Yuto Horigome, a 24-year-old professional skateboarder from Japan, achieved a historic milestone in May 2018. He became the first Japanese athlete to win a Street League Skateboarding event. Yuto, born in Tokyo, Japan, started skateboarding at the age of seven, inspired by his father, who was a vert skateboarder. Yuto’s incredible journey reached its peak when he became the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in skateboarding.

Horigome started taking part in skateboarding contests in America when he was just 15 years old. His talent for conquering huge rails and gaps quickly caught the attention of many. In 2016, he decided to move to the United States permanently, realizing that California provided great opportunities for advancing his career.

Horigome achieved significant recognition in May 2018 as the first Japanese athlete to win a Street League Skateboarding event. He then went on to win two more events later that year, proving that his accomplishments were not just luck.

In 2019, Horigome thrived by winning two Olympic qualifying events and securing the second position in the World Championships. He finished right behind Nyjah Huston of America, who was the three-time defending champion and the current world number one.

Just before the 2021 Games, Horigome triumphed over Huston once again at the World Championships in Rome. He claimed another victory, strengthening his position as a leading competitor.

Horigome made history in skateboarding at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in the sport.

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Nike approached Yuto Horigome with an offer for a collaborative pair of Dunk Lows. They created the Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk Low, choosing a completely neutral palette with a white base.

Here are the sponsors that support Horigome.

• Nike SB
• April Skateboards
• Hardies Hardware
• Venture
• Spitfire
• Murasaki
• Rakuten
• Lipovitan

Leticia Bufoni e Silva, is a 30-year-old professional skateboarder from Brazil. She began skateboarding at the age of 9 and was the sole female skater in her neighborhood. Currently, she holds an impressive record as a six-time X Games gold medalist.

Bufoni’s remarkable achievements have solidified her position as one of the finest athletes in the sport. Throughout her twenties, she accomplished feats that every skater aspires to achieve.

She is also a close friend of Nyjah Huston, and they have been spotted skating together on multiple occasions

At the age of 30, Leticia Bufoni has already become an icon in the skateboarding community. She not only won her sixth gold medal in women’s skateboarding street and set two world records at the 2021 X Games but also holds 12 Summer X Games medals, making her the most decorated female Summer X Games athlete of all time.

In 2020, Leticia Bufoni represented Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics. Additionally, she served as the first Executive Athlete Ambassador for World Skate from 2017 to 2022. Forbes Magazine named Leticia Bufoni as one of “The Most Powerful Women in International Sports for 2018.”

Leticia has dominated women’s street skateboarding for over a decade, ranking as the number one women’s street skateboarder by World Cup Skate for four consecutive years, from 2010 to 2013. She even secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for “Most wins in World Cup skateboarding.”

In 2022, Bufoni set the world record for the highest skateboard grind outside the back of a flying aircraft. The C-130 Transport plane was flying at an altitude of 9022 feet when Leticia Bufoni accomplished the skateboard grind.

Bufoni was born in São Paulo. She discovered her passion for skateboarding when her grandmother gifted her a skateboard. Growing up, she fearlessly embraced the skateboarding culture, often found cruising the streets alongside boys. However, her father disapproved of her choice and, in an attempt to discourage her, he broke her board. Despite this setback, Bufoni’s love for skateboarding remained unwavering.

At the age of 14, she relocated to the United States to pursue her education, enrolling in high school. However, her time there was short-lived as she eventually departed just as she was on the brink of expulsion.

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Leticia Bufoni had the following sponsors:

1. Nike SB: Bufoni has been sponsored by Nike SB, the skateboarding division of Nike, for several years. She has been featured in numerous Nike SB campaigns and has her own signature shoe with the brand.
2. Red Bull: Bufoni is also sponsored by Red Bull, an energy drink company known for its support of extreme sports and athletes. Red Bull has been a major supporter of Bufoni’s skateboarding career, providing her with resources and opportunities to showcase her skills.
3. Plan B Skateboards: Bufoni rides for Plan B Skateboards, a renowned skateboarding company known for producing high-quality decks, wheels, and other skateboarding equipment. She has been an integral part of the Plan B team and has contributed to the brand’s success.
4. GoPro: Bufoni has a sponsorship deal with GoPro, a popular brand specializing in action cameras. She often uses GoPro cameras to capture her skateboarding footage, which is then shared with her fans and followers.
5. Grizzly Griptape: Bufoni is sponsored by Grizzly Griptape, a company that produces griptape for skateboards. Griptape is an essential component of a skateboard that provides traction for the rider’s feet, and Bufoni has been a loyal ambassador for the brand.

