Etnies Signs Brandon Semenuk

by Mike Levy
Dec 1, 2011 at 16:22

Enties has a long and storied history in the skate world, starting life in France in 1986 and now sponsoring some of the most prolific athletes in the skate, moto, snow and surf genres. It looks like mountain biking can be added to that list with the addition of Trek's slope style wunderkind Brandon Semenuk to their roster. Semenuk, who took the top spot at this year's Kokanee Crankworx, 26TRIX, Claymore Challenge, Bearclaw Invitational, as well as the FMB overall title, had this to say about his new sponsor
bigquotesEtnies is an innovator in footwear and have some of the best athletes through out the world of action sports. I'm pumped on the support and to show that Etnies Footwear/Sole Technology have some of the most progressive products, even in the world of MTB! - Brandon Semenuk


Brandon Semenuk. Photo by Adrian Marcoux.
Photography by Adrian Marcoux

The obvious question on everyone's mind is surely if Etnies will debut a soft soled MTB specific shoe on the heels of signing Semenuk. Given their huge following in the alternative sports arena it would likely be a hit, assuming that the shoe design is as sorted as their skate offerings. Signed to wear Etnies footwear only, Brandon will be rocking their Number Mid, 5 Fusion and Jameson models.



www.etnies.com
Must Read This Week

102 Comments

  • + 80
flag TEAM-ROBOT (Dec 1, 2011 at 22:53)
 This is good for mountain biking. Way to go Brandon for bringing outside money into the sport. Now let's get Mt. Dew back into downhill racing.
  • + 4
flag MiloXC3 (Dec 2, 2011 at 6:55)
 Yes, would be good to see a great shoe brand like Etnies help with our world! I love Etnies skate shoes and wear them when I ride, but a mtb shoe would be great! Big Grin
  • + 2
flag bunkey (Dec 2, 2011 at 10:15)
 Etnies already have some amazing soles, they just need a slightly more solid feel and they're onto a winner.
  • + 16
flag nathanlawrence (Dec 2, 2011 at 15:04)
 I wear hiking boots when i ride, and I'll never change.
  • + 8
flag ASPOCKALIPS801 (Dec 2, 2011 at 16:13)
 I would of stuck with Nike 6.0 they are way better in my opinion.
  • + 1
flag mj46 (Dec 3, 2011 at 2:27)
 etnies shoes are by far the most comfortable shoes i own, closely followed by globes, but i cant ride in etnies as they're nowhere near stiff enough, just end up with my feet really hurting after a hour or so.
If they can come up with a nice tread pattern that actually grips when walking back to the top (not all of us have uplifts or chairlifts) possibly some sticky rubber and stiffen the sole and lower half of the shoe and they'll be onto a winner.
  • + 0
flag HighlandRider121 (Dec 3, 2011 at 12:00)
 i ride with ipaths and havent looked back i also like DC's but the ipaths i have are water proof
  • + 2
flag hoolydooly (Dec 3, 2011 at 19:05)
 If they make them in a size 16 I'll wear them. I dont know what im gonna do when my current size 14 Five Tens that have stretched die.... Probably just head over to the Nike ID website and make something Razz
  • + 1
flag collin7 (Dec 4, 2011 at 15:30)
 I could be wrong... but I think FiveTen can be resoled. That might just be for climbing shoes though...
  • + 1
flag hoolydooly (Dec 4, 2011 at 20:44)
 Yeah i was looking at that. but they can only stretch so far. Maybe if i payed enough they would make a custom size for me?
  • + 1
flag nason222 (Dec 5, 2011 at 22:03)
 i agree we need more big name companies and a bigger race scene in the states preferably california.
  • - 1
flag jackmackenzie95 (Dec 24, 2011 at 14:06)
 all shoes fail for mtb compared to five tens, nothing compares!
[Reply]
  • + 48
flag cmacdougall (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:29)
 All the groms will be wearing Etnies within the week.
  • + 2
flag simonsilver (Dec 2, 2011 at 9:29)
 haha soo true
  • + 2
flag fullbug (Dec 2, 2011 at 12:39)
 i'd be pretty happy about that if I were Brandon and/or Etnies. win win me thinks
[Reply]
  • + 15
flag Dirt-Gash (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:31)
