🛹 Gravis Footwear: A Legacy in Skate Style

Gravis Footwear isn’t just a name in the skateboarding world—it’s a brand that once defined a generation of riders who wanted style, comfort, and performance stitched into every step. Let’s take a ride through its story, from its bold beginnings to its current revival.

🌱 Origins: Born from Snow and Street

Gravis Footwear was founded in 1998 by Burton Snowboards, a company already legendary in the snowboarding scene. Burton wanted to expand its reach beyond the slopes and into the streets, and Gravis was its answer—a lifestyle brand that blended skateboarding culture with casual fashion.

From the start, Gravis was about more than just shoes. It offered bags, apparel, and travel gear, all designed with the same attention to detail and urban sensibility that made its footwear stand out.

🛹 Skateboarding Roots and Sponsorships

Gravis made a serious push into skateboarding in the early 2000s, culminating in the launch of a dedicated skateboarding line in 2012. The brand became known for its clean aesthetics, premium materials, and a vibe that felt more boutique than mass-market.

One of its most iconic collaborations was with Dylan Rieder, a skateboarding phenom whose signature shoe with Gravis was praised for its daring, dress-shoe-inspired design. The promo video for the shoe was equally bold, helping cement Dylan’s place as a style icon and Gravis as a brand willing to take risks.

Other notable riders associated with Gravis included:

• Arto Saari – known for his smooth style and powerful street skating

• Jake Johnson

• Kevin Terpening

• Sammy Winter

• Joe Pease

These skaters helped shape Gravis’s identity as a brand that valued creativity and individuality.

✨ What Made Gravis Special?

Gravis wasn’t just another skate shoe brand. It stood out for:

• Design-forward thinking: Shoes like the Dylan model broke the mold of traditional skate footwear.

• Comfort and durability: Skaters loved the feel and performance.

• Lifestyle appeal: Gravis gear was just as at home in a coffee shop or airport lounge as it was at a skatepark.

Their “Creative Departures” campaign even took the team to places like Antwerp, Belgium, blending travel, art, and skateboarding into one cohesive experience.

🔄 The Fall and the Comeback

Despite its cult following, Gravis struggled to maintain momentum. Burton eventually discontinued the brand, choosing to refocus on its core snowboarding business. For a while, Gravis faded from shelves and screens.

But the story didn’t end there.

In 2003, Gravis was acquired by Nike, and over time, it evolved into a Japan-exclusive line, focusing on streetwear and fashion-forward footwear. After a quiet few years, Gravis made a comeback in 2023, re-entering the scene with a renewed focus on style, comfort, and skateboarding culture.

The brand is now based out of Tokyo, and its recent campaigns—like the “BIJYU” video—showcase a new generation of skaters and a fresh aesthetic that still honors its roots.

Gravis Footwear "Steve Forstner." (2011)

Dylan Rieder - Gravis Part

Arto Saari - Gravis Footwear.