The other day, we visited the pop-up of Village PM, a footwear brand that has just landed in Japan. When it comes to shoes, major global brands tend to dominate the spotlight—but in the world of skate shoes, it doesn’t stop there. Across different countries and regions, countless independent brands continue to emerge, often created by skaters themselves. Experiencing this firsthand reminded me of the depth and richness of skate culture.
That experience inspired this feature. From core and niche labels to domestic brands, we took a fresh look at skate shoes—focusing on the ideas, products, and unique characteristics behind each brand to explore what makes them truly stand out.
Based in Paris, France, VILLAGE PM is a skateboarding-focused footwear brand launched in 2024. It was founded by Basile Lapray and Bram De Cleen, combining their deep understanding of footwear design and skate culture. The project also involves design collaboration from Julien Traverse (All Triangles), known for his work in outdoor footwear development.
“Village” represents the local community, while “PM” refers to the nighttime—the hours spent skating in the streets. Together, the name expresses a fusion of street, culture, and design. The brand focuses on delivering exactly what skaters need, developing products based on real street skating. The result is a well-balanced design offering immediate comfort, excellent impact absorption, durable rubber, and overall wearability.
Their concept—“Skateboarding deserves evolved footwear”—drives them to move beyond traditional skate shoe categories. Instead of following conventional vulcanized or cupsole constructions, VILLAGE PM introduces a unique rubber structure. A soft yet grippy rubber wraps from toe to heel, providing stable flick and precise board feel. Straps at the toe and heel allow easy on-and-off while also preventing heel collapse.
With an asymmetrical full-lace design tailored to the natural shape of the foot, the shoe delivers an even, precise fit—making it a true next-generation skate shoe.
Personally, since the silhouette runs slim, I’d recommend those with wider feet consider going up half to one full size.
The name “AREth” combines “are” from “We are…” with “th,” as in 4th or 5th—suggesting “it’s our turn,” while also hinting at “earth.”
Founded in 2001, this footwear brand is driven by “Bancho,” whose personality is as compelling as the products themselves, with a focus on creating grounded, down-to-earth shoes. They offer excellent comfort, paired with simple yet distinctive designs. Above all, the durability of the cup sole stands out, making them a pair you can wear for years without getting tired of.
The Japanese team features riders such as Shoma Takeda of Sprinkles, Takaaki Niisato of KAONKA, and Tightbooth filmmaker Shingo Ogura, alongside legends like Rui Araki of Magenta and Kenji Okuwaki of Kumamoto OLLIE.
In recent years, the brand has also started to be carried at shops like FTC in San Francisco. Leading the charge is filmmaker Zach Chamberlin, known for projects like Sprinkles and Loophole, alongside a stacked lineup of U.S. riders including Magenta’s Jameel Douglas and Jesse Narvaez, Sprinkles’ Kansai dialect–speaking Connor Kammerer, and Snack’s Ty Beall, who is currently based in Japan.
Founded in 2008 in Curitiba, Brazil, ÖUS is a footwear and apparel brand born directly from the local skate scene. It was started by a team led by Rafael Narciso.
With the concept “by skaters, for skaters,” the brand develops products rooted in real skateboarding. While centered on skate culture, ÖUS also collaborates with a wide range of brands, positioning itself at the intersection of broader street culture.
Sustainability is also a key aspect of the brand, with models made from recycled materials and lines that avoid animal-derived components.
Widely respected within Brazil’s core skate community, ÖUS has recently been expanding internationally, including into Europe. If you ever visit Brazil, trying them locally might offer a more direct connection to the scene and atmosphere.
Launched in 2016, POSSESSED takes its name from the idea of being “possessed” or obsessed. One of its defining features is the double-layered side panel, designed to withstand abrasion from tricks like ollies. Built with a vulcanized sole tailored to fit Japanese feet, the shoes are produced in high-quality factories in Taiwan. Continuous product testing ensures reliable performance across both street and park skating.
The team includes Shintaro Maruyama, Seimi Miyahara, and Koma Akagi from Evisen, as well as Makoto Nishikawa (also known as CAPY).
Often regarded as Portugal’s first sneaker brand, Sanjo was founded in 1933 and became a national staple worn by students, athletes, and workers alike. However, during the 1990s, the influx of major international brands intensified competition, leading to its gradual decline and disappearance from the market.
The brand was revived in 2010, fully relaunched in 2019, and around 2020, a skate team was formed. The team is managed by Pedro Raimundo, editor-in-chief of Portugal’s Surge Skateboard Magazine.
Composed mainly of young local skaters, the team plays an active role in product development, bridging the brand with the skate community.
With the relaunch came a strong commitment to “bringing the brand back to Portugal.” Production, which had previously been partially outsourced to Spain and China, has now shifted to 100% domestic manufacturing.
A footwear project brought to life by Hiroshi Nishibayashi of BP Trading, former IPATH rider Matt Rodriguez, and artist BIG FOOT—three key figures behind IPATH’s golden era.
Rooted in skateboarding culture, the brand’s concept is to connect “love, peace, and the beauty of life.” The name Beautiful Planet reflects the idea that Earth is a rich and diverse place where living beings coexist in harmony.
Matt Rodriguez, known for his highly creative and free-flowing skate style, rose to prominence as a pro during Stereo’s peak years. He later became an original member of IPATH, helping shape the brand. Beyond skateboarding, he is also a musician, collaborating with artists such as Tommy Guerrero and Ray Barbee—continuing to explore self-expression through both skateboarding and music.
This is undoubtedly a pair worth picking up for true skate enthusiasts.
(The video included is an archive of Matt Rodriguez.)
We hope this feature has given you a deeper insight into these brands and what they stand for. If any of these shoes caught your attention, be sure to check them out at your local skate shop.
