FEATURE | TIE UP

Translated By DeepL

I’m in the mood to pick out some sneakers based on how comfortable they are to move in.
DC Shoes "AT-2"

I’m in the mood to pick out some sneakers based on how comfortable they are to move in.

Everyone has their own criteria for choosing sneakers. While there are plenty of options out there, right now I’m definitely in the mood to pick a pair based on how easy they are to move in. The “AT-2,” featuring DC Shoes’ proprietary AEROTECH ventilation system, is a performance shoe that debuted in the early 2000s. Its exceptional ventilation system prevents stuffiness even during hot weather or intense activity, promising unparalleled freedom of movement and a comfortable fit. The design, true to the DC Shoes aesthetic, feels fresh and has made a comeback in an evolved form after more than 20 years. You’re sure to fall head over heels for the ‘AT-2’!

  • Photo_Takaki Iwata
  • Hair&Make_Fumiya Ushiku
  • Model_Mathew
  • Text and Editing by Atsutaro Ito, Editing byYusuke Suzuki

〈DC Shoes〉 Sneakers ¥ 16,500, , Hoodie Jacket ¥13,200, T-shirt ¥4,950, Pants ¥8,580 (All courtesy of Boardriders Japan)

Exploring the world of "AT-2" with young dancers.

Functionality that stands up to intense movement and a look that boosts your mood. While the criteria dancers look for in sneakers are simple, it’s actually quite difficult to find a pair that truly satisfies those needs. So we asked Matthew, a young dancer wearing the DC Shoes “AT-2,” for his first impressions.

"I tend to choose colorful clothes, so I really like the vibrant look of this one. It also looks breathable and lightweight—just what I was looking for! It seems like it would go well with my everyday style, too."

The "AT-2" features an instantly recognizable DC Shoes look, with its thick tongue and iconic brand logos displayed on the sides and back. Functionally, a key highlight is the inclusion of AEROTECH ventilation, an innovative technology developed exclusively by DC Shoes. Airflow channels built into the shoe circulate air, allowing it to pass through the TPU shank to the feet, thereby regulating the temperature inside the sneaker. This technology, developed over the past 20 years, continues to support the creativity of a wide range of athletes across generations.

The location for this shoot was the rooftop of a building in Tokyo. Even in a place that bridges the everyday and the extraordinary, Matthew performed his sharp, stress-free dance moves. It was more than enough to prove the high functionality of the "AT-2."

"I really love how lightweight they are and how well they fit my feet. Thanks to the great ventilation, my feet didn't get sweaty while I was dancing! I usually wear shoes with air cushioning in the heel, so I was surprised to find that these offered just as much—if not more—cushioning."

At just 19 years old, Matthew has 14 years of experience in hip-hop dance. While he has danced in a wide variety of sneakers over the years, the high functionality of the “AT-2”—featuring AEROTECH ventilation—came as a delightful surprise. Reflecting the philosophy of <DC Shoes, the ‘AT-2’ combines visual appeal with cutting-edge technology to create a masterpiece that brings original value to a new era. Of course, it’s not just for dance—it’s a shoe that walks hand in hand with various cultures, including BMX and skateboarding, and is sure to become a new classic for DC Shoes.

"AT-2" (¥16,500 each; the snake-print "AT-2 SE" shown on the right is ¥17,600). Sizes range from 25.5 to 29.0 and 30.0 cm. The first shipment, featuring four color options, will launch on Friday, February 6, 2026.

INFORMATION

Boardriders Japan

Phone: 0120-32-9190
Click here for the product page
Instagram @dcshoes_japan