Village PM: Rethinking Skate Footwear with Climbing Tech

The skate shoe landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution, with brands looking beyond traditional designs to deliver enhanced performance and style. Paris-based Village PM is at the forefront of this shift, drawing inspiration from the world of climbing footwear to create a new breed of skate shoe.

The Founders and Philosophy

Founded by lifelong skateboarders Basile Lapray and Bram De Cleen, in partnership with footwear specialist Julien Traverse, Village PM emerged from a simple observation: skate shoes had begun to prioritize function over form. The founders sought to bridge this gap, creating shoes that skaters would genuinely want to wear both on and off the board. Skateboarding.com highlights the founders’ blend of skateboarding experience, design expertise, and footwear knowledge as key to their success.

Inspired by Climbing Technology

Village PM’s signature 1PM silhouette is a direct result of applying climbing shoe technology to skateboarding. Lapray’s experience in outdoor footwear led the team to study how climbing shoes combine precision, grip, and durability. The result is the brand’s patented Rubber Glove Construction, utilizing premium climbing rubber and extensive testing to achieve a balance of strength, sensitivity, and board feel. Hypebeast details this innovative approach, noting the focus on creating a shoe that is both durable and uncomplicated to break in.

Key Models and Features

Village PM currently offers several models, including the 1PM Mid and the 1.30PM. Le Labo Store lists the following models and prices (as of March 20, 2026):

• Village PM SNEAKER 1PM MID SAND ET NATURAL BLACK – €112,50
• Village PM SNEAKER 1PM MID BLACK ET NATURAL BLACK – €112,50
• Village PM SNEAKERS 1PM CREAM – €100,00
• Village PM SNEAKERS 1.30PM BLACK ET NATURAL BLACK – €79,17
• Village PM SNEAKERS 1.30PM BLACK ET WHISPER WHITE – €79,17
• Village PM SNEAKERS 1.30PM GLOSS BLACK – €79,17
• Village PM SNEAKERS 1PM CAMO – €100,00
• Village PM SNEAKERS 1PM CHOCOLAT – €100,00
• Village PM SNEAKERS 1PM BLACK – €100,00

The 1.30PM model features the Rubber Glove Technology, combining elements of vulcanized, cupsole, and toe cap designs for enhanced durability. The Vines Supply Co provides a detailed review of the 1.30PM, highlighting its precision fit and comfortable construction.

A Return to Independent Skate Shoe Brands

Village PM represents a resurgence of independent skate shoe brands, reminiscent of a golden era before the dominance of major athletic labels. By prioritizing stylistic individuality, functional design, and a skater-centric approach, Village PM is carving out a unique space in the market and gaining attention from both the skateboarding and fashion communities.