If you paid attention during Big Air at the X Games, you saw a new, unique shoe on Danny Way’s feet. They were special shoes we made just for Danny—a skate shoe designed specifically for skating the MegaRamp. It’s the first of its kind.
Skating the MegaRamp reaks absolute havoc on your body and destroys your shoes, so all the technologies in the shoe have been built to lessen some of that damage. DC designers took this opportunity to use and test out some new technologies on this shoe—what better way than Danny and the MegaRamp to test support, durability, and comfort. Though most skateboarders will never skate the Megaramp, many of the technologies in the custom shoe may trickle down to the rest of the DC footwear line in the near future, making better, longer lasting skate shoes for the rest of us.
Under Danny’s research and development, the shoe:
... is the first DC shoe to feature the new Mega Suede™ on the toe, the evolution of Super Suede™ and hands down the most durable suede in skateboarding. It’s four timea more durable than regular suede. Friction is a major issue on the MegaRamp—Mega Suede™ helps the shoe withstand that.
... has a mid-top construction per Danny request, with a really supportive and comfortable collar that forms to the foot.
... has a Thermo Plastic exo-skeleton around the heel area for support. The exoskeleton is fully breathable and also allows great airflow to keep the foot cool.
... features a lace protector strap with ratchet closure. The MegaRamp burns through laces and the laces melt in pretty much one knee slide, so the lace protector adds an extra layer of tough protection.
... has a speed lace lining inside for even more ankle support. The system locks down the heel, and it’s tough so that it doesn’t rip off when knee sliding on the MegaRamp.
... has a Drop-In Cushion System™ with airbag. Obviously there’s a lot of slams and heavy impact that goes with skating the MegaRamp, and the Drop-In System absorbs a lot of that shock.
... employs a clear sticky rubber outsole. DC designers drilled through the bottom of the outsole and also the Drop In System for ventilation so Danny’s feet don’t get too hot.
During X Games, we put up a cool video piece detailing the shoe and Danny’s involvement in its creation… go here to watch it.