9 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
9 October 2026
AI in Fashion
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Sportswear and outdoor

DC Shoes

Authentic Brands Group · United States

DC Shoes is an American action sports footwear and apparel brand founded in 1994 in Huntington Beach, California. It is owned by Authentic Brands Group.

Facts
Founded1994
FoundersDamon Way, Ken Block, Clayton Blehm
HeadquartersHuntington Beach, California
OwnerAuthentic Brands Group
Websitedcshoes.com
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
FootwearSportswearAccessoriesBags
Sales channels
E-commerceOwn stores

What is DC Shoes?

DC Shoes is a United States brand for skateboarding and snowboarding footwear and apparel. It was founded in June 1994 by Damon Way, Ken Block and Clayton Blehm, with its headquarters in Huntington Beach, California.

History and ownership

Quiksilver acquired DC Shoes in 2004, and the brand is now owned by Authentic Brands Group. Its owned retail stores were run by Liberated Brands, which closed all remaining locations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2025.

Products and positioning

  • Footwear for skateboarding and snowboarding
  • Apparel such as t-shirts
  • Bags, hats and accessories
  • Snowboards and posters

Distribution and marketing

DC Shoes sells online through dcshoes.com and has used online advertising and videos tied to its skateboard team as part of its marketing.

Why it matters

DC Shoes is a well-known example of an action sports brand moving through several owners, and its owned stores closed in 2025 while the brand continues online.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded DC Shoes?

DC Shoes was founded in 1994 by Damon Way, Ken Block and Clayton Blehm.

Who owns DC Shoes?

DC Shoes is owned by Authentic Brands Group. Quiksilver had acquired the brand in 2004.

Authentic Brands Group: all brands
All brands