Vans Vault x Bows & Arrows – Era 59 LX “Acid Test” (12.28.13)

acid6-boxes-wide

We finally have some official info regarding the Vans Vault x Bows & Arrows Era 59 LX.  They are being dubbed the “Acid Test”, inspired by the shops location on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, CA, which has had a long standing reputation as a hub for people seeking mind expansion through nontraditional means.  Far out man!  The Era features a custom print on a heavyweight 10oz off-white canvas, with a woven custom label on the tongue, and a soft leather lined collar and heel tab.  They’re finished off with a custom designed box, which I feel every collaboration effort should have.  These are releasing exclusively at Bows & Arrows, in-store and online, Saturday December 28th.

tons more detailed pics after the jump Read More

Vans Syndicate x 8Five2 – Authentic “S” & Cab-Lite “S” (Video and pics)

The latest international Vans Syndicate release is scheduled to drop soon, this time with Hong “Muthafucking” Kong’s very own 8FIVE2 skate shop.  This will be their third Syndicate release, and their fourth Vans release.  You may recall their Versa Mid “S” with the white toecap, as well as their Seylynn “S” which was technically a Zero Lo “S”.  Their non-“S” release was a black Chukka Low, wrapped in premium black leather, with their signature floral camo pattern on the lining, in some purple hues.  This time they will be releasing two models, the Authentic “S”, and the Cab-Lite “S”, both wrapped in their signature floral pattern, but this time in a tan and golden colorway.  Both pairs feature brown accents throughout, and sit on top of all white vulcanized soles. 8Five2 has put out this awesome video, and I’ve attached a few pics of the shoes after the jump.  Both shoes are now available for purchase from 8FIVE2’s webshop!

Fun fact:  Those of you who are new to Vans collecting, and those of you who were original Offthewallsite (RIP) members, may have never heard of their first collab, the all black Chukka Low, with this same floral print (except in purple) for the inside lining.  It released sometime between the old and new OTWS, and wasn’t on a lot of people’s radar, but being that they were produced in limited numbers, they attracted a few of us die-hard collectors.  Mine are still on ice!

VS8F2_010_BOTH

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Japan x Pendleton – Collection (Fall/Winter 2013)

pendleton-x-vans-japan-2013-fallwinter-collection-11

We finally get a better look at the recently released Pendleton x Vans Japan collaboration.  Created exclusively for the Japan market, these were sold at ABC Mart and Beams, and perhaps a few other spots?  Not sure.  Not ever sure, lol.  They utilized the Pendleton Canyonlands blanket for the entire collection, which has a lot of tan, brown, orange, black, and red colors in the Native-American inspired pattern.  Check out pics of the Era, Sk8-Hi, and Slip-On after the jump, and if your Vans shoe taste is for a near counterfeit shaped shoe, but genuinely official, then pick up any Vans Japan release like these, as you will surely get that!  Just sayin’.

info via HypeKanye

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Vault x Bows & Arrows – “Have A Nice Trip” Era 59 LX (Coming 12.28.13)

The good folks over at Bows & Arrows in Berkeley, CA just dropped their first official teaser of their upcoming collaboration with Vans Vault, called “Have A Nice Trip”.  Featuring an Era 59 LX, in some wild patterns that are sure to turn some heads.  They dropped a dope skate video dubbed “Acid Test”, shot in lo-fidelity black and white, giving that edgy, psychedelic artistic feel, with music to match.  Take a ride with Bows & Arrows, and stick with us for any future info as it arises.  So far we have a set release date of 12.28.13 exclusively at Bows & Arrows!

Vans x Active Ride Shop – “War And Peace” Half Cab Pro Pack (Under The Palms Exclusive Review!) @activerideshop @activesandimas

IMG_2357

Here’s the first information you’ve probably seen on Active Ride Shop’s latest Vans collaboration, dubbed “War And Peace”.  Being that Active is a Southern California skate shop, with over 20 stores throughout the lower part of the state, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon these last night, while stopping into my local Active Ride Shop in San Dimas.  I was chopping it up with Brian, the store manager, about our recent launch of our new name and what not, and he pointed out that the War and Peace pack just came in a few hours earlier.  I was surprised, because we were expecting this shoe later on in the week, and with such a dope design and idea for inspiration, you’d have thought there would have been a more celebrated build-up and release for the shoe!   To their defense, it is Christmas, and they have been super busy with the daily shop priorities, but no big deal.  That’s why we’re here!  I told Brian that I’d get the info out, and write up a nice review on them.  (Disclaimer:  I bought these myself, and didn’t get them for free!  Although, I always graciously accept any pairs that are thrown to me.  One to rock and one to stock is always a good thing!)

