About Sole Technology
"To inspire youth through a passionate commitment to authentic action sports brands."
Sole Technology is a globally recognized leader in authentic action sports footwear and apparel that is available in more than 70 countries and is the largest private action sports company, with revenues close to $200 million. The company’s holdings include seven top brands: etnies, etnies Plus, éS, Emerica, Altamont Apparel and ThirtyTwo.
Our action sports footwear, apparel and accessories are renowned for quality, function, style, innovation and durability. Sole Technology is the first and only footwear company owned and operated by a former world champion skateboarder. All Sole Technology products are created by action sports enthusiasts. They are truly authentic.
By consistently delivering innovation in performance, technology and style for more than two decades, Sole Technology has grown into the principal skateboard shoe supplier among core action sports retail stores worldwide.
Sole Technology Founder and CEO Pierre André Senizergues is passionate about action sports, youth culture, environmental responsibility and entrepreneurial endeavors. He seeks to build Sole Technology as an industry leader that proves these values and culture can prosper in a corporate environment. Sole Technology is committed to positively impacting the global youth community through involvement in events and causes supporting a fun and active lifestyle, individual integrity and style, global values and sensibilities.
Sole Technology Institute
(STI) Lab
Today, skateboarding is progressing at a phenomenal rate, and with this progression comes ever-increasing abuse and wear on the human body. In light of this, Pierre André Senizergues started the Sole Technology Institute (STI). STI is the world’s first and only skateboarding-focused biomechanics research organization that tests and invents new technologies in order to develop the highest performing action sports footwear in the world.
Most of today's action sports footwear uses technology "borrowed" from other sports due to a lack of relevant research. Such an apathetic approach to shoe design can actually result in injury or–at the very least–shoes that don’t deliver high performance and durability. This approach would never be acceptable for the passionate experts at Sole Technology.
Skateboarders suffer countless foot-related injuries every year. Their feet are subjected to literally tons of force. Maximum forces measured at the feet are as high as 17 times the body weight during skateboarding! STI uses a specialized Force Plate to measure impact, and, in turn, has developed skate-specific technologies like System G2™ to help absorb these incredible impacts.
Research conducted by STI has helped us develop a keen understanding of the heavy physical impacts associated with skateboarding and other action sports. Each day, the STI team carefully studies the intricate relationships between force, mass, velocity, resistance, grip and more. This knowledge helps them to continually introduce innovations that shape the future of the action sports footwear industry.
STI's groundbreaking research helps athletes around the world to experience, excel and enjoy their sport at a higher level. We believe our customers’ feet and bodies deserve shoes that improve performance, enhance comfort and reduce the risk of injury.