Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

LA Gear

LA Gear is an footwear and apparel brand founded in 1983 by , Ernest Williams, and Stephen Williams, specializing in colorful, innovative sneakers and casual athletic wear that epitomized style and the craze of the 1980s and early 1990s. Initially targeting young women with flashy, bejeweled high-tops and performance s, the company quickly expanded its lineup to include men's, children's, and infant footwear, as well as apparel like sweatshirts, T-shirts, shorts, and even quartz watches. By 1989, LA Gear held a 4.7% share of the U.S. athletic , ranking third behind and , with projected annual sales exceeding $558 million that year. Under the leadership of founder , who had relocated from to in 1978, the brand went public in 1986 and achieved remarkable growth, surpassing $800 million in sales within eight years through aggressive and celebrity endorsements. Iconic products like the light-up LA Lights sneakers, introduced in 1991, created a cultural frenzy among children and teens, featuring motion-activated illumination that became a hallmark of the brand's playful, tech-forward designs. However, overexpansion into the competitive men's performance market and internal management challenges led to a sharp decline; by the mid-1990s, sales plummeted, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 1998, after which the company restructured as a licensing entity for its trademarks. Acquired by ACI International during its post-bankruptcy transition, LA Gear has since refocused on its core values of vibrant, Los Angeles-inspired , investing in and to revive its legacy. Today, the brand offers a range of retro hightops, collections, and apparel, emphasizing comfort, style, and community initiatives like "LA Gear Gives," while celebrating over 40 years of global presence in , accessories, and lifestyle products.

History

Founding and Early Development

LA Gear was founded in 1983 in by , along with Ernest Williams and Stephen Williams. The company emerged from Greenberg's earlier ventures in the and apparel space, initially targeting the women's market with stylish and affordable athletic shoes. The initial product line launched to the public in , featuring sporty athletic shoes designed for women, emphasizing and comfort through affordable canvas constructions in vibrant, eye-catching colors. These designs appealed to young women seeking trendy alternatives to traditional performance footwear, blending casual style with everyday wearability. That same year, LA Gear went public on the in July, raising capital to fuel expansion and production scaling. The IPO provided resources to broaden operations beyond the core women's segment. By the late 1980s, the company had diversified into men's and children's casual footwear and apparel lines, incorporating varied styles such as bold patterns and relaxed sportswear to capture a wider family audience.

Growth and Market Dominance

Under the leadership of founder , LA Gear experienced explosive growth in the late 1980s, transforming from a niche player into a major force in the athletic footwear industry. Company revenues surged from $70.6 million in fiscal year 1987 to $819.6 million in 1990. This rapid ascent propelled LA Gear to the position of third-largest athletic shoe company in the United States by 1990, capturing a 12% share of the domestic market behind only and . LA Gear achieved particular prominence in the women's athletic shoe segment, where its colorful, fashion-oriented designs appealed strongly to teenage girls and young women aged 13 to 25, accounting for the bulk of its sales. By emphasizing affordable, stylish over high-performance features, the company capitalized on the trend and filled an untapped niche in casual women's , with domestic women's sales reaching a peak of $287.1 million in 1989. This focus helped LA Gear secure third place overall among U.S. athletic shoe brands by mid-1989, underscoring its dominance in the fashion-driven women's market. The company's expansion extended beyond the U.S., with sales growing to $158.2 million by 1990 as LA Gear entered overseas markets to sustain momentum. Domestically, LA Gear relied on distribution through upscale department stores like while maintaining its original retail outlet, which served as a for its fashion-forward image. However, this aggressive growth sowed seeds of vulnerability through overexpansion, particularly a rapid buildup of in 1990 driven by an "at-once" model and ambitious new product lines. The excess , which strained margins to 34.9% that year from 42% previously, highlighted the risks of scaling too quickly without matching demand.

