Vans x Odyssey BMX x Texas Toast Jam – Authentic (2014)

Oct 8 14 under BMX, Collaborations | Comments Off

Vans has teamed up with Odyssey BMX, who hosts the Texas Toast Jam every year in Austin, Texas, to create another dope Vans Authentic sneaker for this event. This year’s design takes inspiration from their website theme, and features a color-matched blue canvas, with a couple different prints for the toe and the heel. The toe features a quilted looking pattern made up of pieces of toast, and little logos of the state of Texas, while the heel displays the Texas Toast Jam logo. These will be sold at the event, as well as online, beginning next weekend October 17th-19th.

Vans Vault x Bodega – Authentic LX “Fleece Pack”

Oct 8 14 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Bodega:

“This fall, Bodega has teamed up with Vans Vault to produce a new version of the Authentic LX. One of the original models from when Vans first opened for business in 1966, the Authentic has become a staple for skaters, surfers, & BMX riders around the globe.

Bodega’s Fleece Pack features two colorways of fleece uppers, metal eyelets, two-tone gum soles, alternate lace options, custom box and dual branding on the tongue and footbed. They retail for $100 USD and will be available Saturday 10/11/14 in-store and online at bdgastore.com.

In the following photoessay, Bodega follows cult bicycle builder Marty Walsh of Geekhouse Bikes as he goes through the process of building a custom frame.”

tons more pics after the jump Read More

LBIFBACK Video Review: Vans Vault x Taka Hayashi – ‘Huarache’ Era LX (Mustang)

Oct 8 14 under Collaborations, Reviews, Vault, Videos | Comments Off

Official UTP Review: Vans Vault x Ringleaders (R.F.C.) x OTH – Prison Issue LX

Oct 3 14 under Collaborations, Reviews, UTP, Vault | Comments Off

As always, if I ever get the chance to get a special release early, I like to put together a little review for those who are impatiently waiting for the drop date, or for those who are on the fence about these. Sometimes the quality and detail doesn’t come through with official press photos, so I like to provide a lot of macro shots. Everyone loves to see a premium full-grain leather up close, displaying each wrinkle, or perhaps a nappy suede with each individual fiber highly focused on. For some, it might be the insoles, lining, bottoms, or even the packaging. Hopefully I’ve left nothing to the imagination, and I hope those who are seeking these, get theirs.

First off, the choice of using a Prison Issue was an awesome idea. This model doesn’t come around often, and if so, it’s buried amongst a lineup of other general releases at your typical Vans store, and the last premium pair we saw were the Vault perforated nubuck edition. The shade of white utilized on this Prison Issue LX is pure, and I’d say it has just a slight tint of gray compared to the all-white Vault leather pack that just re-released. The contrasting blue suede heel strip lets you know these aren’t your average pair, and the very minimal RFC lettering on the side of the heel doesn’t distract from the overall aesthetic. The heel pad lining has the Ringleaders custom logo, as every proper collaboration should include, and the rest of the footbed has a unique black and white pattern on it. Your favorite gum waffle sole finishes these off nicely.

The Ringleaders and O.T.H. did a superb job on these, and I expect them to go quick on Saturday morning. I’d like to shout out Denis and Graeme from OTH, for allowing me to get these early, so that I could share them with you all. I’m not one of those guys that brags about getting connected, or getting stuff early, or for free, or blah blah blah, but I always am humbled by it. I don’t run this site with a purpose to get anything out of it, except for maybe respect, or at the very least, acknowledgment that we are the official gatekeepers of all things Vans, in the realm of sneaker collectors. We care about the details that other sites and reviewers fail to point out, because this is our hobby. Our passion, if you will. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the pics! -Guamstyles

The Vans x OTH, R.F.C. project will be released exclusively at the Vans x OTH store and online on October 4th at 9 am in store and 11 am online (Eastern time). The shoe will be retailed for 130$ CDN . A hoodie, a pin, and a t-shirt with the new Ringleaders branding will also be available in very limited quantities.

tons more hi-res pics after the jump Read More

Vans Syndicate x Concepts – Old Skool “S” Rat Hunter (Video by @cncpts)

Oct 3 14 under Collaborations, Syndicate, Videos | Comments Off

Vans x Star Wars – Capsule Collection (Holiday 2014)

Oct 1 14 under Collaborations, General Release | Comments Off

Words via Hypebeast:

“Vans reprises its well-received Summer 2014 collection with the Star Wars team to create a new collection of silhouettes moving into cold months. Where the previous outing was a rather light affair, this time around Star Wars’ ultimate misunderstood villain (and his armored cronies) adorn the footwear and apparel. As such, Darth Vader’s likeness covers the Slip-On while also appearing alongside Stormtroopers and lightsabers on a murdered-out Sk8-Hi. Animated depictions of life on the ice planet Hoth – where the Galactic Empire overtook the Alliance – cover a black/white Authentic and a standout Era, both of which round out the pack.”

