Vans Vault x Sole Classics – Sk8-Hi Reissue Zip LX “A-8SC” (Video) #soleclassics

Jan 24 15 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Sole Classics:

“Inspired by the human imagination, the Sole Classics x Vans Vault Sk8-Hi Reissue Zip LX “A-8SC” pays tribute to the countless engineers and dreamers who made it possible for us to travel a man all the way from Wapakoneta, OH on an unprecedented journey to the Moon. The shoe focuses on the attributes of the space suit that made the trek possible. The Sk8-Hi Zip not only mimics the aesthetics of the original space suit, but through the use of Outlast® technology, the A-8SC is functional as well; given its ability to keep your feet warm in the cold, and cool in the heat.

Never give up your dreams. #A8SC”

Release date: Saturday, Jan 31st In-store and online at SoleClassics.com (time: TBA). Sz. 4-13, $150

materials: waxed canvas upper, outlast tech, translucent outsole, 2 lace options, 2 patch options (Ohio patch for instore purchases only, reward for locals)

tons of pics after the jump

Vans Vault? x Gosha Rubchinskiy x Comme des Garçons – OG Style 36 & Slip-On (Spring 2015)

Jan 16 15 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

We’ve been waiting for more info about this collaboration between Vans (Vault I think?), and Gosha Rubchinskiy, that was produced by Comme des Garçons. He chose the OG Style 36 and Slip-On this time around, and right away my attention is drawn to the Style 36 which features the classic Off White with navy foxing stripe colorway that we typically see on the Authentic. The materials chosen are a premium suede, with canvas, and the heeltabs say “Originals”, so that leads me to believe that these are being released under the Vault line. I guess once we see the actual box label, then we’ll know for sure. The Slip-On is also very unique in the design department. Gosha chose to go with one of his signature patterns, in a red or black colorway. These will most likely be a European release, so line up your proxies now, as sizes are disappearing pretty fast.

info and pics via StrictlyVans

Under The Palms Top 5 Vans Vault Collabs of 2014

Dec 31 14 under Collaborations, UTP, Vault | Comments Off

As the year draws to an end, we start to see a bunch of lists of whatever you can imagine. I figured some of you would be expecting one from me, and because I had the time, I said fuck it, sure, why not? I did however simplify it for selfish reasons, and I narrowed it down to just Vault by Vans releases, and even more specifically collaborations from 2014…and one technically from 2013, but only by like 4 days. Get over it. It’s my list. Anyways, this was an awesome year for Vans, particularly Vault by Vans. Vans has stepped up their luxury line tremendously with steady seasonal releases from Taka Hayashi, as well as a few collaborations with high-end names like Diemme, and Gosha Rubchinskiy. There’s also been quite a bit of collaborations with sneaker boutiques that carry the Vault line, and even some more rare regional releases, where only a select few shops got the pleasure of releasing them. It made it fun for the collectors, and tough for those who were new to Vans. We definitely had to pool our resources, and keep our ear to the “internet streets” in order to successfully get what we wanted. Proxies were obtained, and funds exchanged hands all year long. We made new friends, and our Vans collector community continues to outgrow itself! We all feel it. Shoes are becoming harder to find now days, and the reseller’s are now buying up our beloved Vans too, but we’ve got our established network which truly looks out for us first. Thanks to all the shops that support Under The Palms. I will do all we can to support you as well. With all that being said, here’s my top 5 Vault by Vans collaborations of 2014.

My list is available after the jump

Vans Vault – OG Style 36 LX (Holiday 2014)

Dec 22 14 under Vault | Comments Off

Words & pics via Bows & Arrows:

“Originally introduced in ’77 the style #36 eventually evolved into what is known today as the Vans Old Skool. For Vans this was the 1st significant departure from the vans deck shoe template & offered a more sneaker-like finish. Today the Style 36 is only seen through the Vans Vault line-up, featuring premium leathers and a cushioned footbed in classic inspired colors. For more info on the style #36 and an in depth look at the rich history behind Vans check out UK based retailer Pillow Heat.” Look for these to start showing up soon at your local Vault dealer.