Decline and Restructuring

In the early 1990s, LA Gear faced mounting internal and external pressures that led to the ousting of its founder, . Amid sales slowdowns and internal conflicts, Greenberg stepped down as chairman and CEO in January 1992, following Capital Investors' acquisition of a 34% controlling stake for $100 million in May 1991. , which had gained influence through shareholder approval in September 1991, installed Mark Goldston as president and in October 1991 and eased out Greenberg to address the company's declining performance, including a 25% drop in sales to $537.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 1991 and a $28 million loss compared to prior profits. The company's troubles were exacerbated by fierce competition from and , which dominated the men's technical athletic shoe market, alongside excess inventory and a failed push into apparel. LA Gear's plummeted from 12% in 1990—when it ranked third in U.S. athletic —to 5% by 1992, as aggressive "at-once" ordering led to overstocking and deep discounting that damaged brand prestige and strained retailer relationships. Diversification efforts into apparel, launched in the late , faltered due to poor execution, prompting the closure of production and marketing facilities in 1992 and a shift to licensing for those lines, while overall revenues fell from a peak of $818.8 million in 1990 to $430.2 million in 1992. These challenges culminated in financial distress, leading to Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January 1998 to restructure $50 million in bondholder debts and eliminate existing common stock. The reorganization, completed in late 1998, transformed LA Gear into a licensing-only entity by late 1998, with operations reduced to 10 employees focused on brand partnerships. Throughout the decade's downturn, the company implemented severe cost-cutting, including a 45% workforce reduction in 1992, a 30% cut in 1995 affecting 160 jobs mainly at headquarters and distribution, and a 55% slash in 1996 that brought U.S. staff to 140 from 310; it also closed eight retail outlets in September 1995 and consolidated facilities to Santa Monica.

Products and Designs

Key Shoe Lines

LA Gear's key shoe lines from the late and emphasized vibrant and targeted specific demographics, contributing to the brand's peak popularity in athletic and casual footwear. The line, launched in the late , represented LA Gear's entry into high-end and training shoes, featuring bold colors and designs aimed at male athletes and sports enthusiasts. These shoes were positioned as premium options in the competitive athletic market, with a focus on dynamic styling to appeal to performance-oriented consumers. In the early , the series introduced inflatable elements for adjustable fit, targeting a broad audience seeking customizable comfort in athletic . This line capitalized on the era's trend toward innovative casual-sports hybrids, primarily marketed to active adults. The LA Lights sneakers, released in 1992, became an iconic offering for children, incorporating battery-powered lights that activated with movement to create a playful, attention-grabbing effect. Designed with vibrant hues and kid-friendly durability, they quickly gained traction among young consumers for everyday play and school wear. Complementing these were the Mid-City line and classic low-top models, which focused on casual sneakers in pastel and neon colors, primarily targeting women for versatile daily use. These low-profile designs emphasized lightweight comfort and fashionable versatility, aligning with the brand's expansion into women's lifestyle footwear during the 1980s and 1990s.

Technological Innovations

LA Gear pioneered several key advancements in athletic footwear during the and early , emphasizing enhanced comfort, adjustability, and visibility through innovative materials and mechanisms tailored to performance and . These developments positioned the brand as a competitor to established players like and , focusing on user-centric features that improved shock absorption, fit customization, and interactive elements. One of the brand's notable contributions was the Power Feedback System introduced in the line of shoes in 1991. This heel mechanism utilized a specialized contraption to capture the impact force from the foot's landing, effectively absorbing shock to minimize stress on joints and muscles. The system then redirected the stored energy upward, providing a rebound effect that assisted in propulsion during takeoff, enhancing overall performance for athletes like NBA player , who endorsed the shoe. In the early , LA Gear launched the series, featuring user-adjustable inflatable air bladders integrated into the tongue and upper for customizable support around the forefoot and ankle. Users could inflate the bladders via a built-in , allowing for a personalized fit that improved stability and comfort during activity; this technology drew legal scrutiny from , which settled a suit against LA Gear for $1 million in 1992 due to similarities with its system introduced in 1989. While predating certain adjustable air features in later models, the represented LA Gear's early foray into dynamic fit solutions. The LA Lights collection, debuting in 1992, incorporated motion-activated LED lights into the heels, powered by small replaceable batteries and triggered by a pressure-sensitive switch in the sole. When the foot lifted off the ground, the switch closed to illuminate the LEDs, flashing with each step to boost visibility—particularly for children—and creating an engaging, interactive experience; this was protected by U.S. Patent 5,303,485, filed in 1993 and granted to LA Gear in 1994, building on earlier concepts but adapted for practical integration. Initial kid models used a mercury-tilt , later replaced with a safer spring-based .

