info via Hypebeast:

“With the Windy City’s harsh weather in full effect, Chicago-based retailer Saint Alfred aligns with Vans Vault to create a specially designed Chukka LX to aid in taking on the fall months with purpose and style. This release evolves from a previously curated series between the two brands and the MLB which saw the use of the Chukka LX sillhouette back in 2010. This time around the renowned Vans model is treated with a reverse waffle sole to prevent a pavement slip and give more tread, as well as a resin coated canvas upper capable of repelling water. Additional details include a premium leather lining and 3 extra laces: hiking laces; red waxed laces; and black waxed laces. Limited to 200 pairs, this collaborative Chukka LX will be available exclusively at Saint Alfred, Saint Alfred’s webstore, Kicks/HI and Bodega.  Hypebeast sat down with Saint Alfred general manager Frank DiGiovanni to discuss the project a bit further.  Read the interview here.”

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Releasing alongside the “Catcher’s Mitt” Horween Mtn. Edition, is this black pair.  Tanned in the same manner as the original deep brown color, this black pair is looking mighty proper right here!  Not much to say on this pair, except wow.  Look for these to start showing up very soon at your local Vault dealer.

info via Highsnobiety

Words via Hypebeast:

“Having shown off a number of stylish footwear offerings in the past utilizing luxurious Horween Leather, Vans Vault dives deeper into the material’s diversity with the Fall 2012 Mt. Edition. While previous models have all featured a rich, deep brown colorway, the newest takes on the “Catcher’s Mitt” colorway because of its resemblance to baseball gloves produced by the likes of Rawlings and Spalding. Featuring premium leather uppers, tonal laces and metal accents, the white sole is highlighted by reinforced stitch-down outsole construction. The Mt. Edition “Catcher’s Mitt” retails for $180 USD at your local Vault dealer.”

Hypebeast explains these better than me:

“From the highly limited Vans Vault collection comes this “Brushed Camo” pack, a collection of three models featuring camouflage uppers. Partnering with the esteemed Horween Leather Factory, producers of premium leather since 1905, the shoes utilize the company’s quality leather for the uppers. Consisting of the Sk8 Mid HW LX, 106 Moc HW LX and the Piragua HW LX, the collection features camouflage leather with premium brown Horween leather accents. Both the Piragua HW LX and the 106 Moc HW LX feature a Moc toebox with white stitching while the Sk8 Mid HW LX offers a more traditional skate shoe silhouette. As always, these shoes feature Vans’ signature waffle sole and also come with premium leather laces. Available for the holiday season, these will be released through official Vans Vault retailers.”

Vans Vault has teamed up with Nice Kicks on ‘The Duel” Sneaker Pack.  They chose to go with the Sk8-Hi LX and the Era LX, both featuring a mixture of oiled premium leather and raw denim on the upper.  NiceKicks creator Matt Halfhill’s inspiration on this collaboration, comes from his memories of the old cowboy way of life, giving them a western theme, naturally fitting, since NiceKicks is from Austin, Texas.

“This set features my two favorite Vans models and is inspired by childhood heroes and popular culture – cowboys, the Wild West and the independent spirit associated with those figures. The oiled leather and heel cap represent my first pair of boots, as well as the saddle and reins on a horse. The red Vans Vault logo on the back is a tribute to both the Nice Kicks logo and the Texas flag. The raw denim and antique brass further underscore the Western influence of the collaboration.”

The Nice Kicks x Vans Vault “The Duel” Era LX and Sk8-Hi sneakers will release exclusively at the Nice Kicks Shop in Austin, TX on Friday, September 14th at midnight for a price of $110 and $125, respectively. An online release at ShopNiceKicks.com will follow the next day at Noon CST.

info via NiceKicks

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Words via Hypebeast:

“The previously introduced Taka Hayashi x Vans Vault TH Sierra Trek Hi LX receives further refinement in the release of its second installment. Having already left his mark on a handful of Vans Vault creations, Hayashi has taken the liberty to revamp the outsole by switching the original crepe-based one with a Vibram bottom. The majority of the upper is constructed with soft Horween leather with the exception of an off-colored strip of embossed leather found at the arch of the mid-top shoe. Other details include contrasting leather interior lining, round textured lacing and top metal eyelets. Available in both beige and sunrise brown, the Vans Vault TH Sierra Trek Hi LX II is set to release early September as part of Vans‘s 2012 fall/winter collection.”

Words and photography via Hypebeast:

“Vans originally foreshadowed an upcoming heavyweight collaboration back in July, involving one of America’s greatest ongoing domestic stories. Horween and its tanned leathers have become one of the country’s most prominent links to the past, keeping fresh in the minds of consumers the importance of quality and heritage. As the two American brands join forces, an outcome comes to the forefront with the Vans Vault Piragua Horween LX Boat Shoe. A sneaker approach to a deckside staple, an understated contrast brought forth by the usage of different grains of leather reinforces a certain timeless aesthetic that has accompanied both storied brands over the years. Look for the shoe to hit select retailers globally as a Vans Vault release.”

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