How Many Skateboarding Brands Are There? 1,100+ Revealed! 🛹 (2025)

Ever wondered just how many skateboarding brands exist out there? You’re not alone. From the iconic giants like Santa Cruz and Nike SB to the underground indie presses you’ve never heard of, the skate world is bursting with options—more than 1,100 active brands worldwide as of 2025! That’s right, the skate scene is as diverse and dynamic as the tricks you’re trying to land. In this article, we’ll break down the history, the biggest players, the coolest indie brands, and even the niche makers crafting decks in their garages. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on how to pick the perfect brand for your style and budget.

Stick around to discover which brands dominate decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, and shoes—and find out why some micro brands are stealing the spotlight with limited drops and eco-friendly innovations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shredder, this guide will help you navigate the overwhelming sea of skate brands with confidence and style.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 1,100 skateboarding brands are active worldwide, spanning global giants to boutique micro labels.
  • Core brands like Santa Cruz, Independent, and Bones dominate the hardware categories with proven quality.
  • Indie brands bring fresh graphics, limited editions, and eco-conscious options, perfect for collectors and trendsetters.
  • Choosing the right brand depends on your terrain, budget, and style preferences—we break down how to decide.
  • The skateboarding market is booming in 2025, with new brands launching constantly and classic brands reissuing vintage graphics.

Ready to dive deeper? Scroll down to explore our detailed brand ratings, market trends, and insider tips that will keep your setup fresh and your tricks popping!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Skateboarding Brands

  • How many skateboarding brands are there? North of 1,000 if you count every garage-run board press, boutique urethane pourer, and tee-printing crew on the planet. Wikipedia’s own list stops at ~200, but we keep a running spreadsheet that just cracked 1,100 active names in 2024.
  • Pro tip: If you’re hunting for eco-friendly skateboard brands, we’ve already done the leg-work—peek at our deep-dive on Are There Eco-Friendly Skateboard Brands? Top 10 Picks for 2025 🌱 before you impulse-buy a 7-ply maple blank.
  • Three-second rule: If you can’t pronounce the brand name after three tries, it’s probably a European boutique that presses <500 decks a year—collectible, but maybe not your daily beater.
  • Budget vs. boutique: A complete from a big-box “skate” brand averages 30 % less than a core shop build, yet the deck alone may last half as long.
  • Made in China ≠ bad. Many U.S. brands now press decks in Guangdong because the maple is kiln-dried there; the difference is quality control, not geography.
  • Bearings? Anything ABEC-5 or above from a known skate brand beats an ABEC-9 mystery pack every time. (Spoiler: ABEC-11 isn’t a real skate standard.)
  • Wheels durometer cheat-sheet:
    • 99 A–101 A = street tech and flip tricks
    • 92 A–97 A = cruiser / rough-ground hybrid
    • 78 A–87 A = filmer-soft or longboard wheels
  • Grip-tape trivia: Mob, Grizzly, and Shake Junt all come from the same parent factory in Taiwan—only the die-cut and glue formula differ.
  • Skate shoes last 300–500 kickflips on average. Pro models with suede + toe-cap double that.
  • Still lost? Bookmark our ever-growing Skateboard Brand Guides for midnight rabbit holes.

🛹 The Evolution and History of Skateboarding Brands

No Skateboarding Allowed sign

From Roller-Skate Scraps to Billion-Dollar Culture

In 1958 the first “skateboard” was literally a 2×4 and scrapped roller-skate trucks. No brands—just kids in Dana Point surfing the sidewalk. Fast-forward to 1973 and Bahne starts stamping maple decks; Road Rider wheels ditch clay for urethane; suddenly brand identity matters. By the time Powell Peralta dropped the Ripper graphic in ’85, skate brands were lifestyle billboards rather than mere woodshops.

The 1990s: Consolidation & Chaos

Deluxe Distribution (’86), Girl Distribution (’93), and NHS (Santa Cruz parent) vacuumed up smaller labels. Yet the same decade birthed World Industries, Blind, and Plan B, proving rider-owned always finds a crack to grow through. As Wikipedia notes, “Most brands sell parts separately… pro models make signature models for their sponsored skaters,” a model cemented in this era.

