Vault By Vans x Madhappy – OG Style 43 LX (6.15.21)

Jun 10 21 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Vault by Vans is excited to announce its first ever footwear collaboration with global lifestyle brand, Madhappy. This new iteration of the OG Style 43 LX features a mix of playful branding and customizable details.

For Madhappy’s first-ever foray into footwear, California footwear and apparel brand Vans was a natural partner. Both labels are known for their high profile collaborations and as symbols of self-expression for creatives across the world. Blending the iconic aesthetics of Madhappy and Vans, the marshmallow OG Style 43 LX serves as a “blank canvas”, designed with each wearer’s personal journey in mind.

Reworking the OG Style 43 LX with primary color (red, yellow and blue) stitching, the like-minded brands have come together to create a sneaker that promotes community and camaraderie through customization. Taking inspiration from friendship bracelets, each pair comes with a set of beads (a mix of letters, colors and symbols) that allows the wearer to upgrade their Madhappy Vans with an individual message or daily reminder of positivity. The shoes are finished with an ice blue sole – a Vans rarity – and a unique heel that folds down into a slide to maximize comfort.

The Vault by Vans x Madhappy OG Style 43 LX is available June 15, 2021, at 10am PST exclusively at Madhappy.com.

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Vans – Eco Theory Collection (Available Now!)

Jun 2 21 under Surf | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Since 1966, Vans has broken rules and set standards with its “Off the Wall” approach to style and sport. Today, Vans is proud to announce the next evolution in our story, the Eco Theory collection, marking one of the first steps in a journey to more sustainable footwear.

Rebuilding some of our most-loved shoes from the ground up, Vans Eco Theory collection has the classic look fans of the brand have come to expect, made with responsibly sourced materials from sources that follow proven ethical and sustainable practices that minimize harm and have positive benefits within the natural and social ecosystems in which they operate. The collection utilizes organic cotton, a new ECO Vans natural rubber, jute laces, cork-lined footbeds and water-based inks and glues to reimagine three of our most iconic Surf Classics silhouettes: the Authentic, Slip-On, and Style 36 Decon SF.

“Sustainability has to be at the forefront of Vans for the future,” says Vans Professional Surfer Dane Gudauskas. “It’s a fantastic moment to own the space and contribute to a more sustainable way of producing.”

With this in mind, Vans set out to make more thoughtful iterations of some of its most classic designs, starting with its first ever shoe, the Authentic. The Eco Theory Authentic SF, available in black Checkerboard/marshmallow Checkerboard and natural/double light gum, is a more sustainable version of an all-time favorite. The 100% cotton upper is made with cotton fibers that are organically grown according to recognized farm level certification standards that aim to support healthy soils, habitats and workers.

The Authentic SF’s shoelaces are made from natural jute fiber, and the UltraCush footbed features a natural cork topsheet. The outsole is made from an all-new ECO rubber compound from responsibly sourced natural rubber instead of petroleum-derived rubber. The ECO rubber is obtained from sources that follow proven ethical and sustainable practices that minimize harm and have positive benefits within the natural and social ecosystems in which they operate. This new natural rubber compound was developed and engineered to maintain the grip and durability for which Vans is known. The whole package is held together with water-based glues and colored with water-based inks.

Accompanying the Eco Theory Authentic SF are the Eco Theory Slip-On SF in Checkerboard/marshmallow and the Eco Theory Style 36 Decon SF in natural/double Light Gum, touting the same sustainable construction, UltraCush drop-in sockliners and durable outsoles with waffle pattern.

Like the Authentic SF, The Eco Theory Slip-On SF combines a deconstructed low profile with the added comfort of a collapsible heel. The Style 36 Decon SF is a modern take on the original Vans Sidestripe shoe, now with a deconstructed upper and added toe cap.

The reimagined Classics that make up the Eco Theory Collection don’t just make a style statement, but a statement of what matters to the surfers, skaters, and changemakers who wear them.

The Vans Surf Eco Theory collection is now available at authorized retailers and Vans.com/Surf. To learn more about Vans’ sustainability initiatives, visit vans.com/sustainability.

