Jeff Henderson Interview Emerica Brand (?) Manager

[MusclesMarinara]

Idk Rob Pace is good but Kevin Baekkel already exists and rides for Emerica. Until this thread I thought they were the same person honestly. Just seems redundant and I can understand cutting the new guy instead of veterans. 

[somedudefromnj]

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it astounds me the that they haven't had any incite to support anyone around the gx 1000 guys, or, just, sign t funk,

[close]

I definitely tried. Someone sort of mentioned it already but you'd be surprised how many skaters would choose to just get free shoes from a cooler company over getting a check and actually being a part of a smaller brand. I'm sure people think we weren't trying to diversify the brand through team riders but the sad truth is that during my time there, I tried to get so many different riders who either just weren't interested or ended up getting a better offer which of course I totally understood and supported.

[close]

I think this was me......i know one guy you tried and reached out to, and he was basically like even though he is offering some dough....I just can't stomach wearing the shoes

do you guys think this would still be the case if there were only one or two of the big brands in the skate shoe space? Or is the whole line of shoes really that bad?

[TreyPhillip]

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it astounds me the that they haven't had any incite to support anyone around the gx 1000 guys, or, just, sign t funk,

[close]

I definitely tried. Someone sort of mentioned it already but you'd be surprised how many skaters would choose to just get free shoes from a cooler company over getting a check and actually being a part of a smaller brand. I'm sure people think we weren't trying to diversify the brand through team riders but the sad truth is that during my time there, I tried to get so many different riders who either just weren't interested or ended up getting a better offer which of course I totally understood and supported.

[close]

I think this was me......i know one guy you tried and reached out to, and he was basically like even though he is offering some dough....I just can't stomach wearing the shoes

[close]

do you guys think this would still be the case if there were only one or two of the big brands in the skate shoe space? Or is the whole line of shoes really that bad?

I don’t think it has much to do with the shoes them selves and more the fact that most people would rather be “that guy that skates for Nike” than “that guy that skates for Emerica”. In 2024 Nike seems like a cooler and more prestigious brand to the general public and the quality of skate shoes and the industry insider stuff we talk about really isn’t that relevant to the everyday skater.
I worked in a random discount shoe store and it was crazy to me how many shitty straight to outlet Nikes we sold over actual performance Asics and New Balance. I’m convinced people mainly care about the logo on their feet and how they are perceived which goes for the skate scene as well.

[chihuahuadad2000]

The big problem with emerica for me is that shoes feel like they’re made out of fucking cardboard. They seem so goddamn cheap and worthless and yet cost as much as any other shoe. I bought some g6 slips online awhile back and it’s like putting your foot in a potato. The fit is fucking terrible and loose in all the wrong places. The g6 “cupsole protection” feels like standing on mashed potatoes. They’re potato shoes thru and thru. I honestly don’t know how the riders skate as well as they do in them. Like honestly it’s fucking amazing that they can skate in those pieces of absolute dogshit.

Get the quality better and get someone who can design worth a shit and you’ll be back on track. Don’t just try to re-market your shitty ass product with a new logo and color scheme cause it ain’t gonna work.

[somedudefromnj]

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it astounds me the that they haven't had any incite to support anyone around the gx 1000 guys, or, just, sign t funk,

[close]

I definitely tried. Someone sort of mentioned it already but you'd be surprised how many skaters would choose to just get free shoes from a cooler company over getting a check and actually being a part of a smaller brand. I'm sure people think we weren't trying to diversify the brand through team riders but the sad truth is that during my time there, I tried to get so many different riders who either just weren't interested or ended up getting a better offer which of course I totally understood and supported.

[close]

I think this was me......i know one guy you tried and reached out to, and he was basically like even though he is offering some dough....I just can't stomach wearing the shoes

[close]

do you guys think this would still be the case if there were only one or two of the big brands in the skate shoe space? Or is the whole line of shoes really that bad?

[close]

I don’t think it has much to do with the shoes them selves and more the fact that most people would rather be “that guy that skates for Nike” than “that guy that skates for Emerica”. In 2024 Nike seems like a cooler and more prestigious brand to the general public and the quality of skate shoes and the industry insider stuff we talk about really isn’t that relevant to the everyday skater.
I worked in a random discount shoe store and it was crazy to me how many shitty straight to outlet Nikes we sold over actual performance Asics and New Balance. I’m convinced people mainly care about the logo on their feet and how they are perceived which goes for the skate scene as well.