 what I want to know is, when is a jean company going to sponsor him so he can get some signature jeans that are even tighter then what he wears now?
  • + 73
flag justincs (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:15)
 u need a girlfriend...........
  • + 13
flag Icculus19425 (Dec 2, 2011 at 6:22)
 ^ Post of the year
  • + 7
flag paulclarke (Dec 2, 2011 at 22:55)
 Should he wear baggy jeans from 1993? Which would be more convenient while doing a flip wip.....?
  • + 1
flag PAfreerider310 (Dec 5, 2011 at 7:41)
 havent you heard jncos are coming back hard
[Reply]
  • + 10
flag goxbigxorxgoxhome (Dec 1, 2011 at 22:53)
 Its great to see how all the different manufacturers are rewarding great results at any event.
Its true that Brandon absoluteley smoked the other guys this year ... i really like his style
because he combined so many riding styles in one ... DirtJump, Slopestyle, DH, Big Mountain ... and so on
He is really a great inspiration on the bike ...
  • + 21
flag singletrailrider (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:09)
 In fewer words.. Good investment, Etnies.. This guy shreds so much he needs therapy.
  • + 0
flag lwndrt (Dec 2, 2011 at 7:00)
 Bmx has been part of there program for far over a decade. So this is not a huge step. Only good things will come of this.
  • + 0
flag AustenB23 (Dec 2, 2011 at 12:50)
 It says MTB, not BMX
  • + 4
flag lwndrt (Dec 3, 2011 at 7:44)
 Way to miss the point. There not new to the bike industry.
[Reply]
  • + 13
flag mvonhollen (Dec 2, 2011 at 20:47)
 Time to sell my 6.0s and buy etnies. They will obviously make me better...
  • + 1
flag Airik (Dec 5, 2011 at 3:02)
 hahahaha !
[Reply]
  • + 12
flag dkidd (Dec 1, 2011 at 22:54)
 Can't wait to see some Semenuk-inspired shoes on the shelves!
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag Herndonmtb (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:18)
 there should be a "a shoe is a shoe..." option.
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag dfou (Dec 2, 2011 at 0:18)
 used em before were ok.... still can't beat old skool Vans waffle sole for grip with flats Big Grin
  • + 4
flag Spoonman (Dec 2, 2011 at 16:33)
 Agreed, Vans half-cabs all the way
  • + 2
flag KyleIsaman (Dec 3, 2011 at 21:02)
 cheapest shoes, best grip.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag brandoncoughlin (Dec 1, 2011 at 22:55)
 I used to love to bmx in etnies but i started downhilling and the shoes i wore just didnt have a stiff enough sole for me.. but id be one of the first to buy a pair of etnies downhill shoes
  • + 2
flag DARKSTAR63 (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:42)
 It's funny, when I rode bmx way back when all I wore were etnies. They were the best thing I could find at the time for street riding. I loved the classic lo-cut and the original Vallely. I also owned a pair of Taj shoes that I wore in the woods for a bit. I love to see some more MTB oriented offerings.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag JStoneMan (Dec 2, 2011 at 7:40)
 This is great for Brandon and the mountain biking community. I used to wear etnies all the time; until I found FiveTen. Lets see etnies make some sort of stealth like rubber and compete with FiveTen (and Adidas now appearantly)!
  • + 6
flag bigb73 (Dec 2, 2011 at 12:23)
 Nothing beats 5-10!!
  • + 1
flag JStoneMan (Dec 9, 2011 at 21:00)
 I know, but what if?
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag drs140t (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:42)
 For real mtb riding ( not dj, park, or street) 5 10's are all I'll use. Etnies is a great company and I'm happy to see Semenuk
get the support, hopefully they will listen to him and design a mtb specific shoe.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bkman77 (Dec 2, 2011 at 13:05)
 I ride regular etnies and just even long boarding over a summer have worn thru the toe from pushing, would be awesome for them to come out with a thicker sole so the show would last longer, the rest of the shoe is great only thing that has let me down so far
