Do you have absolutely no clue where the city of Grand Prairie is in the state of Texas? Well you aren't alone on that one. And whoever said skateboarders needed to study geography? But what sets this sleepy little community apart from pretty much any small town in the Midwest is that it has a first rate skate park.

The GPX Skate Park has a very advanced course—so advanced that it played host to the X-Games skateboarding qualifiers in 2001 and 2002. As this course is pretty rough you have to wear a helmet at all times and youngsters under 18 are required to wear elbow and knee pads. Fortunately there is a beginner section set aside for the clumsy or uncoordinated.

This proliferation of rules across our country merits concern as to what skate parks are going to ask these poor kids to do next. Wear banana yellow tube socks up to their knees with old school Element skate shorts? Okay, that might not be such a bad rule.

This epic outdoor skate park features a huge 40x12 vertical ramp, countless quarter pipes, half pipes, bank ramps, hand rails, flat bars and a whole lot more. The most interesting part of the GPX Skate Park is that the advanced and beginner courses are near identical with the starting course designed with challenges that are just a little bit smaller physically. So even if big brother is getting massive air on the big vertical ramp, little brother can still try out a smaller version.

The GPX Skate Park was paid for by the city of Grand Prairie as a place for local youngsters to hang out. Even though this skate park cost $1.2 million in taxpayer dollars this city should be commended for trying to create a safe, fun environment where entire families can come to learn the art of skateboarding.

The Emerica skate team has been killing themselves to wrap up the new "Stay Gold" video to be released very soon. To commemorate these efforts, Emerica created a "Stay Gold" collection which features trippy psychedelic colors on canvas uppers, and spray painted outsoles....all of which are Vegan friendly!

The shoes featured in the pack are the Reynolds Cruisers - an ultra slim, low profile boat shoe which Andrew created to skate and chill in. The clean, simplistic styling hides a techy, super protective STI Foam Full-Length System G2 footbed on a vulcanized outsole. The Francis Lo - An Emerica team favorite. It's a thinned-out 80's inspired skate shoe built to shred. And last but definitely not least, the Laced - A team rider-inspired price point shoe thats great for chillin' and meant to be worn without laces.

Check out the "Stay Gold" collection and the latest and greatest Emerica has to offer in the Zappos Rideshop!

AVAILABLE NOW are the follow up styles to last summer's Where The Wild Things Are collection from Lakai. This time around they have released two brand new limited edition shoes to commemorate the October release of Spike Jonze's highly anticipated film. The shoes consist of a Guy Mariano Hi and a canvas Pico, both illustrated with Wild Things eyes. Be sure to check out these new releases from Lakai right here in the Zappos Rideshop!

AVAILABLE NOW are the éS collab series with Royal Trucks. This time around the collaboration features three different models: The ever popular Justin Eldridge Theory 1.5, the Danny Garcia 2 Mid and the Tarmack. Be sure to check out these styles and all the latest and greates from éS right here in the Zappos Rideshop!

During the Fall, DVS introduced the Chico Brenes LRG collection with the first installment of the Munition CT Mid. You can read more about it here. That was then, this is "NOW"!

The "Now" version of the Munition CT Mid was designed with a modern, slightly more sophisticated Chico in mind. Chico is truly a man of international leisure and DVS designers embraced this idea in the shoe's aesthetics by using cigar-box themes in its coloring, logoing, and packaging. Designers also added custom snakeskin texturing on the collar and quarter panel, wrapped it in brown real nubuck, and added a viva suede liner on the interior for added cushioning and comfort.

Like unwinding with a finely cured tobacco, these kicks are made with relaxation and comfort in mind. Check them out here and all the latest and greatest from the Zappos Rideshop!

In continuing with Globe's ongoing Puzzle Series as part of the Limited Special Projects they produce, this time around Globe asked the skaters what they wanted for their next Limited model and they got back different answers from each of the guys. Each of the featured riders has a distinct style and personality and thus the new Puzzle Series all have completely different models.

David Gonzalez skates Globe's popular Hi-Top, the Superfly, so he picked out the best action leather, patent leather and shiny snake skin leather for his vulcanized Superfly Puzzle and added the fire red touch. Click here to check out the newest puzzle editions from Globe and be sure to check out all the latest and greatest from Globe in the Zappos Rideshop!

From humble beginnings in New England's hardcore scene, Killswitch Engage has emerged to play in the world's biggest festivals including the Reading and Leeds in the United Kingdom as well as on Ozzfest and the Vans Warped Tour in the United States. Bursting onto the scene with "The End of Heartache," a breakout hit that was nominated for Best Metal Perfomance in 2005, the band has become one of the most recongnized names in Metalcore. Their most recent release "As Daylight Dies" features several hit singles and the band will tour throughout the United States in 2009 after touring around the world last year.

Vans and Killswitch Engage collaborate on a special Vans Classic Slip-On™ release featuring the bands signature skull artwork created by bassist Mike D' Antonio, available now from the Zappos Rideshop! Click here to see all the latest and greatest from Vans and the Zappos Rideshop.

You’ve rocked dunks, the Skytop, the TK Society, and you’re looking for the next big thing; something with larger-than-life style, fresh streetside appeal, and kicks that are higher than high.

Meet the Rhyme from Osiris, a fresh fusion of classic skate style and progressive sneaker design. Armed with a staggering high top silhouette, the Rhyme also features a wraparound hook-and-loop strap that can be worn strapped or loose. Need that extra kick of swagger? Then the flap on the back of the shoe folds down, creating one big ‘n bold look. The Rhyme also features a special collaboration with Del Tha Funkee Homosapien from the now legendary Hieroglyphics hip hop crew. With colors that are Del to the floor, custom logo hits on both sides of the fold down flap, and custom artwork on the insole, these kicks are funky enough for even the funkiest.

