Vans Turtles

 

 

When Vans was founded back in 1966, it would offer custom sneakers to anyone who came with a color request or brought their own material — because its factory was right next to its retail store. As Vans grew and changed in the ’70s and ’80s, it started offering other special embellishments on its footwear like custom sidewall print. Now, in 2021 that custom sidewall option is being acknowledged with a new turtle-printed iteration of the Old Skool.

Sporty seafoam green hues coat the canvas and suede upper — the former material is used on the quarter panels and collar, the latter on the toebox, eyestays and heel — with white contrast stitching, Jazz Stripes, laces and collars adding airy flair to the mix. Down below, Vans’ famed “Off the Wall” skateboard graphic is turned into playful cartoon turtle, done up in navy and placed in repeating fashion on the white midsole. Finishing touches are supplied by a sporty blue foxing stripe and a recognizable red heel badge.

This turtle-adorned Vans Old Skool is available now at Japanese retailers like BILLY’s Tokyo, $75. A US release may follow in the coming weeks.