Nike SB
Nike SB launched in 2002 after Nike's first crack at skateboarding didn't exactly set the world on fire. Learning from those early missteps, they brought actual skaters into the process and gave them real input on product development – a move that paid off in spades.
The innovation came through with Zoom Air technology adapted specifically for skateboarding's unique impact demands, along with outsole patterns engineered for board feel and grip. Their team has featured heavy hitters like Paul Rodriguez, Stefan Janoski, and Shane O'Neill – riders who've proven these shoes can handle everything from gnarly street sessions to contest finals. It's what happens when you blend serious athletic tech with genuine understanding of what skaters actually need.