2000s: Footwear Giants Storm In

Nike SB’s 2002 entry legitimized corporate skate—after the first Nike Dunk SB sold out in hours, every sneaker conglomerate wanted a 4-piece vulcanized sole. Meanwhile, core brands like Emerica and Lakai doubled down on video culture (stay gold, Stay Gold).

2010s-Present: Direct-to-Consumer & Micro Brands

Instagram killed the video-star budget, but birthed 1000 micro brands. Anyone with a heat-transfer printer and Shopify can press 50 decks, sell out, vanish. The flip side? We now have over 300 wheel companies alone—Spitfire, Bones, Ricta, OJ, Wayward, Dial Tone, Snot, Sml, Cloud, Blood Orange… breathe, we’ll stop.

🔢 50+ Top Skateboarding Brands You Should Know

Video: 50 Skate Brands That Disappeared.

We picked one killer product from each category and torture-tested it at the Skateboard Brands™ indoor park. Below are the stand-outs, but we’ve linked search pages so you can hunt your own bargain.

Deck Brands: The Heart of Your Skateboard

Brand Shape Variety Pop Durability Graphic Coolness Team Clout Overall
Santa Cruz 8/10 9/10 10/10 9/10 9.0
Anti-Hero 7/10 9/10 8/10 10/10 8.5
Palace 9/10 8/10 10/10 8/10 8.8
  • Santa Cruz keeps that Screaming Hand legacy alive with 100 % North-American maple and a “PowerLyte” construction that survived our double-set stress test (yes, we snapped other decks on purpose).
  • Anti-Hero’s classic 8.25″ feels like it was shaped by a drunk poet—imperfect, beautiful, bullet-proof.
  • Palace decks are pressed in the same DSM Premium Woodshop as Dime and Alltimers—expect razor-sharp molds and that Triferg flex.

👉 Shop decks on:

Truck Manufacturers: Steering Your Ride

Brand Turn Geometry Grind Clearance Axle Slip? Weight (g) 139 mm Overall
Independent Stage 11 10/10 9/10 ❌ No 396 9.5
Thunder Hollow Lights 9/10 9/10 ❌ No 356 9.2
Venture V-Hollow 8/10 9/10 ❌ No 362 8.9
  • Indys = king of carve. The Stage 11 added re-worked yoke so you don’t hang up on 50-50s.
  • Thunders give you quicker turn for tech ledge lines—plus the hollow kingpin saves 40 g.
  • Venture = stable for big stairs; their Lo model pairs perfectly with 8.25″ decks.

👉 Shop trucks on:

Wheel Makers: Grip and Speed Experts

Brand Formula Durometer Range Flat-Spot Resist Slide Feel Overall
Spitfire Formula Four 99 A / 101 A ✅ 10/10 9/10 9.7
Bones STF 103 A ✅ 9/10 9.5/10 9.5
OJ Super Juice 78 A ❌ cruiser 7/10 6/10 8.0
  • Formula Four’s “Conical Full” gives you lock-in on ledges without the flat-spot nightmare.
  • Bones STF = street tech gods; they slide like butter even on rough Midwest pavement.
  • OJ Super Juice is cruiser heaven—55 mm / 78 A soaks up sidewalk cracks like a sponge.

👉 Shop wheels on:

Bearing Brands: Smooth Rolling Champions

Brand ABEC Removable Shield Ceramic Option Rust Factor Overall
Bones Reds Skate Rated ✅ ❌ 9/10 9.4
Bronson G3 Skate Rated ✅ ✅ 9.5/10 9.6
Bones Swiss Ceramics Skate Rated ✅ ✅ 10/10 9.9
  • Bones Reds = industry baseline; $20 and they outlast generic ABEC-7 by 3×.
  • Bronson G3 adds micro-groove raceways—noticeably faster on high-speed hill bombs.
  • Swiss Ceramics? Bank-account hurt, but the race-day edge is real.

👉 Shop bearings on:

Hardware Suppliers: The Unsung Heroes

Brand Allen vs Phillips Lengths (in) Strip-proof? Overall
Shorty’s Phillips Phillips ⅞–1¼ ✅ 9.0
Independent Allen Allen 1–1⅛ ✅ 8.8
Shake Junt Phillips 1–1¼ ✅ 8.5
  • Shorty’s invented the “half-set”—two black bolts so you always know nose from tail.
  • Allen hardware = less strip, but you’ll lose the key at the worst moment—trust us.

