Vans Vault brings to us another OG model, which looks to be inspired by the earlier years of Vans sneakers. Choosing the OG Sk8-Hi LX for this pack, both colorways feature suede uppers, with a striped canvas for the side panels. They’re available in Formula One Red, and Blue Turquoise, from Bows & Arrows, or your local Vault dealer.
info via Bows & Arrows
more colors and pics after the jump Read More
Vans has once again partnered up with Italian shoemaker Diemme, to bring to us an ultra-luxurious rendition of one of the most iconic Vans shoes of all time, the Era. As with the previous Diemme Vans, they’ve named these the Montebelluna, adding the “Era LX” to the end of it. Hand-made in Italy, two colorways are being offered up, in different leathers, the first being the yellow rendition in an all suede material, and a bordeaux colorway, a deep red, almost being mistaken for black, in a full-grain premium leather mockup. The familiar Diemme cupsole has been utilized on these as well, to help them last awhile longer, as should be expected with any shoe reaching the $300 mark! Custom leather footbeds with proper branding round off the insides, and the exterior’s are finished off nicely with an Italian flag tag sewn into the heel panel. Look for both the Yellow and Bordeaux models now through Bows & Arrows.
more pics after the jump Read More
The fine people over at Montreal’s favorite boutique, Off The Hook, along with Chef Chuck Hughes, have put together one of the most unique, and purposeful Vans releases that we’ve seen in awhile. While most collaborations typically represent a story or local landmark, these represent an entire industry, or culture if you will, of those who work in kitchens everywhere. Why did I bring that up? Well, to make a point that these will surely raise interest worldwide. Chef Chuck Hughes was looking out for those who are stuck wearing less-than-awesome black on black non-slip shoes, while they cook, clean, and serve us fine folk. If Vans is taking notes, they could offer up an entire line created especially for these group of individuals. But I digress, let’s get back to the shoes. This “Black Crab” collection is beautiful. Yes, even black on black can be beautiful. It’s all about the details, and Vans Vault is who you go to when you want the details to stand out. From the water resistant panels, to the moisture-wicking liners and gusseted tongue, to the cork footbeds, waxed laces, and non-slip waffle soles, you really couldn’t have asked for more. They even had a custom box made up, featuring a white diagonal stripe on an all orange background, with a chrome crab insignia with black lettering. Such an awesome job was done on these! They release tomorrow, so be quick with the keyboard if you plan on getting these. (Oh, and do yourselves a favor, try and remove the label that is affixed to the cork sole. These are abnormally hard to take off for some reason, and if you step into your shoe, and press down on that sticker, then you won’t be removing them anytime soon). So to recap, they covered the 5 things that any great collab should have: An original idea, some unique materials, branding on the shoe, custom packaging, and a story or inspiration to back it.
A special shoutout goes to Graeme, Denis, and Will from OTH for allowing me to get my pairs early, so that I could put together this review for you all. I hope it helps you decide if you really want them or not. I tried to capture as many of the details as I could! -Guamstyles
Release date:
3/22/14
In-store 10 AM EST
Online at 12 noon EST / 9 AM PDT (Click HERE for link to webstore)
lots more detailed pics after the jump (click on pics to see a higher-res file) Read More
Taking a new approach to the iconic Authentic and Sk8-Hi aesthetics, Vans, OTH and Chef Chuck Hughes introduce the first-ever kitchen-ready lifestyle shoes, the “Black Crab” Pack, available exclusively at the Vans x OTH store on March 22nd, 2014.
The “Black Crab” Pack includes two all-black silhouettes: a Vans SK8-Hi Reissue Zip LX and an Authentic LX. Both are constructed from water-repellant materials, with minimal stitching on the uppers and with waxed cotton laces to withstand the at-times tumultuous kitchen environment. A cork insole sits atop the classic Vans non-slip waffle outsole. The SK8-Hi Reissue Zip LX features a gusseted tongue and a waterproof zipper that runs along the back of the heel for easy accessibility.
Hughes’ pedigree is unquestionable. With over 10 years of cooking under his belt, he’s one of Canada’s most prominent chefs. He owns two well-respected Montreal restaurants — Garde Manger and Le Bremner — and has his own show on the Food Network, Chuck’s Day Off.
