If you’re planning on creating a line of toys with an established brand that’s been around for nearly 25 years, you need to bring something new into the playroom. For Hot Wheels, hoping to tackle Tech Deck’s miniature skateboards, that means teaming up with Tony Hawk and introducing tiny finger-worn skate shoes. Sorry what?
Believe it or not, tiny skateboards can actually trace their heritage back to the late 60s, with tiny skateboard keychains sold at dedicated cube shiners in skate shops, while the The mid-80s popularized the sport of fingerboarding (it’s a real thing!) and brought tiny bridges specifically designed and built for competition. One of the most popular lines to date, and one of the first to license art and graphics from real skateboard brands, was Tech Deck, which still makes fingerboards nearly 25 years after its launch (but it is now owned by the Canadian Spin Master). Tech Deck is definitely the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions fingerboarding, but Mattel and Hot Wheels want to change that.
Although Tony Hawk and his company Birdhouse have partnered with Tech Deck in the past to create themed finger decks and playsets, the iconic skateboarding legend is now working with Mattel to promote his new Hot Wheels Skate line, which looks more or less like Tech Deck products, with working trucks and wheels joining custom artwork on the underside and tape on the top. Don’t forget the Hot Wheels logo either.
Picture: Mattel
What sets Tech Deck’s Hot Wheels Skate line apart is the inclusion of tiny fingertip skate shoes that physically clip onto the tiny decks. Learning fingerboard tricks isn’t as difficult as learning to do real skateboard tricks, but it’s also not easy, and the tiny shoes hanging from the tiny decks are supposed to make learning easier and easier. the success of tricks for novices.
The $12 ($17) Hot Wheels skate assortment. (Photo: Mattel)
The base Hot Wheels Skate assortment that includes a single deck and a pair of finger shoes will sell for US$3 ($4) each, while the more expensive Hot Wheels Skate Collector Series packs for US$6 ($8 ) add an exclusive matching Hot Wheels vehicle. A US$12 ($17) Hot Wheels Skate multi-pack will also be available, which includes four fully assembled fingerboards (Tech Deck’s offerings often require assembly) plus two pairs of skate shoes.
The Hot Wheels Skate Drop-in skate sets (left) and the Hot Wheels Skate Amusement Park skate set (right). (Photo: Mattel)
For those who are completely sold on the idea of tiny skate shoes making fingerboarding more accessible and inviting, Mattel also offers accompanying sets. These include a collection of US$15 ($21) per piece Hot Wheels Skate Drop-in Skate Sets that can be collected and combined to create larger skate parks, plus a Hot Wheels Skate Amusement Park Skate Set of 30 $US ($42) with a half-pipe that includes buttons to trigger “rad music and sounds” (crossed fingers that include Motörhead Ace of Spades) and other obstacles such as rails, ramps and grinding surfaces.
Editor’s note: The release dates in this article are based in the US, but will be updated with local Australian dates as soon as we know more.