Skater-owned and uncompromisingly authentic footwear built by the Girl/Chocolate squad with a perfect balance of durability, board feel, and understated style that's stood the test of time.
When Mike Carroll and Rick Howard launched Lakai in 1999, it wasn't just another skate shoe brand—it was a declaration of independence from the corporate footwear machine that was swallowing skateboarding whole. Born from the same fiercely independent DNA as their Girl Skateboards company, Lakai emerged as skateboarding's defiant middle finger to outside interests. Their groundbreaking 2007 video "Fully Flared" didn't just showcase generational talents like Guy Mariano's comeback and Marc Johnson's technical wizardry—it redefined skate cinematography with Ty Evans' and Spike Jonze's explosive opening sequence literally blowing up skate spots. Throughout their evolution, Lakai has maintained a commitment to skater-designed footwear that addresses the specific demands of daily abuse, from the classic Manchester model to the enduring Griffin that balances minimal bulk with maximum durability. Their proprietary XLK cushioning system delivers protection without sacrificing the board feel essential for technical skating. While other brands chased trends or basketball aesthetics, Lakai consistently refined the fundamental equation of what makes a true skate shoe functional—reinforced ollie areas, considered flex points, and silhouettes that wouldn't look ridiculous after fashion cycles pass. The company weathered skateboarding's economic ups and downs by staying true to their foundational principles: make honest shoes for skaters, support a team of substance rather than hype, and never compromise core skateboarding values for mainstream acceptance. Each model in Venue's Lakai selection represents this unwavering commitment to skateboarding's authentic culture.