Fueled by a longtime love of Vans and the desire to rethink traditional kitchen footwear, Hughes has designed a shoe that’s tough enough for the kitchen but stylish enough for catering backstage at world class music festivals or skating his native Montreal. Chuck’s passion for street culture, skating, music, art and the kitchen are all evident in this exclusive collaboration with Canadian streetwear pillar Off The Hook and the Vans x OTH store.
About The Off The Hook x Vans Store
OTH is home to Canada’s first Vans lifestyle boutique, establishing itself as Canada’s benchmark Vans shoe and apparel destination. Launched in May 2011, Vans by OTH is the first global initiative ever developed by Vans in partnership with a retailer.
release info and a few more pics after the jump Read More
Vans Vault is bringing back one of our favorite patterns for the Spring. The OG Sk8-Hi LX “Skate Monkey” pack, being offered in two new colorways, featuring a canvas upper with a “Skate Monkey” print designed by Taka Hayashi, with either deep blue or tan suede uppers and a vintage-inspired print for the side panel. You can’t forget the eye-popping jazz stripe that creates a vibrant contrast to the subdued colors of the canvas. These are starting to show up at your local Vault dealers now.
pic via Hypebeast
Here’s another model from the Vans Vault x Taka Hayashi Spring 2014 collection. Both will feature Loden Green colored suede, and the Court Lo will come to us in a Batik Camo version, while the Court Hi received a Pixel Camo pattern. Both feature that unique vulcanized sole that Taka designed for the Court model, which if you stare at long enough, start to look like some big ‘ol teeth on the front, haha! Needless to say, both of these are looking proper.
pics via Highsnobiety
The Spring will soon be upon us, and with that comes the next seasonal offerings from Vans Vault. Our favorite designer, Taka Hayashi has created some bangers for the Spring ’14 collection, and what could be better than a light dusting of Taka flavor, on some familiar classic models? This time, Taka took the Sk8-Mid and made it his own by wrapping the shoe in premium suede, and the side panels in Chimayo fabric, named after the native Navajo and Spanish people who created these patterns, who lived in Chimayo, just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Other than the unique fabric choice, the foxing rubber has been given a subtle update to the toe bumper, slightly wrapping up over the front of the toe. These details on an already recognizable silhouette contribute to that “where’d you get those” factor, and will have many Vans fans hitting you up. These finish off nicely with square leather laces. Look for these to go fast, at your local Vault dealer in March, and definitely NOT ON THE VANS WEBSTORE.
pics via Hypebeast
one more colorway after the jump Read More
Words via Hypebeast:
“As spring is frequently synonymous with equal parts warm weather and transitional wetness, Vans is set to introduce one of its newest technologies across a set of Vault releases. The OG Old Skool LX silhouette, which is being celebrated this year, has been executed with Vansguard technology – a treatment that was designed to repel water, dirt and other moisture. Per Vans Vault’s slightly more formal aesthetic, these renditions of the shoe are composed with full twill uppers, accented by rich chocolate corduroy at the tongue and tartan plaid accents at the interior. In keeping with the outdoors and sportswear influence, a reverse waffle outsole has also been paired with this fusion offering. Look for the OG Old Skool LX Vansguard to drop at Vans Vault retailers in early February, conveniently priced at $80 USD.”
Words via Hypebeast:
“The Vans Vault collection kicks off Spring 2014 with a two-piece release featuring the premium Sk8-Hi Reissue LX. Dressed in premium materials, the revamped Sk8-Hi duo boasts a combination of full-grain leather and nubuck throughout the upper as contrasting suede Jazz Stripes stretch across the quarter panels. Additional details include everything from a heel zipper and leather lining to metal eyelets, rawhide laces, foxing stripes and vulcanized rubber soles. Retailing for $140 USD each, the luxurious take on the classic high-top will be available in “Mocha Bisque” and “Moroccan Blue” colorways from Vans Vault stockists soon.”
one more color after the jump Read More
Currently on a little hiatus, but normally you can drop in for the live Twitch stream, or you can get caught up later on, by viewing us on our Youtube channel. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Anchor.
Check out and add to our collaborative playlist on Spotify. Let's hear some of your favorite, obscure, B-side, and personal selections. The funkier and more eclectic it gets, the better. Let's show everyone how much range our community has!
