És Skate Footwear S/S 2026 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Skate Footwear S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: és
Interviewee: Bas Janssen – Head of Sales EMEA & APAC
How is the European skate footwear market from your perspective?
Today, the market is in a tough spot. We’re aware that apparel and hardgoods are picking up — but in specialty, footwear is somewhat behind. So I suppose it’s up to the brands to create that excitement and newness. This is a big focus for all our brands.
What do you think the impact of Trump Tariffs will be on the European skate footwear market?
Directly, on the footwear side — none. But indirectly, it could affect brands on a global level, which can impact things from a budget perspective. Also, brands imported from the US will clearly become an issue for specialty retail.
Is there still space for smaller footwear brands in the current market?
Always! Is it easy? That’s another topic…
Are your price points increasing?
No. For SP26, we have reassessed our entire pricing structure across all brands and models — and we’ve reduced prices on a few models to better align with the current competition. Price remains a sensitive topic in the market.
What stories and collection themes are you pushing this season?
On the lifestyle side, we are leaning heavily into the Y2K trend with bulkier styles. We’ve added some new models, along with some very interesting iterations. On the skate side, we’re pushing for innovation and newness, which we will continue into future seasons.
DESIGN
éS and Emerica – Michael Morey, Footwear Designer
etnies – Rick Marmolijo, Footwear Designer
What design trends are you noticing for this season?
MM: There’s a strong focus on functional footwear as fashion. This is happening both inside and outside the skate world right now. Creating silhouettes that make a statement but also perform at the highest level is something éS has always stood for. With the Imprint, a new style we’re debuting for SS26, we’re offering a special version using Kevlar for the toe and heel caps. Kevlar’s reputation speaks for itself, and we were able to utilise the material for a proper, consistent, durable flick that will retain its shape better than suede and outlast other textiles.
Are you releasing any new pro models/colourways?
MM: We’re releasing two new colourways of TJ Rogers’ pro model — one for Spring, one for Summer. The Black/Red colourway launching in Spring references the iconic launch colour of the Two Nine 8 — reflective silver mesh included! The Summer colourway is a clean white leather with baby blue accents, giving a nod to early 2000s basketball vibes.
Any brand collaborations to look out for?
MM: No collaborations this season, as we’re focusing on the Imprint and TJ’s shoe. But keep your eyes peeled for next season — we’ve got a few things in the works with the Imprint.
Does your footwear brand have a sustainable element? Vegan shoes?
MM: In the Spring 2026 season, we’ll be offering an animal-friendly version of the Accel for the first time since reintroducing the 1995 spec.
Must-have styles for SS26?
MM: I’d say the must-have style is the Imprint. I’m really proud of the balance we achieved — technically sound and aesthetically pleasing. It fits well, is comfortable, and the Kevlar version is one of my favourites to skate in. Try it on and you’ll know what I mean!
Key Products:
Backed by over 30 years of skate design heritage, the éS Imprint fuses cutting-edge performance with trail-inspired style, delivering a shoe that’s as functional as it is stylish. A double-layer, double-stitched toe cap stands up to serious wear and tear, while heat-welded quarter panels offer sleek, seamless support.
The Imprint
TJ Rogers:
The TJ Rogers shoe takes design cues from 90’s and early 00’s heritage éS models combined with signature TJ style to form a technically superior, effortlessly stylish, premium skate shoe.
TJ ROGERS
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