Sal Barbier is a pioneer in both the skate and sneaker worlds. While he was busy evolving the street skating scene, he still found time to design some of etnies’ most notable skate shoes of the generation - most notably the Sal 23. Now, along with streetwear brand In4mation, Sal and etnies have designed a revamped Sal 23 for fall of 2008.

Barbier’s first design for etnies was the now classic Rap. He then based the Sal 23 off of that original design, but with some updates like revamping the cut and adding durability points. He also put the “23″ on the heel - something Barbier openly attributes to being inspired by the most famous #23 of them all.

The original Sal 23 was skated, collected and loved for years. With this re-release, you will again have that opportunity. As for the updates to the shoe, there is a subtle slimming down of its silhouette in addition to a thinner sole. These changes even have performance elements such as increasing board feel and improving flexibility. The shoe is available in black leather or red suede. In addition to the shoe, there is a basketball jersey that’s part of the collaboration, which features the In4mation logo on the shoulder.

For more, check out the video on the etnies site and watch Sal talk about these new kicks.

Popularity: 95%

The Pablo is one of the most head-turning models in the etnies Plus line, and this Kenta collaboration is an exceptional example of why it’s getting so many looks. Japanese born designer Kenta, now based in Vancover, runs the design company Write-Left, and has a vast portfolio including interior design as well as graphic design. Kenta, along with a partner, also run a t-shirt company known as Brknhome. 

As for the shoe itself, it features premium materials and a bold, yet simple design.  The cushioning comes by way of ultra-comfy STI Foam, and the shoe even has an environmentally friendly feature - the insole board is made up of 70% recycled materials.   

The etnies Plus Write-Left collaboration Pablo is available now and is limited to 307 pairs, so you better act fast if you are going to find a pair of these! 

Popularity: 88%

It’s not too often that a knighted designer drops one of his creations on a sneaker, but for etnies, Sir Paul Smith has done just that. Renowned in the British fashion world, and best known for his trademark, multi-color pinstriped pattern, Smith initially aspired to be a professional cyclist. After having an accident though, Smith moved in a different direction and opened his first clothing shop in 1970.  As his retail business expanded, he took it international, with particular success in Japan.

Fast forward to 1993, which led to Smith taking over R. Newbold, a classic brand of British workwear, dating back to the late 1800’s. It is exclusively in Japan’s R. Newbold stores where this new etnies collection is now available.

Inspiration for the all-over sunglasses print, which dons the Jameson shoe and El-Jefe II sandal, comes courtesy of the British music festival scene. The many different styles of sunglasses represent the immense variety of individuals that make up the scene. One of the best known of these festivals, the Glastonbury Festival, played home to over 700 acts in 2007. It was just announced that this years Glastonbury will be headlined by none other than Jay-Z.

Accompanying the Jamesons and El-Jefe will be t-shirts, which, like the footwear, will be available exclusively in Japan. This high fashion collaboration may not be available here in the States, but will be sure to turn some heads if you are able to get your hands on any of these exclusive items. 

Popularity: 31%