboarding brands, had a reputation that was as solid as a kickflip landed with surgical precision. These guys were like the Jedi masters of deck craftsmanship and it is still one of the best skateboard brands in the world.
Founded in 1978, they rose to prominence in the 80s but continued to dominate the scene in the 90s. Their boards were a work of art, with graphics that had a cult following. From the iconic Skull and Sword to the intricate artwork of Sean Cliver, Powell Peralta’s decks were a visual feast for our hungry eyes.
Powell Peralta’s team riders were legends like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Rodney Mullen. These guys were superheroes on wheels, performing tricks that seemed straight out of a comic book. They not only pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard but also inspired a whole generation to strap on their pads and get rolling.
This 90s brand’s contributions to skateboarding culture were remarkable. They played a pivotal role in the development of modern skateboarding through their innovative board designs and their iconic Bones Brigade skate team. Their influence extended beyond the ramps and streets, permeating skate videos, magazines, and even video games.
Let’s just say, Powell Peralta is to skateboard what the Beatles are to rock ‘n’ roll—a timeless force that shaped an entire era.
The brand soared to new heights in the 90s. Founded by the legendary Tony Hawk and Per Welinder, Birdhouse quickly became a household name among skaters. Known for their rebellious spirit and kick-ass designs, Birdhouse boards were like a ticket to skateboarding nirvana.
Their team riders were a dream team of skateboarding icons. We’re talking about Tony Hawk, Andrew Reynolds, and Willy Santos, just to name a few. These guys were like the Avengers of skateboarding, each bringing their unique style and gravity-defying moves to the table.
Apart from the fact that Tony Hawk himself was the face of the Birdhouse brand, they were pioneers in producing some of the most epic skate videos of the time. Remember “The End”? Yeah, that mind-blowing masterpiece showcased their team’s skills in a way that made us mere mortals drool with envy.
Birdhouse also brought a raw, edgy aesthetic to the skateboarding scene that resonated with skaters worldwide.
3. Blind
Blind made us see skateboarding in a whole new light. Founded in 1989, Blind took the 90s by storm with their innovative approach and killer team riders. Their logo, a blindfolded reaper, became an iconic symbol of their fearless attitude and relentless pursuit of greatness.
Their team was like a roster of skateboarding superheroes. We’re talking about names like Jason Lee, Guy Mariano, and Rudy Johnson. These guys had style for days and trick bags that seemed bottomless. They brought a certain finesse and technicality to their skating that left us mere mortals in awe.
The Blind was instrumental in popularizing street skateboarding, with their team riders taking to the gritty urban landscape and showing us what was possible.
Their videos, like “Video Days,” were game-changers, showcasing their team’s skills and inspiring a whole generation to hit the streets and push their limits. Blind made us see skateboarding through a different lens, and for that, we’ll forever be grateful.
Droors, is the brand that made us drool with envy over their sick designs and innovative style. Founded in 1992 by Damon Way and Ken Block, Droors (which later became DC Shoes) took the skateboarding world by storm. They were known for their cutting-edge streetwear that blended seamlessly with the skateboarding culture.
Their team riders were a force to be reckoned with. We’re talking about Josh Kalis, Kareem Campbell, and Colin McKay, just to name a few. These guys were like street skateboarding scholars, effortlessly conquering stair sets, ledges, and rails with a finesse that seemed almost supernatural.
I remember the days when I used to watch Kareem Campbell videos and got inspired to control the board like him (well, I was trying).
Droors brand was part of a movement that brought streetwear and skateboarding together, creating a unique style that resonated with skaters worldwide. Droors showed us that skateboarding wasn’t just about the tricks—it was about the attitude, the fashion, and the culture that surrounded it.
5. Acme
Founded in 1991, Acme was all about vibrant graphics, quirky characters, and a sense of humor that made us grin like a skater landing their first kickflip.
Their team riders were a rabble group of misfits and mavericks, dudes like Matt Reason, Jason Dill, and Keith Hufnagel. These guys had a style that was as unique as Acme’s deck designs, and they brought an infectious energy to the skateboarding scene.
The wacky cartoons and offbeat characters we see these days on skateboards were actually introduced by Acme. The brand injected fun and lightheartedness into the sport. Their graphics brought a sense of playfulness to the skateboarding world.
Acme was like a breath of fresh air, reminding us to embrace the joy and freedom that skateboarding brings. They showed us that skateboarding didn’t always have to be serious and hardcore – it could also be about having a damn good time.
6. Hook-Ups
Founded in 1994 by Jeremy Klein, Hook-Ups was all about combining skateboarding with anime-inspired artwork and a healthy dose of cheeky humor. It was the brand that made us blush and giggle like school kids.
Hook-Ups famous riders were Jeremy Klein himself, Ed Templeton, and young Jamie Thomas. These guys not only ripped it up on their boards but also brought a unique aesthetic to the skateboarding scene that had us drooling over their decks.
I’m not sure if I should mention it or not – but I love their risqué graphics decks, featuring busty anime babes and provocative artwork, which stirred up controversy while also captivating the imagination of skaters everywhere.
7. Menace
Menace brand had us walking on the wild side. Founded in 1991 by famous street skateboarder Kareem Campbell, Menace was all about representing the gritty streets and the raw energy of the skateboarding subculture.
The brand sponsored fearless riders like Fabian Alomar, Eric Pupecki, and Lee Smith who were known for their ability to conquer spots that others deemed impossible.
