The History of DC Shoes
Founded in 1994 in Vista, California by Ken Block and Damon Way, DC Shoes quickly rose to prominence in the skateboarding world, gaining recognition for its performance-driven footwear and strong roster of team riders.
The ‘DC’ in DC Shoes originally stood for ‘Droors Clothing’. Block and Way initially wanted to name the brand ‘Eightball’, but after discovering the name was already taken, they opted for ‘Droors Clothing’ instead. Eventually, DC Shoes separated from Droors Clothing after the latter became defunct.
Although it started with a focus on skateboarding, by the early 2000s, DC Shoes was experiencing explosive success from their strategic brand expansion, powerful athlete endorsements, and entry into lifestyle branding.
Its focus now included other action sports like snowboarding, motocross, BMX and surfing, and DC Shoes created technical and tailor-made footwear and apparel for each sport to establish itself as a powerhouse in the action sports universe.
They also shaped the public personas of their endorsed athletes, and integrated them into marketing campaigns and product development in a way that was completely new at the time.
Danny Way, co-founder Damon Way’s brother and known skateboarding daredevil, was sponsored by DC Shoes while pulling off stunts like jumping the Great Wall of China. Rob Dyrdek had his own signature shoe line and became an ambassador for the brand, while Travis Pastrana solidified DC’s presence in the extreme motorsports space.
At the same time, DC also collaborated with artists, musicians and designers to expand their reach. In 2003, Linkin Park released a shoe with DC that helped the brand break their purely skate shoe mould and enter the lifestyle and fashion scene.
The brand relaunched in 2011 with a new campaign, introducing a fresh team of riders including Nyjah Huston, Mike Mo Capaldi, and Chris Cole. Aiming to reconnect with their audience, DC Shoes produced new performance skate shoes with modernised silhouettes and materials more in line with recent trends, and placed a greater focus on digital content and video storytelling.
In 2021, DC launched the RE/SOLVE Sustainability Program. Their initiatives included new packaging standards with reduced waste, and vegan and eco-conscious footwear lines that included materials like recycled cotton, cork, and used coffee grounds.
Recently, in 2025, DC Shoes have faced significant financial challenges that have culminated in widespread store closures and liquidation sales. Despite this setback, the brand continue to focus on its online presence and partnerships.
DC Shoes: Answering Your Questions
What does the DC in DC Shoes stand for?
DC Shoes was founded in 1994 by Ken Block and Damon Way, originally standing for Droors Clothing. The founders had previously been involved with Droors Clothing, which eventually became defunct. Subsequently, DC Shoes became independent from Droors and now operates simply as DC Shoes, Inc.
Who owns DC Shoes?
DC Shoes was acquired in 2004 by Quiksilver. In 2023, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) acquired the parent company of Quiksilver, Boardriders, Inc, meaning DC Shoes is now owned by ABG.
Do DC Shoes last long?
DC Shoes are specifically built to last, with reinforced materials designed to withstand the wear and tear of skate sessions.
Are DC Shoes only for skaters?
While DC Shoes originally developed their sneakers for skateboarding, their range has expanded to include casual and lifestyle footwear and apparel. Many people wear DC Shoes for everyday use.
Are DC Shoes soft?
DC Shoes are more padded than your average skate shoe, meaning that they’re not only very comfortable, but feature a 90’s look and feel that’s seen a resurgence recently in the Y2K and retro trend.
Do DC Shoes fit true to size?
DC Shoes tend to run slightly large, so if you want a snug fit, try sizing down half a size.
How do you tie DC Shoes?
For guidance on tying your DC laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How do you clean DC Shoes?
A DC Shoe is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy DC Shoes?
Do you have your eye on this brand? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse DC Shoes at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on DC restocks and new releases!
For more FAQs on your favourite sneaker brands and models, visit the Sneaker FAQ page.