Marketing and Endorsements

Celebrity Partnerships

LA Gear forged several high-profile celebrity partnerships during its peak years in the 1980s and 1990s, leveraging the star power of musicians and athletes to promote its footwear lines and expand market reach. These endorsements often involved multi-year contracts that included television commercials, print advertisements, and product-specific promotions, helping to differentiate the brand in a competitive athletic industry. One of the company's earliest celebrity endorsements was with singer in 1988, marking one of the first major deals to target female consumers through her rock-star persona. Carlisle featured in holiday-themed television commercials and print ads, such as a 1988 spot depicting her strolling on a beach and encountering , which highlighted LA Gear's casual and lifestyle-oriented shoes. In 1989, LA Gear secured its most lucrative endorsement deal to date with , valued at $20 million and recognized as the largest in history at the time. Jackson promoted the sneaker line for both men and women through a series of advertisements, positioning the shoes as an extension of his iconic dance style and cultural influence. The partnership, however, faced legal challenges later, culminating in a 1992 lawsuit by LA Gear against Jackson for alleged contract violations exceeding $30 million. Building on this momentum, singer and choreographer signed an endorsement deal with LA Gear in 1990, focusing on women's athletic shoes through choreographed television and print campaigns that echoed the dance routines in her music videos. Ads featuring Abdul, such as those for the Sunblossoms line, showcased high-energy performances to appeal to young female audiences, integrating her performer background to emphasize style and movement. LA Gear also pursued endorsements from prominent athletes to capture the male sports market. NBA legend became one of the original endorsers in 1989, appearing in commercials for basketball shoes like the Fire high-tops after ending his long-term partnership. Similarly, forward promoted the Catapult basketball shoe line starting in 1991, featuring in ads that highlighted its energy-return technology for on-court performance. quarterback joined in 1990 with a multi-sport endorsement contract, starring in commercials for cross-trainers like the Animal line and demonstrating versatility across activities such as , , and weightlifting. In hockey, NHL star endorsed LA Gear's shoes in the early 1990s, appearing in promotional spots alongside peers like to target youth and casual players.

Advertising Campaigns

LA Gear's advertising in the emphasized vibrant, fashion-forward imagery to appeal to women and promote active lifestyles, often featuring colorful in and print ads that highlighted ' energetic, trendy vibe. Campaigns showcased bright, sequined high-tops and aerobic shoes with elements like rhinestones and fringe, positioning the brand as a blend of style and functionality for young women and teens. These in-house produced spots, such as those promoting the Brats line for back-to-school, used fun, upbeat themes to target untapped markets in women's casual , with an annual budget escalating to around $30 million by 1989. In the early , LA Gear shifted toward kid-centric promotions with the launch of LA Lights, a line of illuminated marketed as trendy, visible for children. Commercials highlighted the flashing lights in playful scenarios, like a game where the shoes created a "" effect or nighttime adventures, using taglines such as "Gotta own the light if you wanna own the night" to emphasize their "shoes to be seen in" appeal. These TV spots, aired nationally, capitalized on the novelty to drive sales, with the line becoming a short-lived among kids aged 5-12, often displayed in glowing store setups. However, the contained 0.5 grams of mercury per child-sized pair to activate the lights, raising health concerns for children and from improper disposal; sales were banned in states like and , leading LA Gear to pay fines and switch to mercury-free mechanisms. Promotional tie-ins integrated celebrity endorsements into ad executions, notably with in 1990, whose commercials featured dynamic dance routines demonstrating the shoes' flexibility and support during high-energy movements reminiscent of her music videos. These spots reinforced the brand's active lifestyle messaging while leveraging Abdul's rising fame as a choreographer and performer. Similarly, ads with briefly appeared in the early 1990s, tying into broader celebrity strategies without delving into endorsement specifics. By the late 1980s, LA Gear expanded its advertising internationally through distributors in and , adapting campaigns to local markets while maintaining core themes of fun and fashion to support international revenue growth to over $158 million by 1990.