8. Savier
Perhaps you haven’t heard much about Savier, but it was the brand that had us stepping up our skate shoe game. Founded in 1998 by Paul Rodriguez Sr., Savier was all about combining style and functionality in their footwear, taking skate shoes to a whole new level.
The brand showed us the importance of having quality footwear that could withstand the rigors of skateboarding. They brought a fresh perspective to skate shoes, focusing on durability, comfort, and style.
With their innovative features like removable liners and customizable options, Savier set the bar high for skate shoe technology.
9. Aesthetics
Skateboarding history took a turn when Aesthetics made us appreciate skateboarding as an art form. Founded in 1990 by Ray “Bones” Rodriguez, Aesthetics was all about blending skateboarding with visual aesthetics, creating a brand that celebrated the intersection of art and sport.
Their team riders were like walking canvases, Drake Jones, Kenny Reed, and Gino Iannucci. These guys not only had a unique approach to skateboarding but also brought a certain style and grace that felt like poetry in motion.
Aesthetics was all about bridging the gap between skateboarding and the world of art. Their graphics, created by renowned artists like Todd Francis and Evan Hecox, elevated skateboards to the status of gallery-worthy masterpieces.
10. Mad Circle
Mad Circle was founded in 1993 by Justin Girard and Mike Ternasky. This 90s skateboarding brand brought a fresh perspective to skateboarding with its unique graphics and a team of riders who were ahead of their time.
These skateboarding visionaries were Danny Way, Karl Watson, and Jovontae Turner. These guys brought a creative flair to their tricks that left us mesmerized.
Mad Circle blended technical mastery with artistic expression, creating a brand that stood out from the crowd. Their videos, like “Let the Horns Blow,” showcased their team’s skills in a way that made us believe in the limitless possibilities of skateboarding.
Revival and Current Trends
Fast forward to the present, and we witness a renewed fascination with 90s skateboarding brands. What sparked this revival? Well, it’s a perfect blend of factors. Social media has played a significant role in reigniting interest and spreading the word about the glory days.
Fashion trends have also embraced the retro allure of 90s skateboarding, with streetwear paying homage to the iconic graphics and bold styles of the era. The appeal of retro aesthetics, combined with the genuine craftsmanship of these brands, has captivated a new generation of skaters.
Influence on Fashion and Pop Culture of 90s Skateboarding Brands
The influence of 90s skateboarding brands extends far beyond the skatepark. Their impact on fashion trends and popular culture is undeniable.
Streetwear brands draw inspiration from the bold graphics, vibrant colors, and DIY spirit of the 90s skateboarding scene. Collaborations between skateboarding brands and fashion labels have given birth to iconic collaborations, blurring the boundaries between skateboarding and mainstream fashion.
From runway shows to high-end collaborations, the 90s skateboarding culture continues to leave its mark on the world of style.
Brand Spotlights
Let’s shine a spotlight on a few skateboarding brands from the 90s that have experienced a remarkable resurgence.
Droors with its distinctive denim-inspired aesthetic has made a notable comeback, rekindling the love of skateboarding and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Hook-Ups known for its provocative graphics, has reemerged with a modern twist, capturing the hearts of nostalgic skaters.
Menace a brand that embraced the raw energy of the streets, has returned with a fresh approach, attracting a new generation of fans while honoring its roots.
Final Words
As we bring our journey through the world of 90s skateboarding brands to a close, one thing becomes clear: these iconic brands are far from forgotten antiques of the past.
Instead, they are experiencing a thrilling revival, captivating the hearts of old-school enthusiasts and capturing the attention of a new generation.
The cultural significance and influence of these brands cannot be overstated. They shaped the skateboarding subculture, and left an incredible mark on popular culture.
So, whether you are strapping on a Powell Peralta deck, soaring with Birdhouse, or exploring the urban landscape with Menace, remember that the spirit of the 90s skateboarding brands lives on, weaving its way through the past, present, and future.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
What did skaters wear in the 90s?
Skaters in the 90s had a distinct fashion sense that reflected their rebellious and street-oriented lifestyle. Baggy jeans or cargo pants were a popular choice, allowing for freedom of movement on the skateboard.
Oversized t-shirts featuring graphics from skateboarding brands were a staple, often paired with flannel shirts or hoodies for a layered look. Skaters also sported beanies, trucker hats, and baseball caps to complete their outfits.
What is the name of the famous clothing and skateboarding lifestyle brand?
The most famous clothing and skateboarding lifestyle brand is “Supreme”. Supreme has gained a cult following for its unique streetwear designs and collaborations with artists, musicians, and brands from various industries.
What shoes does Ray wear in mid90’s?
In the movie “mid90’s,” Ray, portrayed by actor Na-Kel Smith, wears Adidas Gazelle shoes. The Adidas Gazelle is a classic sneaker known for its simple yet timeless design. Its suede upper and rubber sole provide durability and grip, making it a popular choice among skateboarders and sneaker enthusiasts.
How many skateboard brands are there?
The skateboarding industry boasts a diverse range of skateboard brands, catering to various styles, preferences, and niches. While it’s challenging to provide an exact number due to the ever-changing landscape of the industry, there are hundreds of skateboard brands worldwide.
These brands vary in size, reputation, and target audience, offering a wide selection of skateboards, apparel, and accessories to meet the needs of skateboarders across the globe.
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
