Remembering Keith Hufnagel: A Skateboarding Icon and Streetwear Pioneer 🛹

Keith Hufnagel wasn’t just a skateboarder—he was a cultural force who helped shape the look, feel, and attitude of modern skateboarding. From the gritty streets of New York to the global fashion scene, his legacy continues to inspire skaters and creatives alike.

🌆 Early Life and Origins

Keith Hufnagel was born on January 21, 1974, in New York City, and grew up in Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village in Manhattan. His father worked as a vice president at Metropolitan Life Insurance, and his mother was a nurse. Keith attended Xavier High School on a track scholarship, but his passion for skateboarding quickly took center stage.

He began skating in his teens, cutting his teeth at legendary NYC spots like the Brooklyn Banks, where steep brick slopes and staircases became his playground. After high school, he briefly attended San Francisco State University, but dropped out after one semester to pursue skateboarding full-time.

🛹 Skateboarding Career

Keith turned pro in 1993, first riding for Fun Skateboards, and later joining Real Skateboards under the guidance of Jim Thiebaud. He also rode for Thunder Trucks and Spitfire Wheels, solidifying his place in the skateboarding elite.

🔥 Signature Style and Tricks

Hufnagel was known for his fast-paced, powerful street skating, often blending technical tricks with raw aggression. He was especially notable for:

• High-speed ollies over massive gaps

• Clean backside flips

• Stylish lines through urban terrain

• Precision on ledges and rails

His skating was less about circus tricks and more about style, speed, and flow—a reflection of East Coast grit with West Coast finesse.

🎥 Iconic Video Parts

Keith’s video sections were a masterclass in street skating. Some of his most memorable appearances include:

• “Real to Reel” – A defining part that showcased his explosive style

• “Skate More” (DVS Shoes) – A fan favorite, blending skateboarding with cinematic flair

• “Non-Fiction” (Real Skateboards) – A raw and authentic look at his skating roots

• “Chomp on This” – A fun, behind-the-scenes look at skateboarding culture

Each part captured his unique energy and helped cement his status as a legend.

🧢 HUF: From Skate to Streetwear

In 2002, Keith founded HUF Worldwide, a streetwear boutique in San Francisco that quickly evolved into a global brand. Inspired by his travels and the emerging sneaker culture, HUF became a hub for rare kicks, skate gear, and collaborations with artists and brands.

HUF wasn’t just a store—it was a movement. Keith used his nickname “HUF” from his skate decks and tees to build a brand that blended skateboarding, fashion, and art. The brand expanded to Los Angeles, New York, Texas, and Japan, and became known for its irreverent slogans like “Dirtbag Crew” and “Fuck It.”

👟 Footwear Legacy

Keith was one of the first skaters to have a signature shoe with DVS Shoes, and later collaborated with Nike on limited-edition releases like:

• Nike Dunks

• Nike Air Max 90 “HUFquake”

HUF also released iconic shoes like the Classic and a signature model for Dylan Rieder, which stirred both admiration and controversy.

🧵 Later Years and Legacy

In 2017, Keith sold the HUF brand to TSI Holdings, and shifted focus to apparel collaborations. He also revived the 1990s skate brand Metropolitan as a passion project, releasing limited-edition sneakers like the Adidas ZX 8000.

Sadly, Keith Hufnagel passed away on September 24, 2020, at the age of 46, after a courageous 2.5-year battle with brain cancer. His passing was mourned across the skateboarding and fashion communities, but his influence remains indelible.

Classics: Keith Hufnagel's "Penal Code" Part

Keith Hufnagel : REAL To Reel '01

Keith Hufnagel | The Nine Club With Chris Roberts - Episode 143