The highly anticipated, wait let me rephrase that, the most unforeseen cluster f*ck of a Syndicate release in years has started to drop upon us!  That’s right, the collaboration, but not really a collaboration because it’s all in-house, with the recently exposed DEFCON group, has been popping up all over the world at Vans Syndicate accounts.  The Sk8-Hi Notchback Pro “S” is selling out faster than the Old Skool Pro “S”, but both are disappearing faster than free beer!  I typically give the heads up when a release is available online, but as soon as these releases pop up, they’re pretty much gone in an hour or so.  I’d rather let the loyalists to each shop get theirs first, or those who are doing their homework!  If you’ve stumbled upon us through a web search, and you’re unfamiliar with how to get a pair of these, then you first have to know a few things.  These awesome Vans shoes were created under Vans’ core skate shop exclusive division, known as Vans Syndicate.  They’re only available from local community skate shops.  You won’t find Syndicates at a mall, or local sneaker boutique.  Click here for a list of Syndicate dealers near you.  Next, you need to know that these were produced in very limited numbers, and when word gets out about limited availability, then the sneaker resellers will come out in droves to try and head you off at the pass, so they can make money off of the high demand.  Sneakers are a commodity now days, and are bought and sold through various sneaker exchanges these days, the most popular being eBay.  Right now, these seem to be hitting the $160 mark.  Retail is $80.  $160 is high for a pair of Vans, yes, but low compared to your typical Nike Basketball shoe, or Jordan retro, and you can’t put a price on this type of authenticity and coolness.  Plus, you better believe that a ton of soldiers, gun nuts, preppers, and military enthusiasts are going to be after these as well.  DEFCON always brings the heat to the table, and you’d better not sleep, otherwise you’ll be paying sucker reseller prices.  Anyways.  Good luck hunting down pairs, as more shops will be getting these throughout this week and next.  Call around.  Put in that work!  Make some connections.  Be nice, and courteous, and that shop that typically doesn’t do phone orders, just might be willing to help out a nice person!

Thanks to Brant @Silostore for the pics!

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Words via Vans Syndicate:

“DEFCON : VANS SYNDICATE

DEFCON members stay under the radar and invest energies into the visual construction of their heartfelt passions. A multi-faceted approach to marketing, design, and photography focuses on shaping brand identities that respond to the fast-paced evolution of online marketing in the digital age and a glutted marketplace.  DEFCON collaborators like to take their time, think before they speak, and choose authenticity over corruption.

On October 1^st, DEFCON comes up for air to corroborate their long-standing partnership with the Vans Syndicate group. Both models were inspired by Navel Special Warfare AOR1 and AOR2 camo and are a testimony to the long lasting relationship between DEFCON and members of the Special Forces community.

AOR1 and AOR2 camo were developed by Seal Team 6/Devgru during the early years of the war on terror.  The actual material contains some highly classified infra red reflective weaving compnents which make it “night vision goggles stealthy”.  AOR1 being the dessert option, while AOR2 is the woodland counterpart.  The camo was initially issued to Navel Special Warefare tier one unit, Devgru, and was first revealed to the mainstream public by the Bin Laden raid blockbuster, Zero Dark Thirty.  Today it is fielded by all Seal Teams.

The Vans Syndicate DEFCON models are a non classified / non ITAR, visually similar versions of the AOR1 and AOR2 camo.  The  Sk8-Hi Notchback “S” is reinforce in the front, protected by a camel colored fire-proof Warrior Suede®,  gusseted  tongue and printed digital desert camo on a ripstop quarter panel, and add intricate detail to tongue, inside collar, and side stripe. Second, an Old Skool “S” made privy to similar treatment with black Warrior Suede®, and printed digital woodland camo on ballistic mesh, quarter panel, and tongue.  Both shoes feature a moisture wicking Dri-Lex™ lining.”

No new info as of yet, but this is going to be an epic release from DEFCON, and I think it’s kind of cool that they’ve always operated as this covert, secret-ops team, with a military-inspired theme throughout the years.  I mean, even though we didn’t know who was behind all of these awesome military Vans shoes, we knew they were dope.  They had a back story, and were genuine to the core.  I love it!

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