Business and Ownership

Corporate Milestones

LA Gear went public on July 2, 1986, through an on the , where shares were priced at $11.50 and doubled to $23.75 on the first trading day, raising approximately $16 million to fund diversification beyond women's . In the early 1990s, amid declining sales and leadership instability, the company faced acquisition attempts and pursued internal strategic shifts. In May 1991, Trefoil Capital Investors L.P. invested $100 million for convertible representing a 34% stake, effectively gaining operating control and providing capital to stabilize operations. Following this, founder stepped down as CEO in January 1992 after a tenure marked by rapid growth but mounting losses. Post-1991 ownership transitions intensified after Greenberg's departure, with assuming greater influence through board appointments and management changes, including the appointment of Mark R. Goldston as president in September 1991 to lead a turnaround. In 1995, LA Gear attempted to acquire Ryka Inc., a maker of women's performance athletic shoes, in a deal valued at over $16 million, but the merger was terminated in April due to financing issues and renegotiations. By October 1997, sold its 42% equity stake to PCH Investments L.L.C., an executive-led group, for $228,000, marking a significant ownership shift as the company appointed a new chairman and CEO. To reduce mounting debt in the years leading to 1998, LA Gear engaged in asset sales, including systematic liquidation of excess at discounted prices starting in 1992, which cut holdings from 12 million to about 5.5 million pairs and generated cash to meet covenant requirements with lenders like . Additionally, in fiscal 1993, the company issued $50 million in convertible debt to bolster liquidity. These measures, however, proved insufficient, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January 1998.

Current Operations

Following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1998, LA Gear transitioned to a pure licensing model, partnering with third-party manufacturers to produce and distribute its footwear, apparel, and accessories under the brand name. This shift allowed the company to focus on and while leveraging external expertise for global production and sales. In the mid-2000s, LA Gear was acquired by , the parent company of Sports Direct, and integrated into its portfolio of sporting and lifestyle , including and . Under 's ownership, the brand has emphasized licensing agreements to maintain its presence in retail channels worldwide, with products distributed through the group's extensive network of stores and online platforms. The brand has pursued revivals through targeted collaborations to appeal to contemporary consumers. In 2014, LA Gear partnered with rapper for a sneaker line, including light-up models like the L.A. Gear Lights Liquid Gold, marking a relaunch effort aimed at urban fashion markets. This was followed by the appointment of designer Alexander-John as in 2021, leading to lifestyle collections featuring accents on retro-inspired for women. In 2022, LA Gear announced a retail partnership with Fred Segal for its relaunch, introducing the limited-edition collection with boardwalk-style sold exclusively through the er. As of 2025, LA Gear operates primarily through online sales via lagear.com, offering nostalgic retro lines such as the and Mid alongside signature light-up in and glow variants. The brand continues to license its designs for apparel and accessories, targeting heritage enthusiasts with modernized classics that blend and aesthetics with updated cushioning and materials.

Cultural Impact

Influence on Fashion Trends

LA Gear played a pivotal role in shaping and sneaker aesthetics by popularizing vibrant neon colors in athletic footwear, which became synonymous with the era's bold, high-energy . These eye-catching hues, often in pinks, greens, and yellows, transitioned sneakers from purely functional to statement pieces that complemented tracksuits, , and casual outfits, influencing the broader movement. This approach helped shift athletic shoes toward versatile, fashion-forward options that blurred lines between gym and casual attire, appealing to a wide audience beyond athletes. By focusing initially on women's designs before expanding lines, LA Gear broadened its appeal and encouraged non-traditional uses like urban fashion and outings. In the competitive "sneaker wars" of the late and early , LA Gear challenged giants like with flashy, budget-friendly designs that emphasized visual flair over advanced tech, capturing mass-market enthusiasm for colorful, accessible . This rivalry intensified brand in , positioning LA Gear as a key player in the explosion of sneaker culture. The introduction of LA Lights in 1992 exemplified LA Gear's trendsetting prowess, igniting a sneaker frenzy among children with motion-activated LED heels that lit up with every step, selling millions of pairs and becoming an instant cultural phenomenon. These light-up fueled widespread excitement in youth , though they also drew scrutiny over safety issues like mercury content in the bulbs, leading to bans in states such as and by 1994. Celebrity endorsements amplified their visibility, embedding LA Gear deeper into pop culture.

