The Rise of Vintage Action Sports Apparel: Icons of an Era

In the vibrant world of action sports, certain brands have transcended their functional origins to become cultural touchstones. Today, vintage pieces from these iconic labels are highly sought after, blending nostalgia with authentic street credibility. Let's explore the history of some of the most influential action sports apparel brands that shaped the landscape.

NikeSB: The Swoosh Wins Over Skateboarding

Nike's entry into skateboarding wasn't without controversy. After failed attempts in the 1990s, Nike launched NikeSB in 2002 with a focused approach, enlisting respected skaters like Paul Rodriguez (P-Rod) and creating the now-legendary Dunk SB. The brand's colourful collaborations and technical innovations quickly won over skeptical skaters, with designs like the "Tiffany" Dunk and "Paris" Dunk becoming some of the most coveted sneakers in history.

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NikeSB Air Trainer 2’s

NikeSB x Levis 511 Skateboard Jean - at our Vintage Mvmt Pop-up at Rod and Jims Barbershop

NikeSB x Ishod Wair Storm Fit Puffer Jacket

NikeSB 800 Aeroloft Goose Down Snowboard/Skate Jacket - at our Vintage Mvmt Pop-up at Rod and Jims Barbershop

NikeSB x Parra Tokyo Olympics Skateboard Jersey (Kids Size)

Various NikeSB Sneakers and T-Shirts (P-Rod, Eric Koston, Frank Kozik and Stefan Janoski collabs)

 

Nike 6.0: Action Sports Innovation Hub

In 2005, Nike expanded its action sports footprint with Nike 6.0, named for the six sports it targeted: skateboarding, BMX, surfing, snowboarding, motocross, and wakeboarding. With athletes like snowboarder Danny Kass and surfer Kolohe Andino, 6.0 created vibrant, technical gear that stood out from traditional offerings. Though Nike eventually folded 6.0 back into its main brand in 2012, vintage 6.0 pieces—particularly their bold outerwear and footwear—remain prized collector's items.

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Nike 6.0 Air Morgan Jocks Suck White/Black/Yellow Sneakers

Nike 6.0 Flannel Shirts

Various Nike 6.0 T-Shirts

 

Oakley: From Motorcycle Grips to Iconic Eyewear

Oakley's journey began in 1975 with motorcycle handgrips, but the brand revolutionised action sports when founder Jim Jannard created the Factory Pilot Eyeshades in the early 1980s. These distinctive sunglasses became synonymous with cycling and other outdoor pursuits. Oakley's innovative approach expanded into apparel featuring distinctive graphics and technical fabrics. Vintage Oakley pieces, particularly their early eyewear models and vibrant 1990s clothing lines, now command premium prices among collectors.

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2000s Oakley Polo Shirt

2007 Oakley T-Shirt

Oakley Sunglasses from the 1990s and 2000s - upcoming in future drops

 

The North Face: From Mountaineering to Street Style

While The North Face began as serious mountaineering equipment in 1966, its adoption by East Coast hip-hop culture in the 1990s transformed its cultural position. The brand's durable, weather-resistant jackets like the Nuptse and Mountain Light became urban status symbols while maintaining their credibility in extreme outdoor environments. Today, vintage TNF pieces, especially those from the late 80s to early 2000s, represent a perfect blend of technical innovation and cultural significance.

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The North Face Logo T-Shirt (Made in Japan)

 

Burton: Snowboarding's Founding Father

Founded in 1977 by Jake Burton Carpenter, Burton Snowboards pioneered not just snowboarding equipment but the entire lifestyle surrounding the sport. Starting in a Vermont barn, Burton helped legitimise snowboarding at ski resorts while creating the distinctive aesthetic of the culture. Their vibrant, baggy outerwear from the 1980s and 1990s defined an era and established a blueprint for how action sports companies could build authentic lifestyles around their products. Vintage Burton jackets, particularly early models with bold color blocking and graphic designs, have become treasured artifacts of snowboarding history.

