Before the name Etnies became known across skate shops worldwide, the brand went by ETNICS, and now a piece of that early history has popped up for collectors to grab.
Longtime skate shoe collector Henry John Wayne Davies, along with skateboardingheritage, th0mmy, and Sole Technology’s own Don Brown, shared a rare set of ETNICS shoes from around 1986 and 1987.
They’re all made in France and feature some seriously unique models you just don’t see anymore.
The set includes a pair of striking blue Iceman shoes in EU42, the standout Power Glide sandals in EU38/39, classic Skate model in EU38 NOS, printed slip-ons in EU40, Fighter in EU36, Palladium in EU37, solid slip-ons in EU37, an Airwalk prototype Invert in EU36, and a VSW in US5.
Most of the shoes are smaller sizes, but they carry huge significance for anyone who knows their skate history. From the rare colorways to the old-school construction, each pair feels like a direct link to an era when skate footwear was just starting to evolve.
The entire collection is located in Germany, and all offers are being handled by th0mmy.
If you’re into authentic 80s skate culture and want to own a piece of Sole Tech’s earliest chapter, this might be the find you’ve been waiting for.
The shared post said:
"FOR SALE: killer pre- @etnies, ETNICS collection, predating the name change‼️ majority small sizes… but those blue iceman are the sickest‼️ & those mental power glide sandals! i’m guessing these are all from 86/87 & made in france. located in germany & all offers go to @___th0mmy___ .
iceman eu42
power glide sandals eu38/39
skate eu38 nos
slip-on printed eu40
fighter eu36
palladium eu37
slip-on solid eu37
airwalk prototype invert eu36
vsw US5"