Vans Vault x The Darkside Initiative – Sk8-Hi Zip LX “Armored Pack” (UTP Review!)

Dec 16 14 under Collaborations, Reviews, UTP, Vault | Comments Off

It’s been awhile since I’ve written a review for a sneaker, and I have no excuse except that I’ve been lazy! My attention has been elsewhere, but I’ve finally made an effort to sit down and put some thought and effort into a blog post. With that out of the way, let’s get started.

Today we will be reviewing the Vans Vault x The Darkside Initiative “Armored Pack” Sk8-Hi Zip LX. A Vans shoe, featuring more tech than you’ve ever seen on any pair, and an aesthetic that you probably haven’t seen since the Vans Syndicate 003 “Ballistic” Sk8-Hi. When news first dropped of this pack, everyone was “hella” excited for this NorCal collaboration. Then the photos came out, and even more people became excited. Then the MSRP was announced, and that’s where a lot of people started to change their sentiment for the shoes. I get it. It’s totally understandable when very few Vans shoes have peaked above the $200 mark, mostly those that had Taka Hayashi’s name behind them, or the infamous “handmade in Italy” Vault x Diemme’s. Partnering with world-renowned companies to give some authenticity to the shoes, like Vibram or Horween, is just one example of making an already awesome product, better. Darkside did exactly this, by sourcing SuperFabric® material, which has quite a few benefits to it, which you can read about HERE. They didn’t stop there. They also added Outlast® material for the inside lining of the shoe, originally developed by Nasa, which utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. Read more about it on the same link I just mentioned.

All of this tech doesn’t come cheap, and I truly believe you are getting your money’s worth with these. Tech can cost just as much as Luxury in almost any industry, and sometimes we have to be reminded of that. The Darkside Initiative has a pretty specific clientele, and the brands they curate, are a direct reflection of that. Brands like WTAPS, Neighborhood, and Acronym, fill their store, and when your customers are dropping $100+ on a t-shirt, then what’s $180-$225 on a pair of shoes? These shoes reflect their style, their taste, their budget, and their sentiment. It’s a point of view that you either get, or you don’t, and Darkside is okay with that.

The shoes are limited to 100 pairs of each style, so that should also help add some value to them. Whether you’re a sneaker collector, a shop supporter, or a fan of tech gear, these may be just for you. Pairs can still be found on The Darkside Initiative webstore. Buy yourself something nice for Christmas!

tons more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Vault x Blends – “Bones” Sk8-Hi Zip LX “Chili Pepper” (12.6.14) #blendsvans

Dec 3 14 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

BLENDS x VANS Vault Sk8-Hi Zip LX from Mick Aure on Vimeo.

The rumors have been flying around for months now, and we now have the official release info for the next installment in the Vault x Blends “Bones” collection. This time, they went back to their initial model, the Sk8-Hi Zip LX, but this time in a Chili Pepper Red colorway with Black accents. We were anticipating an all-white colorway, as that was the photos that were initially leaked, and we always knew of a rumored red pair, but we thought they were going to go Right, with a seemingly typical all-red colorway, and in Blends fashion, they went Left with a timeless Red/Black color combination. Some of you might be disappointed with that, but years from now, you’ll be happy that they bucked the trend. Always choose timeless over trendy. Always. With that said, I hope you’re excited about these, like we always are. Blends once again comes through with the heat. The only question now is, will these be a part of your top 10 of 2014?

Words via Blends:

“Following the 2013 release of our Black SK8 Hi, and our Old Skool earlier this year we at Blends have teamed up once again with Vans Vault for a special edition Vans Vault SK8 Hi in a new Vans color – Chili Pepper. This is once again a premium take on the Iconic OG Sk8 Hi with a new never before used extra supple buttery leather. The shoe will once again feature a zippered closure at the heel and a bone-patterned Jazz Stripe branding across the upper. Extremely limited the BLENDS x Vans Vault Sk8-Hi Zip LX will be available this Saturday, December 6th online at Blendsus.com and in-store at our BLENDS’ Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, San Diego and Santa Ana locations.”

