Behind the Brand: Powerslide
Short answer
Powerslide is a German inline skate brand known for its innovation, high-quality products, and dedication to various skating disciplines. Founded by Matthias Knoll, the brand began as a distribution company and evolved into a leading skate manufacturer, producing everything from speed skates to aggressive and free skates.
The start
Powerslide began in 1994 as a German distribution company, founded by Matthias Knoll and Stefan Göhl. Initially distributing other brands' products, it soon evolved into a leading innovator in the skate industry. Powerslide's growth is driven by technological advancements, strong partnerships, and a diverse product range across various skating styles.
The personal history of Matthias Knoll and Powerslide's origins
Matthias Knoll began his skating journey as a speed skater in Germany. After losing his father at 18, he turned his passion into a business, selling skates from his car. By 1994, he partnered with his friend Stefan Göhl to launch Powerslide, initially distributing products from brands like Hyper Wheels and Bond Skates.
behind the brand powerslide building a distribution empire
In the early days, Powerslide focused on distributing products from other skate brands, particularly in the aggressive and speed skating markets. They quickly became known for their ability to bring high-quality, innovative products to the European market. During the aggressive skating boom of the mid-90s, Powerslide secured distribution rights for several key brands, such as Senate and 976, solidifying their position in the skate industry.
Powerslide's first products and the birth of USD
By the late 90s, Powerslide began to create its own products. One of the pivotal moments in the company’s history was the launch of USD (Universal Skate Design) in 1997. USD became Powerslide's flagship aggressive skate brand, designed with input from top skaters like Shane Coburn and Arlo Eisenberg. The success of USD marked Powerslide's transition from a distributor to a full-fledged manufacturer. USD quickly became known for its high-quality, customizable skates, and it played a crucial role in establishing Powerslide as a leading brand in aggressive skating.
Expansion into other skate categories: playlife, doop, and more
After the success of USD, Powerslide continued to expand its product lineup across different skate categories. They introduced Playlife, a more affordable line aimed at recreational skaters, and Doop, a unique concept that allows skaters to strap in using their own shoes. Each new product line helped Powerslide reach a wider audience, from casual skaters to professional athletes.
Licensing and acquiring other brands
Powerslide also explored licensing deals and acquisitions to grow its influence in the skate world. They acquired molds from well-known brands like Salomon and Fila, which helped them expand their product offerings. Additionally, they entered into licensing agreements with major entertainment companies, such as Disney and Hot Wheels, to create themed skates and accessories. Although the mass-market approach had its challenges, these partnerships allowed Powerslide to reach new demographics and solidify its place in the skate industry.
Behind the brand Powerslide: innovation and leadership
Today, Powerslide is regarded as one of the most innovative brands in the skate industry. They are known for their cutting-edge technology, such as the Trinity Mounting System, which enhances stability and performance, and their popular skate models like the Next, Swell, Imperial, HC Evo, Doop, and Zoom Pro. Powerslide's commitment to pushing the boundaries of skate design has earned them a loyal following among skaters of all levels.
Their innovative approach is evident in products like the Next skate, which combines elements of both aggressive and free skating designs, and the Swell line, which focuses on high-performance fitness skating. The Trinity Mount system, featured on many of their skates, provides a lower center of gravity and improved power transfer, making it a favorite among speed and urban skaters alike.
Behind the brand Powerslide, strengths and what sets them apart
Powerslide's strength is its innovation across various skate disciplines while staying connected to the skate community. Unlike bigger brands, Powerslide is hands-on with skate design, working closely with athletes and engineers to create advanced products. Their diverse, high-quality lineup sets them apart in a competitive market.
Powerslide also excels in marketing, maintaining strong ties with top skaters and sponsoring events. Their brand focuses on community, innovation, and a love for skating, making them popular among both recreational and professional skaters.
Conclusion
From its start as a small distribution company to becoming a top global skate brand, Powerslide has consistently focused on innovation and quality. By pushing the boundaries of skate design and staying closely connected to the skate community, Powerslide continues to lead the industry.
If you're after high-quality, innovative skates, Powerslide offers products for every style and skill level, from speed skating to aggressive and free skating.
Behind every great skate brand is a unique story. Dive into our Behind the Brand series to learn about the passion and innovation that drive the top names in the skating world.