Vault by Vans is giving way to Vans OTW, but before the name dies it’ll go out with a Slip-On certain to grab attention.
The faux-aged Slip-On looks like it’s been skated into near-oblivion, as duct sits at the collar and on both the midsole and toe cap near the ball of the foot. The latter placement is where you’d expect to see wear from the shoe sliding across the skateboard for a host of tricks — but knowing the difference between an ollie and nollie isn’t required for this look. A grimy patina appears across the shoe, from a midsole that looks like it was once a pristine white up to the leather upper that makes use of a checkerboard print at the heel and toe.
Given skaters’ historical derision of imposters, aka posers, Vans’ pre-cooked Slip-On is likely to be divisive. Add that to the general mockery that comes from pre-distressed sneakers, and you have the recipe for a spicy footwear meme.
Watch on FN
Vans OTW will replace Vault by Vans in early-2024, and the evolution of the brand’s more premium line is set to include fewer but better collaborations and the introduction of new silhouettes. “Vans like a lot of brands has gone through peaks and valleys but the one thing that Vans has that our competitors don’t is we were born from skateboarding,” Ian Ginoza, the head of Vans OTW, said upon the announcement of the new line. “In many ways, OTW is a reorientation back to who we truly are, Off the Wall, and I think that will be our uniqueness and point of difference amongst the competitive landscape.”
Officially known as the Slip-On Lux Duct, the sneaker is already out now through European retailers such as Slam Jam and Sivasdescalzo. Prices range from $95 to $115, but there be more consistency with a proper stateside release still to come.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
