Vans introduces the Premium Old Skool Music Collection, a tribute to the brand’s enduring legacy and the lasting impact of its iconic silhouette on both music and skateboarding. Blending tradition with innovation, this collection continues to inspire future cultural pioneers, shaping new trends in comfort, style, and self-expression.

The Story of the Vans Old Skool

The journey of the Style 36, better known as the Old Skool™, began in 1977 when it was launched as Vans’ second-ever skate shoe and the first to feature the signature Sidestripe™. This defining detail has given the brand instant recognition for generations. Designed by skateboarders for skateboarders, the Old Skool quickly transcended the sport, becoming a cultural staple, particularly within underground music scenes. Now, Vans celebrates this deep-rooted connection with the Premium Old Skool Music Collection, a series featuring three exclusive capsules inspired by different musical eras and genres.

The collection’s first drop stands out with bold colors and a leopard print motif, a nod to the punk and hardcore musicians of the ’70s and ’80s. The second capsule, drawing inspiration from the Warped Tour, revives the Y2K aesthetic with Vans’ signature Checkerboard pattern, bi-color tones, and flame graphics. The final drop brings vibrant colorways on rubber soles, evoking the era when underground hip-hop propelled the Old Skool to new heights. Each pair pays tribute to the rebellious spirit and bold attitude that have defined the Old Skool since its inception.

The Premium Old Skool is more than just a tribute to an iconic design—it’s a true evolution. Enhanced construction and refined materials improve the overall fit, while Sola Foam ADC insoles, made from 30% biobased content, ensure all-day comfort. Glossy side panels, elevated foxing, and retro branding reference the distinctive details of Vans’ ’90s footwear, making each pair even more unique.

For this collection, Vans collaborated with and photographed musicians and members of the Vans Skate Team—ideal representatives of the intersection between music and skate culture. Artists like The Paranoyds, Voice of Baceprot, Little Simz, and Hi-Tech embody an authentic spirit, shaping new cultural narratives through their creativity and embracing the Off The Wall mindset with the Old Skool on their feet.

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