Vans Syndicate x Concepts – Old Skool “S” “Rat Hunter” (October 4th @cncpts)

Oct 1 14 under Collaborations, Syndicate | Comments Off

These are awesome, and you know that any collab coming out of Concepts, is going to have all the details covered. I say it all the time, that a great collaboration needs to have 5 things: 1. A story; 2. A unique design; 3. Unique Materials; 4. Branding on the shoe; 5. Custom packaging. As simple as it sounds, try doing that more than once, try making it stand out, and try making it look good. These “Rat Hunter” Old Skools have achieved all of those things, and I see these babies being a problem to get! I’ll do my best!

The following words via Hypebeast, and high-res pics via Highsnobiety

“Boston’s dimly-lit, gritty Rathskeller — also known as “The Rat” — has long been considered Kenmore Square’s answer to New York’s legendary CBGB, having seen everyone from Metallica, The Ramones, Bad Brains, The Beastie Boys, and Talking Heads to the Dead Kennedys, Cro-Mags, the Pixies, and R.E.M. take its stage in its heyday. Now, Boston’s own Concepts pays homage to the now-defunct venue with a “Rat Hunter” edition of Vans Syndicate‘s premium take on the Old Skool. A nod to a grisly game that was played in the alleyways outside The Rat, the “Rat Hunter” features a premium suede upper with duct tape-inspired cracked leather detailing, washed denim quarter panels, a checkered midsole, leather lining, and custom graphic footbeds. Retailing for $90 USD, the “Rat Hunter” is due to be available in store this Saturday, October 4 at 10 a.m. EDT before hitting Concepts’ web shop at 11 a.m. EDT.”

Vans Vault x Ringleaders (R.F.C.) x OTH – Prison Issue LX (Releasing Oct. 4th #vansringleaders)

Sep 30 14 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

info via Off The Hook

The Vans x OTH store in Montreal have teamed up with Off The Hook’s long standing soccer club, The Ringleaders Soccer Club (R.F.C) to release a limited edition shoe to celebrate the city’s beloved club and its brotherhood.

In the 70s and 80s, a subculture emerged in the UK, creating a new style phenomenon – the Casual. Originally hailing from Liverpool and Manchester, these groups of supporters dressed in expensive gear from unconventional designers and other sports, thus simultaneously flying under the authorities’ radar and intimidating rivals. These foreign style cues were picked up while following their teams across the continent, and soon became an important reference back home, one that was sought after, yet hard to come by.

Inspired by their love for both fashion and football (soccer), OTH was the catalyst for the creation of R.F.C, who much like this Vault by Vans release aims to honour the Terrace Culture movement.

This Vans x OTH, Vault by Vans R.F.C. shoe is made of white leather, enhanced with a hint of the club’s colour on the heel. In keeping with the “Casual” spirit, the choice of silhouette for this shoe is an unpredictable one: the “Prison Issue”. The Velcro and discreet RFC letters also give it a distinct style. On the inside, the Vans Vault and the Ringleaders logos are paired with stripes, a nod to traditional football (soccer) aesthetics.

The Vans x OTH, R.F.C. project will be released exclusively at the Vans x OTH store and online on October 4th at 9 am in store and 11 am online (Eastern time). The shoe will be retailed for 130$ CDN . A hoodie, a pin, and a t-shirt with the new Ringleaders branding will also be available in very limited quantities.

On a personal note, it’s been a long time since we’ve had a nice Prison Issue. The white premium leather, sitting on top of the all-white vulcanized sole seems to be right on time with a lot of current trends. The custom touches are subtle, yet still let you know that these are special, and the story behind the design just helps reiterate what The Ringleaders were trying to portray. All you football (soccer, futbol, etc.) hooligans need to get your hands on these!

updated with more hi-res pics after the jump

Vans Vault x Taka Hayashi – TH Sk8-Mid Skool LX (Fall 2014)

Sep 28 14 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Bows & Arrows:

“Vans Vault designer Taka Hayashi gives the classic ‘Mid Skool’ the LX treatment, featuring an upper made up of premium leather, and a hairy suede toe and heel panel. The embossed leather, unique toe bumper and custom woven labeling showcase Taka Hayashi’s attention to detail.”

Another thing we want to point out, is that this is another entirely new model that is being introduced here. Taka has done an awesome job of creating a hybrid from a Sk8-Hi or mid, and a Mid Skool. I’m a big fan of both models, and I really love the way that this shoe looks. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a part of a more general released line in the future.

Available now on the Bows & Arrows webstore.

Vans Vault x Taka Hayashi – TH Huarache Collection (Fall 2014)

Sep 28 14 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Bows & Arrows:

“As with most of his cosigned releases, Vans Vault designer Taka Hayashi goes above and beyond with his experimental sourcing of unique materials and attention to detail. The TH Huarache LX Collection features a mash up of premium leathers, suede, wool and woven fabrics. Etched and embroidered embellishments heavily influenced by Native American design are seen throughout, lending each piece from the collection Taka’s easily identifiable signature style.”

Available now on Bows & Arrows webstore.

tons more pics after the jump Read More