Etnies footwear was launched in 1986 by current owner Pierre André Sénizergue's. The brand was Originally called Etnics derived from the word "ethnic" but was later renamed to Etnies after legal issues.

Pierre took the brand to the US and built Sole Tech with Emerica & Altamont. Etnies Footwear sponsors world class skateboarders like Ryan Sheckler, Tyler Bledsoe, Cairo Foster, Willow, Nick Garcia, Jose Rojo, Albert Nyberg & Barney Page.