The first round of the 50th Anniversary Pro models are set to release this Wednesday, on the official 50th Anniversary of Vans. This series is going to pay homage to the iconic shoes that created a milestone along Vans’ long and illustrious life-span. For this first release, we get the “Duke Kahanamoku” Aloha print Authentic, in the same red/white pattern that sparked the idea of customized shoes in 1966. Next, is the 1974 Navy Authentic, a classic complete with the wide stitched heel strip, made popular by skate punks in Venice Beach, later on becoming known as the Z-Boys from Dogtown. In 1976, Vans saw the demand for a better skate shoe, so they created the Era, which was an update to the Authentic, with a padded ankle collar and eye-row, and suede material which stood up to more abuse. The Mid Skool 79 (not pictured) was Tony Alva’s signature shoe, which he still uses to this day in his pro collabs, and was a necessary tool in the pool, where he mastered the art of pool skating. Last, but not least, we get the “82” Slip-On Pro, complete with the OG black and white checkerboard print, made famous nation-wide by the now cult classic “Fast Times At Ridgemont High”. Each shoe is constructed in the Pro fashion, featuring Vans Ultracush HD removable footbeds, original waffle gum soles, and Signature 50th Anniversary artwork in gold on the footbeds. The distribution for these is a little spotty, with most pairs being limited to a size run per store, but more shops should be carrying them, than say, what Syndicate’s allocations were, including a few larger market Vans stores. Silo will be carrying these, and you know I always hook my family up when I can, so support them and try and pick up your pairs there!
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