KOSTON ON NIKE!
Now we know! Koston on Nike, wow, here's the official press release. 
10 June 2009
For Immediate Release:
Nike Skateboarding welcomes Eric Koston to the team!
2009 is shaping up to be the busiest summer ever for Nike SB, but simply put, any time is a good time to add Eric Koston to your team.
Eric had this to say:
"Not only am I psyched to be a part of the great group of guys that makes up the Nike SB team, but I'm equally as excited to work with them creatively. I'm sure many people know that a lot of different Nike's have been the inspiration for my shoe designs over the last 12 years, so I feel like a fucking kid in a candy store when it comes to this partnership between Nike and I.”
8 months ago aaron schichtl said:
wonder what shoe he coming out with
8 months ago bummed said:
oh the horror... the nike conglomerate has completely infiltrated skateboarding... and has now taken one of our finest. just when you thought nike couldn't possibly monopolize anything else, it takes skateboarding.
8 months ago kevinerst said:
bummer.
8 months ago kenny powers said:
dolla, dolla bills yall
8 months ago jujubee said:
fucking hipsters...
8 months ago lam le said:
saw it coming
8 months ago T.Wood said:
Koston, the Tiger Woods of skateboarding.
8 months ago Shred said:
Nike = Scientology.
8 months ago Recession Crisis said:
Looks like somebody's lookin after their retirement fund.
8 months ago stereo said:
another one bites the dust.
8 months ago lesiteduskateboard said:
I was sure he will be on Nike SB which is becomming the best team in the world
8 months ago Joshua Davis said:
I wonder if all the haters who are so bummed have actually ever skated nike sb..
you ever think people who aren't sponsored skate nikes because they actually make good shoes...?
8 months ago genestaahhh said:
this should've been announced long ago. why? cause it was obvious thats why
8 months ago True Skater said:
I have no more respect for Koston. Thank u Nike for taking over skateboarding & everybody else who let corporation take over skateboarding
8 months ago True Skater said:
What now u going to see koston riding for Target now?????
8 months ago cmegna said:
gonna suck for all those guys when nike bails on skating again when times get tough. i also really enjoy the "jocks suck" nike shoe.
8 months ago strangeworks said:
It wasn't a surprise for me, because nike is the biggest company and it gets much more money for Koston than other ones
8 months ago mort goldman said:
those crappy mid 90's style logos make me wanna barf
8 months ago Jordanzo said:
AWESOME! NIKE SB IS THE BEST!
8 months ago Frank Da Tank said:
Eric Koston along with Theotis Beasley, Shane O'neill, P-Rod, Janoski, Salazar, Brian Anderson, Reese Forbes, Elissa Steamer...I used to hate Nike but not only have they won my respect but also my support. Just Do It Koston!!!!!
8 months ago Not Cool said:
WEAK.
8 months ago Damin said:
Cool
8 months ago nick g said:
Where's the ad??????? The shoe should be sick.
8 months ago WTF said:
not expecting that! he should have gone back on eS
8 months ago Cerritos Skatepark said:
This is gayer then UCN
8 months ago VTSP said:
Jordan, Lebron, Woods, Koston, Most influential athletes of our time... Get yours Koston. haters make you famous.
8 months ago Gary said:
Nothing wrong with Nike. They support their team, shops bank on their shoes and they actually skate and fit nicely. And what did you expect? You think Es can afford Koston? The way skateboarding is taking a shit now, not many companies can afford much of anything. Lay offs at the big 5 companies are no joke. Be ready for 1991 all over again, guys.
8 months ago halfdeaddanimal said:
Weak dude. I saw it coming but still weak. If you were going to go to a big company like that it should of been Adidas their shit is way better. Nike sucked then it sucks now and always will suck.
8 months ago So sick said:
Paul and Eric are united. It came full circle. so dope
8 months ago tom said:
i have been stating nike shoes for a while and i like them way better then lakais, good moved koston- make that money. f*ck all these kids who don't know what paying bills means.
8 months ago Skater said:
Koston is a COWARD. Eric you dont care about skateboarding anymore all you care about is your bank account. The Skate Gods will strike down upon you.
8 months ago Troy said:
I want to see a Koston and Tiger woods photo, their both on Nike.