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Trios (Dec 4, 2011 at 14:09)
 It's important that if a company markets shoes for mountain biking that it be designed with riders needs at heart. Several other brands already have a good chunk of this market demographic, however they are not exactly what we want to wear out on Saturday night. We encounter mud and sand every ride, so in my mind it's important that it be able to stand up to repeated washing and maybe have a system in mind to keep sand out. I don't ride with clip shoes though many do. A stiff sole is important and maybe two stiffness grades may be an idea. If our needs can be met all while not being priced to high or being another bland looking shoe on the store shelf relying on a name to sell, then its very much a viable product option. It seems all to often that contracts are signed, monetary remuneration is exchanged and products are put on shelves that cost a mint and get professional reviews but end up just being another item preying on fashion victims. But if Etnies can do this right then they might have more than a few happy customers. I'd be willing to give them a try, try anything once.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag aljoburr (Dec 3, 2011 at 12:29)
 It is difficult to make compromise between having good grip and hikeability for walking back up pushing your bike back up.
Best hiking boots i have for riding are not that good for hiking. There is a market for shoe that fills that void.
But I am up to the chalange if Etnies needs expert bike designer from Scotland you really would be suprised at results.
Positive that is, But realisticly how likely is that going to happen, But may be Brandon has some good ideas there is nothing wrong with the bikes he helped develope apart from do not have Sealed Drive transmition.
Hoping to be in Socal in january working on Sealed drive for mountain bike Design.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag SoniaSkrzypnik (Dec 2, 2011 at 7:14)
 http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5518391/
  • + 1
flag s21l1 (Dec 2, 2011 at 10:24)
 awesome Smile)
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mountainjew (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:59)
 Too bad Etnies SUCK for riding. The grip on the soles shreds to bits on metal pedals in no time.
I had a pair last year which only lasted 2 months before having huge holes in the soles where my feet contact the pedals, and next to no grip left. Not good enough for a shoe that cost over $100.
If they can get the soles right for riding and stiff enough in a nice traditional, bulky skate shoe, I'll buy them again.
And Bring back all suede skate shoes! Shiny leather/vinyl shoes look horrible
  • + 1
flag gavlaa (Dec 2, 2011 at 3:31)
 I wear my Vans brown suede high tops with waffle sole- they rip but a bit on the soft side- I'm with you buddy- if Etnies sorted the sole situation then I'd defo give them a look but not until then.
  • + 1
flag JJ-The-Scott (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:11)
 pretty sure etnies have there own riding shoe now?
  • + 2
flag DARKSTAR63 (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:47)
 Yeah you have to be careful bashing skate shoes when they are used for riding. The best skate shoes have really soft rubber for board grip and flexible soles for enhanced board feel. A great bicycle shoe this does not make. I used to wear them for bmx but when you use them on mtb pedals with tall sharp pins- they dont hold up.
  • + 1
flag fullbug (Dec 2, 2011 at 7:40)
 Vans Gravel is a good start to skate co born mtb flat pedal shoes. So soon etnies to follow with this signing.
  • + 1
flag s21l1 (Dec 2, 2011 at 10:15)
 The etnies numbers are good for riding, they were developed for bmxing. I own a pair of them and they have a stiff and grippy sole. (I use them with plastic pedals, so I don't know what would happen on metal pedals.)