Please note that sponsorships can change over time, and there may be additional sponsors for Leticia Bufoni beyond what is mentioned here. It’s always a good idea to verify the current sponsorships directly from reliable sources or Bufoni’s official channels.

Lance Mountain, a 58-year-old American professional skateboarder and artist, he is one of the sport's icons who aided the rise of skateboarding in the 1980s. He has won more than 40 championships in his four decades of skateboarding.

Lance Mountain was an inventor; he was the mastermind behind fingerboards in the late 1970s. He created a prototype out of cardboard, pencil erasers, and a disassembled Hot Wheels toy. Fast-forward, his invention got featured in Transworld Magazine, as well as the Powell Peralta video. Lance also worked with Steve Caballero on the design of the Independent Stage V skateboard truck and co-invented the Gay Twist.

Born on June 13, 1964, in Pasadena, Lance Mountain began skateboarding in 1975 at the age of eleven, when his buddy Enrique Esparza gave him his board, which was the start of everything. He was also raised in a devout Christian household, so he avoided drugs and smoking, unlike other kids. Because of this, he was frequently ignored by the older skaters, but that didn’t stop him from going to the parks to practice. Lance began his professional skating career in 1981 when he joined the Variflex squad, and from there his career skyrocketed.

Lance had always wanted to be sponsored by Powell, but in 1981, George Orton asked Lance Mountain to ride for Variflex, even though he didn’t really want to. Consequently, Variflex became Lance Mountain’s first sponsor. After a three-year wait, Mountain was finally accepted by Powell Peralta in 1983.

As of October 2012, he is sponsored by Flip, Independent Trucks, Spitfire, Nike SB, and Stüssy clothing.

Besides skateboarding, Lance Mountain is a prolific artist. He has had over a dozen art displays during his long career and continues to produce to this day. In the same way, he has tried his hand at music.

Mountain’s net worth is approximately $10 million, while his salary is estimated to be $200,000.

His substantial net worth is primarily due to his artistic profession. He also makes money from his innovation, which is still on the market.

Paul Rodriguez, also known as P-Rod or Paul Martin Rodriguez Jr, is a prominent figure in the skateboarding industry. He is a 38-year-old professional skater from the United States. Since beginning his skateboarding career in 2002, Rodriguez has achieved remarkable success, earning a total of eight medals at the X Games, including four gold medals.

While in school, he became captivated by a group of skaters and their skill in keeping the board attached to their feet. This fascination led Paul Rodriguez to acquire his own skateboard and start practicing.

Related Article : Eric Koston : Who The F**k is He?

At the age of 14, Paul Rodriguez entrusted a friend with his “Sponsor me” video tape, which was then submitted to Netkin, the owner of a local skateboard shop called “One Eighteen.” Impressed by the video, Netkin immediately offered Rodriguez a place on the store team during their first meeting the following day.

When Rodriguez turned sixteen, he joined City Stars, a skateboarding company founded by professional skateboarder Kareem Campbell in Los Angeles. Despite being an amateur at the time, Rodriguez earned the prestigious final part in the video Street Cinema, typically reserved for esteemed professionals on the team.

Paul Rodriguez’s talent and potential were further highlighted in Transworld Skateboarding’s 2002 video, In Bloom, which featured up-and-coming sponsored skaters. Shortly after the video’s release, Rodriguez joined Girl Skateboards and turned professional in September 2002.

In 2010, Rodriguez released a solo video part under the Plan B brand, titled Me, Myself, and I. The vide garnered attention within the global skateboarding community for an extended period of time.