Legacy and Revivals

LA Gear maintains a nostalgic status as an iconic brand from the and , often highlighted in media retrospectives on sneaker culture and history. Documentaries and video essays on platforms like frequently reference its light-up sneakers and celebrity-driven popularity as emblematic of the era's athletic footwear boom, evoking memories of urban style and innovation for and Gen X consumers. The brand has seen revivals through targeted limited-edition releases that capitalize on this heritage. In 2022, LA Gear relaunched with the appointment of creative director Dave Osokow and a partnership with Fred Segal, featuring collections that celebrate style culture through reimagined classics like the Turbo mid-top sneaker. These efforts focus on nostalgia-driven designs for women, kids, and lifestyle consumers, available via official channels and select . LA Gear's influence extends to modern footwear brands, notably through its founder , who established in 1992 after departing the company. Greenberg's experience scaling LA Gear to nearly $1 billion in sales informed Skechers' growth into a global powerhouse, demonstrating how leadership and strategies from LA Gear shaped competitive dynamics in the industry. As of 2025, LA Gear holds over 300 trademarks, primarily in products, supporting ongoing licensing for apparel and accessories. This portfolio enables the to function as a licensor, extending its into various consumer goods while preserving its legacy beyond manufacturing.

References

  1. [1]
    LA Gear — ACI Footwear
    LA Gear began in 1983 and dominated the shoe market during the 1980's and early 1990's. When the first pair of shoes was introduced with an aggressive ...
  2. [2]
    ON THE RIGHT FOOT : L.A. Gear has captured the hearts of teen ...
    Jul 31, 1989 · L.A. Gear began diversifying in 1986 with men's shoes and shoes for infants and small children. It added sweat shirts, T-shirts and shorts in ...
  3. [3]
    What Happened to LA Gear Sneakers? The Company's Rise to ...
    Jan 25, 2024 · LA Gear was founded in 1983 by Robert Greenberg, Ernest Williams, and Stephen Williams, and it was launched to the public three years later.
  4. [4]
    Trying a New Shoe on for Size; Can Owners of Skechers Learn ...
    Jul 18, 2000 · Under PCH Investments, which currently controls the company, L.A. Gear entered and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1998 a much ...
  5. [5]
    History of L.A. Gear, Inc. – FundingUniverse
    LA Gear, Inc. emerged from bankruptcy in late 1998 as a pure licensor--and former manufacturer--of the LA Gear brand for footwear, apparel, and accessories.
  6. [6]
    LA GEAR
    ### Summary of LA Gear
  7. [7]
    L.a. Gear Inc | Encyclopedia.com
    May 14, 2018 · The company's largest initial licensee was ACI International, a Los Angeles-based footwear manufacturer, which was itself run by Steven Jackson.
  8. [8]
    [PDF] the collapse of L.A. Gear - University of Southern California
    L.A. Gear's exceptional stock price performance began with the firm's 1986 IPO, which was one of only seven non- penny stock offerings in the decade that more ...
  9. [9]
    L. A. Gear Tries A Full Court Press - The New York Times
    Jul 16, 1989 · Last year's sales of $224 million are expected to double in 1989, and the company has gained the distinction of being the best performer this ...
  10. [10]
    L.A. Gear loses $38.3 million - UPI Archives
    Feb 25, 1992 · ... 1990. Sales for 1991 were $618.8 million, compared to $818.8 million for 1990. L.A. Gear said the 24.5 percent decline in sales was ...
  11. [11]
    L.A. Gear CEO Greenberg Says He'll Step Down : Management
    Jan 27, 1992 · Robert Greenberg announced Sunday that he is stepping aside as chairman and chief executive of troubled LA Gear.