Plus with the EVA drop in midsole, a heel insert that offers added impact resistance, and a padded tongue and collar, the Rhyme has all the support and comfort you’d expect in any Osiris shoe.

Kicks this fresh won’t be around forever, so check them out on the Zappos Rideshop now!

Who in their junior high and high school days didn't at least own one pair of slip on Vans shoes? These comfortable, long lasting and easy to slip-on shoes are a part of our national heritage. Sitting in homeroom, doodling in pen on the rubber edge of your Vans is possibly the most 80's of memories.

Well, now you can relive those glory days even in some of the retro-80's checkerboard styles with the Vans Classic Slip On Core Classics. These shoes are guaranteed to bring back memories and make your life a whole lot easier. Because let's be honest, who has time for shoelaces? You didn't have time for them back then and you definitely don't have time for them now.

Styles
Vans Classic Slip On Core Classics are so affordable you could easily buy a different style to suit your every mood or one for each day of the week. There is the retro checkerboard in black/white, red/white, pink/black and red/black. For more of a preppy look go for the blue, white or black. There is even a version so white that you could probably hit the skate park in the dark and the cops could still see you.

Materials
These shoes come with classic Vans EVA insole support to help cushion heavy landings when grinding, shredding or just jumping off the roof. They have a cotton drill lining for extra comfort and breathability. The sole is Vulcanized to repel heat and to make it durable. And as always there is the gum rubberized outsole that is a Vans trademark—you could probably even still write in pen on it.

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Well, with sales of his all encompassing skate apparel line booming, Mr. Rob Dyrdek might be getting seriously close to being able to buy the whole world, Dr. Evil style. We all know he at least has his "Fantasy Factory" on MTV where each week the man shows off his toys and how he likes to abuse his staff. (Only in Jest, to be sure! The fights on that show are more staged than the plot of "The Hills.")

In just a few short years, the interlocking D and C for "Dyrdek Collection" has become one of the most sought after logos in the entire clothing industry, to say nothing of skate apparel. To put it in perspective, the Dyrdek Collection's DC has almost become as recognizable as the two GGs were for Gucci in the 1980's. And just as Gucci did in the 1980's, the Dyrdek Collection is also trying to branch out from a previously successful logo into an entire brand filled with fashionable goodies. Because life unfortunately sometimes requires more than just a hooded sweatshirt.

Oh, but DC does make a great hoodie now doesn't it? First is the"Electric Blue Dimensional Fleece Zip Hoodie" (perfect for winter) featuring a totally unique design over the front but the usual Rob Dyrdek quality. No interlocking DC logos here but it somehow still looks like a piece from this skate company.

Now the Dark Gray "Regain Fleece Zip Hoodie" still features the well known logos but this time styled much differently almost as if someone had put a hand-full in a blender and hit puree. Again, this is one warm and stylish hoodie.

While it is never in good taste to generalize about people there is one undeniable trend among those in the Skateboarding community. Not only do they generally love a good session of shredding and grinding at a local skate park but they often times turn to snowboarding during the winter months. Oh yes, and one more thing. They usually love Bob Marley. I mean, who doesn't love *Bob Marley*?

This is where the Matix Clothing Company's Asher Rasta Black Hoodie comes in. Warm enough for the coldest winter yet breathable enough to be worn in the fall or early spring, the Asher Black Hoodie really is a jacket for all seasons. Not only does this hoodie look cool and keep you warm but it also makes a statement for anyone out there who loves to skate, snowboard and rock out to Bob Marley's seminal album "Rebel Music."

The Matix Clothing Company Asher Rasta Black Hoodie has Kangaroo pouch pockets on either side and is fully lined with nylon to help keep you cool. For a textured look and feel the Asher Rasta Black Hoodie has banded cuffs and waist. Why is that important? So many hoodies are loose around the wrist and waist that they make people who may be physically fit look fat. Always remember that wearing loose clothing is not a cover up—it will just make you look overweight.

This hoodie is also 100% machine washable, available only in black with a small red, yellow and green rasta emblem, this hoodie is sure to sell out quickly. So, regardless of where you are or what you are doing, the Asher Rasta Black Hoodie will not only keep you warm it will also express your vast and varied interests.

Emerica has been noticing a "product review" trend lately on YouTube. More specifically skaters making their own personal reviews of skate shoes on the web to let their voices be heard. These reviews are straight from the skaters mouths (literally). They are not sanctioned by companies, and are a clear example of skaters empowering themselves to speak out individually and independently to let there voices be heard. So, Emerica just launched a blog on the Emerica site called Emerica's Review Tube! This blog will seek to collect this information in one place on the Emerica site, via YouTube, for Emerica users to see, get inspired, and create their own personal reviews. It will also promote even greater integration and connection with Emerica, and allows them the opportunity to learn invaluable insights directly from the skaters themselves. Take a minute to check out the blog and for all your Emerica shoes and clothing needs be sure to visit the Zappos Rideshop!

In honor of the Reggae Rising festival in Northern California, Ipath introduces the Reggae Rising Collaboration pack. Reggae Rising is a long-standing reggae festival that brings thousands of fans every July. The pack consists of the Ipath Limited Edition Reed shoe, a commemorative frisbee, an authenticity card and extra rasta laces and is limited to 250 packs total. You can get yours while supplies last HERE from the Zappos Rideshop!

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!