Fallen Footwear: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of a Skateboarding Icon

A breakdown of Fallen Footwears most iconic shoe the patriot and the tech that makes it such a great skate shoe.

Fallen Footwear is a brand that defines skateboarding authenticity. Built by skaters, for skaters, it quickly became a core name in skate culture during the early 2000s. From its gritty roots and legendary team riders to its eventual closure—and now, full-on comeback—Fallen’s story is one of passion, loyalty, and resilience.

Whether you’re reliving the glory days or discovering the brand for the first time, you can shop Fallen Footwear and apparel here.


Born From the Streets: Jamie Thomas Launches Fallen

Fallen was founded in 2003 by pro skateboarder Jamie Thomas, already a legend thanks to his influence through Zero Skateboards and iconic parts in videos like Welcome to Hell. After leaving Circa, Jamie wanted to create a truly skater-owned shoe company—one that supported the lifestyle and didn’t compromise on quality or design.

With a mission to serve real street skaters, Fallen Footwear quickly stood out for its durable construction, bold style, and all-in rider support.


The Glory Days: A Legendary Skate Team

Chris Cole pr skater holding his signature shoe from Fallen Footwear

During its peak, Fallen was everywhere—Thrasher, Transworld, DVS video premieres—you name it. The brand was backed by some of the heaviest names in the game:

  • Chris Cole

  • Billy Marks

  • Tommy Sandoval

  • Josh Harmony

  • Jamie Thomas

These riders weren’t just faces in ads—they were out filming, touring, and pushing the brand's identity with every trick. Models like the Forte, Trooper, and Patriot became cult classics, now available again on our Fallen skate shoe collection.


Why Fallen Closed Its Doors

In 2016, Jamie Thomas announced that Fallen would shut down. The message to fans was heartfelt: he wanted to stay true to the brand’s core, but the market had shifted. Big corporate skate shoe companies dominated shelf space, and keeping a small, skater-owned business afloat had become harder than ever.

Jamie’s goodbye letter thanked fans, riders, distributors, and skate shops for their years of support. It was the end of an era—at least for a while.


The Rebirth: Fallen Returns Stronger Than Ever

Fallen Footwear iconic shoes resting on a skatepark bench

In 2018, an investment group based in Argentina (Fallen’s former South American distributor) bought the brand and relaunched it globally. With Jamie’s blessing, the reboot aimed to revive Fallen’s legacy—not reimagine it.

Even better? Chris Cole, Billy Marks, and Tommy Sandoval rejoined the team. The shoes are built with the same durable construction, with slight updates to keep up with today’s skate demands.

At SK8 Clothing, we’ve been backing Fallen since day one. You can now grab:

Whether you're skating them or rocking the gear off your board, it’s all back and better than ever.


Why Fallen Still Matters Today

Fallen isn’t just a skate shoe brand—it’s a symbol of independent spirit in a corporate-heavy skate world. It’s about taking slams, getting back up, and doing it your way.

From legendary pro models to updated classics like the Patriot, Fallen is here to stay. And we're proud to carry the lineup that speaks to the next generation of skaters who still value heritage, grit, and loyalty.


Shop the Fallen Collection at SK8 Clothing

Looking to support a real skate brand? Browse our full lineup of Fallen Footwear and gear. We stock all the latest drops, classic silhouettes, and limited runs—straight from the team that made skateboarding what it is today.