BLENDS x VANS Vault Sk8-Hi Zip LX from Mick Aure on Vimeo.

The rumors have been flying around for months now, and we now have the official release info for the next installment in the Vault x Blends “Bones” collection.  This time, they went back to their initial model, the Sk8-Hi Zip LX, but this time in a Chili Pepper Red colorway with Black accents.  We were anticipating an all-white colorway, as that was the photos that were initially leaked, and we always knew of a rumored red pair, but we thought they were going to go Right, with a seemingly typical all-red colorway, and in Blends fashion, they went Left with a timeless Red/Black color combination.  Some of you might be disappointed with that, but years from now, you’ll be happy that they bucked the trend.  Always choose timeless over trendy.  Always.  With that said, I hope you’re excited about these, like we always are.  Blends once again comes through with the heat.  The only question now is, will these be a part of your top 10 of 2014?

Words via Blends:

“Following the 2013 release of our Black SK8 Hi, and our Old Skool earlier this year we at Blends have teamed up once again with Vans Vault for a special edition Vans Vault SK8 Hi in a new Vans color – Chili Pepper. This is once again a premium take on the Iconic OG Sk8 Hi with a new never before used extra supple buttery leather. The shoe will once again feature a zippered closure at the heel and a bone-patterned Jazz Stripe branding across the upper. Extremely limited the BLENDS x Vans Vault Sk8-Hi Zip LX will be available this Saturday, December 6th online at Blendsus.com and in-store at our BLENDS’ Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, San Diego and Santa Ana locations.”

more pics after the jump Read More

Blends has just dropped this photo on their Instagram account, followed up with a commercial on their website, previewing the highly anticipated next installment in their signature “Bones” series.  Many will be glad to see that the Sk8-Hi Zip LX was used once again, including myself, in a dope red and black version.  As more info becomes available, we will share it with you all.  Until then…you know the drill!

Vans Vault and the Darkside Initiative Armored Pack

Vans Vault and San Francisco’s The Darkside Initiative join forces to collaborate on the Armored Pack, an OG Era LX and Sk8-Hi LX that highlight two technical fabrics, as well as the collaborators that bring them together. The first is Superfabric®, which appears on the uppers of both shoes. SuperFabric® technology takes a fabric and overlays it with tiny armor plates (“guard plates”) in a specific arrangement. The gaps between guard plates allow complete flexibility and breathability. SuperFabric® armor plates also provide a flexible barrier from abrasion, scuffs, and scrapes. SuperFabric® materials are highly resistant to, and the armor plates are, very difficult to stain. SuperFabric® material also provides a formidable slash resistant barrier against a variety of razor-like threats. Precisely placed, small and durable guard plates protect underlying fabric from being torn or sliced. Unlike some cottons, knits, nylons, etc., SuperFabric® brand materials won’t snag, fray, or tear. They also provide a high degree of resistance to scuffs that compromise protection and aesthetics, making them an ideal slash resistant material. SuperFabric® also has a multi-component Speed Dry system that quickly dries the fabric. SuperFabric® drying is the result of a multifaceted structure that quickly dries, while keeping the elements on the outside. When liquid comes in contact with SuperFabric® the molecules bead up on the surface, instead of being absorbed into the materials. Impervious armor plates, repellent fabric, and optional waterproof breathable membranes are all components of the advanced Speed Dry capabilities found in all SuperFabric® materials.

The second technical fabric is Outlast® and it is featured on the shoe-liner. Outlast® technology, originally developed for NASA, utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. Outlast® technology is comparable to ice in a drink; as it changes from solid to liquid, it absorbs heat and cools the drink, keeping that drink at the desired temperature for longer. Outlast® phase change materials work in the same way, but are micro-encapsulated to be permanently enclosed and protected in a polymer shell. Outlast® calls micro-encapsulated phase change materials Thermocules™. These Thermocules™ can be incorporated into fabrics and fibers and have the capacity to absorb, store and release excess heat. This gives any product containing Outlast® technology the ability to continually regulate skin’s microclimate. As the skin gets hot, the heat is absorbed, and as it cools, that heat is released. Outlast® technology is the only phase change material that carries the Certified Space Technology™ seal of approval.

Both shoes also feature a heat retention layer between sock-liner and outsole keep the feet warm and dry.   550 Paracord shoelaces and alternate pair flat black waxed laces included. 100 pairs of each style produced, mens sizes 4.5 through 13.   Pack-themed skateboards, t-shirts and stickers from the Darkside Initiative round out the collection. Available exclusively at the Darkside Initiative November 22 at 11AM PST, and any remaining pairs will be in our online shop the same day at 3PM PST. Vans Vault the Darkside Initiative SuperFabric® OG Era LX $180 and Vans Vault the Darkside Initiative SuperFabric® Sk8-Hi LX $225.

Vans Vault and the Darkside Initiative Armored Pack. Mission Ready. Climate Controlled.

info via: Darkside Initiative

photo credits:  Rachael Sterner

The Darkside Initiative Blog:

http://darksidestore.blogspot.com/

Superfabric:

http://superfabric.com/

Outlast:

http://www.outlast.com/

Vans Vault:

http://www.vans.com/vault.html

tons more pics after the jump Read More