  12. [12]
    Sole survivors - Forbes
    Aug 6, 2001 · L.A. Gear's stock tumbled from $50 in mid-1990 to $10 in January 1991. Greenberg sold a 34% controlling stake for $100 million to Trefoil ...Missing: decline | Show results with:decline
  13. [13]
    It's Been a Bumpy Year for L.A. Gear : Retail: The company has lost ...
    Jan 31, 1991 · Even with the recently projected fourth-quarter loss of $4 million to $6 million--L.A. Gear's first red ink since going public in 1986--the ...
  14. [14]
    L.A. Gear Seeks Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Reorganization
    Jan 14, 1998 · “During our restructuring process, we fully expect to deliver all of our pending orders and to proceed with our fall 1998 line of footwear.”.
  15. [15]
    L.A. Gear Plans Store Closures, Layoffs in Bid to Slash Costs : Apparel
    Sep 15, 1995 · L.A. Gear, the nation's fastest-growing athletic shoe company in the 1980s, began to slide in 1990 because of marketing gaffes and a poor ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    L.A. Gear, Inc. - Company-Histories.com
    L.A. Gear evolved out of the longtime entrepreneurial adventures of Robert Greenberg. Greenberg attributed his entrepreneurial bent to his father, who sold ...Missing: Stephen | Show results with:Stephen
  17. [17]
    SELECT Vintage: Karl Malone's LA Gear Catapult - Sneaker News
    Jan 3, 2025 · The Catapults came fully equipped with the “Power Feedback System”, and a heel mechanism designed to absorb the shock of your foot's impact.
  18. [18]
    Kid Lit: When LA Gear's LA Lights Sneakers Created a Frenzy
    Jul 11, 2024 · Greenberg correctly believed the market for women's athletic shoes was underserved, and his gamble paid off. With a focus on a leisurely coastal ...
  19. [19]
    https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/fashion-beauty/la-gear-light-up-sneakers-controversy
  20. [20]
    A history of LA Lights, the original wearables - The Daily Dot
    Sep 24, 2014 · LA Gear's light-up kids shoes were the status symbol on playgrounds and in classrooms across the United States. So where'd they go?Missing: features | Show results with:features
  21. [21]
    https://www.dailydot.com/news/history-of-la-lights/
  22. [22]
    Running Mates: Infamous Sneaker ... - Risk Management Magazine
    Reebok soon filed for a patent and sued L.A. Gear, whose sneaker air-chamber technology was called “The Regulator,” and Spalding, which sold an inflatable ...
  23. [23]
    US5257470A - Shoe bladder system - Google Patents
    L. A. Gear has recently introduced a line of shoes called THE REGULATOR which use a pump. The bladders are sewn into the tongue only, however. The bladder film ...
  24. [24]
    https://patents.google.com/patent/US5257470A/en
  25. [25]
    They said that LA Gear had the design first in 1988! - Facebook
    Dec 19, 2023 · They said that LA Gear had the design first in 1988! The conversation revolves around the comparison of LA Gear and Jordan shoes, ...La Gear regulators rivaling major brands - FacebookRemembering LA Gear Shoes from the 80s and 90s - FacebookMore results from www.facebook.com
  26. [26]
    1988 Belinda Carlisle Holiday Commercial | L.A. Gear - YouTube
    Feb 16, 2024 · L.A. Gear commercial featuring Go-Go's singer Belinda Carlisle recorded in December 1988 from WPIX Channel 11 in New York.
  27. [27]
    L.A. Gear's $20-Million Poster Boy - Los Angeles Times
    Sep 24, 1989 · But Jackson's L.A. Gear signing isn't a typical bottom-line corporate endorsement, said Randy Phillips, a prominent rock manager who served ...
  28. [28]
    L.A. Gear sues Michael Jackson - UPI Archives