In 2008, Paul Rodriguez, along with Heath Brinkley, Andy Netkin, Jay Partow, and Jubal Jones, founded their own skateboard company called Primitive Skateboarding. Prior to this venture, Rodriguez had been sponsored by Plan B Skateboards but made the decision to leave the team in order to have greater ownership and control over his career.

Following his departure from Plan B, Rodriguez produced and sold a limited run of 500 gold-foil Primitive decks. The response to this release was overwhelmingly positive, prompting him to establish an ongoing skateboard company with the assistance of Andy and Jubal.

Paul Rodriguez has sponsorship deals with:

• Primitive
• Nike SB
• Venture
• JSLV

Nora Vasconcellos, a 30-year-old American professional skateboarder from Pembroke, Massachusetts, made history as the first female skateboarder to have her own signature shoes with Adidas Skateboarding, a major player in the industry. She was also the first woman to join the team. In addition to skateboarding, Nora is also an avid surfer and artist.

Nora Vasconcellos made a significant move from New England to California in 2012, which opened new doors for her. Her talent in skateboarding led to an invitation to compete in the prestigious X Games.

In 2016, Nora’s skills caught the attention of Adidas, and she began her journey with them as an amateur skateboarder. She achieved a remarkable feat in 2017 by winning the Vans Park Series World Championships. This accomplishment propelled her to join the elite ranks of the Adidas pro team, where she skated alongside some of the world’s best professionals. Notably, Tyshawn Jones, the skateboarding king of New York, was among her fellow team members.

Nora’s impact extends beyond the skateboarding industry as she actively engages in illustration and artistry. She collaborates as a designer with renowned brands such as Stance, Welcome Skateboards, and Krux Trux.

The NORA shoes by Adidas SB are Vasconcellos’ signature footwear, but there was also an apparel pack available. This collection featured track tops, track slacks, and a knit polo jersey.

Below is a list of Vasconcellos’ sponsors:

• Adida SB
• Welcome Skateboards
• Krux
• JuneShine
• Yeti
• Hume
• Supernatural
• Stance
• CCS
• Bronson
• OJ
• Mob
• Nixon

Let’s not waste any of your time and not start with an introduction about the legendary skater, Eric Koston, as I assume you already know him and only want to know more about his skate shoes. besides, i have already written an article about “Who the F**k is Eric Koston“, So here we will take a look at the history of the legendary pro skater Eric Koston shoes.

Eric Koston’s first signature skate shoe, the éS Koston, was released in 1997 as part of éS’ pro team. The éS Koston featured an air cushioning system in the heel and an exposed polyurethane cushioned midsole, making it one of the first skate shoes to draw inspiration from Nike’s Air Max series. The éS Koston quickly became an iconic silhouette in the skateboarding industry, so much so that éS re-released it numerous times throughout Koston’s career and it was even recreated by another brand over 10 years later.

éS quickly produced the Koston 2 after the success of the éS Koston’s sales, aiming to set a new standard in skateboarding footwear. Its EVA midsole aimed to end heel bruise. This high tech, space boot-looking shoe was so innovative that it sparked a slew of imitators, with Osiris D3 and DC Shoes’ collections from 1999-2003 being the most notable.

Koston’s legendary status grew in 2000, when he won the X Games, the Gravity Games, and the Globe World Championships, and appeared in the ground-breaking video game, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. He drew comparisons to great athletes like Michael Jordan, whom Koston cited in a 2009 Nike SB Interview as the source of his favorite Nike style: the Air Jordan 1.

The Bones Brigade’s use of the shoe in the 80s influenced Koston’s choice. His signature model, the Koston 3, draws from the world of basketball, with stitch lines and color blocking reminiscent of the Jordan 12, especially the White/Varsity Red/Black from 1997.

éS introduced the Koston 4 in 2002, despite it being considered expensive. Undeterred, éS sacrificed the price point to create a shoe designed to protect skaters and offer a more comfortable and innovative design, featuring internal lacing, vast rubber around the toe piece, and Jordan-esq colour ways. This ultimately resulted in another hit with the hardcore skate community.

