In a sport dominated by the two coasts, it’s easy to forget that there’s a vast space right in the middle of America, where kids like Sean Malto are tearin’ it up in the heartland. Malto rides with etnies, and what better way to bring it all full circle than with a fresh new colorways of the RVL and the RVM that has Malto and Midwest written all over it?

Home is where the heart is, and that’s especially true with these signature colorways. Malto isn’t afraid to rep his hometown in his video parts, and as a result, this colorway bleeds Kansas City blue all over. Gold accents help add that extra kick of pop into a classic skate silhouette and it also features signature Malto embroidery details at the heel. Plus, it’s all backed up by the fresh features of both the RVL and the RVM, like the STI G2™ heel system that’ll ensure smooth landings and the STI™ Foam system that offers cushioned comfort even after a hard day of drilling down some sick tricks.

So show KC some love and check out the Sean Malto RVM and RVL from the Zappos Rideshop!

Now that snow season is upon us, it's only right to have those water-resistant after-shred shoes for the hill. If you're looking for a clean, stylish and functional pair, etnies has the shoe for you. Introducing the etnies exclusive RVM from professional snowboarder Willie-Yli Luoma.

This shoe features a water-resistant leather upper with a padded tongue and collar and triple stiched toe box. System G2™ insert delivers dual-cushioning comfort and protection that helps absorb a wide range of impacts to help reduce injuries and prevent heel bruises. STI molded PU footbed for increased comfort and cushioning. Vulcanized construction.

Pick these up now and see all the latest and greatest from etnies in the Zappos Rideshop!

Here's one for the ladies! Etnies Girl is loving fashion lately. For etnies Girl this fall is all about fun patterns, pop color, rich textures and clever little details. The etnies Sew Rock Series takes a cue from art school fashionistas and the ever-creative DIYers know for taking trends and making them their own. Check out the girls Fader special edition Sew Rock colorway on the Zappos Rideshop today!

The problem with long summer vacations is that there are so few activities out there that don't cost a lot of money to pursue. Even skateboard parks, which should really be viewed as belonging to all residents of a certain city, often times charge exorbitant entry fees. And in trying economic times like these it is oftentimes healthy activities for young people that get cut out by parents looking to keep food on the table.

That is why it is so important that skate clothing maker Etnies still doesn't charge an entry fee to its Lake Forest, CA skateboard park. Etnies Skate Park is located at the corner of Lake Forest Road and the 261 Toll Road. Entry is free every day and is open from 11 am until 9 pm. All day Wednesday and Sunday mornings are set aside only for BMX riders so be aware of those particular restrictions if you only like skateboarding. BMX riding and skating on one park is absolutely impossible and only causes gnarly injuries and the occasional fistfight as riders battle for space.

Not that Etnies Skate Park is lacking in space or special features. Etnies Skate Park features a section that apes the appearance of a regular street corner, has a combination bowl and even a swimming pool with textured tiling. There is over 40,000 square feet of skateboarding space and while weekends are always rather busy, the Etnies Skate Park is pretty open even on weekdays during the summer.

The street corner section (also called The Plaza) of Etnies Park also boasts some very unique attributes like a never ending twelve step rail and a couple of elevated manhole covers so expert skaters can pull off some snaps. The Plaza also features a perilous circular rail that leads down to a lower flat rail leading to the main course. There are fun boxes, picnic benches, flat boxes and ledges all set to challenge any skateboarding fanatic. The course is also laid out in a linear manner so once you finish on one end it is very easy to get back on the course for another go.

With the success of the Metal Mulisha series from etnies, they decided to hit you again with a new shoe for fall, the Chrome. The Chrome is a nice, comfy, super stylish, functional shoe with a little touch o' Mulisha to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Obviously it wouldn't be an etnies shoe without insane features like an STI Foam™ level 2 cushioning footbed with heel support, 400 NBS rubber double cup outsole with exposed compression molded EVA midsole and of course the signature Metal Mulisha logos and artwork. Available now from the Zappos Rideshop!

Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg is the king of step-up and one of the most naturally talented freestyle moto-x riders of today. He makes the most technical moves look smooth and easy, despite the fact that he was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome at age five. His first shoe with Etnies (The Twitch) was off the chain, so he has come up with an update that will most definitely keep the moto heads hyped, the Twitch 2!! Obviously designed by Twitch, this shoe features a padded tongue and collar with a hidden stash pocket. And it wouldn't be an Etnies shoe without splashing in some tech features that include an STI Foam level 2 cushioning footbed and a 400 NBS rubber outsole with an internal EVA midsole. Get your Twitch 2 on from the Zappos Rideshop !!

Skate shoes are a great fashion statement, but these shoes are constructed to be more than just fashionable. Skate shoes are constructed to make skateboarding comfortable and tricks easier to do, not to mention that they're also constructed so that they hold up to extreme skateboarding. But, what's the big deal about how they're constructed? What is it that makes these fashionable shoes worthy of skateboarding gods?

Different brands of skate shoes are constructed in different ways. But, there are basic features that many companies use. Many companies choose to use double or triple stitching that works to prevent ripping. Another popular feature of skate shoes is that they have a wide, flat sole that allows more of the sole to meet the board.

Many brands are also vulcanized. Vulcanized is a term to describe the way the sole is attached to the upper part of the skate shoe. Another feature of the sole is the tread, which is constructed to make it easier to hold on to the board. Skate shoes are also made with leather or suede so that they are as durable as possible. Last but not least, thick tongues and sides are used to make skate shoes more comfortable. In other words, skate shoes are constructed to last a long time, prevent injury and provide for maximum skateboarding abilities. Of course, each brand has a special way of constructing skate shoes.

Vans is one of the most popular brands of skate shoes. They have several different styles available, which feature different types of construction. For example, their J-Lay version features reinforced uppers, a slim profile, drop-in PU midsole and the classic vulcanized waffle sole. This construction allows for durability, breathability, flexibility, grip, comfort and increased board control. Another popular brand is Etnies. Etnies's Angle features tongue ventilation, tongue-centering straps, padded tongue and collar, cushioning footbed with heel support, lightweight rubber outsole with PU midsole and an integrated airbag. This construction allows for ultimate comfort on the most uncomfortable board.

A few other features you may want to keep in mind are lace protectors, air pockets in the heels, STI foam, lace loops that hide shoelaces, Action Leather, Thermoplastic Toe Box Reinforcement, Fusion Grip Rubber Outsole and asymmetric stabilizers. All of these features are made with comfort, durability or grip in mind. Take time to look at several brands to find the perfect type that suits your skateboarding style.

Finding the perfect skate shoes will take time and a bit money. With so many different styles to choose from, you need to take time to choose a style that is constructed to fit your skateboarding needs. Whether you love doing insane tricks or choose to play it safe, there's a brand that will suit your style. Of course, if you just look at the fashion aspect of skate shoes, there are several fun styles to choose from. Skate shoes may have been made with skateboarding in mind, but they're a great fashion statement as well.

Sources:

skate.vans.com/SHOES/jlay.html

etniesskate.com/footwear/mens/angle/white-white-black/