6 Best DC Sneakers, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Sheena
Sheena on

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!

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

DC Lynx
DC Lynx

CoreScore

98
Superb!
4.9 / 5 from 94 users

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.
DC Lynx full review

Best DC high top sneakers

DC Pure High-Top
DC Pure High-Top

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 4,420 users

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.
DC Pure High-Top full review

Best DC classic sneakers

DC Central
DC Central

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 3,596 users

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.
DC Central full review

Best DC low top sneakers

DC Versatile
DC Versatile

CoreScore

94
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 217 users

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.
DC Versatile full review

Best value

DC Court Graffik SE
DC Court Graffik SE

CoreScore

94
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 61,372 users

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.
DC Court Graffik SE full review
Author
Sheena
Sheena

Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogs to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinizing hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favorite pastime.