If you've been keeping an eye on skate culture and Netflix lately, you probably noticed that the santa cruz stranger things collaboration is basically the coolest thing to happen to 80s nostalgia in years. It's one of those rare instances where two things that belong together finally meet, and honestly, it's a surprise it didn't happen sooner. Santa Cruz Skateboards was essentially the king of the sidewalks back in the 1980s, which is the exact era Stranger Things treats like a holy relic. When you mix the iconic, monster-filled world of Hawkins with the legendary graphics of Jim Phillips, you get something that looks like it was pulled straight out of a time capsule.
I remember seeing the first teasers for this drop and thinking it was a perfect match. Most "merch" collabs feel a bit forced, like they're just slapping a logo on a t-shirt and calling it a day. But this? This felt different. It felt like a love letter to the era of neon grip tape, baggy jeans, and synth-heavy soundtracks.
The Perfect Match: 80s Skate Meets 80s Horror
It's hard to overstate how much Santa Cruz defined the look of the 80s. If you were a kid back then, or even if you're just a fan of the aesthetic now, you know the Screaming Hand. It's arguably the most famous piece of skate art in history. Now, imagine that hand, but it's been warped by the Upside Down. That's the vibe of the whole santa cruz stranger things line.
The show itself leans so heavily into the skate culture of the time—think about Max zooming through the hallways of Hawkins High. It only makes sense that the brand she'd likely be riding in real life would partner up with the show. They didn't just make a few boards; they created an entire experience that bridges the gap between old-school skaters who actually lived through the 80s and younger fans who just wish they did.
Breaking Down the Best Boards in the Collection
If you're looking to actually pick up some of the santa cruz stranger things gear, the decks are the real stars of the show. They didn't just stick to modern "popsicle" shapes, either. They went all out with reissues and cruiser shapes that feel authentic to the period.
The Demogorgon Screaming Hand
This is the crown jewel. Taking Jim Phillips' Screaming Hand and turning it into a Demogorgon is genius. The mouth in the palm of the hand is replaced by those terrifying, flower-petal teeth we all know and love (or fear). It's available on various deck shapes, but the "Old School" reissue shape is the one that really turns heads. It's wide, it's got a big kicktail, and it looks just as good on a wall as it does under your feet.
The Character Decks
They also released series featuring the main crew. You've got decks for Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and Will. What's cool about these is that the graphics aren't just photos from the show. They use that classic, illustrative Santa Cruz style—slightly grotesque, very bold, and incredibly detailed. The Eleven deck, for instance, often features her with those bleeding-nose vibes, but rendered in a way that looks like 1985 skate art.
The "Upside Down" Lenticular
Some of the most sought-after pieces are the lenticular decks. If you tilt the board, the graphic shifts between the "real world" and the Upside Down. It's a bit of a gimmick, sure, but it's a cool gimmick. It captures the dual nature of the show perfectly. These are the ones that collectors go crazy for, and if you find one at a decent price, you probably shouldn't hesitate.
Is This Gear Just for Collectors?
A big question people ask is whether you should actually skate these or just hang them up. Let's be real: at the price point some of these are hitting on the resale market, it's tempting to keep them in the shrink wrap. But Santa Cruz makes high-quality gear. These aren't just decorative pieces of wood; they're actual seven-ply North American Maple decks.
If you're someone who loves the santa cruz stranger things aesthetic but doesn't want to ruin a limited edition deck, you can always go for the apparel. They've got hoodies, t-shirts, and even grip tape that lets you show off your fandom without worrying about snapping a $150 board. The hoodies, in particular, are great because they use that heavy-weight fleece that Santa Cruz is known for. It's built to take a beating.
The Art Style: Phillips Meets Hawkins
The real magic here is the art direction. Jim Phillips' style is characterized by heavy lines, bright colors, and a sort of "monster-movie" energy. It was rebellious and a little bit weird back in the day. Stranger Things is, at its heart, a story about weird kids fighting monsters.
When you look at the santa cruz stranger things designs, you can see how the artists respected both worlds. They didn't sanitize the Stranger Things monsters to fit the skate brand, and they didn't water down the Santa Cruz grit to fit a Netflix property. They found the common ground: both are a little bit dark, a little bit adventurous, and 100% focused on being "uncool" in a way that makes them the coolest things around.
Why the Nostalgia Hits So Hard
We're living in a time where nostalgia is everywhere, but it often feels cheap. The santa cruz stranger things collab feels different because it's authentic to both brands' identities. For the older generation, seeing a new Santa Cruz board that looks like it could have been in their garage in 1986 is a total trip. For the younger generation, it's a way to connect with a show they love through a hobby that's all about self-expression.
I think that's why this specific collaboration has had such staying power. It's not just a flash in the pan. Even months after the initial release, people are still hunting for specific pieces. It's become a bit of a "holy grail" for fans of both the series and the sport.
Tips for Finding the Gear Now
Since a lot of the santa cruz stranger things items were limited runs, finding them can be a bit of a hunt. If you're looking for a specific deck, your best bet is usually local skate shops first. They sometimes have old stock tucked away that hasn't hit the internet yet.
If that fails, you're looking at sites like eBay or specialized skate marketplaces. Just a heads up—prices can get a bit wild. If you're more interested in the clothes, those are usually easier to find, though some of the more popular "hand" designs sell out fast.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, the santa cruz stranger things collection is just plain fun. It reminds us why we fell in love with these stories and these brands in the first place. Whether you're hitting the bowl at your local park or just binge-watching the latest season for the fifth time, having a piece of this collab makes the experience just a little more "bitchin'," as Eleven might say.
It's a celebration of being an outsider, of fighting monsters, and of doing it all with a bit of style. If you can get your hands on any of it, you're owning a little piece of pop culture history. Just maybe try not to get sucked into any portals while you're out skating. That would be a real bummer.