OTW by Vans, the relaunched premium line formerly known as Vault by Vans, is digging into the roots of the Old Skool for an upgraded version of the nearly 50-year-old sneaker.
The Vans OTW Old Skool 36 channels the origins of the model originally known as Style 36. While reconstructing the sneaker with a heavy gauge 8 oz. canvas with full grain leather Jazz stripes, Vans has brought back two of the sneakers original colorways in blue and white and yellow and black. OTW branding then appears on the insole and the simplified midsole bumper.
First released in 1977 as Vans’ second skateboarding shoe, the Old Skool introduced the brand’s now signature Jazz Stripe while incorporating leather panels for better durability. It also marked a departure from the deck shoe template that defined Style 95, later rechristened as the Era.
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Amid wider struggles for Vans and VF Corp. as a whole, the brand announced last year that Vault by Vans would give way to a new OTW by Vans line led by Ian Ginoza, who’s previously worked at Nike, Adidas and Converse. Since launching this spring, OTW has pared down its selection of collaborators and has put out some audacious reconfiguartions of Vans classics, such as a Half Cab with a Vibram hiking sole.
“We’re launching a new platform where we’re going to house our most pinnacle product expressions and brand experiences,” Ginoza told WWD last summer upon the announcement of OTW. “This is also where the brand will intersect with innovators in the culture of skate, style, design and entertainment.”
The Vans OTW Old Skool 36 in the OG yellow and blue colorways is out now through the OTW by Vans website. Pricing is set at $100.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior 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.