    Sep 11, 1992 · L.A. Gear Inc. announced Friday it has sued pop star Michael Jackson for more than $30 million for violations of his endorsement contract ...
  29. [29]
    SHORT TAKES : Paula Abdul on Line for L.A. Gear
    May 24, 1990 · Singer Paula Abdul is the latest star to hoof it into L.A. Gear's stable of celebrity sneaker promoters, joining Michael Jackson and Joe ...Missing: campaign | Show results with:campaign
  30. [30]
    LA Gear Sampler album - Paula-Abdul.com
    This mix is the same as the 1990 Medley Mix on "Shut Up and Dance." Various print ads were used to promote the shoe line and Paula's affiliation with L.A. Gear.Missing: campaign | Show results with:campaign
  31. [31]
    LA Gear pops up to challenge trademarks of Rams, Chargers - ESPN
    Aug 31, 2018 · LA Gear, most famous for its light-up sneakers 25 years ago and endorsed by the likes of James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Joe Montana ...
  32. [32]
    Joe Montana to star for L.A. Gear - UPI Archives
    Feb 12, 1990 · L.A. Gear's signing of Montana, whose team has won four Super Bowls, reflects its recent strategy of aggressive expansion into the men's market.
  33. [33]
    Joe Montana Takes Field for L.A. Gear : Retailing - Los Angeles Times
    Feb 13, 1990 · The L.A. Gear ad will also show Montana taking part in a number of sports--including baseball, basketball, weight lifting, bike riding and ...
  34. [34]
    Gretzky Ranks Among Elite In Arena Of Endorsements
    Feb 19, 1995 · Gretzky Ranks Among Elite In Arena Of Endorsements ... Sharp Electronics, Coca-Cola, Air Canada, Domino's Pizza, Easton Sports, L.A. Gear ...
  35. [35]
    Group Is Determined to Spread the Notion That Ads Should Sell Ideas
    Aug 22, 1989 · L.A. Gear has put its advertising budget in gear. The Los Angeles footwear company says it plans to double its annual ad budget in 1990 to ...
  36. [36]
    https://site.warrington.ufl.edu/ritter/files/IPOs-doubling-on-the-first-day.pdf
  37. [37]
    [PDF] Big IPO Runups of 1975-2025, as of July 31, 2025
    Nov 17, 1995 · May 13, 1986. $18.00. $47.75. 2,000,000. 236.41. LAGR. LA Gear. July 2, 1986. $11.50. $23.75. 1,650,000. 252.70. QVCN. QVC Network. Sept. 5, ...
  38. [38]
    Investors Agree to $100-Million Lift for L.A. Gear - Los Angeles Times
    May 29, 1991 · Under the agreement, Trefoil would pay $100 million to acquire preferred stock in L.A. Gear that could be converted at any time into 8.4 million ...
  39. [39]
    BUSINESS PEOPLE; New President Named At Faltering L.A. Gear
    Sep 27, 1991 · L. A. Gear Inc., trying to mount a comeback after a year of disastrous financial results, named Mark R. Goldston, a former Reebok marketing ...Missing: acquisition 1990s changes
  40. [40]
    COMPANY NEWS; L. A. Gear to Acquire Ryka To Expand Product ...
    Jan 31, 1995 · LA Gear said yesterday that it had agreed to acquire Ryka Inc., a small but admired maker of women's performance athletic shoes, in a deal valued at more than ...
  41. [41]
    COMPANY NEWS; MERGER ACCORD WITH RYKA IS TERMINATED
    Apr 29, 1995 · L.A. Gear Inc., the athletic apparel and footwear company, said yesterday that it had terminated a merger agreement with Ryka Inc., ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  42. [42]
    https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-02-02-fi-1065-story.html
  43. [43]
    L. A. Gear Runs Hard, but Isn't Gaining : Footwear
    Feb 2, 1993 · Trefoil stepped in after Santa Monica-based L. A. Gear suffered a collapse in 1990-91 that was nearly as sudden as the shoemaker's earlier ...
  44. [44]
    LA Gear Brand Available for Licensing - GLG Brands
    Licensing allows LA Gear to expand its reach beyond its traditional market. Through collaborations with diverse industries, the brand gains exposure to new ...
  45. [45]