éS and Koston’s K5 features a low profile look due to its internal midsole, a bold step that did not become popular.

OG éS Koston fans around the globe rejoice as éS re-releases the original Koston shoe as the EK-01 in 2003, featuring Sole Technology’s new System G2 cushioning system.

In 2004, Eric Koston won the X Games and was awarded the honour of landing the ‘worst trick’ at the Tampa Pro contest. Later that year, he and Steve Berra opened their own secret training facility, the Berrics. As skateboarding fashion began to change, brands such as éS, Etnies and DC started to strip back layers of padding, rubber, and inch thick midsoles from their shoes.

éS debuted the K6 in their Fall collection, a simple, classic silhouette with brown leather and suede on a faux vulcanised cupsole. This marked the start of the age of the understated.

The K7 would mark the end of a 12 year relationship between Koston and éS. 10 years of some of the most iconic and innovative skateboarding footwear ever.

Koston faced the difficult task of transitioning from éS to Lakai. The level of funding and innovation at Sole Technology was much different than Lakai, and the shoes released by 2006 were more understated than his previous models. Despite the shift, Koston invested in Lakai and eventually became a partner. Many thought the brand would be his career and retirement fund.

Koston joined the pro team ranks and almost immediately released the ‘Kost-One’ and ‘Lakoston’ shoes. Although the R+D period was shorter than he was used to at éS, the Kost-One still gained popularity. The Lakoston, which was more casual and less focused on skate culture, was not as popular.

DC Court set the standard for simple and casual skate shoes of the time, drawing inspiration from a classic tennis silhouette. The Lakoston followed this trend, but offered little in terms of innovation and had a very generic style. Despite this, Lakai’s release of Fully Flared video saw Koston remain strong and won the brand the ‘Video of the Year’ award.

Lakai’s ‘Select’ collection combined classic designs with higher quality materials and a vulcanised sole in order to create groundbreaking products. This collaboration between Lakai, Koston, and Independent marked the first time Independent would ever put their name to a shoe – a special honor for long time team member Eric Koston.

Lakai bafflingly managed to re-release the original Koston shoe for the second time, delighting OG éS Koston lovers!

Koston’s business manager uncovered some suspicious activities at Lakai, which caused him to leave the brand in 2008. However, it wasn’t long before Koston found a new home at Nike SB. In 2001, Koston had bought a young P-Rod onto éS, and a decade later, Koston is the new guy on a team built around P-Rod.

I need to see a photo to confirm if Koston ever wore the ‘Thai Temple’ Dunk High’s, a tribute to his Asian heritage and birthplace, Bangkok.

A large skateboard shoe campaign supported the release of the shoes, which included a limited edition collaborative shoe with Kobe Bryant. Koston must have found this special, but it did not appeal to many others. Some pairs may still be available at Slam City Skates. The launch tour video featured a great Kobe cameo.

Nike combined Koston 1 and the Air Max 90 to create the limited edition Koston 1 x Heritage shoe, although it seemed unlikely that the hybrid would work. However, it succeeds in preserving the subtlety of the Koston 1 while incorporating the Air Max 90’s trademark features. Although this may not be everyone’s preference, it is successful.

At first, the Nike SB Koston 2, released in 2013, may appear to have taken the worst features of the P-Rod and combined them with the best features of the Koston 1. However, taking time to appreciate the Koston 2 will make it grow on you.

Some love it, some hate it. The new Nike SB Koston 3 is one of the most controversial releases. Lots of people said it won’t be skateable at all.

Steve Caballero is an iconic American professional skateboarder and an influential figure in the skateboarding world. With an impressive career spanning decades, he is renowned for his difficult tricks and air variations as well as his record-setting highest air achieved on a halfpipe. In 1999, he was honored as the “Skater of the Century” by Thrasher Magazine.

Born November 8, 1964, Caballero is 58 years old.

Caballero turned pro in 1980 when he was 16, during the Gold Cup series at the Oasis Skatepark, Southern California.

