DC is proud to announce the release of Dyrdek Collection from pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek. Dyrdek’s collection is a first for both himself and the brand, as its premiere athlete designed collection. The Dyrdek Collection includes footwear, apparel and accessories, all which feature signature branding and a custom print. The collection will launch to retail stores beginning October 1, 2009.

The collection was designed to fit perfectly in Dyrdek’s life, with custom fit denim for skateboarding, lightweight zip fleece, T-shirts, hats, wallets, a leather jacket and a new footwear model. A “water” pattern, representing the collection’s theme of “Fantasies Run Deep” is used across the collection as the lead print on t –shirts, fleece, and hats, as well as on interior linings of jackets, accessories, and footwear.

“After nearly 15 years with DC, I am excited to launch my first full collection of footwear,
apparel and accessories,” said Dyrdek. “I wanted the Collection to reflect my life, so I incorporated everything from pieces for skateboarding and everyday wear to aspects of my history, like a completely updated model of my first ever shoe with DC.”

Dyrdek’s latest shoe, the RD1 Mid, sits at the center of the collection and draws design cues from Dyrdek’s first ever shoe with the brand. Dyrdek joined DC Shoes in 1995 and set out to design the first-ever skateboard shoe with an athletic shoe's performance features and look. The result, the Dyrdek1, was the first skateboard shoe to feature protective nylon lace loops. Dyrdek’s signature shoe was met with unprecedented approval by the skateboarding community and sold out in record time.

Fifteen shoes later, the updated RD1 Mid model now comes in two colorways as a mid top with perforated leather and custom lining, but features the same paneling and lace loops from the Dyrdek 1 that revolutionized skateboarding footwear. The code “RD0915AW” is branded into the heel of the shoe, reflecting the original branding on the tongue of Dyrdek’s first shoe,“RD9501AW”, which combined his initials (RD) with the year (‘95), shoe model number (01) and his board sponsor (Alien Workshop).

Be sure to check out all the latest DC gear from the Zappos Rideshop!

DC

It takes a little extra something to stand out front he crowd these days. And in most cases, those who stand out do it fairly effortlessly. One look at Kyle Loza's riding style and the innovation and individuality he's brought to Moto X in the last few years and you instantly realize he's one of those people. Kyle epitomizes what etnies is and they are proud to welcome him to the etnies apparel team! Check out all the lates etnies gear from the Zappos Rideshop!

Emerica is back with another Blueprint collab shoe, the Francis Lo. Blueprint Pro, all-terrain ripper, artist, music aficionado, London resident-call him what you will-Vaughn Alfred Baker has been ruling the UK/European skate scene for quite some time now. For proof, check out his parts in blueprints first broadcast and lost & found videos.
After A round of recent injuries and ups and downs in his personal life, Vaughan is back, better than ever, and amped on the newest Emerica + Blueprint collaboration shoe. Spread some cheer with the Vaughan and get the newest Emerica Blueprint Collab - the Francis Lo from the Zappos Rideshop today!

Zappos Rideshop

Here's one for the ladies! Etnies Girl is loving fashion lately. For etnies Girl this fall is all about fun patterns, pop color, rich textures and clever little details. The etnies Sew Rock Series takes a cue from art school fashionistas and the ever-creative DIYers know for taking trends and making them their own. Check out the girls Fader special edition Sew Rock colorway on the Zappos Rideshop today!

Lakai has added a couple new styles to their "Recycled Program" for Back to School. Introducing the Mercer Recycled and the Carroll Select Recycled. Reducing waste impact is a global responsibility. Lakai has chosen to do their part by applying excess shoe materials that would otherwise be thrown away to selected styles each season. These styles also feature soles comprised of new gum rubber mixed with regrind rubber waste, reducing new material by up to 40%. Expect unique color and material combinations from all of Lakai's eco-friendly Recycled Program shoes. Check out some of the other recycled styles: The Manchester Select, the Koston Select and the MJ-2 Select. New styles available now from the Zappos Rideshop. Breathe!

Zappos Rideshop

Mo knows texting. Mo knows Call of Duty. Mo knows S.K.A.T.E. Mo knows Simi Valley. Mo knows Bagakoos. And now . . . Mo knows shoes! Introducing personalized Manchester Select and Commerce LK color ways by Mike Mo for Fall 2009. Get the Manchester Select from the Zappos Rideshop available now!

The black suede Munition CT Mid is the first installment of a two-part shoe series collaboration between long time DVS rider Chico Brenes and LRG. Designers looked to the early years of Chico's career for inspiration on it's look and feel.

