Taking a new approach to the iconic Authentic and Sk8-Hi aesthetics, Vans, OTH and Chef Chuck Hughes introduce the first-ever kitchen-ready lifestyle shoes, the “Black Crab” Pack, available exclusively at the Vans x OTH store on March 22^nd, 2014.

The “Black Crab” Pack includes two all-black silhouettes: a Vans SK8-Hi Reissue Zip LX and an Authentic LX. Both are constructed from water-repellant materials, with minimal stitching on the uppers and with waxed cotton laces to withstand the at-times tumultuous kitchen environment. A cork insole sits atop the classic Vans non-slip waffle outsole. The SK8-Hi Reissue Zip LX features a gusseted tongue and a waterproof zipper that runs along the back of the heel for easy accessibility.

Hughes’ pedigree is unquestionable. With over 10 years of cooking under his belt, he’s one of Canada’s most prominent chefs. He owns two well-respected Montreal restaurants — Garde Manger and Le Bremner — and has his own show on the Food Network, Chuck’s Day Off.
Fueled by a longtime love of Vans and the desire to rethink traditional kitchen footwear, Hughes has designed a shoe that’s tough enough for the kitchen but stylish enough for catering backstage at world class music festivals or skating his native Montreal. Chuck’s passion for street culture, skating, music, art and the kitchen are all evident in this exclusive collaboration with Canadian streetwear pillar Off The Hook and the Vans x OTH store.

About The Off The Hook x Vans Store

OTH is home to Canada’s first Vans lifestyle boutique, establishing itself as Canada’s benchmark Vans shoe and apparel destination. Launched in May 2011, Vans by OTH is the first global initiative ever developed by Vans in partnership with a retailer.

release info and a few more pics after the jump Read More

Here’s another model from the Vans Vault x Taka Hayashi Spring 2014 collection.  Both will feature Loden Green colored suede, and the Court Lo will come to us in a Batik Camo version, while the Court Hi received a Pixel Camo pattern.  Both feature that unique vulcanized sole that Taka designed for the Court model, which if you stare at long enough, start to look like some big ‘ol teeth on the front, haha!  Needless to say, both of these are looking proper.

pics via Highsnobiety

The Spring will soon be upon us, and with that comes the next seasonal offerings from Vans Vault.  Our favorite designer, Taka Hayashi has created some bangers for the Spring ’14 collection, and what could be better than a light dusting of Taka flavor, on some familiar classic models?  This time, Taka took the Sk8-Mid and made it his own by wrapping the shoe in premium suede, and the side panels in Chimayo fabric, named after the native Navajo and Spanish people who created these patterns, who lived in Chimayo, just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Other than the unique fabric choice, the foxing rubber has been given a subtle update to the toe bumper, slightly wrapping up over the front of the toe.  These details on an already recognizable silhouette contribute to that “where’d you get those” factor, and will have many Vans fans hitting you up.  These finish off nicely with square leather laces.  Look for these to go fast, at your local Vault dealer in March, and definitely NOT ON THE VANS WEBSTORE.

pics via Hypebeast

one more colorway after the jump Read More