If you're a fan of skate culture and durable sneakers that can handle just about anything, you probably already have a pair of Etnies in your closet. Loved for their laid-back vibe and sturdy construction, Etnies perfectly blends skate performance with everyday streetwear style.
For those who appreciate that signature low-profile design but want to expand their footwear collection, we've found 19 other brands that deliver a similar mix of comfort, durability, and skate-inspired cool. Here are some awesome alternatives to check out next.
You can't talk about skate shoes without mentioning Vans. An absolute staple in both skateboarding and streetwear, Vans is famous for its simple, versatile designs like the classic slip-on and Old Skool silhouettes. Known for their grippy waffle soles and iconic checkerboard prints, their shoes offer endless style options that work on and off the board.
While similar to Etnies in their deep skate culture roots, Vans have a broader fashion reach and are often seen as a go-to casual sneaker for a wider audience. If you love Etnies' authenticity but want a shoe that has become a true pop-culture icon, Vans is a must-have.
Shop now at vans.com
DC Shoes leans heavily into the performance side of skateboarding footwear. Their sneakers are built tough, often featuring reinforced toe caps, thick padded tongues, and chunky soles designed to withstand serious wear and tear. The brand's aesthetic is gritty and bold, with a focus on oversized logos and a more aggressive silhouette that screams '90s skate culture.
Compared to Etnies' slightly more streamlined looks, DC offers a bulkier, more protective shoe that appeals to skaters who prioritize function and a hardcore street vibe. They share a similar price point and commitment to the sport, making them a great alternative for those needing extra durability.
Shop now at dcshoes.com
Nike SB (Skateboarding) takes the brand's legendary innovation and applies it directly to skate shoes. Models like the Dunk and Janoski are renowned for their superior grip, lightweight materials, and impact-absorbing Zoom Air insoles. Known for their high-profile collaborations and limited-edition colorways, Nike SB has a premium, collectible feel.
While Etnies is rooted in a more organic, eco-conscious skate identity, Nike SB brings cutting-edge technology and modern, athletic aesthetics to the table. It's the perfect choice for someone who wants the familiarity of Nike paired with skate-specific performance.
Shop now at sneakernews.com/brand/nike-sb/
Fusing classic Adidas style with skate-ready features, Adidas Skateboarding offers footwear that looks just as good on the street as it does at the park. Many of their shoes incorporate the brand's comfort technologies like Boost or Cloudfoam and reinterpret iconic models like the Superstar and Gazelle for skating. The overall vibe is sporty and clean, with a definite streetwear edge.
Like Etnies, the brand focuses on durability and style, but Adidas brings a distinctly athletic, European flair to its designs. If you're a fan of the three-stripes aesthetic and want a shoe that's a bit more minimalist, this is the brand for you.
Shop now at adidas.com/us/skateboarding
Supra is all about making a statement. Known for its dramatic high-top silhouettes and fashion-forward designs, the brand blends skate culture with an urban, almost futuristic aesthetic. Their shoes often feature bold details, premium materials like leather, and eye-catching colorways that are designed to stand out.
Supra offers a more daring and trend-driven alternative to Etnies' classic, function-first approach. For skaters and sneaker fans who want their footwear to be the centerpiece of their outfit, Supra delivers unforgettable style without sacrificing skate performance.
Shop now at suprafootwear.com
Emerica is for the purists. A brand created by skaters, for skaters, it focuses entirely on high-performance, functional, and durable footwear. Their designs are straightforward and gimmick-free, emphasizing things like flexible grip, reinforced stitching, and solid boardfeel. The aesthetic is raw, simple, and all about skateboarding.
Emerica shares Etnies' hardcore commitment to skate culture but doubles down on the technical aspect. If you find Etnies a bit too casual and want a shoe that is purely built for performance, Emerica is the real deal.
Shop now at emerica.com
Starting as a small San Francisco boutique, HUF has grown into a global streetwear and skateboarding powerhouse. Their footwear combines clean, contemporary designs with unique prints, vibrant colors, and classic skate functionality. HUF is just as well-known for its apparel and collaborations with artists as it is for its shoes.
Compared to Etnies, HUF leans more heavily into the streetwear side of skate culture. Their shoes are versatile and stylish, perfect for someone who appreciates graphic-driven design and wants a skate shoe with a bit more fashion cred.
Shop now at hufworldwide.com
Osiris is famous for its unapologetically bold and chunky D3 skate shoe, an icon of the early 2000s that continues to be a streetwear favorite. The brand's designs are all about making an impact, featuring thick soles, vibrant colorways, and a rebellious, over-the-top vibe. Their shoes are instantly recognizable and cater to a crowd that loves standout style.
While Etnies focuses on a blend of performance and eco-consciousness, Osiris is all about loud aesthetics and unique, chunky silhouettes. If you want a shoe that screams Y2K skate fashion, Osiris has you covered.
Shop now at osirisshoes.com
Lakai delivers premium skate shoes with an emphasis on craftsmanship, comfort, and simple style. Their sneakers often feature clean lines, high-quality materials, and a more refined, minimalist look that feels sophisticated. The brand is known for offering an excellent fit and a slightly more "grown-up" aesthetic than some of its competitors.
