Vans Is Getting in on the Thin-Soled Sneaker Trend

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Chances are, if you think of a Vans sneaker, you’re likely picturing a shoe equipped with a relatively thick vulcanized rubber sole. It’s the type of bottom that’s been used on the brand’s most iconic models including the Old Skool, Slip-On and Sk8-Hi. But despite being synonymous with the brand’s sneakers, Vans is forgoing its usual setup for its latest release, the Super Lowpro.

As its name suggests, the Vans Super Lowpro goes low profile with one of the action sports brand’s thinnest soles to date. According to Vans, the slim soles of the Super Lowpro are inspired by 1970s running shoes and flats. And for the upper, Vans looked to its archive and pulled design cues from the Serio Style 84. 

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The Vans Serio line was a short-lived 1980s collection which offered athletic footwear for sports such as running, boxing and wrestling. On the Super Lowpro, the Serio inspiration sees the sneaker adopt a vintage runner look which is emphasized by the use of a nylon base on the black and Fairway Green colorways. The Super Lowpro’s other launch colors (white and Racing Red) opt for full suede uppers. The new sneaker also featured retro-inspired Serio branding to tie the inspiration together.

While Vans’ original Serio line included slim-soled running shoes, the Super Lowpro appears to go even slimmer with its razor-thin sole. This look has been a top trend in recent years thanks largely to silhouettes such as the Adidas Samba and the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66. It’s also been co-opted by designer brands such as Loewe, whose Ballet Runner 2.0 sneaker retails at $790.

The Vans Super Lowpro is available now in four colorways from vans.com and select Vans retailers. The new model is priced at $80 for the suede variations and $85 for the two nylon/suede styles.