8 months ago GL said:
@ Frank Da Tank(I used to hate Nike but not only have they won my respect but also my support)
Yep, they played it smart and they just bought skateboarding and all it's careless skateboarders with their money, you're very smart Frank!
1st time the skateboarding thing didn't work, then they tried it with Savier. A big company like that wasn't going to leave with the tail between their legs the 3rd time....
Just more money, more marketing and it all will work. Can't believe skateboarders followed the SB shit like quiet sheeps....
8 months ago old man Rob said:
Fired P-kook Rod, and give the million to Eric...
How do I tell you how I feel about Nike?
With my wallet....
8 months ago Master Dave said:
I quote Jarvis from Skate Warehouse When I say this, "If it's on their website it has to be true. However if this is a joke, it's a lame joke. If he is on Nike im somewhat bummed. I don't like this hop scotch he's playing between companies. If any other pro did this, their career would go down the toilet and so would their respect. What ever happened to sponsor loyalty? Maybe he just wants to go for a ride on the popularity train."
I quote him again "The home page made me throw up in my mouth a little. And people say P-Rod is a sell out? According to the nike homepage, all they care about is the name KOSTON and how much money they will make off it. WTF is up with all those stupid little graphics and logos with his name. eeeeewwwwww."
8 months ago gabe brummett said:
too bad... not for koston though, he's getting paid. too bad for the truly skater owned companies that suffer because all you kooks wear nikes. wait..are there any skater owned companies left? don't be fooled- nike does not give a damn about you, they care about your wallet...or your moms wallet to be exact. if you can read,and want to know more about why you should not support nike...http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2006/02/27/daily32.html
8 months ago gabe brummett said:
too bad... not for koston though, he's getting paid. too bad for the truly skater owned companies that suffer because all you kooks wear nikes. wait..are there any skater owned companies left? don't be fooled- nike does not give a damn about you, they care about your wallet...or your moms wallet to be exact. if you can read,and want to know more about why you should not support nike...http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2006/02/27/daily32.html
8 months ago G. Guimaraes said:
I hope he can give me some money after this contract, haha
8 months ago maks said:
Oh man, I can't stand Nike haters. You probably heard some smelly hippy tell you that Nike's evil or whatever the hippies are saying these days. Not liking Nike because theyer not skater owned is such a cop out.
8 months ago ChillChill said:
Quit tripping everyone, nike isn't the big evil company you think it is. They're actually making skate shops alot of money and unlike your 'core' skateboard companies, they aren't selling at m all stores like zumiez. Plus, Nikes actually skate really good
8 months ago Miamichillin said:
wtf do i do with my lakai kostons then?
8 months ago alex said:
see the weird part is Koston tried to get on nike a couple of years ago and they rejected him, now he's on the team, it's whatever, if the moneys there take it. and im sure caroll and howard agree with him.
8 months ago Anna Karenin said:
Conflicting. I see both sides. Koston's and the gritties'.
But what say you TSM? How does this stack up with that mellifluous statement of wanting to 'maintain the independent nature and integrity of the skateboard culture'?
8 months ago konspeerasee said:
thanks for the memories koston.R.I.P.
8 months ago preck. said:
he would.
8 months ago chris said:
hey dumbsh!ts koston has been a nike and jordan collector for the longest time and it makes sense that he went to nike... hes not selling out
also dumbf@#ks ive heard koston left lakai because he was getting paid too much and he wanted up and coming talent to get a share
do your research and stop crying hippies
8 months ago Frank said:
There are hardly any "good and true" skateshoe companys left these days, every brand belongs to a major corporation. I was never a Nike fan and used to associate the swoosh with jock-ism, but Nike SB at least seems to care about their team and has diversity. I know that Nike as a company is known as abig monster, but SoleTech, DC and Vans are big in their own right and stand for corporate dealings too.
8 months ago nico magales said:
I can't wait til skateboarding crumbles once again and he we are in new jersey still not giving a fuck and skating our hearts out. Fuck corporations, and fuck money. SHRED NJ til
I die. Koston is a kook no matter how good he is.
8 months ago Alessandro said:
There is a true one, and koston left it!
lakai!
