Evan Smith on designing his first signing for DC Shoes


For skateboarder Evan Smith, slipping his foot into the final design of his first pro model sneaker from DC Shoes gave him goosebumps.

But it will be the technology of the Evan Smith S that will make him happy.

Starting to design his first signature skate shoe, Smith wanted to focus on simplicity, durability, comfort, and the board feel. The first major new effort came with a new type of sole on the shoe.

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“During the initial design and modeling, I was approached with a new scientific idea,” Smiths told SI.com. “The idea was that these cone-shaped shapes absorb shock and allow for a more comfortable vulcanized sole. It has been a great success across the board.

Impact-I technology uses inverted cones of a lower hardness rubber to provide compression on landing, protecting your foot, while maintaining the flexibility and feel of the board. “You can actually smell your skateboard like turning on a light bulb,” says the pro skater.

The new sole technology allowed Smith to keep his model slim, as he wanted.

The 24-year-old skater from Florida is known for his trick selections and creativity. While the majority of the upper features DC’s Super Suede, Smith opted for a rubber tip for added functionality, although the reviews proved to be aesthetically popular, he says. The rubber toe cap makes for a more durable shoe, “which saves you money,” he says. “I guess we’re all trying to find promising skateboarders.”

But the Evan Smith S won’t stop with the original look, bringing out silhouettes that use suede instead of the toecap and low and high cuts. From there, Smith wants everyone to feel even more comfortable customizing the look. “Buy them and draw on them,” he says. “Make them yours”.

Beyond the shoe, Smith also designed a clothing line, although the two were made separately. “I really like the way that line came out,” he says. “The acid-washed t-shirts and the bleached tie-dye design are perfect for me. I am very interested in continuing to create more clothes.

The design bug grabbed Smith and gave him goosebumps.

Tim Newcomb covers stadiums, sneakers and tech for Sports Illustrated. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.



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