Get a First Look at Vans’s Premium Old Skool Collection and Campaign
What’s old is new again—just look at Vans. The skate shoe brand is revamping its iconic Old Skool sneaker with a new collection, inspired by the decades of music released since the style first hit shelves in 1977. For the uninitiated, it was first accessory to feature the now-signature side stripe that Vans is known for today.
Fortunately for die-hards, the external design isn’t changing drastically—there are new colors and patterns, but many details are pulled from ’90s-era Vans archives. The real upgrade is on the interior, with 30 percent biobased Sola Foam ADC insoles that improve cushioning and comfort and are more sustainable than the traditional design.
“While we wanted to keep the integrity of the Old Skool’s original paneling, including our iconic side stripe, we did a complete revamp of the shoe from a comfort, fit, and sustainability standpoint,” says Diandre Fuentes, Head of Design for Vans Lifestyle Footwear. “We refined the fit and construction of the Old Skool to be more seamless and comfortable. The Sola Foam insoles are biobased and the rubber outsoles are made of regenerative rubber for a more sustainable take on our classic build.”
The first capsule, which lands February 6, features styles that reference the hardcore punk music culture of the ’70s and ’80s, with leopard print and bold, saturated solids. “Think: Henry Rollins and the DIY punk scenes that laid the foundation for many iconoclasts to come,” Fuentes adds of the inspiration.
The second and third installments, which will be released in March and April, respectively, will bring back the spirit of more recent decades, particularly the Vans Warped Tour, “which was a true misfit circus dripping in checkerboard, studded belts, and bleached tips,” Fuentes says. In fact, the Y2K spirit and the swagger of indie hip-hop in the 2010s played a huge role in the Old Skool revamp. “To think that Vans shoes and the Old Skool have organically been the shoe of choice by artists within these movements is amazing,” Fuentes continues. Vans’s iconic checkerboard print, along with contrast paneling and darker tones, marks the second capsule drop, while bright colors and gum soles are featured in the third drop, just in time for summer.
For the high-energy campaign, Vans tapped musicians The Paranoyds, Voice of Baceprot, Little Simz, and Hi-Tech to sport the new wares. “Skateboarding and music cultures both thrive on creativity and authenticity,” shares Voice of Baceprot frontwoman Firda Marsya Kurnia over email. “That energy comes through in how we bring our personal style and attitude into the collaboration. It’s not just about wearing something—it’s about living it, making a statement, and owning your space with confidence.”
“Our style matches our music; it’s loud, colorful, and expressive,” adds Laila Hashemi of The Paranoyds. “We love jumping around on the stage, loading gear into the van, getting to the next city fast and doing it all over again. The Old Skool continues to be a raw representation of SoCal style...the rebellious misfit—it’s timeless!”
Vans athletes were also part of the collection launch in Los Angeles, with a new exhibit celebrating its archives and the different inspirations behind the designs. “For me, I dress from the shoe up,” skateboarder Beatrice Domond says. “Sneaker culture—and the Old Skool—has had so much influence on my generation. I’m excited to bring it back.”
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