Founded in California in 1973, Santa Cruz have been around longer than most skate brands. Named after the very place that has inspired both surf and skate culture, Santa Cruz remains at the very top of its game with iconic graphics and innovative design. Almost 50 years on and the brand continues to resonate with all walks of skate, from pro riders to those just beginning their skate journey.

As skate culture peaked in the early 90s a wave of new brands burst on to the scene, including American skateboard company Element. But almost 30 years on it has now established itself as one of the most recognisable names in skate, with their list of team skaters down the years reading like a who’s who in the sport, including Brandon Cole ‘Bam’ Margera and Tom Schaar (the first skateboarder to land a ‘1080’, that’s three revolutions!).

Several years before skate’s peak in the 90s, a small company in the UK was already taking small steps in the sport. Originally founded as Deathbox in 1987, the brand relocated to the US in 1994, at the height of skate’s popularity and became Flip. Since then it has established itself as one of the world’s most renowned brands producing all the usual hard goods (decks, wheels, bearings etc) as well as a hugely successful clothing range and other accessories.

Australian company Globe have been strutting their stuff on the skate scene since 1985 and they remain one of the most iconic names in the industry. An idea created out of sheer passion for skate by three brothers in Melbourne, Globe ‘International’ has not only established itself as one of the global leaders in skate hardware but their range of clothing and shoes has a universal appeal among skaters and non-skaters.

Another ‘90s child’, like so many of its rivals, Plan B was born out of a love for skate and over 30 years on it’s still evident in the high quality skateboards that they continue to produce worldwide. They might operate under the radar compared to other ‘out there’ skate brands, but it’s that effortless yet cool vibe that makes this one of the most appealing brands among the skateboarding fraternity.

You’ve heard of them, right? You already know that Vans are HUGE, not only in the skate world but as a fashion brand in general. So they might feel a little more ‘commercial’ than other skate brands but make no mistake, if you visit any skate park today you can guarantee somebody will be wearing a pair of Vans. And there’s a reason for that. Yes, they look cool, but if you delve deeper you’ll know that Vans shoes are also technically perfect (support, flexibility, durability) for skating.