Makes sense

I know most pro skaters arent too into it, but one thing i noticed Nike does really well is the whole storytelling thing, and thats what sells now.I know at least for the younger generation its all about who theyre supporting, and most sponsored folk dont like getting in front of the camera in that way. Hate to bring him up here but everyone sees all the GH threads in this place. His success is because people feel like they know him

I could be totally wrong though

[Luddite]

They better be trying to get Taylor Kirby right now

[Shtonk]

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it astounds me the that they haven't had any incite to support anyone around the gx 1000 guys, or, just, sign t funk,

[close]

I definitely tried. Someone sort of mentioned it already but you'd be surprised how many skaters would choose to just get free shoes from a cooler company over getting a check and actually being a part of a smaller brand. I'm sure people think we weren't trying to diversify the brand through team riders but the sad truth is that during my time there, I tried to get so many different riders who either just weren't interested or ended up getting a better offer which of course I totally understood and supported.

[close]

I think this was me......i know one guy you tried and reached out to, and he was basically like even though he is offering some dough....I just can't stomach wearing the shoes

[close]

do you guys think this would still be the case if there were only one or two of the big brands in the skate shoe space? Or is the whole line of shoes really that bad?

[close]

I don’t think it has much to do with the shoes them selves and more the fact that most people would rather be “that guy that skates for Nike” than “that guy that skates for Emerica”. In 2024 Nike seems like a cooler and more prestigious brand to the general public and the quality of skate shoes and the industry insider stuff we talk about really isn’t that relevant to the everyday skater.
I worked in a random discount shoe store and it was crazy to me how many shitty straight to outlet Nikes we sold over actual performance Asics and New Balance. I’m convinced people mainly care about the logo on their feet and how they are perceived which goes for the skate scene as well.

[close]

Makes sense

I know most pro skaters arent too into it, but one thing i noticed Nike does really well is the whole storytelling thing, and thats what sells now.I know at least for the younger generation its all about who theyre supporting, and most sponsored folk dont like getting in front of the camera in that way. Hate to bring him up here but everyone sees all the GH threads in this place. His success is because people feel like they know him

I could be totally wrong though

Not so sure about that. What story do guys like Ville, Kadow, Trey Gipson or Kader tell? Just thinking of young hot Trendsetters, I feel like we're almost at a place where it's more successful to be a little mysterious and not too open.

[somedudefromnj]

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it astounds me the that they haven't had any incite to support anyone around the gx 1000 guys, or, just, sign t funk,

[close]

I definitely tried. Someone sort of mentioned it already but you'd be surprised how many skaters would choose to just get free shoes from a cooler company over getting a check and actually being a part of a smaller brand. I'm sure people think we weren't trying to diversify the brand through team riders but the sad truth is that during my time there, I tried to get so many different riders who either just weren't interested or ended up getting a better offer which of course I totally understood and supported.

[close]

I think this was me......i know one guy you tried and reached out to, and he was basically like even though he is offering some dough....I just can't stomach wearing the shoes

[close]

do you guys think this would still be the case if there were only one or two of the big brands in the skate shoe space? Or is the whole line of shoes really that bad?

[close]

I don’t think it has much to do with the shoes them selves and more the fact that most people would rather be “that guy that skates for Nike” than “that guy that skates for Emerica”. In 2024 Nike seems like a cooler and more prestigious brand to the general public and the quality of skate shoes and the industry insider stuff we talk about really isn’t that relevant to the everyday skater.
I worked in a random discount shoe store and it was crazy to me how many shitty straight to outlet Nikes we sold over actual performance Asics and New Balance. I’m convinced people mainly care about the logo on their feet and how they are perceived which goes for the skate scene as well.