The footbed print is borrowed from Chico's first World Industries pro model graphic, Orange Vendor, introduced in 1992 by artist Mark Mckee. The graphic features a tiny cartoon Paisa wearing a red flannel and selling oranges out of a box. This character is a direct reference to Chico's heritage as a Nicaraguan immigrant. The same flannel pattern used on the graphic is mimicked in both print and texture on the collar of the shoe. The shoe also features custom Chico and LRG branding on the tongue and heel.

To compliment the line, designers also produced signature apparel pieces that tie into the color and graphic themes of the shoes. The Chico x LRG apparel collection includes a textured red flannel New Era, a signature red flannel long sleeve, and graphic T-shirts that feature the same Mark McKee Paisa character found in the footbed of the shoe. Pick your's up today from the Zappos Rideshop!

Quiksilver made their way to the Zappos.com Rideshop Expo to show off their new line of 2009 Summer kicks.

Emerica introduces one of the cleanest technical skate shoes to date, the Reynolds Cruisers. If you don't know who Andrew Reynolds is by now you need to creep out of that rock you've been hiding under. With this new style Andrew Reynolds wanted some ultra-slim, low profile boat shoes to skate and chill in, and the Cruisers were born. The clean, simple exterior hides a high-tech, super protective STI Foam full-length System G2 footbed inside a vulcanized outsole. And don't forget the classic 70's logo on the tongue. I'll leave you with a quote from Andrew Reynolds "You need to buy this!"

Emerica has teamed up with Brooklyn Projects for a unique "Las Vegas" colorway of Braydon Szafranski's pro model. It reps Vegas hard with a large V-Shaped side panel and craps table insole art, casino carpet graphics and those bright neon colored signs that we all know and love so well. Standard features on the Braydon include a ventilating mesh upper. Padded tongue and collar. Triple stitched toe cap for added durability. Full-length polyurethane midsole. System G2 impact absorbing heel pad. Molded STI Foam footbed cushioning. To top it off it comes with an angular grippy tread pattern which adds to the flair to make the Braydon one hell of a solid skate shoe. Don't forget to check out our full range of Emerica shoes from the Zappos Rideshop!

Zappos Rideshop

Having the right pair of shoes on your feet makes all the difference. Not only do they help you to perform better on your skateboard or on the basketball court, but they also ensure that you look and feel good as well. Element Omahigh is one of the coolest types of hi-top shoes on the market today, take at look at this shoe before you make your next shoe purchase.

Element Omahigh - The Basics

Element Omahigh are hi-top shoes that retail for $79.00. They offer a medium width in men's sizes 7-14, with half sizes available. This shoe is made with a leather upper, blind sided ollie reinforcement and cold-connect construction. These shoes weigh in at about 15 ounces, they have a 15 inch circumference and a six inch shaft (based on the men's size 9 shoe.)

Element Omahigh - Styles

The Element Omahigh comes in three different color combinations. If you are looking for a dressier shoe, then the black and antique style is a good option. On the other hand if you are looking for a shoe with lots of personality and flare, then the brown, black, suede and mustang style is a better option. The third style is a great mediation between the flashy and the dressy. It offers a black, white and regal color combination.

The colors used in the Element Omahigh are neutrals so they will compliment just about any wardrobe. However, you will want to select the style of Element Omahigh that will work the best with the clothes that are in your closet. If you don't know which style to buy print out a color copy of each style and hold them up to your clothes. See which style works the best with your wardrobe basics or that gives your wardrobe the most pop.

Shoe Care

Since the uppers of the Element Omahigh are made from leather you will need to take extra steps to keep your shoes looking great for years. To start with you will want to weatherproof or waterproof your shoes. This can be done by using a commercial weatherproofing product designed for leather/suede shoes. You can find this product at shoe stores or online. Next you will want to clean your shoes regularly by brushing dry dirt off the suede or leather portions of your shoes. Finally, you will want to condition the leather portions of your shoes at least once a year. This will keep the leather supple and prevent it from cracking and peeling.

Support Macbeth's studio project with Jack's Mannequin and The Dear Jack Foundation at Zappos.com.

One of the most important pieces of safety equipment that you need for skateboarding is a great pair of shoes. The best skating shoes will have a flat sole with good grip. This will keep you from sliding or skidding off your board. You will also want to select a shoe that has been properly fitted to your feet. Shoes that fit the size and shape of your feet will not only improve your stability, but it will also reduce your chances of twisting your ankle or developing blisters. If you are looking for a great skate shoe then consider the Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer.

Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer - Specs

The Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer is a skate shoe that retails for $69.00. It comes in women's sizes 5-12, with half sizes available, in men's sizes 3.5-13, and in youth size 4. It has a medium width and a black, red, white and gold design. The shoe weighs in at about 18 ounces for a men's size 10 and has a shaft height of about 6.5 inches.