Vans Vault x Blends – Sk8-Hi Zip LX “Bones 2” Red/Black (Coming Soon!)

Nov 27 14 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Blends has just dropped this photo on their Instagram account, followed up with a commercial on their website, previewing the highly anticipated next installment in their signature “Bones” series. Many will be glad to see that the Sk8-Hi Zip LX was used once again, including myself, in a dope red and black version. As more info becomes available, we will share it with you all. Until then…you know the drill!

Vans Vault x Darkside Initiative – Armored Pack Sk8-Hi Reissue Zip LX & OG Era LX (Releasing Nov. 22, 2014) #thedarksideinitiative

Nov 17 14 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Vans Vault and the Darkside Initiative Armored Pack

Vans Vault and San Francisco’s The Darkside Initiative join forces to collaborate on the Armored Pack, an OG Era LX and Sk8-Hi LX that highlight two technical fabrics, as well as the collaborators that bring them together. The first is Superfabric®, which appears on the uppers of both shoes. SuperFabric® technology takes a fabric and overlays it with tiny armor plates (“guard plates”) in a specific arrangement. The gaps between guard plates allow complete flexibility and breathability. SuperFabric® armor plates also provide a flexible barrier from abrasion, scuffs, and scrapes. SuperFabric® materials are highly resistant to, and the armor plates are, very difficult to stain. SuperFabric® material also provides a formidable slash resistant barrier against a variety of razor-like threats. Precisely placed, small and durable guard plates protect underlying fabric from being torn or sliced. Unlike some cottons, knits, nylons, etc., SuperFabric® brand materials won’t snag, fray, or tear. They also provide a high degree of resistance to scuffs that compromise protection and aesthetics, making them an ideal slash resistant material. SuperFabric® also has a multi-component Speed Dry system that quickly dries the fabric. SuperFabric® drying is the result of a multifaceted structure that quickly dries, while keeping the elements on the outside. When liquid comes in contact with SuperFabric® the molecules bead up on the surface, instead of being absorbed into the materials. Impervious armor plates, repellent fabric, and optional waterproof breathable membranes are all components of the advanced Speed Dry capabilities found in all SuperFabric® materials.

The second technical fabric is Outlast® and it is featured on the shoe-liner. Outlast® technology, originally developed for NASA, utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. Outlast® technology is comparable to ice in a drink; as it changes from solid to liquid, it absorbs heat and cools the drink, keeping that drink at the desired temperature for longer. Outlast® phase change materials work in the same way, but are micro-encapsulated to be permanently enclosed and protected in a polymer shell. Outlast® calls micro-encapsulated phase change materials Thermocules™. These Thermocules™ can be incorporated into fabrics and fibers and have the capacity to absorb, store and release excess heat. This gives any product containing Outlast® technology the ability to continually regulate skin’s microclimate. As the skin gets hot, the heat is absorbed, and as it cools, that heat is released. Outlast® technology is the only phase change material that carries the Certified Space Technology™ seal of approval.

Both shoes also feature a heat retention layer between sock-liner and outsole keep the feet warm and dry. 550 Paracord shoelaces and alternate pair flat black waxed laces included. 100 pairs of each style produced, mens sizes 4.5 through 13. Pack-themed skateboards, t-shirts and stickers from the Darkside Initiative round out the collection. Available exclusively at the Darkside Initiative November 22 at 11AM PST, and any remaining pairs will be in our online shop the same day at 3PM PST. Vans Vault the Darkside Initiative SuperFabric® OG Era LX $180 and Vans Vault the Darkside Initiative SuperFabric® Sk8-Hi LX $225.

Vans Vault and the Darkside Initiative Armored Pack. Mission Ready. Climate Controlled.

info via: Darkside Initiative

photo credits: Rachael Sterner

The Darkside Initiative Blog:

http://darksidestore.blogspot.com/

Superfabric:

http://superfabric.com/

Outlast:

http://www.outlast.com/

Vans Vault:

http://www.vans.com/vault.html