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The vans old skool checkerboard collaboration, which consists of both the Slip-On and Era, was first teased last week via SNS’ Instagram account and pays homage to Southern California. Unlike the two institutions’ Sk8-Hi, Old Skool and Slip-On trio from 2015, their latest partnership is laden with vibrant hues – nods to what skaters, surfers and punks were wearing along the Venice Beach promenade in the late ’80s and ’90s. Yet, the set’s most impressive details are arguably those that require closer inspection.
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Both the vans slip on herren and Era don Vans’ iconic checkerboard print across their canvas uppers. Various “SNS” graphics line the midsole, culminating at the off-white “OFF THE WALL” license plate at the heel. As this signature accent denotes, these pairs are rooted in original design, quality and construction. The aforementioned patterns, as well as the silhouettes’ overall shape, are period correct. Further harkening to their SoCal skateboarding-inspiration, the Slip-On and Era have been outfitted with soles meant to last: Waffle outsoles feature hand-tooled details accompanied by tightly wrapped, vintage-style rubberized, textile foxing, original Vans sticky rubber and sidewall sealing.
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The brand’s pastel-colored “Los Vans” graphics take over both pairs’ sturdy canvas uppers, though it’s featured more prominently on the vans outlet online. Notable characters of the “Lottery” game – “El Alacran,” “La Rosa,” and “La Calavera” – are reinterpreted for 2020 and joined by Vans‘ own playful “Los Waffles,” “Los Munchies,” and “El Checkerboard” inclusions. Unlike its laceless counterpart, the Old Skool contrasts its soft-colored print with black suede across the toe, lace guards, and heel.
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