Vans x Utility Board Supply x 4Q Conditioning – Sk8-Mid (A Closer Look)

Apr 10 11 under Collaborations, Reviews | Comments Off

Yesterday was the opening release for the collaboration project between Vans, Utility Board Supply, and 4Q Conditioning‘s Max Schaaf. The Sk8-Mid came out great, even though there was one slight change to the final production, the California state graphic on the tongue. That’s all that was changed. Perhaps it was to help boost the sales out-of-state, but then again we’ll never know. It doesn’t take away much from the shoe at all, and honestly, anytime Vans or any company gets together with a motorcycle builder, you can expect every detail has been gone over, and calculated. Do I need to remind you of Max Schaaf’s Syndicate release? Or perhaps Jason Jessee’s multiple Syndicate hits? Some details that you will notice, that weren’t mentioned before, are the 4Q branding on the back of the tongue, the gold inner eyelet, and embroidered outer one, and the reversed waffle-tread. These are a pro model, so they incorporate the removable thick sockliner, as well as the Duracap toe bumper. The leathers are so nice, as you’ll see in my up-close shots, and the waxed laces set everything off just right. An extra pair of white laces are also included with the release, as well as the 4Q conditioning shop rag, bell ornament from Repop, which is said to ward off evil spirits, and personal hangtag, signed by Max. Some pairs also came with a wooden beer chip, but mine didn’t. At the event, they also gave out free t-shirts with purchase, but they went quick, and sizes were limited. Enjoy the pics, and these will be available online, Monday 4/11. Retail was set at $79.95.

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Vans Vault x Ludwig Van “Deadstock” (A Closer Look)

Apr 10 11 under Reviews, Vault | Comments Off

The highly limited Ludwig Van collaboration is just about all gone from every Vault dealer in the US that was lucky enough to partake in this special release. There was also some speculation that certain patterns were only offered in smaller sizes, leaving some people not able to get their desired print in their size. I was fortunate enough to get the 30s Nostalgia print that I wanted, as well as the Tog Shop Check black and white pattern that was available in my sz12 as well. I took some pics of both shoes, in both the black and white laces, as well as the free t-shirts and canvas bag that were included with purchase from Conveyor. Congrats to those who got their pair(s), and to Vault and Ludwig Van on this highly successful release!

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Vans x Supreme – Old Skool 92 (A Closer Look!)

Mar 17 11 under Collaborations, Reviews, Supreme | Comments Off

Next up, is the Supreme Old Skool for Spring/Summer 2011. We only have a review for the white/red pair at the moment, but honestly, it’s the only colorway that may have any discrepancies from the press photos. Every other color looks exactly the same as what you’ve seen online. This white pair, however, seems to have more of a contrast between the pure white mesh, and the cream-colored suede, and that’s why I dug into my lace box, and pulled out some red Old Skool laces, that seem to fit the style much better. THERE ARE NO RED LACES PROVIDED WITH THESE FROM SUPREME!…but they do come with black alternate laces. These do not have removable sockliners, so fitment is the same as the Supreme snakeskin Old Skools, if you have those for reference, or any general release Old Skool. These pics should help anyone get off that undecided fence!

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Vans x Supreme – MC “Mike Carroll” (A Closer Look!)

Mar 17 11 under Collaborations, Reviews, Supreme | Comments Off

Today, the iconic Mike Carroll signature shoe released at both U.S. Supreme retail locations, as well as online, and OTWS stays true to the Vans community, with the first close up shots of this release. Many of you who purchased online will be glad to know that these are true to the photos, in terms of shape and color. The light blue color is slightly darker than the online press pics, but it’s a great looking color. The tan is spot on, the same as the press pics. Some interesting things to mention for this Spring/Summer Vans release, is that Supreme has finally gotten their own custom box! Completely white, with their iconic box logo on the side, in about the same scale as their sticker. The sticker attached to the shoe also has a Supreme logo added. Both minor details, but it’s been a long time coming. Hopefully it carries on to future releases as well. The MC has a removable sockliner, and the fitment is the same as your standard half cab with the same removable insole. The shoe feels plush and comfy, with all that padding around the ankle, and tongue. Not much else to say, so just enjoy the pics!