I wanna see a nice MTB specific high shoe from the etnies with a grippy stiched sole, a strap and with a nice, impact absorber insole.
  • + 1
flag JJ-The-Scott (Dec 3, 2011 at 9:53)
 Etnies Number Mid Shoes - desiged and developed for bmx with aaron ross. should do the job for most mountain bikers, except in wet weather but no should except 5-10's or Tevas are really worth bothering with in the wet.
  • + 1
flag hazdxb (Dec 3, 2011 at 12:55)
 I have been wearing etnies jameson 2's for the past month for BMX and they work really nicely, just look at the sole and you'll know what I mean.
http://www.kickzoo.com/image/cache/data/etnies-mens-jameson-2-black-gum-shoe-4-640x480.jpg
  • + 1
flag s21l1 (Dec 5, 2011 at 5:57)
 @hazdxb your shoes are nice, but I was pretty sad (because I like the etnies brand) when my friend bought an etnies portland after a few footjams the front tape of the sole came down, and the leather looked pretty shitty after a few weeks of use.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag travisfoxx (Dec 1, 2011 at 22:51)
 Etnies should make a riding specific shoe like the forum says, I think the financial backing from the company could really amount to something great. Plus that Etnies logo is so dope.
  • + 3
flag bwoodhull (Dec 1, 2011 at 22:55)
 Plus their corporate office is down the street from me and I could maybe get a sick job designing their new MTB shoe line.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag tdoyle1995 (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:06)
 bout time! hes been wearing them already for the past year!
  • + 1
flag frednewton (Dec 2, 2011 at 3:41)
 yeah dude! i ride in etnies too and have done for a few months now and i love them, my last riding shoes were globe skate shoes which were rad too. cool to see them sponser brandon, hope they sponser more mtb riders.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Marlfox87 (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:12)
 I know I'm being nitpicky here but unless we got two brandons running around its wunderkind. Wunderkinder is plural. Now that I've got that off my chest. Awesome for him and Etnies.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag BikeTek (Dec 2, 2011 at 0:04)
 haha the "wunderkind" Big Grin surely he is! but it's just funny to hear or actually read this german word obviously integrated in the english language!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag L-train (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:07)
 Way too little competition for 5:10. Someone needs to step up. Hope it's Etnies.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag rocnriderider (Dec 2, 2011 at 3:09)
 The thing I don't understand is why nike 6.0 stopped mtb program...I really like these shoes.
  • + 1
flag MtBxKinG (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:11)
 i ride in 6.0's anyway, although i've owned better grip-wise. if these etnies have big, flat soles, look good and keep grip on flats in the wet, i'll pick up a pair.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag EddyDave (Dec 2, 2011 at 3:51)
 Awesome!
I've got a set of Etnies Fader - Rockstar and I ride pretty much everything with them on and I always feel planted on the pedals and so far have had no issues (in 3 months lots of riding) with the sole!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag DH-Bills (Dec 2, 2011 at 11:06)
 I think this is great! I would like to see a a riding specific shoe from Etnies. And if Etnies is gonna make a riding specific shoe i would really to see them make an SPD compatible shoe.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag chunkiemonkie (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:24)
 now every kid will be wearing etnies
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag elDavido (Dec 6, 2011 at 15:49)
 This is Rad. I allready wear etnies all the time cause I cannot affor 5-10s. Hopefully they will have a comparable pricetag to the rest of their shoes.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag erixmpx (Dec 2, 2011 at 4:35)
 i'm wearing Numbers almost 2 years, and i've never had such a comfortable shoe! It sticks to pedal really good too...totally worth that 100$ Wink
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Broso (Dec 2, 2011 at 1:17)
 I currently ride in a pair of Etnies the gum sole is pretty sticky...I would def. buy a mountain bike specific shoe from them.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag almightybenners (Dec 3, 2011 at 9:50)
