Recognized for their signature chunky sneakers and high-performance skate gear, DC Shoes has been a cornerstone of skate culture and street style for decades. The brand nails the perfect balance between durable, skate-ready footwear and the bold, graphic-heavy apparel that defines urban fashion.
If you're into their blend of edgy aesthetics, technical quality, and accessible prices, you're in luck. The skate and streetwear scene is packed with awesome brands that share a similar vibe. Here are 18 brands like DC Shoes to check out for your next pair of kicks or graphic tee.
As one of the most iconic names in skate culture, Vans is a must-know. Famous for their classic Slip-Ons, Old Skools, and signature checkerboard patterns, the brand offers durable footwear built for the board but perfect for everyday style. While DC Shoes often has a bolder, more technical look, Vans champions a timeless, laid-back Southern California vibe that never goes out of style.
Shop now at vans.com
Nike SB (Skateboarding) takes the brand's legendary performance technology and adapts it for the skate park. Expect innovative grip, superior impact absorption, and sleek, modern designs in models like the Dunk and Blazer. While DC leans into classic skate-punk aesthetics, Nike SB offers a sportier, more athletic take on skate shoes without losing any street credibility.
Shop now at nike.com/sb
If you're looking for skate shoes with a high-fashion edge, Supra is your brand. Known for its iconic high-top silhouettes and an adventurous use of unique materials and bold colorways, Supra is all about making a statement. Compared to DC's more traditional skate look, Supra's designs often blur the line between skate culture and avant-garde streetwear, perfect for anyone wanting to stand out.
Shop now at suprafootwear.com
Emerica is pure, uncut skateboarding. This brand is for the skaters who prioritize function and durability above all else. Their shoes are straightforward, tough, and built to withstand session after session. While DC appeals to a broader streetwear crowd, Emerica stays laser-focused on the needs of hardcore skaters, delivering performance-driven footwear with a clean, no-frills aesthetic.
Shop now at emerica.com
A true classic in the skate world, Etnies has been creating performance-driven skate shoes since the '80s. Known for their technical features, comfort, and skate-ready durability, their footwear is built for abuse. Similar to DC, Etnies bridges the gap between skate performance and casual wear, but often with a slightly more understated and minimalist design approach.
Shop now at etnies.com
HUF, which stands for "HUF Ultimate Fighting," perfectly blends skate roots with contemporary streetwear fashion. Their collection includes everything from durable skate shoes to graphic tees, socks, and hats that capture an authentic urban attitude. HUF shares DC's connection to skate culture but often leans more into a modern, gritty street style with a creative, sometimes provocative, edge.
Shop now at hufworldwide.com
Adidas Skateboarding re-engineers the brand's most iconic silhouettes - like the Samba, Gazelle, and Superstar - for skateboarding. They infuse these classics with skate-specific features like durable materials and enhanced Boardfeel. If you love the streetwear appeal of DC but want that classic, three-stripe brand heritage combined with solid skate tech, this is the perfect alternative.
Shop now at adidas.com/us/skateboarding
While firmly rooted in basketball history, Air Jordans have become an undeniable staple of streetwear. Their iconic high-top designs, premium materials, and endless coveted colorways make them a go-to for anyone focused on sneaker culture. Unlike DC's skate-specific function, Jordans are all about high-fashion street style and making a powerful statement with your footwear.
Shop now at nike.com/jordan
The Puma Suede is a timeless classic that has been adopted by countless subcultures, including skating and streetwear. Its simple, sleek silhouette and affordable price point make it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. While it's less of a technical skate shoe than what DC offers, the Puma Suede provides an iconic, retro look that pairs perfectly with any casual, street-inspired outfit.
Shop now at us.puma.com
Founded by professional skaters Mike Carroll and Rick Howard, Lakai is a brand that is truly "for skaters, by skaters." The brand is celebrated for its sleek designs, superior Boardfeel, and high-quality construction. While DC has a broad streetwear reach, Lakai maintains a hardcore skate identity, appealing to riders who want authentic, performance-focused footwear with a clean aesthetic.
Shop now at lakai.com
Originally a basketball shoe, the Nike Dunk was adopted by skateboarders in the 2000s and became a street style icon. Famous for its bold color-blocking and endless creative collaborations, the Dunk is a centerpiece in sneaker culture. Compared to DC, Dunks are less about pure skate tech and more about cultural cachet and collectibility, straddling the line between performance and fashion.
Shop now at nike.com/dunk
Reebok Classic delivers timeless, retro-inspired sneakers that have found a home in the streetwear world. Styles like the Club C and Classic Leather are known for their comfort and versatile, vintage look. While not built for a heavy skate session like DC shoes, they offer a comfortable, skate-adjacent aesthetic perfect for everyday wear and casual street style.
Shop now at reebok.com
Converse, especially the iconic Chuck Taylor All-Star and Chuck 70, is a permanent fixture in skate and street fashion. Though not as technically advanced as purpose-built skate shoes, their timeless canvas design and rugged simplicity have made them a favorite for generations. Converse delivers a much more classic, laid-back style compared to the often chunkier, more aggressive designs of DC.
Shop now at converse.com
Drawing inspiration from New York City's skate, hip-hop, and graffiti scenes, Zoo York offers an authentic East Coast street vibe. Their designs often feature bold brand logos and graphics that feel raw and unapologetically urban. Where DC might feel more at home in a skate park, Zoo York's collection is all about representing the concrete jungle and city lifestyle.
Shop now at zoo-york.com
Helmed by legendary skateboarder Mark Gonzales, Krooked is known for its quirky, creative, and art-driven approach to skating. Their decks, apparel, and footwear often feature "the Gonz's" distinctive illustrations and a playful use of color. If you like the rebellious spirit of skate culture captured by DC but want something with a more unique, artistic personality, Krooked is for you.
Shop now at krookedskateboarding.com
Arguably one of the most beloved skate shoes of all time, the Nike SB Dunk Low perfected the formula with its padded tongue, Zoom Air insole, and incredible grip. It's the shoe that ignited sneakerhead culture thanks to its endless list of hyped collaborations and colorways. Like DC, it blends skate function with streetwear style, but the Dunk Low carries a level of collectibility that sets it apart.
Shop now at nike.com/sb
The pro model for skate icon Dennis Busenitz, this shoe is a modern classic inspired by heritage soccer cleats. Known for its durable construction and clean, streamlined look, the Busenitz is a favorite for skaters who want a supportive shoe without extra bulk. It offers a more refined, minimalist alternative to DC's often bolder sneaker designs.
Shop now at adidas.com/us/skateboarding
Hockey Skate (from the same geniuses behind Fucking Awesome) offers a gritty, no-nonsense approach to skatewear. Their footwear is clean, functional, and built to take a beating, with a dark and aggressive aesthetic that's carried through their apparel. It's a brand for skaters who appreciate hardcore skate culture and a more understated, vintage-inspired style than DC's mainstream look.
Shop now at hockeyskate.com
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