The beloved makers of California's favourite deck shoe recorded a solid 2019. For many of you, the Vans Vault range has become the go-to line, but there was plenty of action ticking along in the background. After all, this is a waffle world where Vans' upper echelon line Syndicate doesn't exist, teenagers no longer ache for red Authentics, and the pro skate line is focused on – you guessed it – skaters!
In February, we sent our resident skate-buff to the Sydney House of Vans to talk shop with Dogtown legend Tony Alva, where he told us all about his relationship with Steve Van Doren and Vans. Then we headed back-to-school for the launch of ComfyCush in Brooklyn, New York, and witnessed a masterclass on each component of ComfyCush – including the tech and molecular considerations needed to reinvent the Era.
In August, we went to Vans HQ to celebrate Geoff Rowley's 20th year with Vans. We got an exclusive look at his Take It Back part. Then, just last month, our friends at Made For Skate launched their 10th anniversary edition – updated with over 200 new pages – at the House of Vans in London. For a 53-year-old company, it's safe to say Vans still have their finger on the pulse!
Without further ado, here are some of Vans' highlights from the year that was.
CDG and Vans Linked-Up on the Lampin
The Lampin is by no means one of Vans' biggest or best sellers. However, it is a great canvas for collaborators like Comme des Garçons' sub-line, CDG, to imprint on. Especially if it means an all-over print. Black overlays make for a solid look, with the white midsole and laces offering the finishing touches. Despite only being available from the CDG webstore, we know a few of you copped the W.
Geoff Rowley x pillowHeat x Vans Rowley Pro was for the Die-Hards
This colab is about as ‘Vans’ as it gets. For his 20th anniversary with Vans, legendary skater Geoff Rowley continued celebrations with a special edition Rowley Pro alongside London-based collector pillowHeat. Sadly, it was limited to just 66 pairs. The colourway was inspired by the two-tone designs of the late 1970s. If you're looking for a pair, you're too late... They released on November 23.
Goodhood Revealed 'Love in the Time of Chaos' Vans Colab
London natives Goodhood went all-in on the cobwebs, stars, and lightning bolts back in July. This Vans Vault release was executed across LX versions of the Sk8-Mid, Era, and Slip-On. Where this release lacked in colour, it made up for in bold statements, fitting with its 'Love in the Time of Chaos' theme.
The Vans AVE Pro
To celebrate the career of OG skater Anthony Van Engelen, Vans released a technically-advanced skate shoe this year: the AVE Pro. This release stunned a lot of you, as it was AVE’s first cupsole signature model in nearly 15 years. According to the man himself, ‘This shoe for me was a natural progression toward making a durable, technical skate shoe’. And he did just that.
Vans Unveiled Five Fucking Awesome Authentics!
In May, skate imprint Fucking Awesome opened the doors to their first location in Hollywood. To celebrate, Vans unveiled five Authentic C Pros doused with FA logos. Customers could choose between black, orange, green, red or white.
