Riley Hawk on Adidas Skateboarding
Last year shook up skateboarding in a way that still hasn’t fully settled. When Lakai Footwear was bought out, the fallout was immediate and loud in the quietest, most meaningful way possible: the entire team quit on the spot. No press theatrics, no drawn-out drama—just solidarity. A unified stand with Lakai’s founders, Mike Carroll and Rick Howard, two figures whose integrity has always mattered more than market share. It was one of those rare moments that reminded everyone why skateboarding culture still hits different.
In the middle of that upheaval was Riley Hawk.
After the dust settled, Riley went noticeably quiet. No rush to announce a new sponsor. No desperate grab for visibility. For a while, it genuinely seemed possible that he might step away from shoe sponsorships altogether. In an era where pros bounce brands like trading cards, Riley laying low felt almost radical—another signal that he moves at his own pace, guided by something more personal than hype cycles.
And that tracks, because Riley Hawk has never been just another name on a roster.
Yes, he’s the son of Tony Hawk, skateboarding’s most recognizable figure. Yes, he’s married to Frances Bean Cobain, daughter of Kurt Cobain, which somehow places him at the intersection of two of the most influential cultural legacies of the last half-century. But Riley has always carried that weight with an impressive amount of normalcy. No gimmicks. No forced mythology. Just solid, powerful skating and a reputation for being genuinely grounded.
That’s why this move—to Adidas—feels so right.
Adidas skateboarding has spent years carving out its own lane: performance-driven, style-conscious, and deeply respectful of skateboarding’s past while still pushing forward. It’s a brand that understands that credibility isn’t something you can buy outright—you earn it over time, through the people you support and the way you support them. Riley fits that philosophy perfectly.
Visually, it clicks instantly. Riley looks right in Adidas. The clean lines, the understated silhouettes, the balance between heritage and modern design—it complements his skating without trying to redefine it. Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels like a “rebrand.” It just looks like a skater who found a home that matches his energy.
More importantly, this isn’t just a comeback story or a sponsorship announcement—it’s a reminder. A reminder that you don’t have to rush the next move. That loyalty still matters. That sometimes stepping back is the strongest statement you can make. Riley didn’t jump ship when things got weird. He stood with his people, disappeared when he needed to, and waited until something actually felt right.
And now that he’s here, it feels like a win for everyone.
For Adidas, it’s another signal that they’re serious about aligning with skaters who bring more than just tricks to the table. For skateboarding, it’s a reassuring moment in a year that tested a lot of values. And for Riley Hawk, it’s a new chapter that feels earned, intentional, and—most importantly—authentic.
We’re stoked to see what comes next. If this past year showed us anything, it’s that Riley Hawk moves with purpose. And wherever he’s headed now, it looks damn good in three stripes.
