Skate shoes have come a long way since the early days of skateboarding, evolving from bulky foundational designs to high-tech, performance-driven shoes that also look nice! 

However, with so many brands having similar silhouettes, the skate shoe industry can feel a bit stale, unoriginal and same-ey! Among the brands leading this new wave of innovation in the skate shoe industry is Village PM -  A company redefining what skate footwear means in the modern day. 

Village PM bring skateboarders a breath of fresh air, with a new design blueprint, technical features, and a clean, unique look.

Village PM was officially founded in 2024 in Paris, a city famed for its rich art and fashion as well as its distinct underground skate scene. Village PM is the brainchild of designer and skater Basile Lapray, alongside veteran skater Bram De Cleen and footwear specialist Julien Traverse (from All Triangles),

The trio began with a clear mission: To disrupt the skate footwear market by applying technical know-how and high-performance outdoor shoe engineering to bring skateboarders unique skate shoe models that differ from the current industry blueprint.

The founders felt the current skate shoe industry had become stagnant, with too many brands relying on outdated designs that prioritise style over substance or durability over comfort. 

Their vision was simple but ambitious: To bring skateboarders shoes that combine the best elements from climbing boots, running trainers, and skate shoes themselves, creating products that enable skaters to move faster, last longer, and feel great at every session.

By weaving together their diverse backgrounds, skateboarding, industrial design, and outdoor gear technology, Village PM builds footwear with a focus on precision fit, functionality, and durability without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Their “form follows function” ethos places performance and skater experience at the centre of every design decision, elevating Village PM beyond typical skate shoes.

Village PM skate shoes, starting with the flagship 1PM model, completely rethink the skate shoe silhouette through the lens of outdoor innovation. 

Key design elements include:

• Climbing Shoe Inspired Rubber Rand: Village PM introduced an asymmetrical rubber rand wrapped around the shoe, inspired by climbing footwear, providing extra grip and control on the board for enhanced flicks and manoeuvres.

• Anatomical Lasts: The shoe shapes follow the foot’s natural contours more closely than traditional skate shoes. This results in a fit that feels custom-made, reducing foot fatigue and increasing skate feel.

• Premium Materials: Durable microfibre/leather uppers, technical fabrics, and grippy rubber compounds are combined with stitch reinforcement designed specifically to withstand abrasion and heavy wear.

• Modular and Repairable Components: Village PM encourages sustainability by designing shoes with impressive durability and replaceable sections of the rubber outsole.

• Minimalist Aesthetic with French Flair: Reflecting its Parisian roots, Village PM nails a contemporary street style that bridges skate and fashion culture. The clean lines and subtle branding appeal to riders who want understated style with serious innovation underfoot.

Village PM skate shoes don't just look classy, they're performace for skateboarding is held in high regard.

Skaters worldwide praise the shoes for:

• Exceptional Board Feel: Thanks to its carefully engineered sole, they have quality board feel whilst still being surprisingly protective.

• Durability: The climbing-inspired rubber rand, microfibre/leather uppers and reinforced stitch points mean Village PM shoes last far longer than many competitors in the skate market.

• Comfort for All-Day Wear: By blending running shoe tech with skate shoe toughness, these shoes deliver decent cushioning and support for long sessions or casual wear.

• Grip When It Counts: The choice of sole rubber compounds and tread design makes for a unique and impressive grip on different surfaces, whether ledge, flat, or the roughness of street spots.

Supporting Village PM's innovative shoe range is an impressive roster of skateboarders, each embodying Village PM’s forward-thinking ethos. 

Riders like Thaynan Costa, Logan Da Silva Ortiz, Nicolas Gisonno, and Joffrey Morel not only represent the brand but actively contribute to refining product design through real-world feedback and intense session testing.

Their first team video, “First Times are Special,” is a quality watch and showcases Village PM’s philosophy.

Village PM Sustainability and Future Outlook

The skate shoe industry can sometimes overlook environmental impact, but Village PM take sustainability seriously. Their shoes’ repairable design and durable uppers extend lifespan, decreasing waste. The company continues to explore eco-friendly materials to reduce its footprint without compromising performance or aesthetics.

As Village PM grows, it’s positioning itself not just as a skate shoe brand but a culture shaper that respects skateboarding’s roots while pushing it boldly into the future.

Skateboarders have been searching for alternatives to the same silhouettes that they've been seeing in the industry. Skaters have turned to Village PM for:

• Innovation that enhances both style and function.

• A brand that listens to skaters and collaborates closely with its team.

• The confidence of durability and comfort for street, park, or continuous exploration.

• Designs that respect the environment through repairability and sustainable initiatives and have long life-spans