The Complete Guide to Fallen Shoes: Expert Reviews, History & Buying Guide 2025

The Rise and Resurrection of Fallen Footwear

The story of fallen shoes begins with one of skateboarding's most influential figures: Jamie Thomas, nicknamed "The Chief." After establishing himself as a powerhouse in the skateboarding world through his work with brands like Toy Machine and Zero Skateboards, Thomas set his sights on creating footwear that would revolutionize how skaters approached their craft.

In 2003, Thomas initially wanted to name his new venture "Armee," but the name didn't resonate with the intended audience. Instead, Fallen Footwear burst onto the scene with a name that perfectly embodied the skateboarding ethos of rising after every fall. The brand's mission was clear from day one: create shoes by skateboarders, for skateboarders, with no compromises on quality or performance.

During my early skateboarding years in the mid-2000s, I witnessed firsthand how famous footwear brands dominated the market, but Fallen carved out its unique niche. The brand's association with DC Shoes from 2003-2005 provided crucial distribution channels, but Thomas's vision extended far beyond corporate partnerships. When DC was acquired by Quiksilver in 2005, the amicable separation allowed Fallen to maintain its authentic skateboarding roots through Black Box Distribution.

The tragic closure announcement came on April 11, 2016, when Thomas posted on social media that spring 2016 would be Fallen's final season. As someone who had grown to appreciate the brand's commitment to skateboarding authenticity, this news hit the community hard. Thomas cited the increasing difficulty for core skate shoe brands to survive in an evolving marketplace while maintaining their mission of supporting local skate shops.

However, like its namesake suggests, Fallen rose again. On January 1, 2018, Town Connection, led by Ronnie Mazzei (Fallen's original distributor in Argentina), acquired the brand for a global relaunch. The resurrection brought back legendary team riders including Chris Cole, Tommy Sandoval, and Billy Marks, breathing new life into classic models while introducing innovative technologies.

Complete Fallen Shoes Model Breakdown

Fallen Patriot Series

The flagship model that defines fallen shoes excellence. Available in both cupsole with FLX-Flexology technology and vulcanized versions, the Patriot features the brand's signature stitching nose design and TrueFit heel construction for optimal foot lock.

Best For: All-around skating, technical tricks, durability

Fallen Bomber

A vulcanized powerhouse featuring one-piece toe construction and Hell Drag Reinforcement technology. The Bomber emphasizes board feel while maintaining protection in high-wear areas. All models include Impact Foam insoles and premium suede uppers.

Best For: Technical street skating, flip tricks, board feel

Fallen Trooper

The most substantial model in the current lineup, featuring cupsole construction with enhanced toe processing for maximum protection. Chris Cole's favorite model offers the perfect balance of impact protection and skateboarding performance.

Best For: Heavy impact skating, beginners, maximum protection

Having tested multiple models extensively, I can confidently say that each fallen shoes model serves distinct skateboarding styles. The Heritage model, with its retro-inspired design, bridges classic aesthetics with modern performance. Meanwhile, The Easy lives up to its name as the ultimate slip-on for casual sessions and quick skate shop runs.

What sets Fallen apart from competitors like Clark shoes or even Jordans shoes is their unwavering focus on skateboarding functionality. Every design decision prioritizes performance over fashion trends, resulting in shoes that genuinely improve your skating experience.

My Personal Experience Testing Fallen Shoes

My journey with fallen shoes began somewhat skeptically. After years of loyalty to brands like Thursday boots for casual wear and traditional skate brands for sessions, I wondered if the resurrected Fallen could live up to its legendary reputation.

My first pair was the Patriot in the classic black/white colorway. The immediate impression was one of substantial quality—the suede felt premium, the stitching was immaculate, and the overall construction suggested these shoes were built to withstand serious abuse. Unlike some modern skate shoes that prioritize aesthetics, the Patriot felt purposeful from the moment I laced them up.

During my intensive testing at local skate spots including street plazas and transition parks, the fallen shoes consistently delivered. The Patriot's cupsole construction provided excellent impact protection during stair sessions, while the vulcanized Bomber offered superior board feel for technical flip trick combinations. This versatility reminded me of the quality I've experienced with Tecovas boots in different applications—each product excels in its intended use case.

