LAKAI SHOES FOOTWEAR THE BRAND STORY

Lakai Footwear was founded over 30 years ago when two legends of the global skateboarding scene, Mike Carroll and Rick Howard, were among the strongest and most influential skaters of the 1990s and beyond.

Two legends of the global skateboarding scene felt the need to make a contribution to the global skate shoe industry.

In 1999, at a bar in Los Angeles, legend Tim Gavin proposed to his friend Rick Howard that they open a skate shoe company that would be unlike anything else on the market. “Lakai Limited Footwear” was officially born.

This brand has always maintained an authentic stance in skateboarding without compromising the true essence that has reigned since the birth of the sport. Created by skateboarding legends, this skate shoe brand is a major player in the global skateboarding scene.

In 1999, following the founding of Lakai Footwear, Mike Carroll decided to call his friend Cairo Foster to join the footwear team and embark on a new adventure with them. Officially, Cairo Foster is the first rider for Lakai Footwear.

THE BEGINNING OF THE BRAND’S HISTORY BY MIKE CARROLL AND RICK HOWARD

During those years, designer Andy Mueller created the Lakai logo and began his journey at the American skate shoe company as art director.

Something was changing in the skateboarding market.

The first skaters to join the Lakai Footwear team were Anthony Pappalardo, Rob Welsh, and Jeff Lenoce. Scott Johnston also left the DC team to join Lakai Footwear. Skateboarding legend Kelly Bird became the brand’s team manager.

At that time, amateur skaters earned $250 a month to skate for the fledgling brand. The designers worked tirelessly to create the first collection.

At the same time, the first riders began testing the first shoes to be produced. The Lakai Footwear brand was born from skaters and continues to this day to be original and one-of-a-kind.

In May 2000, the first line of Lakai shoes was released, consisting of the Howard, Carroll, Cohort, and Worthy models. These early models were an instant hit even before their release and were distributed worldwide in the blink of an eye. Lakai was born, and that was just the beginning of a success story that remains strong and relevant in skateboarding to this day.

AUSTRALIAN TOUR AND “BEWARE OF THE FLARE”

Lakai Footwear’s first promotional video was a tour video filmed across Australia. All the team riders pulled off powerful lines with innovative tricks.

Brandon Biebel, Rick Howard, Jeff Lenoce, Rob Welsh, and many others starred in the first Lakai film.

The video is missing a few key riders. It was distributed in skate shops.

Lakai’s second release was “Beware of the Flare,” a larger-scale production compared to the first promotional video made just a few months earlier. This time, the video was shot entirely in Europe with the new riders who had joined the Lakai team.

BRANDON BIEBEL JOINS THE LAKAI TEAM

In June 2000, after filming the “Modus Operandi” video, Mike Carroll decided to bring Brandon Biebel onto the Lakai team. The following year, Danny Garcia and Scott Johnston joined the team as pros.

At the same time, JJ Rousseau became the first official European rider for the Lakai brand.

In 2003, Cairo Foster released his first Lakai pro model shoe. Also during that period, the two top skaters in France joined the team. From that moment on, the brand’s French crew was born.

In 2004, Lakai Shoes released its first collaboration with the “Girl Skateboards” brand. This custom shoe model was a huge success.

The brand was on the path to success thanks not only to its collaboration with Girl but also with other major brands.

Skaters like Guy Mariano, Jesus Fernandez, Danny Brady, and Alex Olson were part of the team. Legend Eric Koston also joined the Lakai Footwear team, and his pro model was released in December 2006.

Scott Johnston became one of the brand’s designers, and his role within the company shifted from pro skater to designer. During those years, a lot happened within the Lakai Family.

LAKAI APPAREL AND COLLABORATIONS WITH OTHER BRANDS

The brand isn’t just about shoes—it’s also about apparel. From the very beginning, the brand has always produced a truly beautiful and distinctive clothing line. The products range from classic T-shirts and hoodies to all kinds of accessories, including socks, hats, backpacks, and other items.

Over the past 20 years, Lakai has engaged in numerous collaborations. Today, two major collections stand out: the one with “Black Sabbath” and “Doom Sayers Club,” the brand of legendary skater Omar Salazar.

Doomsayers is a brand founded in Sacramento, California, and their logo—a snake—has now gone viral across the U.S.

Lakai has created a line of apparel and shoes featuring the two logos, which blend together to create a collection that is unique and original in every way.

CHOOSE LAKAI SHOES IN OUR SKATESHOP

In our Lakai store, you can find the best models we’ve selected just for you. If you need advice on choosing the right shoe, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team.

We’ll help you find the right shoe for you. Pleasures Milano is the leader in skateboarding in the city of Milan.

Today you can buy everything you want on our website at the best prices and with unparalleled service and courtesy.

Step into our historic shop, which has been shaping the history of skateboarding, snowboarding, and streetwear in Milan for over 27 years. Choose from a wide selection of skateboards available.