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Jason Jessee x Sea Glow restoration pt.3 (final outcome)

Jan 13 11 under Recent Pickups!, Reviews | Comments Off

So on day 3, I had a full day of sunshine, with not a cloud in the sky. This day saw the most dramatic change, and I think I am going to call it quits here. I honestly don’t think I can get it any whiter, due to the aging of the rubber. I keep trying to compare it to the other shoe, which is in brand new condition still. If not held up to the other pair, I don’t think anyone would notice, especially after these get a little dirty from wearing them. Perhaps, I can try to age the other pair? Naw, I better not! After the jump, I will list all of the final shots I took, in all different types of lighting, to show the difference in whiteness. In some lights, it stands out more, but in direct sunlight, you can hardly tell. What do you think?

In indoors natural tungsten light:

In outdoor fluorescent light at night time:

In outdoor natural sunlight (the way I take most of my pics)

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Jason Jessee x Sea Glow restoration pt.2

Jan 13 11 under Recent Pickups!, Reviews | Comments Off

Day 2:

So after a few days of Sea Glow treatment, there was a noticeable difference in the shade of white on the soles. This stuff really works, and keep in mind, this pair looked worse than a pair of vintage “Made in USA” vans, so those of you who collect vintage Vans, this stuff may help revive the white color in the soles, and condition the rubber. Application is very easy with a paintbrush, or small applicator brush, about 1/2″ wide. Sea Glow doesn’t dry up, and will stay wet, even left overnight, but for good measure, keep reapplying every hour or two. Overcast, or cloudy days are no good for this stuff either. It needs direct sun, preferably all day.

Beginning of day 2:

End of day 2:

Jason Jessee x Sea Glow restoration pt.1

Jan 10 11 under Recent Pickups!, Reviews | Comments Off

So a few weeks ago I posted up my Syndicate x Jason Jessee 003 Sk8-Hi’s that had some severe yellowing from being on display at FCLA, under their lights display, and most likely from direct exposure to sunlight and air over a long period of time. The Vans are located near the front of the door by the way, at this location. Anyways, I finally got around to picking up some Sea Glow, and I’ve seen this stuff work its magic a number of times, through various write-ups over on Jordan restoration threads, and well, this was my last resort. I’ve already cleaned them up the best I could, and removed most surface oxidation via Jason Markk, the best sneaker cleaner on the market. SoCal native, too! What’s up man?! The application is simple, but per the instructions (and toxic odor), be cautious, and use gloves with this stuff. I first decided to mask off my shoe, cause I am not meticulous with applying things, but I am very mechanical, and this is the easiest method for me. I first used their scotch-gard pad to apply the soap-like solution, and a paper towel, also per their instructions, but I feel that after a few wipe downs, and scrubs with the scouring pad, it’s probably easiest to reapply with a paintbrush. Keep reapplying as you let the shoe sit out in the sun. It doesn’t dry up, but it doesn’t look really wet either. The sun and the Sea Glow really do work together. Do it on a bright day. I also set it on a yellow microfiber towel, and the color also helps reflect some of that light on to the Sea Glow treated soles, and I covered the rest of the shoe from the sunlight, since I obviously know what damage it can do! After the jump, you can see all of the pics, in the order that they were took. At the end of the day, when the sun went down, and the white balance wouldn’t be affected so much, I took comparison shots again, with the unharmed pair right beside it. It’s already looking good, and I am crossing my finger, I can get it even better! Wish me luck.

Click here for the first post, where I had just cleaned them up, but before the Sea Glow treatment.