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VANS ANNOUNCES TOP 5 FINALISTS IN CUSTOM CULTURE HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION

May 26 21 under Art, Contests | Comments Off

Vans is thrilled to announce the Top 5 finalists of the twelfth annual Vans Custom Culture competition. Vans High School Custom Culture was created to inspire and empower high school students to embrace their creativity through art and design and bring attention to diminishing art education budgets.

After twelve years, Vans continues its dedication to give back to the arts through its competition giving students a chance to win $50,000 to benefit their school’s art program. Over 1,000 schools across the country entered and were asked to use Vans as their canvas and apply their creativity to Vans footwear, using the themes “Hometown Pride” and “Head in the Clouds”.

Finalists:

Cedar Hill High School – Cedar Hill, TX

Edison High School – San Antonio, TX

Fontainebleau High School – Mandeville, LA

Secaucus High School – Secaucus, NJ

Temple City High School – Temple City, CA

After receiving both physical and digital submissions, it’s evident that this year’s winners were collaborative, innovative and dedicated to show the world their art no matter the obstacle.

Thank you to our partners for empowering this competition, including Yoobi, Vans’ exclusive arts supplies partner who provided gift cards to all the participating schools in order for them to purchase much needed art supplies, Scholarship America for community-based scholarship programs and Journeys who awarded all participating students a gift card to their store in recognition of their accomplishments.

Since its inception in 2021, Vans Custom Culture has reached hundreds of thousands of students, donating over $1,110,000 USD back into high school art programs nationwide.

For more information, please visit Vans Custom Culture.

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Vans x C2H4 – Vol.2 Drop 1 Collection (5.27.21)

May 26 21 under Collaborations | Comments Off

Words via Hypebeast:

“Continuing their collaborative relationship, C2H4 and Vans have teamed up once again on a collection of footwear and apparel.

Building on the retro-futurism aesthetic outlook of C2H4’s Post Human Era fictional universe, footwear styles include takes on Vans’ Old Skool, Era and Mountain Edition models.

The Vans’ Old Skool “Relic Stone” features a mix of suede and canvas in dark gray or black complete with metal eyelets and aglets. The Era “Virtual Reality Alpha” comes in black and white marked with a contrast design and “CRAFTED MEMORY CONSTRUCTION GUIDE. BY C2H4 ® HUMAN DATA STORAGE CORP.” printed on the foxing tape. While the Mountain Edition “Nightwalker” features suede and canvas uppers accented by luminous contrasting sole units.

Accompanying the footwear is a selection of T-shirts that continues the retro-futurism outlook with an examination of Vans’ place in street culture and youth movements.”

The C2H4 x Vans Vol.2 Drop 1 is set to release on C2H4’s website May 27, 3 p.m. EST.

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Vault By Vans x Mid City Signs x Footpatrol – Collection (5.29.21)

May 26 21 under Art, Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Footpatrol:

“Ever since 2014, Javier Matias has been keeping himself busy, cementing himself within the streetwear scene of L.A. Originally studying Fashion Design at L.A Trade-Tech, Javier was eating a grilled cheese when he spotted Jamal Gunn Becker, a local graffiti artist, walking through his campus. It was at that moment Javier stopped what he was doing, followed Jamal to find himself immersed in the world of Sign Painting. This split decision to follow Jamal Gunn Becker, later became his new path, he swapped courses and enrolled into what is one of the oldest courses run within the US.

As time has gone on, Javier has been able to become the go to guy when it comes to L.A. sign painting with his company Mid City Signs. Besides the usual store fronts such as FTP and Midnight studios, Javier has even worked on Coachella and Camp Flog Gnaw.

During a visit we made to Complexcon 2018, we stumbled across Javier and Mid City Signs instantly falling in love with what they do and how they go about doing it. A laid back approach filled with friendly smiles and welcoming hellos is what makes Mid City Signs what it is working perfectly with the city’s way of life.

To be able to showcase Javier’s work we reached out to him to work together alongside Vans to produce a three piece collaboration inspired by the L.A. shop fronts.

Starting off with the Vans Era LX. The loudest pair of the pack, we pieced together a series of Mid City Signs designed lettering and branded footbed, this pair is built to stand out against the rest. The shoe also features a vulcanised glossy cream midsole with paint splatters on the outsole.