Caballero is known for inventing the ‘Caballerial’ and fakie 360 aerial, as well as a frontside boardslide. He set world records for highest air on a half-pipe (11-ft backside air) and longest board slide (44-step handrail) in 1987 and 1999 respectively. Despite being born with scoliosis, Caballero has achieved remarkable feats in skating.

No, Caballero retired from professional skateboarding in 2016. And just like Mike Vallely, Caballero started a new punk band called Urethane, who have signed to the Cyber Tracks record label. Their debut album, ‘Chasing Horizons’, was released on September 24, 2021. Caballero also paints, collects toys and comic books, rides motocross, and is a hot rod enthusiast.

Caballero has been sponsored by Vans Footwear, Bones, 187 Killer Pads, Independent truck company, Pro-Tec, Powell Peralta, kawazaki, SKVI, Shift, Fix Manufacturing, and Merge 4.

Caballero’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2023.

Considered one of the most influential skateboarders of all time, Eric Koston is a 48 years old professional skateboarder and entrepreneur.
He has won numerous awards and accolades for his skateboarding skills, and has been featured in video games such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and EA Sports' Skate series.
Additionally, he is the founding partner of the skateboard company Skate Mental.
Here is everything you need to know about this legendary skater.

Eric Koston is known for inventing several skate tricks, including the K-grind, which is a crooked grind, although he was not the first to pull it off.

He masterminded the rules of the S.K.A.T.E. invitational event, also known as the “éS Game of Skate,” from the H.O.R.S.E. game played by basketball players.

Related Article : Steve Caballero – Mike Vallely

Born on April 29, 1975, in Bangkok, Thailand, Eric Koston moved to California with his parents when he was only nine months old.

After his parents divorced, he settled in San Bernardino and began skateboarding in 1986 at the age of 11, when his brother handed him an old Mark Gonzales skateboard with mismatched trucks.

At skate camp, Koston met Eddie Elguera, who mentored him until Koston dropped out of high school in grade 10 to become a full-time professional skateboarder.

Koston moved to Los Angeles in 1992 to join Natas Kaupas in the 101 Skateboards team and develop his switch stance potential.

He was named Skater of the Year (SOTY) in 1996, featured in Thrasher Magazine in 1993, 1997, and 2000, and became the first pro skater to feature in a McDonald’s commercial in 2015.

In 2007, Eric Koston and Steve Berra built “The Berrics” – one of the world’s most famous skate plazas in Los Angeles.Featuring painted steps, rails, and flat banks surrounded by scenographic simulations of stores and billboards, this private facility only opens its doors to guests. Home to the skate contest “The Battle of the Berrics” and several shooting sessions and online projects, this structure has garnered three million followers on its Instagram account.

The name “The Berrics” is a portmanteau word featuring the “Ber” of Steve’s surname and the “ric” of Koston’s first name.

Eric also co-owns the clothing and apparel company Fourstar with Guy Mariano, in 2016, and the two teamed up once again to found the skateboard company Number Edition.

Finally, Eric co-owns San Diego-based microbrewery Saint Archer, founded by former Championship Tour surfer Josh Kerr and pro skaters Paul Rodriguez and Mikey Taylor.

In 1992, H-Street Skateboards offered Eric Koston his first sponsorship deal. Throughout the following decades, he went on to be sponsored by éS, Lakai, Nike SB, Skullcandy, Jessup, Oakley, The Berrics, Supreme, Diamond, Fourstar, Spitfire Wheels, Independent Truck Company, and Skate Menta.

Koston has been a skateboarding legend for 16 years, and his signature shoes have been a hugely popular part of his legacy. her’s a list of all of his signature shoes

Often compared to Michael Jordan’s shoes, Koston’s line of shoes includes the classic Dunk Low SB, the modern Stefan Janoski Max, and the Koston Hypervulc.

Each model has offered something new in design and performance, and Koston continues to prove why he is the Michael Jordan of skateboarding.

Eric Koston’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million.

