Vans Japan x Billy’s – Kung Fu Authentic Pack (Japan Only!)

Jun 27 19 under Japan Only | Comments Off

“Japanese sneaker retailer BILLY’s has unveiled a special collaboration with Vans – the BILLY’s x Vans Authentic “Kung-fu” Pack.

Taking on a mold that borrows some design specifications from Vans’ Slip-on silhouette, the sneaker is outfitted in the shape of a traditional Chinese kung-fu jacket. Three frog buttons appear at the top in place of laces next to elastic collars. To complete the sneaker design, Japanese Katakana is placed at the rear quarter of the midsole as a cheeky nod to the Kiai shouts employed in martial arts.”

The BILLY’s x Vans Authentic “Kung Fu” will be available at BILLY’S physical store in Nagoya on June 29 in colorways “Black/White” and “Navy/Gum” for approximately $74 USD.

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Vault By Vans x Frida Kahlo – Capsule Collection (6.29.19)

Jun 25 19 under Art, Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Vans has earned the status of being a cultural symbol for creative expression, catering to those who thrive on living “Off The Wall”. Celebrating art and the brand’s commitment to inspiring the nonconformists of the world, Vault by Vans introduces a truly unique footwear collection honoring iconic painter, Frida Kahlo. Known best for her self-portraits and works inspired by Mexico, the Vault by Vans x Frida Kahlo collection brings a meticulously curated sampling of the iconic artist’s paintings to life onto classic Vans classic silhouettes.

Heavily influenced by Mexican heritage, Frida Kahlo employed a naïve folk-art style to explore questions of identity, post colonialism, gender, class and race in Mexican society. Her life took her throughout the U.S., Europe and Mexico and at times proved to be painful, a fact that only added to her lore. Her constant remaking of her identity and her creation of a personal, alternative world resonates greatly with many.

Referencing works both immediately recognizable and lesser known, the collection includes three iconic Vans styles: an OG Sk8-Hi LX featuring Frida’s self-portrait alongside a dark green toe cap, an OG Authentic LX with all-over watermelon print and embroidered details and an OG Slip-On LX celebrating Kahlo’s famed 1940 painting, Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird. Each style features a vulcanized sole and crushed leather cushioned heel liner.

The Vault by Vans x Frida Kahlo collection will be available beginning June 29, 2019 at select Vault by Vans retailers. To learn more about the collection, please visit Vans.com/vault.

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Anaheim Factory – Stripes & Summer Leaf Packs (Available Now!)

Jun 24 19 under Anaheim Factory | Comments Off

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

Vans, the original action sports brand and advocate for creative expression, is set to debut its latest installment of the Anaheim Factory Collection. Paying homage to the brands “Off The Wall” design history, the Anaheim Factory Collection showcases design elements attributed to the original make and models that were once produced in Anaheim, California and reissues them for today with OrthoLiteÔ sock liners. The Anaheim Factory Collection hits stores this July.

First in the Anaheim Factory Collection, Vans reissues the “Stripes” print famously sported by legendary BMX athlete, Eddie Fiola. The Era 96 DX sports OG red stripes and OG blue checks across the multi-panel uppers. The Sk8-Hi 38 DX uses blue suede uppers decorated by the heritage stripe print on the medial sides of the hi-top style. Rounding out the assortment are a second offering of the Era 96 DX and Sk8-Hi 138 DX that showcase Vans’ “Summer Leaf” print. The palm print was originally offered in the ‘70s and was reissued through the Vault by Vans product line and makes its first debut within the Classics assortment. The festive OG black and OG pink print decorates the entirety of Vans’ original skate shoe, the Era 96 DX. The Sk8-Hi 138 features original white suede uppers that are complimented by “Summer Leaf” sidewalls and a white leather Sidestripe. Each model from the Anaheim Factory assortment includes original style numbers, higher-glossed foxing tape, cotton laces and original drill lining weight to complete the retro inspired look.

The Vans Anaheim Factory Collection will be available in retail stores, select accounts and online now at Vans.com. Click on pic to go to site!

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Vault By Vans x Opening Ceremony – Old Skool LX Satin Pack (Available Now!)

Jun 21 19 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Words via Hypebeast:

“Continuing their longstanding fashion partnership, Opening Ceremony and Vans have unveiled their latest footwear collaboration, this time around dressing the Old Skool sneaker in a luxe satin shell. Taking to the streets of Los Angeles for the lookbook, photographer Leo Reilly implements his clone-style imagery to showcase the three bright new colorways.

In line with the summer season, the “Burnt Orange/Emerald” edition is a vibrant take on the silhouette, featuring a tangerine upper with traces of teal on the side panel and mudguard for contrast. Flipping things around, the duo has also offered up an “Aqua Sky/Silver” color combination, coating the shoe in light blue with neutral hits of grey to complement the icy palette. Meanwhile, the brands take the most muted approach by way of the “Pale Mauve/Burnt Coral” style, which rounds out the pack with a pastel pink rendition”.