Second in line is the fan favourite Vans Old Skool LX. Based more so on the sign painting process and the half finished job. Referencing the stencilling used to prep the lettering we added tonal branding to the toe box, whilst making the stripes featured on the sidewalls cream. As a nod to the trial & error method used by sign painters when selecting a typeface and the early days of old school Vans customs, the midsole comes with a series of differently designed Footpatrol branding.

The Final piece to our colourful puzzle with Vans brings up to the more subtly designed, Vans Sid LX. To recreate the dusty paint covered sheets used, this pair is dressed in cream toned paint flecked canvas uppers placed on top of a contrasting black midsole. Besides making the sole stand out against the upper, the trim lines that are showcased on the shoe have also been filled to contrast against the midsole and placed alongside a series of paint splatters.

To be able to create an authentic feel to the campaign we asked Javier to take us on a day in the life of Mid City Signs walking us through his journey, some of the spots he’s worked on across L.A. and share with us his view on where he sees Mid City Sign going.

This special collaborative project is launching online and in-stores, Saturday 29th May. Also, take a closer look at the gift with purchase that will be available for those who purchase this latest collaboration within our London store! (Whilst stocks last).”

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Vans Customs x SpongeBob SquarePants – Exclusive Swatches & Sidewall Art Options (6.4.21)

May 24 21 under Collaborations, Customs | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Vans and Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants are back yet again with a special delivery of prints and patterns that are available exclusively on Vans’ Customs platform. Vans Customs have been a tradition since 1966, allowing customers to enable their creativity and put their own spin on Vans Classic footwear. This June, Vans’ favorite cast of Bikini Bottom characters are set to release four exclusive custom swatches and two sidewall prints giving fans an endless amount of creativity to design their own Vans x SpongeBob footwear.

Joining the expansive lineup of Vans x SpongeBob product, Vans customs is set to launch four exclusive swatches including SpongeBob SquarePants and his many expressions encapsulated in bubbles inspired by Vans iconic checkerboard print. You can also catch SpongeBob in a print inspired by his many adventures throughout Jellyfish Fields. Patrick Star receives his own print that is collaged with some of his most memorable reactions, and if you want to sport the entire Bikini Bottom cast, the fourth print is an all-over execution with all of the series most beloved characters. Fans can choose from any of the four swatches and customize them with various prints and materials atop any of Vans Classic footwear styles.

The Customization doesn’t stop there! To complete your Vans custom design is an exclusive sidewall print featuring a SpongeBob checkerboard tape to dress up the sidewall of your sneakers. Each pair of Vans x SpongeBob Customs will be complete with a yellow sock liner graphic.

Customize your own Vans x SpongeBob footwear beginning June 4 on Vans.com/spongebob.

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Vault By Vans x KITH – “10th Anniversary” OG Classic Slip-On LX (5.24.21)

May 20 21 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via KITH:

“To celebrate Kith’s 10^th anniversary, the New York-based brand has worked with Vans Vault to create adult and kids capsules that center around the OG Classic Slip-On LX.

Kith reprises its partnership with Vans Vault to celebrate the brand’s 10-year anniversary on a staple summer footwear of choice, featuring the OG Classic Slip-On LX. Taking pride in its range of prints and graphics, Kith looks back at some of the custom patterns featured in their collection over the last ten years. Continuing the theme of “10”, Kith has created ten versions of the Slip-On LX for adults each featuring a different pattern.

Each style is offered in a canvas upper executed with an all-over Kith print. The left and right shoe feature asymmetrical branding on the back side of the flag labels. Kith’s 10^th Anniversary logo replaces the I with an X which is seen on the right shoe, while the left shoe features Since 2011. The footbeds are also custom-printed with a KXTH logo. Lastly, each model arrives in custom packaging that displays the print seen on the shoe.

A Kith Kids offering of 5 styles created for toddlers is also included in this release, marking this the first time Kith has introduced collaborative footwear for their Kid’s line. The custom prints are continued, this time on the Classic Slip-On silhouette while retaining similar elements such as the co-branded woven labels, leather heel patch and collar. Special packaging is also offered for the Kids models.

