After the first creative ideas of mounting wheels on boards and "surfing" the streets with them, numerous innovative skateboard brands gradually emerged that still exist today and have had a long-term impact on skate culture – and whose roots are apparently made of "skatepark concrete". We would like to introduce some of them to you here:
Vans
Let's start with the basics that make it possible to properly rip a skate ground: the right skate shoes. Historically speaking, which brand would be more obvious here than Vans? The Californian brand has been an icon in the skate scene and beyond for almost 60 years. In 1966, brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren founded the Van Doren Rubber Company in Anaheim and in the 1970s, many skaters in Southern California were already wearing Vans. To this day – and perhaps more than ever before – Vans skate shoes and streetwear stand for high quality and authentic skate culture.
Pic: Hannes Mautner, Skater: Santino Exenberger
Santa Cruz
A few years younger, but also looking back on a long history, is the skate brand Santa Cruz – founded by surfers who wanted to "surf the pavement" when waves were flat. Since 1973, it has grown into an industry leader in board sports, known for iconic graphics and innovative products. Santa Cruz continues to define skate culture, offering products that resonate with professional riders and younger generations, ensuring safe and thrilling rides on street spots and in skate parks.
Pic: Hannes Mautner, Skater: Santino Exenberger
Pic: Hannes Mautner
Pic: Hannes Mautner
Spitfire
Spitfire, famous for high-quality skateboard wheels, was founded in 1987 in San Francisco, California, by Jim Thiebaud and a group of passionate skateboarders. Rooted in the city’s vibrant skateboarding scene, Spitfire emerged as a brand dedicated to pushing the limits of performance and style. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of the skateboarding community, with its iconic “Bighead” logo representing a symbol of skateboarding authenticity.
Pic: Hannes Mautner, Skaterin: Alexandra Barros
Creature Skateboards
Founded in the early 1990s by Russ Pope and later revitalized by Darren Navarrette, Creature Skateboards hails from Santa Cruz, California. The brand was created to stand out with its bold aesthetic and commitment to crafting durable decks for skaters pushing the limits. Over the years, Creature has become an icon for skaters who embrace creativity, grit, and a fearless approach to skateboarding.
Pic: Hannes Mautner, Skater: Santino Exenberger
DGK
DGK was founded in 2002 by professional skateboarder Stevie Williams in Los Angeles, California. The brand’s name reflects Stevie’s roots and his journey from the streets to skateboarding stardom. DGK is a tribute to those who come from the "ghetto" and turn their struggles into success, embodying an underdog spirit that resonates with skaters worldwide.
Pic: Matthias Jandl, Skater: Lukas Schlack
Zero
Zero Skateboards was founded in 1996 by professional skateboarder Jamie Thomas in Carlsbad, California. Jamie, a visionary in the skateboarding community, started Zero as a clothing brand, but it quickly evolved into a full-fledged skateboard company. His commitment to authenticity and skateboarding's DIY ethos made Zero a standout in the industry.
Pic: Hannes Mautner
Toy Machine
Toy Machine, founded in 1993 by Ed Templeton, provides the skate scene with innovative skateboard graphics. Supported by a creative team of skateboarders, Toy Machine ensures that skateboarding remains multifaceted an the collaboration on decks and streetwear with the legendary skate magazine and popular streetwear label Trasher further underscores Toy Machine's standing in the skate scene.
Pic: Hannes Mautner, Skater: Niklas Klatsch
Looking to learn more about skateboards? In our Skateboard Buyer's Guide you will find lots of know-how and helpful tips from pros. For individual advice, feel free to come to a Blue Tomato Shop near you or contact our Customer Service.