    The power players: Frasers Group - Drapers
    Sep 2, 2022 · Campri · LA Gear · No Fear, US extreme sportswear brand – 100% ownership, bought for an undisclosed sum · Title · Voodoo Dolls.
  46. [46]
    Brands | Frasers Group
    Retail, rethought. Frasers is a fearless collection of the world's most iconic sporting, luxury and retail brands.
  47. [47]
    L.A. Gear Announces Brand Relaunch with TYGA | SGB Media Online
    Oct 23, 2014 · L.A. Gear Announces Brand Relaunch with TYGA. October 23, 2014. SGB ... L.A. Gear will first launch the L.A. Gear Lights Liquid Gold ...Missing: collaboration | Show results with:collaboration
  48. [48]
    LA Gear Appoints Alexander-John as New Creative Director
    Jan 12, 2021 · "We're so excited to bring on Alexander-John as Creative Director of LA Gear," said Jay Jackson, Executive Vice President of ACI International.
  49. [49]
    LA GEAR SET TO RELAUNCH: APPOINTS DAVE (DAVEO ...
    LA Gear will relaunch on November 18, 2022 - debuting a new look and reimagined footwear styles - with Creative Director Dave Osokow and retail partner Fred ...
  50. [50]
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwLW5YIylsQ
  51. [51]
    The Decline of LA Gear…What Happened? - YouTube
    Oct 7, 2021 · Few sneaker brands have touched the hearts of American consumers like LA Gear did back in the late 80s and 90s'. So what exactly happened to ...Missing: products women's canvas 1986<|control11|><|separator|>
  52. [52]
    The Rise and Fall of L.A. Gear - YouTube
    Aug 28, 2024 · L.A. Gear was the 3rd largest shoe company in the world at one point, and even though they're still around they are barely a blip on the ...Missing: overexpansion inventory buildup
  53. [53]
    Whatever Happened to L.A. Gear!??? - YouTube
    Jan 5, 2023 · L.A. Gear was the 3rd largest shoe company in the world at one point, and even though they're still around they are barely a blip on the ...Missing: 1990 | Show results with:1990<|separator|>
  54. [54]
    The Rise and Fall Of L.A. Gear & Michael Jackson - YouTube
    Mar 28, 2020 · ... sneaker wars of the late 1980s. This is the story of the battles between corporate brands and the showbiz world of the MJs. ✨ TIKTOK ...
  55. [55]
    https://fashionunited.com/news/fashion/la-gear-relaunches-with-new-creative-director-and-retail-partnership/2022112250831
  56. [56]
    LA Gear relaunches with new creative director and retail partnership
    Nov 22, 2022 · Commenting on Osokow's appointment, Jay Jackson, executive vice president of ACI International and LA Gear's brand manager, said in a statement: ...
  57. [57]
    Shoes: Robert Greenberg, founder of L. A. Gear, has launched a ...
    Oct 26, 1993 · Two years ago, Robert Greenberg was forced out of L.A. Gear, the company he founded and built to nearly $1 billion of sales in the '80s, ...
  58. [58]
    How the Greenbergs Became One of the Most Storied Families in ...
    Jun 16, 2017 · ... LA Gear, the sneaker company founded by the elder Greenberg in 1979. (Robert resigned from the company in 1992, and Michael was let go soon ...
  59. [59]
    Sole Survivors - Forbes
    Aug 6, 2001 · In the 1980s Robert Greenberg built one of the nation's hottest brands, L.A. Gear. Its profits collapsed overnight, and in the rescue operation ...
  60. [60]
    LA500 2025: Robert Greenberg - Los Angeles Business Journal
    Jun 2, 2025 · Greenberg also started L.A. Gear Inc. in 1983, which reached $902 million in sales in 1990. YEARS ON LA500: 7. Share. Facebook · Twitter.
  61. [61]
    La Gear Inc.: details of the 307 owned trademarks - Trademarkia
    Find details and information on the La Gear Inc. and their 307 trademarks. The majority of the La Gear Inc. trademarks are in the class Clothing products.