Kith & Kith Kids for Vans Vault releases this Monday, May 24^th at all Kith shops and 11AM EST on Kith.com, as well as 11AM CET on EU.Kith.com.

The Men’s styles retail for $‌90.00 USD and are sized from 4 – 13 and 14, while the Toddler styles retail for $‌45.00 USD and are sized from 2 – 10 in full sizes only

tons of pics after the jump

NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship Powered by Vans

May 20 21 under Articles, Contests, NEWS | Comments Off

Vans, the original action sports brand and advocate for creative expression, has partnered with the NAACP, the nation’s preeminent social justice and civil rights organization, to launch the ‘NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship Powered by Vans.’ As part of Vans’ commitment to uplift and drive equity, diversity and inclusion within our communities and our industry, this scholarship program aims to support African American students by providing them with monetary aid to use towards their college education as they pursue a creative career across a variety of disciplines including art, music, journalism, marketing, design, communications, or architecture. Full eligibility requirements below.

Applications for the NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship Powered by Vans opened today and will remain open until June 18, 2021. 50 students will be selected as recipients of the scholarship by N-SPIRE, a committee within NAACP that focuses on the creation, development and awarding of scholarship programs. The selected students will be announced August 9 and each will receive $5,000 to use towards their tuition fees. As a way for Vans to continue supporting these students throughout their entire college education, Vans will award the selected students $5000 each year that they are enrolled up until four years, which means one student could receive a total of $20,000 through the program, if eligibility requirements continue to be met. Vans hopes to incentivize the selected students to complete their full college education and graduate at the end of the four years.

To learn more about the application process, eligibility or to share with friends or family who may be interested in applying for the scholarship, please be sure to visit naacp.org.

“Vans’ commitment to tackle racism while ensuring diversity and inclusion become a mainstay across communities and industries is an essential step in the fight against institutional racism. We look forward to a sustained partnership that brings about change for the Black community.”

– YUMEKA RUSHING, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, NAACP

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CREATIVE SOLE SCHOLARSHIP:

Applicants must:

• Be African American and a member of the NAACP.

• Be currently enrolled full-time or accepted to an accredited college or university in the US.

• Be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student.

• Possess a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 system.

• Demonstrate interest in pursuing creative careers, i.e., art, music, journalism, marketing, design, communications, architecture or film as examples.

• Be a US resident.

Vans Skate x Boys of Summer – Collection (5.27.21)

May 17 21 under Collaborations, Pro | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Always finding new ways to work with authentic brands in skateboarding, Vans has teamed up this time with Boys of Summer, well-recognized for their generationally-transcendent, nostalgic videos that capture the true spirit of skateboarding. Together, Vans and Boys of Summer are proud to unveil a new collection, featuring three new colorways across the Classic Skate Old Skool, Rowan Pro, and Varix silhouettes.

All about the crew and helping out the homies, Boys of Summer gained notoriety through videos featuring skateboarding legends, up-and-comers and influencers that highlight the dynamic between the Boys as they travel and skate together. The Vans x Boys of Summer collection reflects this dynamic with “shared pro models” that display one skater’s name on the left shoe and the other on the right. The names are visible on the uppers, as well as on the outsoles through crystal translucent rubber. All three shoes in the collection feature a quote that is meaningful to the duo on the interior tongue label. The collection also uplifts the graphic stylings of Alexis Ross, nodding to the iconic pop culture film excerpts interspersed throughout Boys of Summer’s videos.

Vans x Boys of Summer leads with the Skate Old Skool in a navy and black Jerry Hsu/Baby Girl colorway with a navy canvas quarter, black suede overlays and black foxing stripe. A white Sidestripe offers a classic Vans aesthetic, complimented by the shoe’s namesakes on the heel counters. “Good Times, Bad Times” is written on the exterior tongue, while “Boys of Summer” wraps the rubber sidewalls.

Vans and Boys of Summer elevate team riders Rowan Zorilla and Aidan Mackey with a new take on the Rowan Pro. A solid navy Rowan/Aidan colorway features a navy upper, with “Rowan/Aidan” in cursive on the heel mustaches and “Boys of Summer” on the sidewall.