8 months ago AYDEN said:
well done KOSTON its good your looking out
4 number 1....GO YOU GOOD THING...$$$$$$$$$$$$
8 months ago sick said:
this is not only a good move for him....but for the berrics as well. hopefully he'll put the money he gets into it. that's probably how they're getting money to fly five people over for BATB 2. i don't really get why people (skaters) hate on nike so much.
8 months ago @frank said:
They might "care" about their team but they don't care about the underpaid sweatshop workers in third world countries that make the shoes...
8 months ago vlad said:
First Bam now Koston
8 months ago Dee said:
Shut up and skate! FOOLS!
8 months ago ha said:
i guess p-rod aint that happy!
8 months ago gabe brummett said:
the problem here is our principles. of course nikes skate good, of course they have a good team. they tried and tried and finally succeeded in co-opting our "culture." do some research!
i don't give a shit if koston collects nikes, good for him- the principle we should stick to is that as skaters, we should support other skaters -not phil knights billion dollar corporation...why? let's say skateboarding dies out like it did so many times before? you think nike will stick around? no, they will go wherever the money is. would you trust a bald man to give you a haircut? are you supposed to trust a skinny cook? should you support nike?
8 months ago konspeerasee said:
gabe brummett.amen.
8 months ago Frank said:
Like I said, other companies are just as big and just because they didn't have any public sweatshop scandal doesn't make them any better. Granted, Nike (or Nike SB) doesn't offer a declaration of how their goods are made, but neither does any other (skate-) shoe company. I never liked Nike, because they remind me of bullying jocks, but I can't say whether any other company is any better. Back to Koston: Well, as long as he's thrilled, he should go for it. He's in his mid-thirties, money is just one factor, life-long dreams another one. Also, Nike HAS contributed to skate history way back when kids would skate their hi-tops to shreds.
So, I don't like Nike, but I don't care really.
8 months ago Kris said:
Sorry guys but DC, Vans and Sole Tech combined still wouldn't be close to how big Nike is. Do not kid yourselves. DC is partially skater owned and run (came out of the old Droors company that made phat pants in the nineties), Vans isn't skater owned but they've been in it since it started and came out with the first pro shoe for a skateboarder (Cab), Sole Tech is skater owned (a freestyler but a skater none the less). None of them started as a running shoe company that has since proceeded to devour all other sports. Now they want in on our wallets taking cash away from the skater owned companies like Fallen, Vox and yes even Sole Tech.
Nike has a great team (just like the Yankees, spend enough money and you'll have a great team.) They make a good skate shoe (I guess, I haven't tried them but others like them), but don't make the mistake of comparing them to DC, Vans or Sole Tech. Does the owner of Nike skate? Didn't think so.
8 months ago ... said:
Koston and Nike are lame.
8 months ago Frank said:
Well, not the owner of Nike, but maybe the guy who runs Nike SB. Or his assistants. I just wanted to point out that DC is owned by Quicksilver, Vans by VF Outdoor Inc.. Nike SB is just as much part of a mother company's program as the others are. It depends on who's running that department and how grounded these people are in skateboarding culture. I guess I became devil's advocate here (man, I REALLY never liked Nikes), but I remember a time when people didn't have access to skate shoes or didn't know what they were (out here at least) and skated in Nikes, because that was the sports shoe they had at the local sports store. To them, that was skateboarding. Many people who skated in the 80s don't get nostalgic when they see Vans, maybe they do when they see old Etnies...those were hard to get and held in high regard, like Airwalks or Visions. But mostly, they skated in nikes or Adidas superstars, even Converse, because the skate niche wasn't as developed. So, like I said, to them, shredding Nike Hi-Tops is nostalgic and "real".
I just don't believe that there is a "good" company out there, big business means big dirt. I still don't know the manufacturing conditions of Fallen, Sole Tech etc. maybe Ipath is concerned about the work conditions, but maybe they're just flirting with that image.
