IPATH found its beginnings in the streets of San Francisco to the back alleys of New York City. It represented a group of skateboarders who ventured on a journey to explore what being a part of skateboarding meant to them. The idea was to promote being true to yourself and following your path to where ever that may lead you. The result was a new line of skate footwear that was a clear divergence from the over-tech look going on at the time.

IPATH has always been driven by its raw and creative outlook towards skateboarding and similarly progressive cultures.  Just like the team that backs IPATH, our gear has always been diverse in nature, adhering to no one cookie-cutter form.

More than ten years later, IPATH is still pushing forward.  We’re constantly striving to make the best products possible while reducing our impact on the environment. Hemp, organic cotton and similar materials have always been a part of the IPATH program.  As part of our ongoing commitment to our planet, we have taken large steps to improve overall quality and fit of our footwear.

Higher Quality and Dependable Durability
- We use high-grade rubber to increase grip and reduce wear
- High quality hemp is found in many of our shoes. Hemp is a sustainable fiber that uses very little resources to grow
- All of IPATH’s suede and leathers come from a Silver-rated tanneries - factories that produce leather goods in an eco-conscious manner.

Improved Fit
- Our new EVA footbeds improve fit and function relating to the stresses that come with skateboarding, BMX and similar activities
- All the vulcanized shoes use stroble construction, a process where the last of the shoe is stitched together to create a sock-like affect and allows for the addition of better insoles. This aids in comfort, board feel and ultimately, performance

Environmental Commitment
- All of our cupsoles sneakers use water based glues which are less harmful for the Earth’s water ways
- All IPATH shoe boxes are made from post consumer paper and use soy based inks
- IPATH t-shirts and sweatshirts are made using organic cotton or recycled materials such as those derived from PET bottles (essentially the same plastic bottles you may drink soda or water from)

It is our goal to promote sustainable business practices while at the same time remaining true to our skateboard roots.

Below are just some of the organizations we work with

SaveNature.org

To date, through the efforts of 150 institutions and 2,700 schools nationwide, reaching more than 80 million children and adults, SaveNature.Org has raised awareness and more than $3.9. million for ecosystem protection to save wildlife and wild places. SaveNature.Org works in 11 countries to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth. For more info: SaveNature.org

Stoked

Founder Steve Larosiliere, along with Co-founder, Sal Masekela believed that the courage and perseverance needed to learn action sports would be an ideal way to teach those life skills to at –risk and disadvantaged youth. Combining life lessons with the power of mentoring and a supportive community, Stoked Mentoring was born. Through Stoked, teens gain a supportive, encouraging mentor along with a team of people determined to see them succeed.By introducing mentoring pairs to action sports, the very things many of us were warned against are now creating a positive environment and a foundation for teens. And one teen at a time, counterculture will change the world. For more info: Stoked.org

Nibwaakaawin: All Nations Skate Jam

Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom) is dedicated to the education and empowerment of Native youth. Our mission is to foster creativity, build courage, enable cultural identity and pride, and promote non-violent and healthy physical activity through skateboarding. Nibwaakaawin is a 501(c)(3) Native non-profit organization.

Nibwaakaawin’s programs include the All Nations Skate Project, a unique skateboard-centered outreach program that aims to provide safe and healthy recreational activities and lifestyle choices to Native youth who are at increased risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, participation in gang-related activities, drug abuse, and suicide. Skateboarding is the fastest growing sport on Native-American reservations and many Native communities are building skateparks to give their youth an opportunity to exercise and socialize. The All Nations Skate Project aims to direct the popularity of skateboarding among Native youth towards essential life-long skills and positive physical and mental heath benefits.

Unlike most sports, skateboarding combines demanding physical exertion with filmmaking, design, graphic art, photography and music to create its own unique culture. In fact, many of Native America’s best young athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs are being inspired and nurtured on the skate parks of Indian Country.

The All Nations Skate Project uses skateboarding as a way for Native youth to explore possible career paths, form strong mentoring relationships with Native role models, and learn essential skills in health maintenance, non-violent conflict resolution, team building, and entrepreneurship. For more info: Nibwaakaawin