A Brief History of Barefoot Skateboarding

Skateboarding, or “sidewalk surfing“ as it was originally called, received its first big swell of popular attention during the late 50s and early 60s. By 1963, skateboarding had gained an impressive following among the surf crowd, and also with kids who had access to smooth sidewalks, crack-free pavement, and warm weather. Upstart companies like Makaha, Jacks, and Hobie formed teams and toured the United States promoting skating. Essentially emulating surfers, pioneering skateboarders went barefoot, preferring direct foot-to-board contact. Additionally, during the early 60s, especially in warmer climates like America’s West Coast, buying shoes was a luxury many parents simply couldn’t afford. Consequently, many youth went barefoot in the summertime when schools were closed. It was only natural to skate barefoot as well. By 1965 the skateboarding industry had crashed due in part to dysfunctional, inferior clay wheels, but also due to safety concerns over the dangerous nat