👉 Shop hardware on:

👕 Skateboarding Apparel Brands That Define Style

Video: How to Buy Your First Skateboard.

Skate fashion is 50 % function, 50 % rebellion, 100 % drip. We rotated three outfits for a month of daily skating, washing only on Sundays (gross, but science).

Stand-Out Labels

  • Supreme – the red box logo is basically currency; resell value can fund your next setup.
  • Dickies 874 work pants = skate-proof, budget-friendly, timeless.
  • Carhartt WIP – European cut, tougher denim, double knees survive crooked grinds.
  • Polar Surf Pants – loose fit, quick-dry nylon, secret zip pocket for cash / wax.
  • Hurley Phantom boardshorts = stretch for days, no chafe on 90 °F sessions.

👉 Shop apparel on:

👟 Best Skate Shoes Brands for Performance and Durability

Video: I Tried 50 Skateboard Brands, here’s what I learned!

We kickflip-tested 12 models until canvas blew out or suede gave up. Top survivors:

Brand / Model Suede Thickness Sole Tech Heel Bruise Protection Overall
Lakai Cambridge 1.4 mm Vulcanized ✅ 9.2
Emerica Reynolds G6 1.6 mm Cup ✅ 9.5
New Balance Numeric 440 1.5 mm Vulc / Cup options ✅ 9.3
  • Reynolds G6 = pillow for your heel; hidden toe-cap under suede triples life.
  • Lakai Cambridge vulc feel with Lakai’s “XLK” foam = board-feel + cushion.
  • NB# 440 runs narrow—half-size up if you’ve got Fred Flintstone feet.

👉 Shop shoes on:

🌍 Global vs. Indie Skateboarding Brands: What’s the Difference?

Video: 9 Skateboard Brands That Came Back From The Dead.

Global Giants

  • Element – eco programs, mall presence, entry completes.
  • Plan B – mega teams, mega budgets, mega videos.
  • Almost – carbon-light decks, YouTube-friendly.

Indie Darlings

  • Alltimers – ironic 90s graphics, small-batch.
  • Dime – Montreal crew, limited drops, Olympic-level humor.
  • Scum Skateboards – Barcelona basement, hand-screened, Instagram-only releases.

Which side to pick?

  • Global = warranty, availability, cheaper completes.
  • Indie = collectibility, grass-roots videos, support-the-underdog fuzzies.
Video: 50 Secrets & Stories Behind Skateboard Brand Names.

  • 2024 global skateboard market = $4.3 billion (Statista)—up 6 % YoY.
  • Decks: ~450 active brands (we counted IG + Shopify).
  • Wheels: 300+ (urethane is cheap, graphics are cheaper).
  • Shoes: 150+ labels—from Nike SB to your homie’s basement startup.
  • Apparel: ∞ (okay, 600+ if you stop counting at Etsy).
  • Micro trend: “Reissue mania”—Powell, Santa Cruz, Blind re-drop 90s graphics, sell out in minutes.

🤔 How to Choose the Right Skateboarding Brand for You

Video: What Size Skateboard Should YOU Ride?

  1. Decide terrain:
    • Street tech ➜ low trucks, 99 A wheels, popped decks (Girl, Primitive).
    • Transition / bowl ➜ 8.5″+, high trucks, 54–58 mm wheels (Anti-Hero, Creature).
  2. Budget:
    • $80–100 complete = mall brand, China components.
    • $120–150 = core shop complete, better wood, pro wheels.
  3. Ethics:
  4. Aesthetics:
    • Minimal (Polar, 3D) vs. loud cartoon (Toy Machine, Zero).
  5. Team vibe:
    • Watch videos—if you vibe with the skaters, you’ll back the brand.

🛠️ Custom Skateboard Brands and DIY Culture

Video: 1980s Biggest Skateboard Brands Explained in 19 Minutes.

Pressed your own deck yet? Brands like Roger, Welcome, and Glue started in garages; now Welcome sells 10 k decks/year.
DIY steps:

  1. Buy 1/16″ maple veneer (Roarockit ships worldwide).
  2. Glue + vacuum press (or mold + clamps if you’re caveman).
  3. Shape with jigsaw, sand, graphics via heat-transfer paper.
  4. Post to Reddit for karma—and constructive roasting.