 etnies number but with stiffer a more metal pedal pin friendly sole and a waterproof treatment? pretty much perfect mtb flat pedal shoe formula there! and they wont look shit like five10s!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kre-VIII-iv (Dec 2, 2011 at 13:04)
 haha i bought the number mid shoes b4 this announcement, they are already a really good riding shoe cus of the stiff sole.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag BIGTIMBERFILMS (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:41)
 been wearing etnies when i ride for years. Would love an mtb specific shoe.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag nojzilla (Dec 2, 2011 at 4:27)
 awesome news!
been wearing Etnies since skating in the late 80's
fk nike!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag enorbz (Dec 2, 2011 at 19:26)
 Ill still wear my Nike 6.0s, but the kid who said it above, all the little groms will be wearing Etnies now haha
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Parabiker (Dec 2, 2011 at 13:13)
 5 10 nuff said
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Its-That-Guy (Dec 3, 2011 at 2:51)
 Five tens are all you need... I use line kings for DJ/Street and the impact for Dh. Oarsum.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag n-lagasse (Dec 2, 2011 at 13:02)
 I love Enties
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag tanner-greiner (Dec 2, 2011 at 9:58)
 and flippers for xc
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag seasonfreerider (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:32)
 Kinda old news
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag gtang31 (Dec 2, 2011 at 22:20)
 How long ago did he drop 6.0?
  • + 1
flag hoolydooly (Dec 3, 2011 at 19:10)
 Nike pulled out of mountain biking all together back in July. Andrew Shandro told me this is why we didn't get our free pair of Nike 6.0's when we got to SGC.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag corey32 (Dec 2, 2011 at 7:03)
 who wears hiking shoes??
  • + 1
flag enorbz (Dec 2, 2011 at 19:25)
 the people that voted for them above which is more than I thought haha
  • + 1
flag dualsuspensiondave (Dec 5, 2011 at 18:17)
 Mass people do.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Mdcbiking (Dec 2, 2011 at 7:50)
 i liked it back when he was nike 6.0 other than tad and etnies
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag session99 (Dec 2, 2011 at 9:46)
 what bikes is he riding in the first pic its red
  • + 1
flag DJumperNick (Dec 2, 2011 at 11:31)
 Its his custom remedy, the one he uses for slopestyle Big Grin
  • + 1
flag session99 (Dec 2, 2011 at 18:28)
 custom u mean frame geometry or like parts too
  • + 1
flag DJumperNick (Dec 4, 2011 at 11:59)
 parts and geometry, it has its rear mech shifter on the down tube too,
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag damonster248 (Dec 2, 2011 at 17:23)
 i hope etnies makes a moutain bike shoe that would be so sick
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tomy177 (Dec 2, 2011 at 13:27)
 nikes on my feet keep my cypher complete
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag epavichthesavage (Dec 1, 2011 at 22:52)
 Smart move, Etnies.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag SweetCoffee (Dec 3, 2011 at 6:10)
 看不懂……
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Colin994 (Dec 1, 2011 at 23:21)
 am i the only one who's going to miss him in 6.0's?
  • + 1
flag semenuk-fan (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:23)
 Same
  • + 1
flag chase03 (Dec 2, 2011 at 8:40)
 You liked Semenuk becouse he used 6.0 ?
  • - 3
flag semenuk-fan (Dec 2, 2011 at 9:45)
 i always liked him but i think it was more of his style wearing them for some reason
  • + 2
flag DARKSTAR63 (Dec 2, 2011 at 11:04)
 He has been rocking these etnies for while now..........
  • + 0
flag Colin994 (Dec 2, 2011 at 13:34)
 doesnt mean someone cant have an opinion on what shoes look better on a person........
  • + 1
flag DARKSTAR63 (Dec 2, 2011 at 13:49)
 true
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag yessemtb (Dec 2, 2011 at 5:49)
 yeaah brandon
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag biker72 (Dec 1, 2011 at 22:49)
 what a baw$$
[Reply]
Below threshold threads are hidden

Post a Comment



You must login to Pinkbike.
Don't have an account? Sign up

Join Pinkbike  Login
Copyright © 2000 - 2012. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.075677