Premium Lakai skate shoes delivering skater-owned authenticity and technical performance from one of footwear's most respected brands.
Founded in 1999 by skateboarding legends Mike Carroll and Rick Howard after their exodus from DC Shoes, Lakai emerged as the genuine article in skate footwear – a truly skater-owned and operated brand that prioritizes function over fashion trends. Their breakthrough video "Fully Flared" revolutionized skateboarding filmmaking while showcasing how their shoes perform under the sport's most technical and demanding riding. Lakai's approach to footwear design balances the essential elements that serious skaters demand – board feel, durability, impact protection, and style that doesn't scream "skate shoe." Their diverse line spans from vulcanized models that deliver immediate control and precision for technical ledge work at downtown Richmond spots to more supportive cupsoles that absorb impact when attacking gaps and stairs at the Manchester DIY. Signature models from team riders like Simon Bannerot, Riley Hawk, and Griffin Gass incorporate direct feedback from skaters pushing their footwear through skating's most demanding terrain. From the Cambridge's classic styling to the technical innovations in the Telford and Atlantic models, each shoe features strategic reinforcement where skateboarding creates the most abrasion while maintaining flexibility where foot movement demands it. Lakai's commitment to skateboarding's core culture extends beyond their product design to their support of the activity's creative ecosystem – from video production to supporting local scenes like Richmond's own diverse spots from Texas Beach DIY to the crusty downtown plazas.