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1996 Burton Snowboards T-Shirt

 

Timberland: From Work Boot to Cultural Icon

While originally designed for New England construction workers in 1973, Timberland's waterproof yellow boot found unexpected popularity in hip-hop culture and subsequently in action sports scenes. By the 1990s, these rugged boots had become essential footwear for skaters and snowboarders navigating urban environments in winter. The crossover between utility, style, and performance embodied by Timberland represents how action sports culture often adopts and repurposes authentic workwear. Vintage Timberland pieces, especially those from before widespread mainstream adoption, carry a unique cultural weight.

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Timberland 1990s Weathergear Crew

Timberland 1990s Weathergear Polo Shirt

 

Stüssy: Surf Culture Goes Global

Founded by Shawn Stüssy in the early 1980s, what began as custom surfboards marked with his distinctive signature evolved into one of action sports' most influential apparel brands. Stüssy pioneered the concept of "streetwear" by blending surf culture with elements of punk, reggae, and hip-hop. The brand's early graphic tees, caps, and jackets—featuring the iconic interlocking S logo—played a pivotal role in connecting surf culture to broader youth movements. Vintage Stüssy pieces from the 80s and early 90s are now legendary, representing the moment when surf style transcended the beach to influence global fashion and youth culture at large.

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1990s Stussy T-Shirt

1990s Stussy Polo Shirt

1990s Stussy Cap

 

Mambo: Australia's Irreverent Surf Art

Founded in 1984 by Dare Jennings, Mambo brought a distinctly Australian irreverence to surf culture with its bold, satirical graphics and iconic "farting dog" mascot created by artist Reg Mombassa. Moving away from the tropical aesthetics common in surf wear, Mambo embraced punk-inspired social commentary and bizarre humour. The brand's vibrant t-shirts and boardshorts became symbols of Australian counter-culture in the 1990s. Vintage Mambo pieces, especially those featuring original Mombassa artwork, are now collector's items that capture a unique moment when surf culture merged with avant-garde art and anarchic humour.

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1990s 100% Mambo Cap

1990s 100% Mambo T-Shirt - at our Vintage Mvmt Pop-up at Rod and Jims Barbershop

 

Terrex: Adidas Conquers the Outdoors

Launched in 2011, Adidas Terrex represented the brand's serious entry into outdoor sports, combining athletic expertise with purpose-built gear for hiking and mountain activities. The line featured technical innovations like Continental rubber outsoles while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic that differentiated it from traditional outdoor brands. Early Terrex pieces are becoming increasingly sought after as the line establishes its place in outdoor culture history.

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Terrex Portland T-Shirt

 

Poler: The Casual Outdoor Revolution

As a relative newcomer, Poler disrupted the outdoor industry when it launched in 2011 with its "camp vibes" aesthetic. The Portland, Oregon based brand bridged the gap between technical outdoor gear and casual everyday wear with innovations like the Napsack (a wearable sleeping bag) and featuring various artists design on their products. Though younger than other brands on this list, early Poler pieces already hold nostalgic value for their authentic approach to making outdoor activities accessible and stylish.

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Poler P.S Mens Scout 2L Jacket

Poler Nature Man Crew

Poler x Nike Hoodie - at our Vintage Mvmt Pop-up at Rod and Jims Barbershop

 

Outerknown: Sustainable Surf Culture

Founded in 2015 by surfing legend Kelly Slater and designer John Moore, Outerknown represents the newer wave of action sports brands built on sustainability principles. The brand pioneered eco-friendly manufacturing in surf wear, creating pieces that reflect the surfer's connection to the ocean environment. Though relatively new, Outerknown's early collections have quickly gained appreciation for their blend of technical performance, style, and environmental consciousness. Their S.E.A. (Social and Environmental Accountability) jeans and recycled polyester board shorts exemplify how modern action sports brands are redefining what "vintage" will mean for future collectors.

The enduring appeal of these vintage action sports brands lies not just in their designs, but in how they captured moments in subculture history, making them as relevant to collectors today as they were to athletes decades ago.

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Levis x Outerknown 511 Jeans - at our Vintage Mvmt Pop-up at Rod and Jims Barbershop

Levis x Outerknown Denim Shirt