A Journey of Sole and Success

Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for design, SDSU alumnus Tom Claypool ('01) turned a lifelong love of skateboarding into a globally recognized footwear brand.

By Taylor Harris 

Long before he co-founded Native Shoes, San Diego State University alumnus Tom Claypool ('01) was a skateboarder with big dreams and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Growing up in the Chicago area, Tom spent much of his early life immersed in skateboarding and developing not only a passion for the sport but also an interest in business. 

"From my first garage sale and working a cash register to bringing extra skateboards to sell so I could fund my travels through Europe in high school and university, I've always loved the hustle.”

This same determination would eventually lead Tom to graduate high school a semester early so he could start his studies and career in Southern California. In January 1996, Tom moved to Mission Valley and enrolled at San Diego City College before transferring to SDSU to pursue a degree in International Business with an emphasis in German and Western Europe.

SDSU Journey

While at SDSU, Tom was involved in various student organizations, including Alpha Kappa Psi, Delta Phi Alpha, and the International Student Center. 

However, one experience would prove to be especially influential to his future career: studying abroad in Germany. Combined with an internship at Stuttgart-based action sports distributor Progressive Sports, the experience provided firsthand exposure to international business and global markets.

"My degree in International Business, combined with studying and interning abroad, gave me a distinctive skill set that helped me stand out.”

After graduating in 2001, Tom started his career in the nonprofit sector, while maintaining his ties to the skateboarding community, serving as CFO of the nonprofit organization that helped fund and build Washington Street Skatepark in San Diego.

He later worked with a design and merchandising firm operating between Germany and Hong Kong and helped establish the U.S. division of the international agency.  Those experiences sharpened his expertise in product development, manufacturing, design, and entrepreneurship, which would eventually help Tom start Native Shoes.

Building a Brand

Founded in 2009 on the belief that footwear should combine innovative materials and everyday functionality, Native Shoes has now grown into a globally recognized brand.

For Tom, the inspiration behind Native Shoe stemmed      from a desire to create something different in the      footwear industry. His interest in footwear started during his skateboard days, as an appreciation for the technical precision behind skate shoes. 

This fascination with design and performance ultimately became a cornerstone of the Native Shoes philosophy. Today, Native Shoes is known for its distinctive design and commitment to creating products that fit seamlessly into everyday life.

"The name reflects our connection to the community and the place we call home. Our brand stands out through its design aesthetic, material choices, forward-thinking approach, authentic storytelling, and genuine care for our customers.”

The company has built a loyal following by creating lightweight, versatile footwear that accompanies customers through life's adventures from childhood milestones and family vacations to international travel and outdoor exploration.

"What I love most about the impact we've had is hearing about the special moments people have experienced in our shoes. We have customers who have traveled the world with a single pair of shoes, and families whose kids have grown up wearing Native Shoes."

For Tom, those stories represent the true success of the brand.

One of the company's most recent achievements was the launch of the Waverly, a 3D-printed shoe created in collaboration with Jason Wess and manufactured by Zellerfeld. The project marked the culmination of years of research and development exploring the future of footwear production.

Staying Connected

As Native Shoes continues to evolve, Tom remains guided by the same entrepreneurial spirit that first inspired him as a young skateboarder.

"Believe in yourself, don't be afraid to fail, follow your dreams, and don't give up."

More than two decades after graduating, Tom remains closely connected to the SDSU community. He stays involved through SDSU Alumni and maintains a longtime friendship with Dr. Neftalie Williams, SDSU sociology professor and director of the Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change.

For Tom, these connections serve as a reminder of the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that helped shape his journey. 

From studying abroad and building an international business foundation to launching a global footwear brand, he credits SDSU with helping prepare him for a career driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a willingness to pursue new ideas.

Native Shoes Discount Code 

For years, Native Shoes has been a favorite among SDSU alumni. The testimonials below highlight why the brand continues to resonate with the community.