8 months ago IM138 said:
Good! Nike has an unstoppable team now not to mention sick shoes. So what if Koston is now riding for a "big" company....he's kind of a "big" deal don't you think? The Skate God's are NOT going to strike him down, the 90's skate drought is NOT coming back so haters STOP hating and start SKATING
8 months ago ballz said:
skateboarding has officially jumped the shark
8 months ago WordsOfWisdom said:
TO ALL HATERS, cmon now get off the mans nuts, skateboarding is still skateboarding Nike SBs are sick and all but Koston isnt a sell out, Yet, hopefully he doesnt sell out to the ENERGY DRINK companys, at least NIKE SB makes shit FOR skateboarding, not sponser u with shitty ass drinks haha
8 months ago Kris said:
I skated in the 80's (I've been rocking the stuntwood since '86) and I do get nostalgic about vans. I never skated Nikes even back then. I rode in Cons but that's another story. As soon as I found my local skate shop I was wearing Vans, Vision(we all make mistakes) and Airwalks(again mistakes). Etinies came out later.
DC started out as a partially skater owned company when it started and Quicksilver is no Nike. Also AFAIK, DC is really left to direct it's own affairs and the Quicksilver deal is more of a financial deal. I stated that Vans wasn't skater owned but they have been in it from the beginning.
As to the person who runs the SB division, take a look at the link that Gabe Brummet posted. Here's a quote from that article. " Bodecker, 52, is a 23-year Nike veteran who helped establish Nike's position in the global soccer market. Nike's earnings from soccer today approach $1.5 billion. Most recently, Bodecker headed Nike's skate business, overseeing product innovation and building relationships with skate retailers, athletes and consumers.
Skating has grown more mainstream and more fashion conscious in recent years, and Nike leaders are eyeing the area as an important growth opportunity. "
Work conditions is another argument for another day. My concern is who is getting my hard earned dollar at the end of the day. Is it a company that has stuck with skateboarding through thick and thin and has stood behind it's team for years, or is the Johnny-come-lately mega corporation with dollar signs in it's eyes looking for another untapped cash cow?
8 months ago Pat said:
super bummed.
I agree with Kris. Nike just comes in when skateboarding is back in the spotlight. Once the fads over, will SB be the first thing to be kicked from Nike? You can't trust companies like that. They're not in it for skating.
I guess it's more of a shock to me because Koston has skated for skater owned and skater-centered companies for so long. I didn't think he'd leave that for a company like Nike.
8 months ago G!! said:
What a shame! The Nike Corp swallows another great skater. Sell your soul to the devil. Remember every rung that you climb on the way up you hit on the way down. Nikes will never be on these feet. Kostonomics!
8 months ago magreevs said:
All they need is sheckler now.
8 months ago duckets said:
ducketsducketsduckets for koston
8 months ago bitchesassmoosh said:
firstof fuck your kicks and the shit you claim ,
Koston claimes to be a playa but i fucked his wife we bust on nike nigga , niggas hate for life . all yall niggas is bitches all hipsters should buy tre seeds wait a few years until it grows and hangthem selfs WEAK nike sucks koston sucks skateboarding idustrie officialy blow$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
way to go koston now all kids are goin to buy nike hope your financial choice was worth it bcause shits about to go down companies like lakai and shit STICK TO YOUR ROOTS FUCK THAT SMOOSH
8 months ago tITO said:
but...
Lakai is still the better skate shoe.
8 months ago gabe brummett said:
i'm going to skate now, barefoot.
8 months ago skatemaster said:
WEAK!!!! we will see if he can produce the footage.........
8 months ago Snappa said:
Sports brands make shoes for JOCKS!!!!!!! JOCKS dont love skateboarding. I love skateboarding. Simple isnt it. Respect yourself by making informed decisions about what you consume.
8 months ago ajay said:
you fuckboys are just wasting your time typing bullshit. koston wont automatically switch off of nike because one of you fags say nike is "ruining skateboarding". you guys are ruining skateboarding, stop hating and trying to bring people down, yall are just jealous. HATE = JEALOUSY. let people do thier own thing and if you ever turn pro and get opportunities, do what you do. and if your hating on nike and reading this, your just jealous because you get beat up by black dudes who wears nikes and cry to your mommys so she can go to zumies and buy you some more vans slip ons and authentics.
8 months ago Colby said:
Gnarly, Koston is on Nike. Good for him at least he'll has something to fall on when he's broken down from skating. Nike is going to be simply the best team. Bar none. Word.
8 months ago isaac said:
woow SB go Eric lucky... SB's kill!!!! haters keep on hatin!
8 months ago catshit said:
DON'T DO IT!SUPPORT CONSOLIDATED!
