How To Preserve Skateboarding’s Punk Rock Roots in HUF Shoes

Once upon a time, riding a skateboard wasn’t the fun, hip pastime we all know and love. There was a time when skating was illegal, making those who ventured out with their stickered-up decks bona fide punks.

Keith Hufnagel, founder of the original HUF store in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, was borne from this counter-culture. Striving to provide insistent skaters with the best and rarest gear, he eventually started his own line of apparel, decks and shoes and continues to outfit the best boarders to this day.

Vintage Inspiration

The HUF brand takes cues from vintage styles and classic American craftsmanship in every pair of their skate shoes. Not only does this design philosophy look incredibly cool (especially paired with other pieces from the HUF line, like their splashy snapbacks and graphic sweaters), it also pays homage to past generations of skateboarders and the simple, stunning shoes they wore.

Practical Magic

Think skate shoes exist just to look cool? Think again. Proper footwear is a must for skaters, so their shoes need to meet a few important criteria. A thick rubber sole that can take abuse, a cushioned sole to reduce impact and a hardy, damage-resistant outer are all hallmarks of an effective skate shoe. HUF shoes are designed with a skater’s body and style in mind.

Global Culture

One of the most beautiful things about HUF is that when you wear their gear, you’re not just wearing some corporation’s vision of what skateboarders should look like. You’re participating in a culture of athletes around the world who know what quality looks like and believe in the power of the sport. When you see another skater wearing HUF, you share a bond of authenticity and respect for the boarding culture that can’t be beaten.

HUF skate shoes are the real deal. Show your love for skateboarding’s rich history in a brand made with love by a skateboarder who cares.

Keith Hufnagel’s vision of a better world for skateboarders is finally coming true.