Born in New York City, Keith Hufnagel grew up skating alongside some of the most iconic skateboarders of the 1990s such as Keenan Milton and Gino Iannucci. In 1992, Hufnagel relocated to San Francisco to further pursue his skateboarding career. After hearing news of this move, Jim Thiebaud (co-owner of DLX Distribution) drove around San Francisco hoping to find Hufnagel with the intention of sponsoring him. Miraculously the two encountered each other and ever since Huf has been one of the most notable Real Skateboards riders. Hufnagelââ'¬â"¢s sections in Real to Reel, Non Fiction and Dan Wolfeââ'¬â"¢s 2011 directed video Since Day One are all considered classics. Hufnagels eponymous footwear brand began as an extension of his earliest days exploring the world of brick and mortar retail stores. The first HUF store opened in August of 2002, located on San Franciscos Sutter Street. The small boutique style store predominantly carried other brands and after introducing their own line of t-shirts, grew to include hats, fleeces, denim and much more in their apparel collection. With his place firmly established within skateboarding and interest in other more fashionable aspects (witnessing the growth of Supreme and a period of time spent riding for Stussy), Hufs intention for the brand was to illustrate the punk rock, hip hop, counterculture natures engrained within skateboarding and streetwear. His position as a professional skateboarder enabled Hufnagel to continue touring with his sponsors while employees ran the day-to-day needs of the shops, however after opening five stores Hufs life began to become consumed by the business. HUF, the brand, was initially sold through their flagship stores with the exception of other businesses owned by close friends of Keith. In 2008 distribution of the apparel line was opened up to the public. By 2011 the focus shifted completely away from the original stores a new venture as HUF Quality Footwear was introduced. The sneakBorn i
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