Who doesn’t like Wes Kremer? Given that this is his third product-related appearance in this Skate 100s product guide, it ought to come as no surprise that he’s one of our favourites too. The effortlessly stylish and always smiling San Diego native delivers pure gold with every trick captured on camera and has shown no signs of slowing down since taking Thrasher’s 2014 ‘Skater of the Year’ award: A pure, indisputably legit skateboarder through and through.

Hassle free and “Designed for good times” – the DC Shoes Wes Kremer 2 shoe is a low top vulcanised model that simultaneously strips back and builds on the design of Wes’ first signature shoe. Although seen laced up here, the shoe can be worn as a slip-on with the minimal lacing system providing additional support if required.

“A low profile but highly technical skate shoe with enhanced board feel and responsiveness with the added bonus of the option of lace-free wear”

The shoe’s upper is constructed from DC’s Super Suede with minor stitching strategically placed to prevent contact with griptape and by minimising the amount of panels, lace loops and padding, the Wes Kremer 2 has a more streamlined silhouette than its predecessor.

This streamlining allows for a longer toe piece, constructed from a single piece of suede, which provides more responsive board control. An abrasion resistant screening also coats the toe cap to prolong the shoe’s lifespan by reinforcing high areas of wear caused by ollies and flip tricks. Furthermore, the extra layer aids with the grip and flick of the shoe alongside tonal colouring, creating a versatile aesthetic that is easy to wear whether on or off the board.

Although simple in construction, the Kremer 2’s utilises DC’s Impact S technology, which equips the model with an insole that is thick in the heel and thin in the forefoot to aid impact protection and board feel respectively. The shoe’s vulcanised sole is also flexible and comfortably grips the concave of a board thanks to the classic DC pill patterning.

DC Shoes have once again collaborated with Wes’ board sponsor SK8MAFIA and thus, logos of both brands decorate the heel tab of the shoe alongside a custom embroidered tongue tag topped off with gold highlights and co-branded gold lace eyelets.

A low profile but highly technical skate shoe with enhanced board feel and responsiveness with the added bonus of the option of lace-free wear. An interesting aesthetic and highly performance based alternative to the standard vulc silhouette from DC shoes.

If it works for Wes, it’ll work for you.

• DC SHOES – WES KREMER 2
• RRP: £64.95
• DCSHOES.COM