Lakai is similar to Etnies in its dedication to performance and quality but presents a more understated and stylish alternative. For those who want a highly functional skate shoe that looks clean and classic, Lakai is a perfect choice.
Shop now at lakai.com
Hailing from Australia, Globe is a global skate and surf brand that offers a wide range of footwear known for its comfort and contemporary designs. Their sneakers often feature modern materials and a focus on lightweight construction, blending street style with performance technology. Globe's vibe is fresh, youthful, and always on-trend.
Like Etnies, Globe maintains strong skate credentials while also appealing to a broader casual audience. However, Globe often incorporates more current streetwear trends into its designs, making it a great option for those seeking a modern skate shoe.
Shop now at globeshoes.com
While undoubtedly a basketball icon, Air Jordan has an undeniable influence on skate culture, with skaters having worn the durable high-tops for decades. Certain models like the Air Jordan 1 are now released in skate-specific versions, combining premium materials and luxury streetwear appeal with the comfort needed for skating. These shoes are for the sneakerhead who wants a piece of history.
Compared to Etnies' accessible skate-first approach, Air Jordans offer a touch of luxury and high-fashion hype. They're a statement shoe for skaters who want to stand out with a timeless, legendary design.
Shop now at jordans.com
Founded by skate legend Mark Gonzales, KROoked is a brand that puts art and creativity at the forefront. While primarily known for its decks, KROoked's collaborations on footwear are famous for their bold, quirky graphics and unique colorways that reflect "The Gonz's" iconic style. This is footwear with a rebellious, artistic attitude.
KROoked offers a much more edgy and eclectic alternative to Etnies' classic sporty aesthetic. For skaters who see themselves as artists and want their gear to reflect personality and creative freedom, KROoked is a perfect match.
Shop now at krooked.com
Fallen makes skate shoes that deliver serious performance with a sleek, minimalist vibe. Created by legendary pro skater Jamie Thomas, the brand focuses on flexible designs, durable soles, and a boardfeel-first philosophy. Their shoes appeal to skaters who prefer a less bulky look but still demand peak performance.
Fallen is an excellent alternative to Etnies if you're seeking a more understated and technical shoe. It combines a clean, low-profile style with features that serious skaters will appreciate.
Shop now at fallenfootwear.com
Sometimes the best alternative is a unique twist on the original. Etnies often partners with iconic brands like Disney and Marvel to create limited-edition collections that are fun, vibrant, and highly collectible. These collaborations take classic Etnies models and cover them in playful prints and themed designs.
While still offering the Etnies performance you love, these special editions allow you to show off your interests and personality. They're perfect for fans who want a shoe that feels both familiar and totally new.
Shop now at etnies.com
When DC Shoes teams up with a sportswear giant like Reebok, you get a unique fusion of two distinct styles. These collaborations typically merge DC's bold, skate-focused silhouettes with Reebok's classic athletic technology and branding. The result is a shoe that is both a streetwear statement and a functional skate sneaker.
This mix brings Reebok's retro sports heritage into the skate world, creating a vibe that's different from what Etnies or standalone DC normally offer. It's an exciting choice for those who love unexpected brand mashups.
Shop now at reebok.com
The Nike SB Dunk is a legendary shoe in its own right, iconic in both sneakerhead and skate communities. Known for its incredible range of colorways, stories, and high-profile collaborations, the SB Dunk is as much a collector's item as it is a performance skate shoe. It offers excellent padding, grip, and durability.
While Etnies is a workhorse skate brand, the SB Dunk has a hyped, high-fashion appeal. If you love sneaker culture and tracking down limited releases, collecting SB Dunks can become a hobby in itself.
Shop now at sneakernews.com/brand/nike-sb/
For those who want the skate-inspired look combined with maximum comfort, SKECHERS' Street line is a great choice. Their shoes offer casual, low-profile designs that are versatile enough for everyday wear. While not built for hardcore skating, they provide decent grip and a laid-back look at an affordable price point.
This is the perfect alternative to Etnies if your priority is all-day comfort for casual use rather than technical skate performance. It gives you the skater aesthetic without sacrificing an ounce of cushion.
Shop now at skechers.com
Lakai's collaborations with fellow footwear brand Straye result in shoes that perfectly balance no-fuss skate comfort with streetwear style. These collabs often feature clean lines, sturdy construction, and bold design elements that feel fresh and modern. They bring together Lakai's timeless skate credibility with Straye's contemporary edge.
This pairing offers a fashion-forward twist on the classic skate shoe, similar to Etnies' versatility, but with an updated, trend-conscious vibe perfect for today's skaters.
Shop now at lakai.com
A giant in the world of streetwear, Adidas Originals offers a massive collection of sneakers with deep ties to subcultures, including skateboarding. Skate-inspired models often feature retro designs and iconic branding, prioritizing comfort and timeless style. These are versatile shoes that fit effortlessly into almost any casual wardrobe.
Similar to Etnies, Adidas Originals blends cultural heritage with everyday fashion. However, Originals focuses more on a retro, lifestyle aesthetic rather than pure skate performance, making it a great choice for daily wear.
Shop now at adidas.com/us/originals
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