Our verdict
Taking an old-school style, the Etnies RLS skateboard sneakers are inspired by the original Etnies RSS style. One of Etnies' vegan skate shoes, it is in a lace-up style and is equipped with quality materials that provide long-lasting comfort and lightweight quality. The pair was proven by its wearers to provide great comfort and durability.
Pros
- Simple yet good-looking
- Sturdy
- Quality-made
- Lightweight
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Add a product
- You are after a sneaker with a triangle-stitched Ollie, giving extra protection
Cons
- Style of the Etnies RLS
- Quality control issues
Who should buy the Etnies RLS
This Etnies sneaker is a good match for you if:
- You want a shoe with lace-up style that grants a more secure and custom fit
- You are after a sneaker with a triangle-stitched Ollie, giving extra protection
Same brand only
Designed with a fully deconstructed and durable canvas upper, this gives these sneakers a classic yet minimalist look. Also, this low-cut silhouette is inspired by the original Etnies RSS style. It also has a lace-up style.
These sneakers are available in several colorways which are in black/white/silver, burgundy, navy/white, and grey/gum. With a very casual yet simple design, these shoes can be easily paired with many outfits.
Notable Features
Etnies RLS is a fully vegan shoe. Featuring an egg-crate construction in the midsole, this provides lightweight cushioning. Moreover, it is also equipped with a die-cut EVA insole. The thinly padded tongue and collar lining adds to the shoe’s lightweight quality and comfort.
Additionally, the shoes have a low-toe box that keeps the vamp closer to one’s foot. The whole upper of the sneaker sits on top of a vulcanized outsole with a Geo-Hex tread pattern that delivers flexible wear and optimum grip.
updated 28 Aug 2023
Etnies was originally under the name Etnics. It is derived from the word "ethnic," a nod to the skateboarding sub-culture. Later on, it was renamed Etnies due to legal issues.
Etnies is possibly the first company to introduce a signature pro model shoe to the market with the Natas Kaupas model in 1989.
Sims Freestyle pro Pierre André Sénizergues influenced and took charge of the company, making it the first skateboard shoe company owned by a professional skateboarder.
He then commenced design work at Etnies shortly after the company’s formation. Sénizergues eventually introduced the brand to the US. He proceeded to build Sole Technology, with the addition of the Emerica and éS. The three brands have had some of the most iconic skateboarders in history wearing their kicks.
Among all his skateboard shoes, one of the pairs that are vegan is the Etnies RLS. The Etnies RLS is inspired by the RSS silhouette. The RLS is a fully deconstructed lace-up style and has a silhouette that’s low profile, as it sits on top of a vulcanized outsole.
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