[close]

Makes sense

I know most pro skaters arent too into it, but one thing i noticed Nike does really well is the whole storytelling thing, and thats what sells now.I know at least for the younger generation its all about who theyre supporting, and most sponsored folk dont like getting in front of the camera in that way. Hate to bring him up here but everyone sees all the GH threads in this place. His success is because people feel like they know him

I could be totally wrong though

[close]

Not so sure about that. What story do guys like Ville, Kadow, Trey Gipson or Kader tell? Just thinking of young hot Trendsetters, I feel like we're almost at a place where it's more successful to be a little mysterious and not too open.

oh shit, very good point

I guess Im pulling straws trying to understand why no one cares for emerica anymore, but it really is as simple as everyone in this thread has already said

[Bold]

They better be trying to get Taylor Kirby right now

I saw him skate in person in Louisville and I can't get over how much I like his flow and style.

Kirby aside, If they don't go back to the full G6 cupsole I don't know if I'll try another pair of their shoes. I love the KSL G6 and I have a pair in the closet since they dropped the G6 cupsole.

They look like blah but fit me well.
They could definitely use some artistic style adjustments.

[opesorry]

The big problem with emerica for me is that shoes feel like they’re made out of fucking cardboard. They seem so goddamn cheap and worthless and yet cost as much as any other shoe. I bought some g6 slips online awhile back and it’s like putting your foot in a potato. The fit is fucking terrible and loose in all the wrong places. The g6 “cupsole protection” feels like standing on mashed potatoes. They’re potato shoes thru and thru. I honestly don’t know how the riders skate as well as they do in them. Like honestly it’s fucking amazing that they can skate in those pieces of absolute dogshit.

Get the quality better and get someone who can design worth a shit and you’ll be back on track. Don’t just try to re-market your shitty ass product with a new logo and color scheme cause it ain’t gonna work.

The Dicksons are super good though, kinda surprised no one ever mentions them one way or another.

[Crailslideyoface]

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The big problem with emerica for me is that shoes feel like they’re made out of fucking cardboard. They seem so goddamn cheap and worthless and yet cost as much as any other shoe. I bought some g6 slips online awhile back and it’s like putting your foot in a potato. The fit is fucking terrible and loose in all the wrong places. The g6 “cupsole protection” feels like standing on mashed potatoes. They’re potato shoes thru and thru. I honestly don’t know how the riders skate as well as they do in them. Like honestly it’s fucking amazing that they can skate in those pieces of absolute dogshit.

Get the quality better and get someone who can design worth a shit and you’ll be back on track. Don’t just try to re-market your shitty ass product with a new logo and color scheme cause it ain’t gonna work.

[close]

The Dicksons are super good though, kinda surprised no one ever mentions them one way or another.

If they fit. Had two pairs of the same colorway fit completely different. QC is pretty abysmal at sole tech over the last decade or so 

[JM]

The big problem with emerica for me is that shoes feel like they’re made out of fucking cardboard. They seem so goddamn cheap and worthless and yet cost as much as any other shoe. I bought some g6 slips online awhile back and it’s like putting your foot in a potato. The fit is fucking terrible and loose in all the wrong places. The g6 “cupsole protection” feels like standing on mashed potatoes. They’re potato shoes thru and thru. I honestly don’t know how the riders skate as well as they do in them. Like honestly it’s fucking amazing that they can skate in those pieces of absolute dogshit.

Get the quality better and get someone who can design worth a shit and you’ll be back on track. Don’t just try to re-market your shitty ass product with a new logo and color scheme cause it ain’t gonna work.

You do not know what a fucking potato is, until you have seen a brown Accel OG on foot.

[Goggzy60]

Any truth in spanky and Leo leaving Emerica rumours

[oyolar]

Where are you seeing those rumors? I feel like every so often, Spanky leaving comes up but haven't see it pop up in a while.

[Shuh]

Well Brandon Hoban wining SLS is fast tracked him on getting a Pro Model but im not sure its related.

[Allen.]

Well Brandon Hoban wining SLS is fast tracked him on getting a Pro Model but im not sure its related.

Samples, maybe catalog photos, of his shoe leaked last year.

[doomstation55]

Let's go Braden!

[Southernmost]

Where are you seeing those rumors? I feel like every so often, Spanky leaving comes up but haven't see it pop up in a while.

Yeah these new rumors seem unwarranted. Pretty sure Spanly posted a set up the other day with a huge Emerica sticker on the nose. I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys wanted to leave eventually but I also don’t see them bouncing yet.

