6 Best DC Sneakers, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Keep your looks fresh, hip, and sporty with these street-ready DC sneakers. Widely known in the skateboarding scene and action sports, the DC label has been producing great quality footwear since 1994. With its current collection of lifestyle kicks, the brand shows that it enjoys pushing the envelope of what is possible.
From casual shoes, slip-ons to high tops, and white and black sneakers, DC offers a wide array of many designs that will suit various street styles without sacrificing function, comfort, and performance. If you need a little nudge to the right direction, DC has recently reissued one of its iconic silhouettes -- the DC Lynx.
With 30+ of the best DC sneakers in this selection, it can be a bit of a hassle searching for the most suitable pair or more. To help you save the time and hassle, we’ve tested and picked our top recommendations below. Enjoy!
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69 dc sneakers
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest high topBest classicBest low topBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
To produce our sneaker guides, we invest as much time and sweat, and a bit of science to ensure we have the most comprehensive reviews and top rankings in the business. Inside our RunRepeat shoe testing lab, each model is carefully vetted, measured, and weighed. The whole approach also involves:
- Procuring all the pairs of sneakers from the DC brand with our own funds. This preserves our independence and bias-free approach when making our reviews.
- Evaluating the overall quality, strengths, and key features of each DC sneaker. We assess its actual fit, in-shoe feel, style, put-on and off aspect, support, grip, breathability, versatility, flexibility, and more.
- Collecting more comparable data from sneaker forums, expert opinions, and reviews from regular consumers. We consolidate all information and integrate them into the reviews.
To end the process, we give all the pairs of DC sneakers their ratings. Each model is assigned a CoreScore ranging from 0 to 100.
Best DC sneakers overall
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 2% in DC sneakers
- Top 18% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Fashion-forward design
- Highly-durable
- Versatile
- Comfy in-shoe padding
- Mix and match champ
- A great gift idea
- Ideal for various occasions
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Requires a break-in period
Verdict
The DC Lynx definitely lives up to the sneaker fan's expected mark of excellence. A classic skate shoe turned lifestyle sneaker, durability and quality still reign supreme. The plush and generous padding incorporated in the DC Lynx low top gives good comfort when worn. It is also versatile in terms of styling.
Best DC high top sneakers
DC Pure High-Top
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$44
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$66
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$80
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
- Top 8% in sneakers
- Top 10% in DC sneakers
- Top 28% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Quality materials
- Looks that last
- Reliable ankle support
- Snug fit
- Compliment magnets
- Excellently padded tongue and collar
- Reasonable price
Cons
- No arch support
- Requires breaking-in
- Some pairs have weak stitching
Verdict
With an excellent street-style flair, the DC Pure High-Top gives you access to great style through a quality yet reasonably-priced sneaker. The shoes’ looks are equally matched by an all-encompassing comfort that is felt with every step. True to its heritage, its design allows for skateboarding, with functionalities that translate to everyday wear as well.
Best DC classic sneakers
DC Central
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$38
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$65
Journeys
$65
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
Pros
- Well-cushioned interior
- Narrow-foot friendly
- Soft-as-cloud comfort
- Great traction (for casual users)
- Cool aesthetic
- Goes well with shorts and pants
- Not bulky looking
Cons
- Not durable
- Deteriorating skateboard grip
- Needs breaking in
Verdict
The Central is more than just a handsome pair of sneakers. It brings a heavenly experience with its pillowy soft cushion bed and blanket (upper) for your feet. The amazing padding doesn’t compromise the shape of the sneakers, so your feet still feel sexy and not bulky. Overall, DC Central is a fantastic snag, skater or not.
Best DC low top sneakers
DC Versatile
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$53
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$56
Journeys
$90
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$90
CoreScore
- Top 5% in sneakers
- Top 4% in DC sneakers
- Top 21% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Head-turning indeed
- Mighty comfortable
- Spot-on fit
- Superb surface traction
- Fantastic sensitivity
- Quite supportive
- Easy upkeep
- Above-average flexibility
Cons
- Could be better finish
- Can make ankles look stout
Verdict
In a nutshell, the Versatile from DC delivers powerful rides while providing remarkable ground control and feedback. It's a skate sneaker that draws in the "oohs" and "ahhs" from the crowd, whether you're performing the trickiest of tricks or just strolling about. Your time to shine is inevitable in this kick; all you have to do is wear it.
Best value
DC Court Graffik SE
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$38
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$65
Running Warehouse
REI
CoreScore
- Top 7% in sneakers
- Top 6% in DC sneakers
Pros
- Timeless style
- Wide range of colorways
- Budget-friendly price point
- Excellent support
- Superb ground traction
- High-quality materials
- Comfortable fit
- Eye-catching footwear
Cons
- Insufficient arch support
- Long break-in period
- Chunky tongue
- Poor board feel
Verdict
The DC Court Graffik SE featured almost the same elements as the original Graffik but was modernized with heavy-duty materials and details for contemporary consumers. The brand loaded this model with high-class comfort and support that suits the board use. While some griped about the insufficient arch support and poor board feel, many users still recommended this for its exceptional durability on and off the board with style and spunk.
Most popular DC sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 2% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Trendy style
- Both for casual and formal occasions
- Comfortable all-day wear
- Easy to put on and off
- Lightweight construction
- Breathable
- Durable
Cons
- Poor traction
- Lacks cushioning
Verdict
DC Villain is one of the brand's convenient yet street-ready offerings. It has a slip-on design and a slipper-like comfort that users love. Additionally, it's lightweight, breathable, and durable. The sneaker has a cup sole construction along with DC's Pill Pattern tread on the outsole. These features make this shoe another worthy model from the famous skate brand.