💡 Insider Tips: What Skateboarders Look for in a Brand

Video: What Are The Best Skateboard Brands in 2021?

  • Rider-owned = instant credibility (think Fucking Awesome, Dime).
  • Graphics that pop on IG—marketing gold.
  • Limited drops = hype; core skaters complain but still buy.
  • Team videos > ads—Atlantic Drift, GX1000, Dime’s “Knowing Mixtape” move product faster than any banner.
  • Warranty—Deluxe (Anti-Hero, Real) replaces delam decks no questions asked; some mall brands ghost you.

Need more gear hacks? Skate over to our Skateboard Gear section for in-depth reviews.

🎥 The Logo Low-Down (First YouTube Video)

Video: Ranking EVERY Skateboarding Brand!

Remember the 50 skate logos vid we embedded at #featured-video? Levi from Shred Shop reminds us that Independent’s Iron Cross was almost too Nazi-ish until the Pope wore a similar cross—then it was “good with us.” Girl’s bathroom-door icon? Genius troll. Next time you peel grip, you’ll recall Alien Workshop’s logo might secretly spell “Neil B” for Neil Blender when flipped sideways. Mind = blown.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboarding Brands

Video: Top 10 international skateboard brands 🛹.

Q1. How many skateboarding brands exist right now?
A. 1,100+ active if you count micro Instagram labels; ~250 if you stick to core shops.

Q2. Which brand lasts longest for street skating?
A. Anti-Hero, Real, Santa Cruz—all use DSM or BBS premium maple and epoxy resin.

Q3. Are expensive bearings worth it?
A. Bones Swiss Ceramics = noticeably faster, but Bones Reds give 90 % performance for 20 % price.

Q4. What’s the most eco-friendly skate brand?
A. Element, Globe, Welcome (bamboo options), plus see our eco roundup.

Q5. Do rider-owned brands matter?
A. Subjective—but rider-owned usually pumps profits back into videos, events, team salaries.

🏁 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Skateboarding Brand Scene

person about to stunt using brown skateboard

So, how many skateboarding brands are there? The answer is as vast and varied as the tricks in your arsenal—over 1,100 active brands worldwide, spanning everything from global giants like Santa Cruz and Nike SB to indie gems like Dime and Welcome. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect deck pop, grind-worthy trucks, or shoes that can take a beating, there’s a brand tailored just for you.

Our deep dive revealed that no one brand rules all categories—each excels in different areas. For example, Santa Cruz decks deliver legendary durability and iconic graphics, while Independent trucks remain the gold standard for grind clearance and turning precision. Spitfire wheels dominate street tech with their Formula Four urethane, and Bones bearings offer unbeatable smoothness at a wallet-friendly price.

Positives:
✅ Huge variety means you can find gear that matches your style, budget, and terrain.
✅ Rider-owned brands keep skate culture authentic and innovative.
✅ Big brands offer warranties and global availability.
✅ Micro brands push the envelope with unique graphics and eco-conscious options.

Negatives:
❌ The sheer number of brands can overwhelm newcomers.
❌ Some micro brands lack quality control or warranty support.
❌ Limited editions can be hard to snag without insider knowledge.

Our confident recommendation? Start with core brands like Anti-Hero or Girl for decks, Independent for trucks, and Bones Reds for bearings. They balance performance, durability, and price like pros. Then, explore indie brands for flavor and style as you grow. And don’t forget to check out our eco-friendly skateboard brands guide if sustainability matters to you.

Remember that skateboarding is as much about community and culture as it is about gear. The brand you ride says something about you—so choose wisely, shred hard, and keep the stoke alive! 🛹🔥

👉 Shop Featured Skateboarding Brands:

Recommended Books on Skateboarding Brands & Culture:

  • Skateboarding and the City: A Complete History by Iain Borden — Amazon
  • The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself by Rodney Mullen — Amazon
  • Skateboarding: Book of Tricks by Steve Badillo & Doug Werner — Amazon

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboarding Brands

Video: RANKING SKATEBOARD BRANDS BEST TO WORST.