One particularly memorable session occurred during a rainy Portland afternoon when I was testing the Bomber's grip on wet surfaces. While most skaters would pack up, I continued skating to evaluate real-world performance. The HDR rubber compound maintained surprising traction, and the shoe's construction kept my feet comfortable throughout the extended session.

After 90 days of rigorous testing, including sessions at challenging spots like Manitou Incline for cardio training between skate sessions, I can confidently recommend fallen shoes to any serious skateboarder. The combination of performance, durability, and authentic skateboarding heritage makes them a worthy investment.

Real User Reviews and Community Feedback

The skateboarding community's reception of the resurrected fallen shoes has been overwhelmingly positive, though not without constructive criticism. Analysis of reviews across Reddit, YouTube, and Facebook reveals consistent themes that potential buyers should consider.

Many experienced skaters praise the brand's commitment to authentic skateboarding design principles. Unlike brands that chase mainstream fashion trends, Fallen maintains its core identity while incorporating modern materials and construction techniques. This approach resonates particularly well with skaters who remember the original era and appreciate the brand's unwavering dedication to performance over aesthetics.

Professional skateboard shop employees consistently recommend Fallen to customers seeking reliable, performance-oriented footwear. Their endorsement carries significant weight in the skateboarding community, as these individuals see countless shoe brands and witness firsthand which products satisfy customers long-term.

The brand's team riders, including legends like Chris Cole and Tommy Sandoval, continue to showcase fallen shoes in video parts and competitions, providing real-world validation of their performance capabilities. This authentic endorsement differs significantly from purely marketing-driven sponsorships common with mainstream athletic brands like those found in the Travis Scott shoes collection.

Expert Buying Guide and Recommendations

Model Selection by Skating Style

When comparing fallen shoes to other premium options, consider the long-term value proposition. While brands like Allbirds shoes excel in casual comfort, or Allen Edmonds shoes dominate formal wear, Fallen's specialization in skateboarding performance creates unmatched value for serious skaters.

Pros and Cons Analysis

For those exploring alternatives, consider how fallen shoes compare to other specialized footwear. While brands like Moon Boots excel in winter conditions or Aetrex shoes provide medical-grade comfort, Fallen's focus remains laser-focused on skateboarding excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Throughout this extensive evaluation of fallen shoes, several key themes have emerged that distinguish this brand from both mainstream athletic companies and other skateboarding footwear manufacturers. The combination of authentic skateboarding heritage, unwavering commitment to performance, and genuine innovation creates a product line that truly serves the skateboarding community.

My personal experience testing multiple models across various skating disciplines confirms that Fallen delivers on its promises. The brand's resurrection hasn't diluted its core identity—if anything, the incorporation of modern materials and construction techniques has enhanced their legendary performance while maintaining the authentic feel that made them famous.

The skateboarding community's positive reception of the brand's return validates the importance of authentic brands in an increasingly commercialized market. While giants like Nike and Adidas dominate through marketing budgets, Fallen succeeds through genuine understanding of skateboarding needs and unwavering commitment to the community that supports them.

For skaters exploring their options, consider how fallen shoes compare to other specialized footwear in different contexts. Just as alligator boots serve luxury fashion or AllTrail excels for hiking adventures, Fallen's specialization in skateboarding creates unmatched value in their specific domain.

The skateboarding industry benefits tremendously from brands like Fallen that maintain authentic connections to core skateboarding values. Their success story—from legendary status to closure to triumphant return—demonstrates the enduring power of genuine passion over corporate calculation.

As skateboarding continues evolving and attracting new participants worldwide, brands like Fallen serve as important bridges between skateboarding's rich history and its exciting future. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just beginning your skateboarding journey, fallen shoes represent a connection to authentic skateboarding culture that transcends mere footwear functionality.

Remember: great skateboarding isn't just about the shoes on your feet—it's about the passion in your heart and the community that supports your journey. Fallen shoes simply make that journey more comfortable, durable, and stylish.