93% matchemerica
Sister label under same Lake Forest roof and owner
What changes: Narrower footwear focus, more core-skate team identity
Brand profile
Etnies
Skate footwear and apparel brand founded in 1986 by Pierre-André Senizergues, owned since 2024 by Switzerland's Nidecker Group.
Lake ForestOrigin
UnisexFocus
SkatewearStyle
$$Price
22 brands like Etnies like emerica, Lakai, DC Shoes →
What to know about Etnies
Etnies makes skate footwear and apparel, founded in 1986 by French professional skateboarder Pierre-André Senizergues and run from Lake Forest, California. The line centers on durable vulcanized and cupsole skate shoes such as the Marana, Jameson and Windrow, alongside tees, outerwear and BMX-specific models. Swiss board sports group Nidecker acquired Etnies, together with éS, Emerica and ThirtyTwo, from Sole Technology in May 2024; Senizergues retained a minority stake and stayed on as CEO. The brand sponsors international skate and BMX teams and funds tree-planting and skatepark programs.
How Etnies fits
Overall fit
true to size
Most skaters find Etnies shoes fit true to size with a snug, cushioned feel that settles as the padding breaks in.
Tip: Order your usual sneaker size; go up a half size only if you have wide feet or wear thick socks.
Medium confidence · based on 12 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sneakers | true to size | medium width with padded collar and moderate toe box | Take your normal size; consider a half size up for wide feet, and expect a short break-in as the padding compresses. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | true to size | regular skate fit | Take your usual size for a standard fit, or size up for a looser skate look. |
| Jackets | true to size | regular, room for layering | Stick with your normal size; outerwear leaves room for a hoodie underneath. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Etnies
See all 22 brands like Etnies →93% match
85% matchLakai
Core skater-owned shoe line with slimmer suede cupsoles
What changes: Smaller apparel range, tied to Girl/Crailtap crew
84% matchDC Shoes
Bigger, snow-crossover skate footwear with padded cupsoles
What changes: Licensed brand now, more mall-scale distribution
82% matchVANS
Vulcanized classics with heritage lifestyle reach
What changes: Vastly broader, fashion-collab and everyday-sneaker driven
Etnies fit questions
Does Etnies run big or small?
Etnies fits true to size. Order your usual sneaker size; go up a half size only if you have wide feet or wear thick socks. Most skaters find Etnies shoes fit true to size with a snug, cushioned feel that settles as the padding breaks in.
How does Etnies fit?
Most skaters find Etnies shoes fit true to size with a snug, cushioned feel that settles as the padding breaks in. Overall shape: standard skate volume with padded fit.
How do Etnies sneakers fit?
Etnies sneakers fits true to size. Take your normal size; consider a half size up for wide feet, and expect a short break-in as the padding compresses. Shape: medium width with padded collar and moderate toe box.
How do Etnies t-shirts & graphic tees fit?
Etnies t-shirts & graphic tees fits true to size. Take your usual size for a standard fit, or size up for a looser skate look. Shape: regular skate fit.
How do Etnies jackets fit?
Etnies jackets fits true to size. Stick with your normal size; outerwear leaves room for a hoodie underneath. Shape: regular, room for layering.
Brand facts
- Founded
- 1986
- Origin
- Lake Forest, United States
- Made in
- Asia
- Price
- $$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Styles
- Skatewear, Streetwear