Airwalk History

Brand History

introduction

Chapter PageAirwalk was a pioneer in the skateboarding industry. Established in 1986, by George Yohn and Bill Mann, Airwalk was created to make functional, sound, and durable skateboarding shoes. They are advocates for the skateboarding culture and active lifestyles of the action sports community including skateboarding, mountain biking, snowboarding and skiing.

1985

Mann’s 11 year old son challenges him to make a better skateboarding sneaker.

Airwalk, named after Tony Hawk’s move, is launched by Items International, selling primarily in California Surf and Skate Shops.

1987

Airwalks are available in over 100 styles and sold globally as trends to dress in a Cali style spread. Sales top at $20 million.

1992

Mann is replaced as president of Items International by Lee Smith.

1986 1989

Airwalk attempts to enter the apparel market with little to no success.

1991

Skateboarding sales drop to $8 million. Mann branches out to Snowboarding and Mountain Biking.

1994

Airwalk leads in sales of Snowboarding Boots.

1995

Airwalk records an all time high $200 million in sales.

1999

Airwalk is purchased by Sunrise Capital Partners and is moved to Denver Colorado.

2007

CLI acquired by Collective Brand International: the owners of Payless Shoe Source and Stride Rite.

2022

Airwalk re-brands with the mission to encourage people to rebel against the norm, embrace their communities, see the world as their canvas, and find adventure in the everyday.

1996

Airwalk reaches an advertising budget of $40 million making Airwalk the 5th largest in athletic shoe history.

2004

Purchased by Collective Licensing International with the goal to bring Airwalk back to its roots.

2009

Jeff Staples partners with Payless to design new Airwalk sneakers.