When Two Legendary Skate Shoes Become One
Since their debut in the late ‘70s, Vans’ Old Skool and Era sneakers have been the footwear of choice for skaters. They aren’t just Vans’ most iconic skate shoes, they are two of the most iconic skate shoes — period.
And thanks to BEAMS SSZ (the skatewear division of pioneering Japanese retailer BEAMS, who just set up shop in America for the first time) the two shoes have become one.
Introducing, the Vans x BEAMS SSZ Era Skool.
As the name suggests, this shoe is one-half Vans Era and one-half Vans Old Skool. A mishmash of designs executed in the most literal way possible: on the inside, it’s an Old Skool and on the outside, it’s an Era.
Seeing two designs as ubiquitous as these brought together is a trip. Two shoes I have grown up seeing everywhere have suddenly been crossbred and, naturally, it’s perplexing to look at. (Although, this isn’t even Vans’ wildest hybrid shoe of the year, not by a long shot)
As with many of BEAMS’ footwear experiments, this Vans collaboration is only available in Japan. The shoes drop at BEAMS’ Harajuku store at a launch event on November 22 before a wider release the following day.
The days of choosing between Vans' two most iconic skate shoes are over.