Launching on Friday, June 21, the Vans for Opening Ceremony Old Skool is priced at $100 USD and will be available at Opening Ceremony stores and the brand’s website.

Vans – ComfyCush “Tear Check” Era (Available Now!)

Jun 19 19 under ComfyCush | Comments Off

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

Vans kicks off the season with new offerings from the ComfyCush collection, the brand’s latest product innovation that transforms one of Vans’ most iconic and classic silhouettes, the Era, with Vans’ latest consumer-driven comfort technology.

The ComfyCush Era showcases Vans’ intention to adapt to the evolving needs of consumers all while keeping comfort as the goal. The ComfyCush Era applies a one-piece constructed interior including tongue tie-downs for improved fit and feel, added arch support and a co-molded construction of foam and rubber to create the perfect combination of cushion and grip for lasting comfort. This season, Vans introduces new colorways and prints in the style, focusing on bright, classic takes on the silhouette.

“We are constantly playing with new ways to incorporate the iconic checkerboard into style evolutions and this primary pallet felt like a subtle ode to the heritage of the Era,” shares Matthew Pino, Global Product Merchandising Manager. “The best thing about the ComfyCush Era is that it is truly a classic and there is no sacrifice of iconic style for added comfort.”

The very first iteration of the Era silhouette launched in 1976 following skate legends Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta asking Vans for more function in their shoes for skateboarding. Decades later, Vans has continued to listen to creative communities to launch the ComfyCush Era as consumers began asking for more comfort, all while keeping the shoe’s iconic style.

Each pair is available now on the Vans site by clicking the pic above!

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Vault By Vans – Love Sk8-Hi LX & Classic Slip-On LX (NYC Vault Store Exclusive)

Jun 18 19 under Vault | Comments Off

This June, Vans introduces the Love Pack, a two-piece capsule collection, designed to celebrate love, available exclusively at the new Vault by Vans store on the Lower East Side in New York City. The Love Pack was designed around the diverse and creative community that thrives in New York and features the word “Love” translated into different languages.

The capsule collection consists of two of Vans’ most iconic silhouettes, the Sk8-Hi and Classic Slip-On, enhanced with punchy, bright rainbow details atop two of the Vault by Vans Originals silhouettes. The footwear duo pays homage to the global identity of New York through love and inclusion, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Each season Vans offers a range of shoes, apparel and accessories styled with rainbow motifs to enable our global consumers the ability to express their own individuality and creative expression. To celebrate Pride Month 2019, Vans has donated $50,000 to The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) young people.

The Vans Love Pack is available now, exclusively in New York City at the Vault by Vans store at 219 Bowery. To learn more about the Vault by Vans category, please visit vans.com/vault.

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Vans Surf x Former – Capsule Collection (6.22.19)

Jun 17 19 under Collaborations, Surf | Comments Off

Equally driven by individual expression, creativity, and style, skate and surf culture have long since held a stronghold on influencing global youth culture and fashion alike. Enter two beloved genre-defining brands of this exact ilk—Vans and Former—whose eclectic style and distinctive aesthetic put them at the forefront of progressive design above trend.

Marking the first collaboration between the two—and the first footwear collaboration with any brand for Los Angeles-based Former—the Vans x Former collection was created hand-in-hand with the Former design crew and features three limited-edition footwear styles, an EverRide Stretch boardshort, and a zippered short-sleeve woven shirt.

Founded in 2016 by Vans global team rider Dane Reynolds, along with fellow surfer Craig Anderson and skaters Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder (RIP), Former is an emerging Los Angeles-based lifestyle apparel brand working to establish a more distinct aesthetic beyond what is expected in action sports. Its exclusive drops introduce limited runs of monochromatic designs with artistic imagery heavily informed by its founders, four of the most stylish and influential riders of our generation.

With the Sk8-Hi 138 FT, all-black Style 36 FT Zip, and La Costa Lite X Slide, Former makes its monochromatic mark, elevating a series of key Vans styles with premium materials and upgraded elements like bone suede and rich black leather, UltraCush sockliners for resilient cushioning and advanced comfort, and a textured rubber toe cap for increased protection and durability. The Style 36 FT Zip also features a custom zippered closure—a Former signature—while the La Costa Lite X Slide features overlapping leather straps, a leather footbed embossed with Vans and Former logos, and a lightweight, flexible, and durable UltraCush waffle outsole.

