Skate gear collectors are passionate about their hobby, often boasting about how it consumes their lives. Among the treasures they seek are rare skate shoes, including those made with prototype or unreleased materials, and those from extremely limited production runs. Let's delve into the history of some iconic skate shoes, focusing on Chad Muska's influential models and their significance in skateboarding culture.
Early C1RCA Models
Chad Muska's journey in the skate shoe world began with C1RCA. His first model, the 802, was known for its lightweight design. One of the earliest releases of the 802 featured plastic mesh on the ventilation areas. However, this plastic mesh had a tendency to fray and tear, leading to many pairs being returned. One collector managed to acquire a black pair with the plastic mesh through Lance Mountain. This particular pair was acquired through Lance Mountain, who was selling some shoes that he had stored away.
Muska's third model on C1RCA was similar to other C1RCA shoes of the time. The 902 model, with its plastic accents on the sides, stood out and appealed to skaters looking for the most advanced shoe technology.
Mark Appleyard's C1RCA Shoe
Mark Appleyard also had a shoe on C1RCA. One collector recounted being included in a DM with Mark, who offered to sell and sign a pair. The collector, a fan of Appleyard, purchased the shoe and requested that Appleyard sign the cardboard insert rather than the shoe itself to preserve its condition.
éS Models: Koston and Sal 23
The éS brand holds a special place in skate shoe history, with models like the Koston series and the Sal 23 being highly sought after. The Koston 3, released around the time of the "Menikmati" video, had a special PAC-MAN edition that was extremely limited due to a cease and desist order from PAC-MAN.
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One collector had a frustrating experience attempting to purchase a pair of these rare shoes, only to have the seller, a drug addict, destroy them in a bizarre turn of events. Other notable éS models include the electric blue K2 sample and the gray/light gray K3, also known as "The Ghost," which was a catalog release but rarely seen until a skate shop in Barcelona posted a picture of a pair owned by a Sole Tech rep.
Chad Muska Unfiltered - Street League Skateboarding - Cleveland, Ohio 2025
The Sal 23 is another iconic shoe, with the white/baby blue and white/black colorways being particularly popular. A variation of the Sal 23 with a Velcro strap is also highly sought after, as it was produced for only one season in limited colorways.
The éS Accel Scuba Steve model is notable for its softer sole, designed to reduce noise while filming, and its unique design elements like the filmer logo and RCA output eyelets.
The Transition of Skate Shoe Brands
The skate shoe market has evolved over the years. Initially, skater-owned companies like Sole Tech, DVS, and Lakai dominated the industry. These companies were founded by skateboarders who shaped the market. However, in recent years, the market has shifted towards more corporate entities. Looking back at these shoes provides a historical perspective on the skateboarding industry.
The Chad Muska éS Reissue
Exciting news for skate shoe enthusiasts: Chad Muska has reunited with éS Skateboarding to reissue his first shoe from 1997. More details are forthcoming, but Muska has encouraged fans to reach out to their local skate shops and distributors to express their interest in the reissue. He expressed his excitement and gratitude for the continued support, stating, "I actually can't believe this shoe is coming back out! I hope you're not mad that I posted this. I couldn't resist anymore!!!"
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| Model | Brand | Key Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 802 | C1RCA | Lightweight design, plastic mesh ventilation | Early pairs had faulty plastic mesh |
| 902 | C1RCA | Plastic accents on the sides | Appealed to skaters seeking advanced technology |
| Appleyard's Shoe | C1RCA | Suede material | Sought after by collectors |
| Koston 3 | éS | PAC-MAN edition | Extremely limited due to legal issues |
| Sal 23 | éS | Various colorways, Velcro strap variation | White/baby blue and white/black are popular |
| Accel Scuba Steve | éS | Softer sole, filmer logo | Designed to reduce noise while filming |
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