A third, unexpected iteration takes shape with the Varix in a Manute/Steve Lee colorway, a throwback to ‘90s skate shoe aesthetics. The black/navy uppers are highlighted by reflective pops and graphic hits, navy pig suede overlays, and paired with a white sidewall and crystal rubber outsole.

Named for Don Henley’s 1984 hit, Boys of Summer aims to encapsulate the essence of skateboarding, reminding its audience not to take themselves too seriously. Half a decade ago, Supreme’s Jeff Kutter unveiled a surprise video project to the world, simply titled “Boys of Summer,” and featuring some of skateboarding’s upper echelon. The Boys include several top Vans athletes and ambassadors, including Rowan, Anthony Van Engelen, Elijah Berle, Andrew Allen, Beatrice Domond, Ben Kadow and Diego Todd. It’s safe to say that with two full videos under their belt and a third on the way, Boys of Summer aren’t through having fun yet, and summer isn’t ending anytime soon.

The Vans x Boys of Summer collection will be available May 27, 2021, at Vans Skateboarding retail locations and Vans.com/skate.

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Vans Celebrates Free and Creative Expression this Pride Month by Amplifying the Stories and Mission of the LGBTQ+ Community

May 13 21 under General Release, Heritage, History | Comments Off

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Since 1966, Vans’ brand purpose has been to enable creative expression for fans around the world, regardless of where you come from, the color of your skin or who you love. Vans recognizes the Pride as an inspiring global moment of authentic self-expression, and proudly celebrates the empowering spirit and identities of the LGBTQ+ community.

To celebrate Pride 2021, Vans will be donating a total of $200,000 USD to four organizations from around the world including GLSEN, Casa 1, Where Love is Illegal and Tokyo Rainbow Pride to support and uplift their personal stories and mission.

Pride is celebrated worldwide as a cultural moment for all to stand united in celebration of the tremendous impact for the LGBTQ+ community has brought to society. Vans is committed to advocating for support of the LGBTQ+ community year-round as a driving philosophy towards equality and progression.

With a global approach in mind, Vans selected four organizations who continue to champion equality, safety and education amongst the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.

Vans Americas will donate to GLSEN, an organization that works to cultivate a safe and supportive school environment for all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Vans will highlight the stories and narratives of their local ambassadors including Get Lit poet, Tyris Winter, painter, designer and printmaker, Mich Miller, skateboarder, photographer and creative director, Samuel McGuire, singer and songwriter, Serena Isioma, and more to highlight the relationship between creativity, identity and community.

Vans Americas will also give back to Casa 1, an organization that seeks to promote structural changes by providing safe shelter and access to culture, education and health resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

Vans Europe will partner with Where Love is Illegal, a project by Witness Change, that shares personal testimonials of survivals from the LGBTQ+ community to help connect people, transform opinions and support real change. Vans Europe and Where Love is Illegal will partner with local artist from the LGBTQ+ community to design 45 windows across Europe inspired by the testimonials from the organization.

Vans Asia-Pacific region will partner with Tokyo Rainbow Pride as part of their 2021 “Raise Your Voice. Change The World” digital activation that aims to build awareness and policy change so that all genders, races and beliefs can be equal. Vans Pride storytelling and activations around the world will kick off throughout May and June.

Inspired by the LGBTQ+ community and the spirit of creative self-expression, Vans will release a footwear and apparel collection that is designed to support a more equal and inclusive society this May. Vans Classic silhouettes including the Classic Slip-On, Era, Sk8-Mid and UltraRange, will reinterpret the iconic rainbow checkerboard pattern through repeat print executions, all-over patterns and mixed material patchwork applications. The Pride assortment includes accompanying apparel and accessories. “When I was younger, I was so scared to merge my queer life and my skate life, and to see the two crashing into each other in such a beautiful and organic way is cool,” said skateboarder and campaign photographer, Samuel McGuire who grew up skating in Vans. “To work with a brand that is involved in the queer community and that was so influential in my life is a dream come true.”

The Vans Pride collection is on-sale now at select Vans stores and online at Vans.com. Learn more about our charity partners at Vans.com/pride.

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