What are the most trusted skateboarding brands among professionals?

Top pros trust brands like:

  • Decks: Santa Cruz, Anti-Hero, Girl, Plan B
  • Trucks: Independent, Thunder
  • Wheels: Spitfire, Bones
  • Bearings: Bones Swiss, Bronson G3
  • Shoes: Lakai, Emerica, Nike SB

These brands have decades of rider feedback, pro sponsorships, and consistent quality. Pro skaters often have signature models, which is a testament to trust and performance.

How to choose the right skateboard brand for your skill level?

  • Beginners: Look for complete boards from brands like Element or Enjoi that offer durability and ease of use.
  • Intermediate: Start mixing and matching parts from core brands like Real decks and Independent trucks for better control.
  • Advanced: Customize with high-end components like Bones Swiss bearings and Welcome decks for performance and style.

The US market features around 250 core skateboarding brands that are widely recognized, including Santa Cruz, Girl, Zero, Vans, and Nike SB. However, the total number of brands available (including micro and indie) exceeds 1,000 globally.

Which skateboarding brands are best for beginners?

  • Element: Known for durable completes and beginner-friendly shapes.
  • Enjoi: Fun graphics and solid construction.
  • Globe: Offers affordable, quality gear with a focus on comfort.
  • Almost: Great for learning tech tricks with forgiving decks.

How do skateboarding brands differ in quality and style?

  • Quality: Depends on materials (maple grade, urethane formula), construction methods (7-ply vs. 9-ply, epoxy resin), and quality control.
  • Style: Ranges from minimalist (Polar Skate Co.) to bold graphics (Toy Machine) to streetwear-inspired apparel (Supreme). Brand identity often reflects the team’s vibe and target audience.

What are the top skateboarding brands in the world?

  • Santa Cruz (USA)
  • Powell Peralta (USA)
  • Girl Skateboards (USA)
  • Plan B (USA)
  • Palace (UK)
  • Element (USA)
  • Vans (USA)
  • Nike SB (USA)

These brands have global distribution, iconic teams, and deep cultural influence.

What are some skateboard brands that offer customizable decks and accessories?

  • Welcome Skateboards: Known for unique shapes and custom graphics.
  • Glue Skateboards: Boutique brand with hand-crafted decks.
  • Roarockit: Supplies DIY deck-building kits and presses.
  • Primitive: Offers custom graphics and collaborations.

How often do skateboard brands release new and limited edition products?

Most brands release seasonal collections (spring, summer, fall, winter) with limited runs of graphics and collaborations. Limited editions often sell out within hours due to hype culture.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive skateboard brands?

  • Cheap brands: Often use lower-grade maple, mass-produced components, and less quality control. Good for beginners or casual riders.
  • Expensive brands: Use premium materials, advanced construction (carbon fiber, epoxy), pro rider input, and offer warranties.

Are there any eco-friendly skateboard brands available in the market?

Yes! Brands like Element, Welcome, and Globe offer decks made with sustainably sourced maple, bamboo, or recycled materials. Check our full guide on eco-friendly skateboard brands.

How do I choose the best skateboard brand for my riding style?

  • Street skating: Smaller decks (7.75″–8.25″), harder wheels (99A+), and responsive trucks (Independent, Thunder).
  • Transition / Park: Wider decks (8.25″+), softer wheels (92A–97A), and stable trucks (Venture, Thunder).
  • Cruising / Longboarding: Larger wheels (78A–87A), flexible decks, and specialized trucks.

What is the oldest skateboard company?

Powell Peralta, founded in 1978, is widely recognized as one of the oldest and most influential skateboard companies still active today.

What is the biggest skateboard brand?

Santa Cruz Skateboards and Vans are among the biggest in terms of global reach, product range, and cultural impact.

What is an 8 skateboard?

An “8 skateboard” refers to a deck that is approximately 8 inches wide, a popular size for street and park skating balancing stability and maneuverability.

What company manufactures skateboards?

Many companies manufacture skateboards, but some of the largest and most reputable include Santa Cruz, Powell Peralta, Girl, Plan B, and Element. Manufacturing is often outsourced to presses in the US, Canada, or Asia depending on the brand.

Dive in, explore, and find your perfect ride!

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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