[Goggzy60]

Where are you seeing those rumors? I feel like every so often, Spanky leaving comes up but haven't see it pop up in a while.

It was one of the lads at the park mentioned it in passing. I guess he saw it somewhere I’ll need to ask him today if it doesn’t rain where he saw it.

[Southernmost]

Does this lad happen to be the Euro TM?

[Shtonk]

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Well Brandon Hoban wining SLS is fast tracked him on getting a Pro Model but im not sure its related.

[close]

Samples, maybe catalog photos, of his shoe leaked last year.

Is it unexpected and a fresh start for the languishing Emerica aesthetic?

[Paco Supreme]

Spanky seems to be showing of his Hi version of his shoe pretty hard, I can’t believe he’d be skating them to death like he is if he’s got an offer to bounce.

Leo Romero is the kind of guy I couldn’t see on any other shoe brand, I barely think of him as an Emerica rider, and that comes from skating his shoe for the last three years exclusively 

[Lou Strux]

Might could be that their rumored departures are in some way associated with the sale of all of the SoleTech brands to Nidecker Group.
Change is afoot over there.
You don’t stay moored in shallow waters when there’s a big storm coming; maybe dudes have a weather eye on the horizon & are busy pulling up anchor while the rest of us sit on shore discussing the ominous looking clouds in the distance.

[sfa]

with multiple failed comeback attempts from Axion and Circa, I'm having a hard time understanding why everyone things theres so much value in these older names.

Sole Tech should start a new brand.

[Cheshire Cat]

with multiple failed comeback attempts from Axion and Circa, I'm having a hard time understanding why everyone things theres so much value in these older names.

Sole Tech should start a new brand.

That's actually an interesting idea. I wonder what sort of direction /image and team they would go for with a hypothetical new Soletech brand.

But those company comebacks don't really feel or seem like real tries at establishing a brand again. At least Fallen actually hired some of the old team. When the likes of eS etc come backs happen and they don't have a team or do the other things that skate shoe companies do (release videos or short edits) it always feels half baked to me.
A lot of the shoe market seems weird to me these last few years. Like the Hrs is Yours / HOURS thing with Herman, that $400 shoe company sponsoring skaters, Li Ning and whatever their deal is with just EE, Fallen wanting 100$ + shipping for vulc reissues, eS in general, and Emerica have certainly made some odd decisions.

[lydius]

https://shop-eat-surf.com/2024/05/sole-tech-owner-to-sell-etnies-es-emerica-and-thirtytwo-to-nidecker-group/

interesting read. kind of glad that at least the Nideckers are three younger-ish brothers, who probably grew up seeing the heyday and respect that eS/etnies/Emerica had. hoping they can bring back the G6 midsole or at least whatever the new midsole tech will be in the next couple years will be able to compete with corpo. but it sounds like they're leaning into the puffy re-boots for the near future.

[Goggzy60]

Might could be that their rumored departures are in some way associated with the sale of all of the SoleTech brands to Nidecker Group.
Change is afoot over there.
You don’t stay moored in shallow waters when there’s a big storm coming; maybe dudes have a weather eye on the horizon & are busy pulling up anchor while the rest of us sit on shore discussing the ominous looking clouds in the distance.

This is where I think the rumours have came from, I wasn’t aware Sole Tech was even up for sale.

[Whowants_pennies]

Just heard from a reliable source he quit working at emerica on Friday lol

[Gifted Liker]

Unfortunately the skateboarding world will never ever know the full extent of how fucked up work culture inside sole technology is and has been for decades. The fact that he went back is insane because they did him and everyone on Emerica so dirty to begin with 10 or so years ago.

My guess is he may not have known about the Nidecker deal when he was hired earlier this year. And they use their usual "Oh we want you to be in control and do it the right way like things used to be!" gaslighting to get him back.

That's a popular Sole Tech narrative to lure candidates to take jobs. "We are gonna do it right again! You will be well funded and resourced to get the job done!"

The dumbest worst people have been in charge there for 20 years now.

[dapurge]

A good amount of shoe brands don’t even make 12.5. I’m looking at you vans