Top 10 Skateboard Brands

Updated 2/14/23

The skateboard industry is as colorful and competitive as the sport itself.  It’s no surprise that the top skateboard brands all take on that daring, free expression and edgy creativity that is quintessential to the skateboarding community.  But it’s not all fun and games — it takes a lot more than producing wooden decks with dope graphics to make it to the top.  It takes hands-on dedication and genuine passion for the sport.

These companies will help you get off the ground.  It’s up to you to take it from there. Here are just a few of the best skateboarding brands.

Element Skateboards

Founded by professional skateboarder Johnny Schillereff in 1992, the company’s goal was to expand on Johnny’s “Elementality” vision to build a company that helped to bring awareness to skateboarding. The goal is to focus on its uses in nature and the environment and the interconnecting of art and skateboarding. Developed from an urban mentality that was rough around the edges, the brand was transformed to embrace the “tree” logo with an emphasis on the positive and making the world a better place. You can purchase complete skateboards ready to ride or choose your own deck, wheels, trucks, and bearings separately to customize a setup to suit your needs. Don’t forget their wide selection of quality apparel as well.

Evol Skateboards

Evol was born in the 90’s as a skateboard and snowboard line and we are proud to welcome it back to the industry in the past few years. Alive and well it exists today with a fresh new look that still pays homage to its OG roots, with added value and categories. New skate decks, wheels, snowboards, boots, bindings, jackets, pants and apparel round out the line as we cherish the roots but are driven to evolve.

Enjoi Skateboards

One of the most recognized mascots in skateboarding Enjoi quickly became known as “that panda skateboard company” by those who don’t know. Enjoi quickly rose through the ranks of skateboarding with its edgy, hilarious and sometimes seemingly pointless ads having skaters purposefully looking through the magazines for the newest nonsense. Brilliant marketing aside Enjoi has had a slew of top tier skaters over the years pumping out some of the most iconic skate parts in videos like “Bag Of Suck” and “Oververt”.

Girl Skateboards

Girl Skateboards (not just for girls), with its distinct “women’s bathroom” logo, founded in 1993 mainly by professional skateboarders Mike Carroll and Rick Howard was created to give pro skateboarders a future. Some of the most iconic legends have skated for Girl over the years and of course with that comes some of the most iconic graphics. Girl has a wide offering from completes that are ready to ride to decks, wheels and bearings to help customize that perfect setup. Don’t forget to check out their selection of apparel and accessories as well.

Zero Skateboards

Zero, founded by professional skateboarder and living legend Jamie Thomas has been the driving force behind the diehard, core side of skateboarding for years. Zero’s reputation and portrayal of rebellion and freedom of expression despite society’s rules resonates heavily in every video they have released. Videos like Thrill Of It All, Dying To Live and New Blood inspired skaters to be themselves and skate like there’s no tomorrow. With everything from decks to wheels to apparel and accessories, Zero always has you covered.

Primitive Skateboards

In 2008 skate icon Paul Rodriguez and some friend started a small venture of 500 gold foil boards with the Primitive logo and it absolutely exploded. Demand was so high that Primitive skateboards was an almost guaranteed success. Since then the company has grown by leaps and bounds and currently has one of the largest and most talented teams in all of skateboarding. Pumping out video parts and top notch collaborations they have solidified themselves to go down in skate history as one of the most iconic brands. Offering completes, decks, wheels, and apparel that crosses the fine line from skateboarding into high fashion.

Blind Skateboards

Founded in 1988 by skateboardings most eccentric legends Mark Gonzales, Blind is one of the oldest companies to grace many top 10 lists. Today the brand is as strong as ever and maintains its emphasis and an appreciation for the graphics used in the early years. In the early 1990s, Blind set itself apart by releasing videos like no one had ever seen before. Their first release in 1991 “Video Days” movie inspired many of the legendary pro skaters throughout the years. Nowadays the company has grown from just decks to everything you need to skate from hardgoods to apparel.

Santa Cruz Skateboards

Most known for its iconic Jim Phillips “Screaming Hand” logo, Santa Cruz, founded in 1973, is the oldest continuous skateboard company in the world. Santa Cruz has stood the test of time and has grown to offer so much more than just standard skateboards. Branching out into snowboards, longboards, surfboards and even bikes. Still with it roots in skateboarding Santa Cruz continues to lead they way.

Almost Skateboards

Founded by pro skateboarders Daewon Song and Rodney Mullen, Almost was destined for greatness from the get go. Almost is a brand that concentrates on fun and creativity but on also not taking oneself too seriously. In addition to standard decks with the incredibly technical mind of Rodney Mullen they pioneered the addition of carbon fiber inside the wood to increase strength, pop, and longevity. In addition to decks they have an extensive line of accessories and apparel.

Chocolate Skateboards

Chocolate Skateboards is the sister company of Girl, launched in 1994 by Mike Carroll and Rick Howard. With a very unique esthetic their graphics are always clean, fun and some of their “artist series”  decks are probably hung on walls as art just as much as they are skated. With a team that basically mirrors the skill and creativity of the Girl team Chocolate is responsible for some of the greatest skate footage in the world.

Picking out a skateboard is a pretty easy thing to do and the more you ride you develop the skills, knowledge and preferences. Either way be sure to check out this video about decks and out entire Shreducation Skate playlist on YouTube for valuable and visual information about buying gear for skating.

Then head over to our skate shop for a complete selection of skateboards and skate gear.