The collection’s apparel component is an homage to Former’s reputation for creating limited runs of highly creative and unique product, highlighted by sharp attention to detail and premium textiles and fabrications, such as the EverRide Stretch boardshort with Former’s signature zip detail on the side cargo pocket, and on the short-sleeve zip woven shirt made of luxe compact brushed twill. Custom logo labels with Former’s iconic artwork and Vans motifs unite the apparel and footwear for a cohesive look and feel.

The Vans x Former collection will be available at select Vans Surf retailers worldwide on June 22. Visit Vans.com/surf to find authorized dealers near you.

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Latest Vans Pro’s To Hit Silo Store! @silostore #silostore

Jun 13 19 under Friends, Pro | Comments Off

Every now and then I like to give you guys a little update on the new Vans Pro line, by showcasing stuff that our friends over at Silo have gotten in. For the latest drop, we see a UTP fave, the Vanosaur print, back in the teal variant, and on a Sk8-Hi Pro. Love these. Next, is the Banana Yellow Old Skool Pro. Either you love these, or you don’t. The Slip-On Pro Rubber Print gets it’s name from the new rubber printed ollie pad. Gone is the thicker rubber pad that we see on most Pro Slips, but I guess time will tell if skaters like it more. Last, we see a dope new Olive Green colorway of the TNT Advanced Prototype. This is probably the most advanced Vans skate shoe on the market, and now you can have it in a dope new earthy colorway.

If you’re in the market for some new Pro Skate models with that UltraCush HD comfiness, then head on over to Silo to shop all of these pairs!

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Vans Girls – ID Pack (Available Now!)

Jun 13 19 under General Release, Girls | Comments Off

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

Vans continues to update its classic silhouette, the Era & Slip-On, with the release of the Vans ID pack. Designed as the first-ever skate shoe, the Era gives range to seasonal material updates and premium offerings. Vans dresses up the Era with crushed velvet material uppers available in red and black that are each juxtaposed by a black outsole for a luxe make-up. Drawing inspiration from decorative nameplates, each model is finished with black cotton laces that are adorned with gold charms to spell out Vans, while the Slip-On features a metal ID bracelet on the top of each shoe, while being constructed entirely in suede.

The Vans ID pack is available now by clicking on the pic above!

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Vault By Vans x Sole Classics – “The Funk Collection” (6.29.19) @soleclassics #soleclassics

Jun 12 19 under Collaborations, Vault | Comments Off

Sole Classics and Vans are proud to launch their 6th collaborative project; The Funk Collection on Friday, June 28th, 2019 through a New York pop-up experience, and globally on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 exclusively in-store at their Dublin location and online at SoleClassics.com. Known for their Ohio-focused storytelling, this entire collection consists of 4 Vans footwear silhouettes that pay homage to musical icons who have at some point called this great state “Home”. This project is inspired by both Funk and Soul music and the impact that it has had on their favorite artists and the decades of music that would follow.

In addition to the 4 shoes, there will also be 4 collaborative apparel pieces with 10 Deep, 2 hats, a women’s top, 2 men’s tops, a pair of bottoms, socks and a tote bag that will tie in with the footwear. In addition to the footwear and apparel, a vinyl album with all original music will be passed out for FREE to the first 100 people in line who make a purchase at both their New York and Dublin (Columbus, OH) in-store releases.

My quick thoughts:

“This pack is utterly amazing. I hope the amount of customization and details that went into each shoe doesn’t go unnoticed. Each shoe could’ve had it’s own release, and they would’ve all been successful, but I think having 4 shoes paints a bigger picture, and shows a lot of different sides to the Funk & Soul era that merged music cultures, geographical location, and style to create something all it’s own. If you’re knowledgeable in the funk & soul era, you’ll recognize some of the design influences throughout the pack. Meticulously thought out, and perfectly executed, and I believe this idea was perfect for Vans, over any other company. Oh, and just in case you’re asleep, this pack has a few “first time” design features in the history of Vans. From the first time ever seeing a jazz stripe on a Chukka, to utilizing a reflective thread on their Slip-On, to spreading a message across the waffle soles of 4 shoes, to create a cool graphic when you line them up. Props to Vans for allowing Sole Classics to push the boundary of design just a little bit more than what we’ve seen, and hopefully this inspires the next collaborator to think of something even more unique. Vans, stop saying no, and embrace these cool new ideas!!!”

Vault by Vans Sk8-Hi LX “Funk” – Retail $155 Sizes 6-13
Vault by Vans Ckukka LX “Soul” – Retail $150 Sizes 5.5-13
Vault by Vans Classic Slip-On LX “Peace” – Retail $100 Sizes 3.5-13
Vans Women’s Classic Slip-On Platform “Love” – Retail $90 Women’s Sizes 5-11.5

To read a more in-depth article on the release, as well as see more pics and information for each shoe, head over to Sole Classics blog HERE.