R.I.P. Keith Hufnagel, Skateboarding Legend and HUF Founder
It’s with heavy hearts that we bring you news of the passing of founder . The skate/streetwear/sneaker pioneer has lost a battle with brain cancer at the age of 46.
After a rapid rise as a pro skater during the mid-90s, Hufnagel went on to found HUF Worldwide in 2002, consequently cementing his heralded legacy. He grew up in New York City, before moving to San Francisco to open the first-ever HUF store with one key goal in mind, ‘to bring together under one roof the most respected brands that the skateboard, streetwear, and sneaker communities had to offer’.
Made by skateboarders for skateboarders, HUF and their progressive approach quickly became admired beyond just skate aficionados. In the sneaker world, Keith’s early work with is stuff of legend, having collaborated with the Beaverton brand on fabled releases such as the Nike Air Max 1 ‘HUFquake’ and the HUF x Nike SB Dunk High ‘Tie-Dye’. In 2008, he linked up with to create the ZX 500 ‘HUF’, a homage to San Francisco’s storied railroad history.
A friend, mentor, and role model to so many across the globe, Keith and his unparalleled passion will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and condolences are his wife Mariellen, and their two children.
Rest in power, Keith.