Fallen Skate Footwear S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Skate Footwear S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Fallen
Interviewee: Matt Sandler, International Sales Manager

MARKET
How is the European skate footwear market from your perspective?
The European skate footwear market remains steady, with core skate shops continuing to support authentic brands with real skateboarding heritage. There’s increasing competition, but also growing demand for shoes that blend performance, style, and substance, exactly what Fallen stands for.

What do you think the impact of Trump Tariffs will be on the European skate footwear market?
If reintroduced, these tariffs may create pricing pressure across the board, especially for U.S.-based brands. However, we’re already exploring sourcing strategies that help us remain competitive without compromising quality.

Is there still a space for smaller footwear brands in the current market?
Absolutely. Core skaters continue to value authenticity and purpose. Fallen has always been rooted in skateboarding, and that credibility resonates deeply with a loyal community.

Are your price points increasing?
We’re working hard to maintain our current price points. While global inflation affects production costs, we prioritize accessibility for skaters and aim to remain fair and competitive in all markets.

What stories and collection themes are you pushing this season?
For SS26, we’re leaning into the legacy of Fallen, highlighting key rider stories and reviving underground classics from our early 2000s archive. This season celebrates raw street skating with a focus on durability, simplicity, and function-first design.

DESIGN
What design trends are you noticing for this season?
Clean silhouettes with technical detailing are trending. Skaters want durability and boardfeel, but also styles that work off the board. We’re seeing a return to classic cupsoles and reinforced vulcanized constructions with a modern twist.

Are you releasing any new Pro models/ colourways?
Yes, for SS26 we’re launching new pro models for Dalton Dern and Tommy Sandoval, each designed in close collaboration with the skaters themselves. We’re also introducing fresh colorways for Kanaan Dern’s Knockout model, keeping his Florida-inspired energy alive in the line.

Any brand collaborations to look out for?
Stay tuned. We’ve got a special collab in the works for later in the year. Can’t reveal yet, but it will be big.

Does your footwear brand have a sustainable element? Vegan shoes?
Yes, we continue to offer vegan-friendly models and explore more sustainable materials and packaging solutions. It’s a step-by-step evolution, but it’s definitely part of our long-term commitment.

Must have styles for SS26?
The Patriot, The Valor, and The Daytona lead our SS26 lineup. The Patriot remains a cornerstone of Fallen’s identity, while The Valor introduces a fresh 90s-inspired look with modern performance features. The Daytona, Dalton Dern’s debut pro model, is a rugged vulc shoe built for skaters who go hard. These styles are essential for core retailers.

Key Products:

Patriot:
A Fallen Footwear Staple. The Patriot is a Comfortable Cupsole Designed to Have More Protection for Skateboarding. The Patriot is Equipped With Our Flx Technol-ogy on a Soleplate That Allows for More Durability, Comfort and a True to Size Fit.

Patriot Grape-Black

The Valor:
A Fallen Footwear Staple. The Patriot is a Comfortable Cupsole Designed to Have More Protection for Skateboarding. The Patriot is Equipped With Our Flx Technol-ogy on a Soleplate That Allows for More Durability, Comfort and a True to Size Fit. A Fallen Footwear Staple. The Patriot is a Comfortable Cupsole Designed to Have More Protection for Skateboarding. The Patriot is Equipped With Our Flx Technol-ogy on a Soleplate That Allows for More Durability, Comfort and a True to Size Fit. AND ATHLETIC DESIGN ELEMENTS THIS NEW MODEL OCCUPIES A UNIQUE SPACE IN OUR EXISTING LINE.

The Valor Black White Gum

Daytona:
From The Steepest Rails To The Tightest Transition Dalton Dern Will Skate It All, And That’s What His First Pro Model “the Daytona” Was Designed To Do. “the Daytona” Is Your Classic Skate Shoe That Can Take A Beating Without Sacrificing Essential Board Feel. Featuring Clean Lines And Reinforced Stitching It’s Sure To Be A Definitive Addi-tion To The Expanding Line.

Daytona_Black_Red_White

The Knockout:
Kanaan Dern’s First Pro Model Shoe, The Knockout. When Designing Kanaan’s First Pro Shoe He Wanted To Balance Having A Classic Skate Silhouette With Modern And Unique Design Elements. Featuring Original Artwork Paying Tribute To His Florida Roots & A True-fit Feel With Triple Stitch Protection Made For Taking A Beating.

THE KNOCKOUT GREEN OFF WHITE