I Path Skate Footwear S/S 2026 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Skate Footwear S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: ipath
Interviewee: Kenny Reed- Marketing, and Team Manager
MARKET
How is the European skate footwear market from your perspective?
The European Skate footwear market is similar to how things are here in the US I would guess. There are lots of giant sporting goods brands making and selling shoes to skateboarders.
What do you think the impact of Trump Tariffs will be on the European skate footwear market?
I think it will be more helpful for the european market. Some brands will get a better margin compared to how things are going in the US.
Is there still a space for smaller footwear brands in the current market?
Yes I think so.. It’s a small space but there is space. There will always be space in skateboarding for small brands. There are so many types are skateboarders. And some are looking for something that comes directly from skateboarding.
Are your price points increasing?
They haven’t yet but they may soon if things don’t change with the tariffs.
What stories and collection themes are you pushing this season
We’re pushing casual, skateable and comfort. Classic silhouettes with modern tones. Some fresh colour ways comin in SS..
- Our new cat lows in buttery soft suede will be a limited release. It’s a slimmer cat and more functional skate shoe but also has a lot of flavor for kickin back with bold colors to Good to walk to the beach w no socks or hit up the local DIY and lay into some tranny.
- The Grasshopper will come correct with a dark 2 tone earthen vibes for urban stompin tricks late night in the plaza.
- New Poet, Reed and Derelict colorways gettin mapped out Be on the lookout for somethin fresh for Summer.
DESIGN
Are you releasing any new Pro models/ colourways?
We’re pushing the Derelict, Fred Gall shoe in new color ways and the Poet. But our classics are still the most sought after, we’re going to have a few new grasshopper colorways the peeps are gonna need.
Any brand collaborations to look out for?
We’re getting something going with Bronze 56k.
Does your footwear brand have a sustainable element? Vegan shoes?
Yes we do. We source and use sustainable materials whenever possible. We have at least 3 hemp styles available every season.
Must have styles for SS26?
New Suede Cat lows fresh colours flowing/Bronze 56k grasshoppers.
Key Products:
Black Grasshopper:
“The Grasshopper” in Black Pebble grain leather, this iconic design dates back to our roots or our beginnings in 1999 and stands the test of time. A classic mid-top that pops out on the shoe wall and holds its own with durability, grip and functionality.
Black Grasshopper
Brown Cats:
“The Cats” Since 1999 have been on the feet of peeps around the world. Many have tried to re-create the wallaby/moccasin skateable shoe. Ours has set a standard in function,comfort and durability. This classic Ipath staple remains as popular as ever with fresh materials and colorways each season.
Brown Cats
Natural Hemp Crickets:
“The crickets” Our first all Vegan shoe and the first hemp skate shoe on the market. This original design dates back to 2000. It features durable hemp throughout with a synthetic toe cap with reinforced rubber. The cricket never fails to impress with new Vegan colorways every season. Keep an eye out for the Green and black and all blacks hittin the shelves as you read this.
Natural Hemp Crickets
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