So here we are with Active’s latest Vans collab.  Once again they went with their tried and true model of choice, the Half Cab Pro.  Just like their DSNB 1 and 2 packs, and  similar to their past Vans collaborations , there are two variations being offered.  The concept is totally original, and dope as hell.  They contrast each other, not in color or design, but in what they are portraying.  On one side, you have the olive green military-inspired shoe, complete with camouflage linings, quick lace eyelets, and hiker laces, while on the other design, you have an all black hippie-inspired theme, with rainbow tie-dye lining, and round black cord laces, protesting loud and clear!  I can just see all the Dead Heads buying up this model.  Both pairs feature tear-away Half Cab patches, surely a nod to Active’s DSNB 1 Half Cab Pack a few years ago, in their respective lining colorway, but Active also threw in two more sets of patches for each shoe, in case you wanted to switch it up a bit.  The olive pair comes with extra standard flat black laces, while the black pair includes a black/blue hiker lace, which I laced up for you all to see.  Both shoes feature suede on the uppers, heavy-duty canvas on the tongues, and screen-printed twill for the lining.  The footbeds match the lining as well, with a screen-printed custom logo on the heel.  Being that the shoes are Pro models, they feature the UltraCUSH footbed, padded tongues, as well as a DURACAP toe bumper.  Another nice feature and something we don’t see too much anymore, are the perforations on the toe and ankle padding.  Taking it back to the Half Cabs of years ago!  Fitment is the same as all your Pro model Half Cabs, and if you’ve never owned a pair of Half Cabs, then they typically run a little more snug than your Authentic, Era, Old Skool, or Sk8-Hi.  This pack just might be a contender for one of this year’s favorite releases!  I hope my pictures help do these some justice, and really portray the awesomeness that they are, and may they also kick you off the fence!  Enjoy!

Both models are available now on Active’s webshop:

Olive/Camo

Black/Tie-Dye

IMG_2359

tons more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Japan x Pendleton – Era, Slip-On, & Sk8-Hi (Japan exclusive!)

vans-japan-pendleton-3-630x420

Vans Japan has teamed up with Pendleton to create this great collection right here.  All three feature an all-over Pendleton wool upper with signature design. Brown suede and leather details stand in contrast and underline the premium nature of the small footwear collection.  Look out for a release at Japan’s ABC-Mart soon.

info via Highsnobiety

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Hobo Daze x Vagabond Skateboards – “Safe Camp” Era Pro & Old Skool Pro (China exclusive!)

IMG_1928

Disclaimer:  This info is late, but worth sharing.  The shoes released back in September!

This is pretty awesome.  Vans Asia has teamed up with Chinese skateboard company Vagabond, to promote the emerging skate culture in China.  Vans is pretty good at seeking out brands that share their same values, and want to see the skate culture grow even stronger in this part of the world where there are still a lot of people that are just finding out about skateboarding.  The two brands collaborated on two Pro models, the Era Pro and the Old Skool Pro.  That alone right there, says they can hang with us, here at OTWS!  Both shoes feature a mixture of dark tan and black colors, mirroring each other’s colors in a “night and day” contrast.  Take a look at the two decks for the obvious sun and moon logos!  The Era is primarily tan, with a black mid panel, while the Old Skool is primarily black, with tan accents on the jazz stripe and lining.  Both Pro models, featuring all the bells and whistles a Pro model comes with!  Follow Vagabond’s website, to stay up to date with what’s going on in skateboarding on the other side of the world!

info via Vagabond

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Japan x Band of Outsiders – Authentic (Japan Only!)

vans-band-of-outsiders-authentic-01

Words via Highsnobiety:

“Los Angeles-based brand Band of Outsiders is the latest to collaborate with Vans on the footwear giant’s classic Authentic silhouette. Never one to skimp on details, Band of Outsiders douse the sneakers’ eyelets in red and blue, while a grey wool upper and white laces provide contrast. Both the insole and outsole receive a bold color treatment, too, for a pair of sneakers that are sure to turn a few heads.

Look for the sneakers to release on Saturday, November 23 at Band of Outsiders Tokyo.”

one more pic after the jump Read More

Vans Japan x Deluxe – 10th Anniversary Era (Japan Exclusive!)

deluxe-x-vans-era-10th-anniversary-collection-2

Words via Hypebeast:

“Initially previewed way back in May, Japanese label Deluxe has unveiled the entirety of its 10-year anniversary collection alongside Vans. Featuring the iconic Era, the release includes black and navy editions of the timeless low-top, each lined in leather and sporting hairy suede uppers alongside contrasting white accents, a brown leather heel application, and texturized foxing. Retailing for ¥13,650 JPY (approximately $140 USD) each, the duo is now available at select Deluxe stockists.”

one more colorway after the jump Read More

UBIQ x Vault By Vans – Staff Interview (Video by @ubiqlife)

To celebrate the release of the UBIQ x Vault by Vans designed by Japanese artist Hiroshi Hirakawa of Three Tides Tattoo in Osaka, Japan. The UBIQ staff shares their thoughts on the UBIQ x Vault by Vans, and in the process shows off their own tattoo artwork.