IPath's skateboard team
IPath's team roster changed over the years, including influential riders who helped define the brand’s image and credibility in the core skate scene. Matt Rodriguez, one of the original faces of IPath, brought a soulful and artistic style to street and transition skating that resonated with fans. Another key figure on the team, Fred Gall, gave an East Coast grit that balanced its mellow West Coast image. Other notable skaters, such as Kenny Reed, known for his globe-trotting adventures and creative spot selection, and Steve Nesser, who added technical street prowess, further solidified the team’s authenticity.
The product that inspired a generation of skateboarders
The IPath Cat, Grasshopper, and Reed/Reed Mid were defining silhouettes that captured the brand’s unique blend of function, style, and sustainability. The Cat stood out with its distinctive moc toe design, a nod to classic footwear that gave it a rugged, laid-back look while offering durable construction and padded comfort. Its mid-top cut and use of eco-friendly materials like hemp and suede made it ideal for skate sessions and everyday wear. The Grasshopper, IPath’s most recognisable model, featured a bold mid-top silhouette with a stash pocket and earthy colourways, emphasising the brand’s countercultural roots. Meanwhile, the Reed and Reed Mid delivered a more streamlined, skate-focused feel, favoured for their board control and understated design—especially the Mid, which offered added ankle support. Each shoe brought its character, but all carried the DNA of IPath’s earthy, soulful approach to skateboarding.
Influential skate videos
The iPath Summer 2005 promo video is a cult classic that perfectly encapsulates the brand’s golden era and its unique place in skateboarding culture. Released at a time when IPath was thriving in the core scene, the video showcased the laid-back yet raw style of its iconic team, including standout parts from Fred Gall, Kenny Reed, Matt Rodriguez, and Adelmo Jr. Filmed across global locations from gritty urban backdrops to sun-drenched tropical plazas, the footage blended smooth lines, creative spot selection, and an unmistakable vibe that set it apart from the mainstream. The soundtrack leaned into dub, reggae, and experimental sounds, reinforcing the brand’s earthy, alternative identity. More than just a promo, the Summer 2005 video became a time capsule of the brand's soul-driven approach to skateboarding—effortless, exploratory, and deeply influential.
Don't call it a comeback...
The brand experienced peak popularity in the early to mid-2000s but eventually faced challenges after being acquired by larger corporations. In 2007, IPath was sold to Timberland, which attempted to scale the brand but struggled to maintain its core identity. Despite efforts to rejuvenate the line, IPath lost traction in the skateboarding market and ultimately ceased operations in the early 2010s.
Amazingly, IPath skate shoes have made a significant comeback in 2025, revitalising their legacy with a focus on sustainability and a refreshed team of notable riders. Co-founder Brian Krauss has steered the brand back to its roots, emphasising eco-friendly materials such as hemp, organic cotton, and recycled rubber, while updating classic designs like the Grasshopper and Cat for modern performance and comfort.
The rejuvenated IPath team features a blend of original and new talent. Fred Gall and Kenny Reed have returned, bringing their deep history with the brand into its new era. Ben Raybourn has also joined, adding his creative flair and transitional chaos to the line-up. New additions include Evan Smith, known for his unique and unpredictable style, Josh Wilson, who brings East Coast energy, Myles Willard, Adelmo Jr., and Soy Panday. Kenny Reed also serves as team manager, ensuring the brand stays true to its core values.
IPath's revival is not just about footwear; it's a movement honouring its heritage while embracing innovation. With a commitment to sustainability and a team that reflects legacy and progression, iPath is poised to make a lasting impact in the skateboarding community again. Long may it remain.