8 months ago thatGuyLookingAtYou said:
you say nike is ruining skateing but right now your probably wearing shit you bought at zumiez. ive been skateing lakais since 6 grade, and i dont get butt hurt. so go throw on those bronx and get out your dgk shirt ride down to the mall get some zumiez stickers and throw them up in your gay little hollister fiting room.
dont hate, congradulate.
8 months ago Not Hatin... said:
We all knew it was comin. Haters just need find something better to spend time on. Nike SB is legit. The only thing questionable in this situation, is that when Paul left ès for Nile, Koston kinda hated on him in an interview. Do your homework haters and shut up...
7 months ago antony said:
who gives a flying fuck who he skates for, its his decison! good on him!to much politics in skateboarding! get off this chatroom and go and skate!
7 months ago antony said:
#
4 days ago catshit said:
DON'T DO IT!SUPPORT CONSOLIDATED!
funny that two of there riders skate in nike isnt it hahaha
7 months ago jigga said:
koston you let us all down.... hope you enjoy spending money on all those hoez and bottles of champagne... no matter what you'll always just be a product to nike if skateboarding would've faded out like rollerblading you wouldn't be worth the $1.25 it costs to put metal shackles on the ledges outside their building. fucking let down.
7 months ago Santiago said:
Koston is a fucker, and so are any fuckers who say "the fucker is just getting his money from fuckers who created this fucked up situation", but I say Koston is still a faggot I mean a fucker. I've watched kids come up who could've sold out themselves, skating and any cats who followed them but they knew better. There's enough money out there for anyone, you don't need to become a fucking puppet to get more than you need.
7 months ago Frank said:
Well, to get back to what I said above...what if the dude is just seriously into NIKE shoes and is now crazy-happy?
Like I said, I don't approve of any monster-corporation and am not into Nike - I'm also sure, that for Koston, money has been an issue as well (he's in his mid-30's and life doesn't get any simpler), but Nike has always been part of skateboarding, maybe not as a company, but as an icon...Alva and everyone skated in Nike Blazers way back when...I recommend the book "Made for Skate", giving a detailed timeline of skateboarding shoes. It's quite fascinating. The whole "Drunk" issue is adressed as well!
7 months ago sule said:
Its fantastic and spectacular
7 months ago T said:
Who gives a damn shoes a shoe. I've seen people do laser flips in pumas doesn't matter. Just go skate damn. Not like he quit skateboarding and started riding on ripsticks or something for more money. When u watch a skate vid you don't look at the shoes the person is wearing just what their doing.
7 months ago Blank Stare said:
Its simple really,
Would you buy Transworld instead of The Skateboard Mag or Thrasher? Its the same choice, but a different product.
You decide.
I know where my heart is, and who's livelihood I'd rather support.
7 months ago jjb88 said:
fuck you haters.
Koston has paid his dues.
you wish Nike wanted your foot in their shoes.
as always...
Don't hate the player, hate the game.
Besides, Nike is amazing.
7 months ago blah said:
Oh and footlocker now owns CCS, Nike and footlocker are close...
So expect to see all your nike sb's and any other ccs shoe in footlocker!
6 months ago Jeff said:
jjb88 said it right.
Koston always been into Nike sneakers.
Koston deserves fat pay.
Nike have more experience than anyone in making shoes.
Nike are investing a sh|t load of cash in skateboarding, yea they're new to the game, and yea they did bail before, but i think it's fair to say that they're doing it right this time.
6 months ago Josh said:
Man so what if Nike bailed before, you wouldve to if it mean you losing money. Shit, Nike SB's were my best skate shoes I've had yet. Just because their not skater owned doesn't mean they suck at life. Kostons just out there doing his thing. Hell, koston has been my favortite rider since I started, I'm not going to hate because of some damn shoe sponsor that he rides for.
6 months ago timmah said:
watch animal chin they sk8 nikes way back in the day big up to koston
2 months ago Hellicar said:
Been on the cards for years. Eric would be my number one choice for Nike. He's smart, Rips and has integrity. I used buy into the whole "sell out" mentality but i realised that we are all sell outs. You have a job? You sold out. You got a bank account? Sellout! Sole, DC, DVS, Vans, whatever. They are about money, it's unavoidable. Turn your back on the bullshit and Just Skate.