Jeff Grosso, also known as Jeff Blaine Grosso, was an iconic American professional skateboarder in the 1980s. He had a deep passion for the sport. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2020 at the age of 51 due to substance abuse.

Jeff Grosso was a prominent skateboarder in the United States during the 1980s, known for his impressive vert skating skills. He was also recognized as a skateboard historian and was highly influential in the skateboarding community. Jeff gained further popularity through his well-received YouTube series called “Love Letters To Skateboarding,” where he shared his knowledge and passion for the sport. Additionally, he was known for his support and mentorship of younger skateboarders, showing care and dedication to the next generation of skaters.

At the age of 8, Jeff Grosso received his first skateboard as a gift from his mom’s boss. Although it was an old board with worn-out parts, Grosso immediately felt a strong connection to it. He dedicated countless hours to practicing and honing his skills. By the time he was 12, he entered his first skateboarding contest. Growing up, Grosso had the opportunity to skate with renowned figures like Neil Blender and Lance Mountain. In an impressive achievement, he turned professional at the young age of 12 in 1982.

At the age of 14, Jeff Grosso gained sponsorship from Vans, a renowned shoe and apparel company. This sponsorship marked the beginning of a long-lasting personal and professional relationship between Grosso and Vans. This collaboration extended until 2020, with Vans sponsoring Grosso’s widely acclaimed YouTube series, “Love Letters to Skateboarding.”

Jeff Grosso was indeed one of the most recognizable skateboarders in the United States during the 1980s. His expertise in vert skating set him apart and earned him widespread recognition. He made notable appearances in influential skate videos such as Powell Peralta’s “Future Primitive” and Santa Cruz Skateboards’ “Streets on Fire.” Furthermore, Grosso achieved another milestone in his career when he graced the cover of the October 1994 issue of Transworld Skateboarding magazine.

Unfortunately, Jeff Grosso’s career was affected by substance abuse, which led to a decline in the early-mid 1990s. However, he was able to overcome these challenges and achieved sobriety in 2005. Following his recovery, Grosso made a comeback to professional skateboarding and resumed his career in the sport.

Jeff Grosso sadly passed away at the age of 51 on March 31, 2020, at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California. The autopsy report, released in December 2020, revealed that the cause of his death was “severe cardiomegaly with dilatation.” The toxicology data also indicated the presence of fentanyl in Grosso’s system at the time of his death.

Jeff Grosso had various sponsors throughout his skateboarding career. Some of the notable sponsors he was associated with include:

1. Vans: Grosso had a long-standing relationship with Vans, which sponsored him and supported his skateboarding endeavors. They also sponsored his popular YouTube series, “Love Letters to Skateboarding.”
2. Independent Trucks: Grosso was sponsored by Independent Trucks, a well-known skateboard truck brand.
3. Santa Cruz Skateboards: Grosso rode for Santa Cruz Skateboards, a prominent skateboard company, and appeared in their influential video, “Streets on Fire.”
4. Powell Peralta: Grosso was also affiliated with Powell Peralta, a renowned skateboard brand, and appeared in their classic video, “Future Primitive.”

These are some of the notable sponsors associated with Jeff Grosso during his skateboarding career, although the list may not be exhaustive.

Ginwoo Onodera, a 13-year-old Japanese skateboarder, made a remarkable X Games debut on Sunday (14 May), becoming the youngest ever winner of the men’s street skateboarding competition and the second youngest champion in the history of X Games, after Nyjah Huston who competed at the age of 11.

Ginwoo Onodera made history in 2023 when he won his debut at the X Games Japan, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Men’s Street Skateboarding Competition. He dominated over the competition, landing almost every trick and achieving the highest score of 90.66, far surpassing runner-ups Kelvin Hoefler (83.66) and Jamie Foy (83.33). Even Nyjah Huston, 13-time X Games champion, could only manage 71.33 and finished 12th.

With this level of talent comes sponsors. So here is a list of Ginwoo Onodera’s sponsors:

• Nike SB
• Jart
• Bones Bearings
• Bones Wheels
• Ace
• -UFO UFO-