The construction of the shoe is impeccable. It has an upper made from a patchwork of canvas, leather and suede. It has an EVA insert that has been die cut and a gum sole.

Working Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer - Wardrobe Tips

The Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer is a great shoe that can be easily worked into nearly any casual wardrobe. They coordinate well with jeans and t-shirts, and can also make a great compliment to skater shorts and tanks for summer wear. These are not dress shoes but you can create a funky evening look by pairing these shoes with a more formal outfit, such as a dark pair of slacks, a bold printed T and a sports jacket.

Keeping Your Shoes in Top Condition

When you invest in a good pair of skateboarding shoes it is a good idea to take steps to protect their appearance. Keeping them clean is one step that you can take to keep the color and their general appearance crisp. Obviously when you skate outdoors you are bound to get them dirty. The trick is to allow mud and dirt to dry before brushing them clean. This is a better option than trying to clean mud off of wet shoes. This only embeds the mud into the fibers of the shoes. You can also protect your shoes by spraying them with a Teflon or waterproofing treatment before you first use your shoes. This will help make them water proof and also help them to become more resistant to stains.

Shoes are the foundation of your wardrobe, however, when it comes to skateboarding they are also the foundation of your stability. If you put the wrong shoes on your feet you can end up with sore arches and ankles, or worse yet sprained or strained muscles in your legs. If you are looking for a great pair of skateboarding shoes then try on the Vans Caballero.

Vans Caballero - The Basics
Vans Caballero are a mid rise shoe that offers an extra comfortable and supportive fit. They retail for about $64.00 and offer a medium width. They come in women's sizes 5-11, including half sizes, and men's sizes 3.5-13, including half sizes.

There are three styles that you can choose between. The most classic style is the black and white option. For a slight variation on this style you can also select the charcoal and white option. Finally, there is a more colorful option that offers a shoe design in black, white and ultra violet. All three styles come with the signature Steve Cabellero logo, which commemorates his 20th anniversary as a skateboarder.

The shoe itself has a suede or a leather upper and a cotton lining. They weigh in at an average of 20 ounces, however, this will vary depending on the size that you order.

Steve Cabellero
The Vans Caballero is a shoe that was designed to honor skateboarder Steve Cabellero. He's been grinding and tricking out since the late 1970s. Today he is known for his ramp work, however, he also has a history of being a top pool and vert trickster. Currently his favorite trick is done on a mini-ramp and it involves going from an Ollie to a k-grind to a Fakie stance. He also likes to do flip tricks while street boarding.

Cabellero is a family man with a great wife and a new baby. He is a San Jose native and he still lives in the American Southwest. When he is not skateboarding or promoting his career, he still jams with a variety of garage bands.

If you are a fan of Steve Cabellero, or if you just need a great pair of shoes, then try on the Vans Cabellero.

In the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky is the Louisville Extreme Park. This is the town's ultimate skatepark. It offers about 40,000 square feet of skating terrain and the city is in the planning process for a 20,000 square foot addition to the park. The addition that is planned for this park will be a 20,000 square foot skating pavilion that will have room for indoor skating features and concessions. To find this park all you have to do is look for the Louisville Slugger Field on Witherspoon. The Louisville Extreme Park is right next door on the corner of Witherspoon and Clay.

Louisville Extreme Park - The Basics
The Louisville Extreme Park has one of the best collections of skateboarding features in the state. It has a very rare 24 foot diameter full pipe, a six foot bowl, a couple of four foot bowls, a couple of eight foot bowls and a couple of eleven foot bowls. It also offers several fun boxes and a great street course. To top everything off is a twelve foot wooden ramp that has a great thirteen foot extension.

Each section of the Louisville Extreme Park is marked with a blue square, a green circle or a black diamond. A green circle means that the feature is appropriate for beginners, a blue square designates features that are suitable for intermediate skaters and a black diamond designates the most advanced skating features in the park.

Louisville Extreme Park - Important Information
The most important rule that you need to understand before skateboarding at the Louisville Extreme Park is that you have to wear a helmet. This is not just a park rule, it is a Louisville ordinance. If you are caught skating without a helmet then you can get kicked out of the park and be given a ticket.

In addition to wearing a helmet you also want to be dressed appropriately for the weather. On sunny days you will want to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, sunblock and clothing that will keep the moisture away from your body. On cooler days you will want to wear layers so that you can adjust your clothing depending on the weather.

Other rules that you need to understand before skating at the Louisville Extreme Park include skate at your own risk, no smoking, no drinking, no eating and no outside obstacles inside the fenced skating area. Spectators also need to stay outside of the fenced skating area. Finally, only skateboarders, in-line skaters and bicyclers are allowed to use the park. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.