Vans Off The Wall: The Evolution of Everybody's Staple.
Written By Audree Saluta
Culture, Fashion & Live Events Contributor.
Vans very first silhouette and the checkerboard colorway.
The new pearlized Old Skools revived this classic silhouette.
The VANSZA Tabi, from Vans' collaboration with SZA.
Bay Area rap group The Pack turned Vans into an anthem with their 2006 hit “Vans”
As a sneakerhead, I've always kept Vans as a staple in my collection, from Old Skools to classic checkerboard Slip-Ons. Vans is that girl.
It all began in 1966, with The Van Doren Rubber Company in Anaheim, California founded by brothers, Paul and Jim Van Doren. Their first shop was made-to-order, which meant that customers would walk in, order shoes, then come in later that day to pick it up. Their very first silhouette was #44, or the Authentic, which is still very popular to this day.
In the 70s, Vans began to lean into skateboarding culture, which really helped them grow in the space. Collaborating with skateboarders on new silhouettes led to #95, The Era, with extra padding for ankle support and the adoption of the slogan “Off The Wall.” This led to the iconic Old Skool silhouette, followed by the Classic Slip-Ons. 50 years later and Vans is still a huge player in sneaker and skate culture.
They might not be the most sought after or the most hype, but they’re an affordable and iconic staple that has been evolving with the landscape. For example, a twist on the Old Skools are the new Old Skool Pearlized.
This shoe is almost the same silhouette as the OG, except it now features pearl and crystal detailing along the stripe, toe box, the heel, and the tongue. It also comes with pre-distressed midsoles to match the overall vintage feel of the shoe.
Six colorways are dropping this Fall and they will retail for $150. Vans is truly a brand for everybody and they’ve proved that over the past few decades. Just last year, singer and artist, SZA, was announced as Vans Artistic Director. Her goal–to show that “joy, community, creativity, and fashion are all still intersectional” (SZA, Vans).
As a matter of fact, this past New York Fashion Week, “VANSZA”, Vans’ official collection with SZA was announced and an immersive pop-up was opened in the city. This collection translates her perspective into footwear, emphasizing creativity and exploration. Personally, I am excited for the Tabis, specifically the brown and green colorway.
I love the juxtaposition between streetwear and outdoor culture. SZA and Vans really hit the nail on the head with this collection. To see the growth and evolution of Vans over the decades is extremely refreshing and makes me excited to see what the future holds, especially with SZA as artistic director.
With this direction, I can see Vans expanding further into pop culture, especially with the resurgence and current obsession for 2016 nostalgia. Don’t be surprised if you see everybody popping out in Classic Checkerboard Slip-ons in the next few months. Vans has been and will always be that girl.
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