Exclusive: I-Path's Dylan Jones Shares Insight on the Brand's Comeback and Upcoming Releases

As many of you know, I-Path is back and has recently been making waves in the skate world with news like Fred Gall and Ben Raybourn rejoining the team. With Kenny Reed playing a dual role as both a team rider and team manager (amongst many other things), the beloved brand's revival is clearly in full swing.

That said, they're currently piecing together a small (but dedicated) group of individuals behind the scenes as well, including Dylan Jones, I-Path's newest sales rep and a die-hard fan of the brand. We caught up with Dylan to learn more about this exciting comeback, talk upcoming shoe releases, and generally what lies ahead for I-Path.

Thanks for the time, Dylan. Stoked to chat. Tell me how you got affiliated with I-Path and what's your current role at the brand?

Having stepped away from working at my previous role (territory rep for Emerica) I wasn't actually looking for a new opportunity. However, when Kenny texted me asking if I could hop on a quick call I was more than curious. This led to quite a few conversations with both he and the owner and sure enough we settled on my current role, which includes sales rep for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Arizona. Along with being slated to help handle social media starting in August. Who knew Kenny's move to ATX during Covid would eventually lead to this. Thanks, K!

I really enjoyed your episode of Skatehoarders and was super stoked and impressed with your vintage I-Path collection (and obviously everything else). But how rad is it to be repping for I-Path now? You mentioned it was your favorite company of all time.

Had you told me while filming that episode we'd see a brand relaunch in 2024 I would have laughed and said, please no . But knowing how small things are behind the scenes and who's involved has really given me faith this'll work.

Related: The impressive skateboard, sneaker and skate video collection of Dylan Jones | SkateHoarders

What can you tell us about this rebirth? Who’s behind it? Who’s idea was it? And was Summer 2024 always the desired timeframe? In short: Why now ?

Recently, one of the original owners was able to repurchase the name back from a factory that owned it after years of searching. Not sure if 2024 was always intended, but it's wild that we're about to hit the 20th anniversary of the 2005 promo. (An Iconic one for sure!)

We recently did a post about Fred Gall rejoining the team and I know Kenny [Reed] is onboard, too. Can you tell us anyone else we can expect to see joining the squad? Or, at least anyone on the wish list?

Correct. Freddy is on board along with Kenny, who is operating as brand/team manager. While it hasn't been shared, Kenny has mentioned it in his Chrome Ball Incident, but Ben Raybourn is also back on board (* We did the interview before Ben's announcement. —BB ). Which is super exciting since he's one of my personal favorites to come from Texas and really brings a creative approach to skating.

Related: Welcome Home: Fred Gall Officially Returns to I-Path Footwear

Have you personally skated any of the new shoes yet? How similar do they feel to the originals?

As of today I've skated both the reissue Cats, along with the Suede Grasshoppers. I've got some full leather ones on ice, but I'm saving those for the right day/session. Funny enough, once I made it public that I worked for I-path I started skating my OG shoes and I've gotta say, these new ones are so close to the OG's but perform like a shoe in 2024 should. Super flexible, very similar fit to a Dunk/Jordan, but more subtle. Pretty shocking for a brand to launch with full cup soles, but they nailed it.

What’s your favorite style in the lineup right now?

While Grasshopper is very near and dear to my heart, I'm very stoked to see/skate the Crickett and 1985, since they were always featured in videos. Oh, and the Reed Mid, which will be the brands first vulcanized style.

Will there be new designs and silhouettes coming out?

As of now we're focusing on making all classics with modern fits/materials. Whether it's suede, leather or synthetic materials/hemp.

For the new generation of skaters out there who might be unfamiliar with I-Path, how would you personally describe the brand in a few words?

Free flowing, organic and light hearted. Some brands focus on stunts or forced progression, but I-Path always focused more on a creative/stylish/mature vibe.

I know it'd be hard to top, but what are the chances of a new I-Path video hitting as hard as the OG I-Path Promo?

Never say never . Would love to see it. Until then I'm just stoked to see the OG's skating/filming clips on their phones. Hopefully we can convince Kenny to pull out the halfcab double flip [laughs].

The team was always so rad and respected. Do you think there's any pressure living up to those standards now in 2024?

I can only imagine there is some pressure, however I'd say now more than ever we have some of the most creative and unique skateboarders. And with brands like Magenta, GX, Theories, Quasi, Polar, etc. existing, I'm sure we'll find the right fits.

I know you're on the phone with shops all day. Have they been responsive to the rebirth? Can we expect to see I-Path on skate shop walls in the near future?

Being on the rep side of things it's definitely been cool to email/call shops and reminisce on the past. Thankfully, being in my early 30's most shop buyers are of the same age, so it's pretty easy to pitch it. As for a release, we're looking at late summer.

If shops are interested in getting some on the wall, what’s the best way to make that happen?

They can definitely give me a holler or reach out to the @ipathofficial account or Kenny (Reed) and we'll point them in the right direction.

Well, people seem stoked seeing the brand coming back to life. I’m excited for you guys. Anything else you want to add?

For as long as I can remember all the homies would claim, "Bro, if I could buy some cats right now I would!" Well... now's your chance to finally do that. And they'll even come with the cool keychain.

Boom. Thanks, Dylan! To wrap things up, here are a few words from Kenny Reed on the rebirth:

"I-Path is a unique brand and able to offer something different that comes from skateboarding without the need to compete with anyone. We are staying true to our roots and our vision by continuing to focus on sustainable, natural and organic materials and revisiting the original styles with a modern fit." —Kenny Reed

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