THE NEW SHOE DEBUTS WITH CLEAR NODS TO DC'S PAST, MODERN INNOVATION, PREMIUM MATERIALS, AND FUTURE-FACING STYLE.
Media Summary
- The Shanahan Pro is available July 1st at DCShoes.com and select skate shops across the globe.
- Interviews are available with John Shanahan on request.
- See the written Q+A w/ John Shanahan below. An expanded Q+A is available on request.
- DC will release three additional colorways of the Shanahan Pro in the coming months.
- View + select John Shanahan Pro Model lifestyle imagery
- View + select John Shanahan Pro Model product imagery
Image: Mike Heikkila
The Shanahan Pro is DC's first all-new pro skate silhouette in a minute and people are hyped. Teaming up with New York-based team rider John Shanahan who worked closely on the design, the Shanahan Pro pays homage to DC's rich skate archive with its classic, low-cut design, iconic branding, and high-impact product detailing found on many of DC's most revered heritage pro models. The Shanahan Pro includes a TPR heel logo, the stabilizer-injected TPU detachable strap, and the EVA heel cradle.
In terms of color, the Shanahan Pro pulls cues from Shanahan's favorite lifestyle sneaker releases - reflecting the sport-luxe aesthetic synonymous with DC's most celebrated skate shoes. The Shanahan Pro features modern fabrication upgrades, including premium materials and innovative technology. The upper is constructed from suede and leather, providing superior durability. The impact-resistant sole ensures that the shoe can withstand even the toughest skate sessions while maintaining a superior board feel - the Shanahan Pro is the perfect blend of style and performance, carefully curated by Shanahan himself.
JOHN SHANAHAN Q&A
Can you tell us the inspiration behind your new pro model shoe, the Shanahan Pro? What inspired the design?
I took most of my inspiration directly from DC Shoes. My goal was to create a shoe that fits the late 90s/early 2000s DC aesthetic but was also entirely new. I studied some of my favorite DC models, such as the Howard 2, the LYNX, the Legacy, and a few others. I wanted to try to incorporate some of my favorite features from those models while adding my own flair to them. The main focus was style and performance. I really wanted to make something that would stand the test of time and still be wearable/skateable in 20+ years.
I took most of my inspiration directly from DC Shoes. My goal was to create a shoe that fits the late 90s/early 2000s DC aesthetic but was also entirely new. I studied some of my favorite DC models, such as the Howard 2, the LYNX, the Legacy, and a few others. I wanted to try to incorporate some of my favorite features from those models while adding my own flair to them. The main focus was style and performance. I really wanted to make something that would stand the test of time and still be wearable/skateable in 20+ years.
As a pro skateboarder, what specific features did you focus on when designing the Shanahan Pro to ensure it caters to the needs of skateboarders?
One of the most important things I kept in mind was the padding. I wanted to create the perfect in-between of “puffiness” in a skate shoe, not too bulky but not too slim. They are well-padded and very comfortable while still being able to feel your board. Another specific feature would be the Gillie Lacing System. The laces are pretty much untouchable from your grip tape, so ripping them should never be a problem. There is mesh throughout the shoe and an inside vent to keep them cool and breathable. We added a removable strap for extra support if needed, or just keep them open for style points.
One of the most important things I kept in mind was the padding. I wanted to create the perfect in-between of “puffiness” in a skate shoe, not too bulky but not too slim. They are well-padded and very comfortable while still being able to feel your board. Another specific feature would be the Gillie Lacing System. The laces are pretty much untouchable from your grip tape, so ripping them should never be a problem. There is mesh throughout the shoe and an inside vent to keep them cool and breathable. We added a removable strap for extra support if needed, or just keep them open for style points.
How is the Shanahan Pro different from other skate shoes in the market? What unique elements did you incorporate into its design?
This shoe feels different because of its unique “in-between” state. It’s a bit puffy without being too bulky. It has technical features but also has a simple design. It looks like a vintage skate shoe but is a brand-new design. It’s kind of an ATV of a skate shoe.
It also has a lot of subtle yet personal touches, such as the JS logo on the tongue pull and heel pull, the signature footbed, the strap clip is an “S” shape, and the transparent jewel DC logo is italicized.
This shoe feels different because of its unique “in-between” state. It’s a bit puffy without being too bulky. It has technical features but also has a simple design. It looks like a vintage skate shoe but is a brand-new design. It’s kind of an ATV of a skate shoe.
It also has a lot of subtle yet personal touches, such as the JS logo on the tongue pull and heel pull, the signature footbed, the strap clip is an “S” shape, and the transparent jewel DC logo is italicized.
What's your favorite aspect of the Shanahan Pro and why? Is there a specific detail or feature that you're particularly proud of?
One of my favorite details on the shoe is the removable strap. The strap can really change the way the shoe feels and looks. You can make it tight for extra support or have it loose for a more relaxed feel. It is also nice that it is optional and you can remove it completely. The piece that the strap clips into is molded into an “S” shape. It’s an interesting detail that is very subtle. It’s the little things like that which make the shoe feel more personal to me.
One of my favorite details on the shoe is the removable strap. The strap can really change the way the shoe feels and looks. You can make it tight for extra support or have it loose for a more relaxed feel. It is also nice that it is optional and you can remove it completely. The piece that the strap clips into is molded into an “S” shape. It’s an interesting detail that is very subtle. It’s the little things like that which make the shoe feel more personal to me.
Are there any specific technologies or materials used in the Shanahan Pro that make it stand out in terms of performance and durability?
The materials will vary from colorway to colorway but every pair I’ve skated so far have been extremely durable. I usually don’t skate shoes for very long but these last forever and feel great broken in. We made sure the stitching around the toe cap was far back enough so that it wouldn’t rip where you flick off from the toe. I think that is a vital part of building a skate shoe. If the stitching hits where you flick/Ollie the shoe will fall apart way faster.
The materials will vary from colorway to colorway but every pair I’ve skated so far have been extremely durable. I usually don’t skate shoes for very long but these last forever and feel great broken in. We made sure the stitching around the toe cap was far back enough so that it wouldn’t rip where you flick off from the toe. I think that is a vital part of building a skate shoe. If the stitching hits where you flick/Ollie the shoe will fall apart way faster.
The John Shanahan pro model is available July 1st at DCShoes.com and select skate shops across the globe.
About DC Shoes
Since 1994, DC Shoes has been committed to progression—from game-changing skate shoe designs to supporting the most groundbreaking skateboarders, snowboarders, and artists in the world. DC helped shape modern collaboration culture by pioneering partnerships with the likes of Supreme, FTP, Shepard Fairey, Buscemi, Doublet, and Carrots. In 2023, DC continues to push the envelope with more exciting collaborations. dcshoes.com @dcshoes @dc_womens