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Vans Vault x Brooks Era (review)

Dec 28 10 under Reviews, Vault | Comments Off

The most recent Vault release from Vans, the Brooks Era, has been steadily moving off of shelves for the past few weeks, but maybe these pics will help the remaining pairs disappear. At first look, the shoe doesn’t seem to have a lot of details, but as most press info, some minor, yet important details seem to get overlooked. In this case, it wasn’t anything cosmetic, but rather, with the technology incorporated into the shoes. Being that these were co-designed with Brooks bicycle saddle company, it was natural that they incorporated some sort of technology for the bicyclists they cater to. Thus the introduction of the Power Transfer insole plate, which delivers better performance due to the stiffened plate that lays underneath the padded insert. Also, due to this added layer, the shoes run snug, and you should size up at least half. The leather is stiff, so it most likely won’t be stretching. The leather is top quality, and the inside of the shoe is lined with suede, in case you like to ride with no socks…eww! Also, don’t forget that these are limited to 2000 pairs, each individually numbered. Don’t sleep!

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Vans Vault x Pendleton x Taka Hayashi – TH-Hi Lx (review!)

Dec 7 10 under Collaborations, Reviews, Vault | Comments Off

At the end of last week, Vault dealers started receiving their shipments of the Vault x Pendleton x Taka Hayashi collection, and it wasn’t surprising to see these things fly off the shelves, and leave quite a bit of people unhappy, or with empty pockets after purchasing off of resellers. When the hype monster is in full effect, the resellers come out and play. I had to do a little bit of hunting, and frantic phone dialing, but I managed to pick up an 11 from Proper, for retail, plus shipping, and after hearing a few people on the forums say that these fit TTS (true-to-size), I knew I would need a bigger size. Luckily, yesterday, I called up Conveyor in Santa Monica, and they had a 12 left! I paid slightly over retail, but you all know it’s worth it, when it’s a size you can wear! I was shaking my head, because just the day before, I was visiting the TheHundreds x Garfield pop-up shop in Santa Monica, right next door to Conveyor, and I contemplated walking in there, but decided not to. Always go with your instincts! Anyways, both pairs came today, and all I can say is, pay what you can afford for these things. The rumor out there, is that there’s somewhere around 300 pairs of the TH-Hi’s (Sk8-hi’s), but of course, nothing’s confirmed. Put it this way, even friends of ours who work for Vans, were out tracking down their pairs as well. The blanket print from Pendleton, that Vans chose for this release, was a rarer print, that there wasn’t much material to go around, so that may have something to do with the scarcity of these. The leather Taka chose for this shoe, is top-notch, and very soft. The inside is also lined with black leather, as well as the removable footbed. I also took pics of the shoe laced up in the optional off-white/beige colored laces, as well as the round leather laces. These are starting to dry up at retailers, and are starting to show up on eBay, so good luck getting a pair for a reasonable price right now. Maybe after the hype dies a little, but then again, Taka’s Native American influence is timeless and original, regardless of the collections of many other brands this season. Don’t think that he was just following the trends. It’s much more, the other way around.

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Vans Syndicate x Luke Meier Zero Lo Navy (Supreme Exclusive)

Nov 27 10 under Collaborations, Reviews, Supreme, Syndicate | Comments Off

So yesterday was quite a madhouse over at Supreme LA, and I was one of the fortunate few who was able to walk away with a pair of these Navy Zero Lo’s. One of the employees had even mentioned that their store only received about 20 pairs of these to sell, so if anyone was hoping to come down there a day later, expecting to pick up a pair, then you will be disappointed. Sizes were extremely limited, and there were no 11.5s so I had to get a 12, just like a lot of the newer Syndicate releases. To tell you the truth, this shoe looks identical to the black pair, if you are standing about 15 feet away. It’s only when you’re in direct sunlight, or standing next to a black pair, that you may notice the subtle difference. Maybe that will make a lot of you happier now, if you didn’t get yours. The only Supreme branding was on the insole, which was already rubbing off, when I took them out of the box for the first look. I guess the gold printing didn’t cure properly, because my other Syndicate Zero Lo’s aren’t producing this same problem. Once you wear these, most likely all the gold printing will be on your socks, and you’ll have blank insoles. The Zero Lo is a classic, timeless shoe, and the navy colorway is a great touch, but for a Supreme release, this shoe may go unnoticed, compared to all of their other Vans. Not necessarily a bad thing! Enjoy the pics.