Wow.  I don’t think anyone was expecting this from the upcoming Spring line from Vans Vault and Taka Hayashi.  Taka’s well known for his “outside the box” designs, but this pair takes that aspect to a whole other level.  Straying from his trademark Native American theme, these seem to have more influence from some Japanese and European footwear labels.  The materials are of the finest leather, and the craftsmanship looks on-point as well.  The buckles are the attention grabber, and the crepe sole gives it personality.  It’s wild.  It’s detailed.  It’s Taka!  Available in two colorways: Black and Sunrise.  Look for these in February at your local Vault dealer.

info via Vans Vault

one more colorway after the jump Read More

Thanks to OTWS homie Geek. (Andrew), we can show you a closer look at the just released Vans Vault collaboration shoe with Levi Maestro, the NY native known for his online videos, of him roaming around the globe, giving all of us a look inside the worlds of any and everything that our generation seems to be into these days.  Sneakers, fashion, photography, tattooing, and so on.  His talent and relationships have given him the opportunity to create these sharp, minimalistic, super clean Old Skool Decons with Vans Vault.  Constructed in premium grey leather, and suede, and sitting on top of an off-white midsole.  The bottoms feature multiples of colors, similar to what you’ve seen on most recent Taka Hayashi Vault releases, but the best detail of this shoe, in my opinion, are the lace holes.  He chose to punch them in a flat shape, so the flat waxed laces that he chose, didn’t pinch up while going through them.  It’s a nice touch, that I bet we’ll be seeing on some future Vans releases.  At first, we thought these were going to be exclusively sold at UNDFTD in the USA, but we’ve since learned that a few other Vault accounts have taken delivery of these, but don’t expect these to last long, especially after everyone sees these great photos!  Head on over to our specific Levi Maestro thread on our forums, for info on where to find these.

more pics after the jump Read More

The highly anticipated Vans Vault collaboration with Levi Maestro is set to kick off this Saturday Jan. 7th at Undefeated La Brea, with a release party from 7-9 PM.  Food will be provided by the infamous KogiBBQ truck, so that alone will bring out a crowd. UNDFTD La Brea isn’t known for their great parking availability, so come early or be assed out!

UNDFTD La Brea:  112.5 S. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Thanks to Sneaker Freaker, we can now see exactly what Levi Maestro’s been cooking up with Vans Vault.  Our predictions were sort of off however, as the shoe is gray, not navy, like the initial poor video quality protrayed!  SF also got the inside scoop on this release, with an exclusive interview with Levi, himself.  Head on over to Sneaker Freaker, for the interview, video, and I’ve gone through the trouble of posting the pics for you all right here.  That’s right, you’re welcome!  Just messin’.

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Vault is teaming up with U.S. based leathermakers BILLYKIRK, on a special collaboration of shoes, and not just any Vans shoes!  They were lucky enough to convince Vans Vault to let them use the Taka Hayashi signature TH HI LX, and Derby LX.  Using their vast knowledge they’ve gained over the past decade of processing leathers, brothers and BILLYKIRK co-owners, Chris and Kirk Bray, decided to construct the two shoes in a mixture of all types of fine suede, nubuck, leather, and waxed canvas, in two new colors that we haven’t seen before.  As more pics and info releases, we will bring it to you as soon as we get it.  These are due out at the beginning of December, at your local Vault dealer.

info via FreshNGood

BILLYKIRK blog