Vans and Japanese apparel label WTAPS are back together again for another sneaker collaboration. Their fall ’15 capsule collection — eight sneakers plucked from the Vans vault — go on sale this Saturday, Sept. 12.
To create the Vault by Vans x WTAPS series, the brands paid homage to the athletic label’s iconic looks by building the new sneakers according to the exact design specifications used for their first size runs. That means they have the same fit, padding density, width, foxing height and other characteristics as they did at their creation.
That design approach is in keeping with WTAPS’ brand philosophy, which is derived from Japanese master craftsman.
Included in the Vault by Vans x WTAPS collection are reimaginings of three vintage sneakers: the OG Era LX, OG Sk8-Hi LX and OG Style 36 LX.
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The OG Era LX appears in a trio of different colorways inspired by the Japanese school uniform and “uwabaki” house slippers. The upper of the canvas sneakers are done in true white, with the outsoles colored in blue, red and green — colors that were used to signify a child’s grade level. They will retail for $70.
The OG Sk8-Hi LX high-top is offered in two versions — all black and black-and-gray — outfitted in materials that mimic one of WTAPS founder Tetsu “Tet” Nishiyama’s favorite sneakers, the Vans Caballero. That iconic silhouette debuted in 1989 on the feet of skate legend Steve Caballero and featured suede reinforcements with embossed-reptile nubuck. The OG Sk8-Hi LX sneakers are priced at $85.
Finally, the OG Style 36 LX got a monotone update. Vans and WTAPS selected three rich fall colors for a chic, allover look. The suede sneakers, which will sell for $75, are offered in black, burgundy and navy.
Starting on Saturday, the capsule collection will be available at select retailers in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. In the States, it will sell at sneaker hotspots such as Bodega in Boston, Kith in New York, Undefeated in Los Angeles and Wish in Atlanta, as well as at Barneys, Dover Street Market and The Webster.
Click through the slideshow to see the entire Vault by Vans x WTAPS collection:
