No, really. These Maison Margiela sneakers are unreal. A felted wool cable knit upper is fused onto a reflective midsole and then placed on top of a futuristic rubber trainer sole. Reminiscent of your favourite pair of cozy winter socks with an avant garde touch. Shit on all your friends’ basic ass sneaker game with these this winter.
On sale at SSENSE.
After ten illustrious years, Vans Syndicate is coming to an end. The line stayed relatively underground with releases popping up every now and then without too much surrounding hype which is partly why I enjoyed the line so much. The Syndicate line was like a channel for creativity and expression for the numerous artists, skaters, and shoe fanatics from the likes of WTAPS, Jason Dill, AVE, Luke Meier, Harmony Korine, and much more.
I can’t front like I really know skateboarding but it’s definitely something I can appreciate when it comes to the lifestyle and culture and that is what Vans Syndicate embodied. The shoes that released under the Syndicate line were made from better, higher quality materials and came in unique packaging that stood apart from regular vans. Plus, you had some of the biggest names in skateboarding, art, and fashion designing and releasing exclusive shoes that were only available in select skate shops around the world, making them collectible to sneaker fanatics and skaters alike. The line was truly an exploration of the possibilities for a skate brand to stay true to it’s roots and push boundaries at the same time.
I’ll get into a few of my favourites from Vans Syndicate below.
Harmony Korine
This is one of my all time favourite pair of vans in the world, everything about it is so unique yet so familiar. The checkerboard pattern is actually from an original painting by Harmony and was transposed onto a canvas for the shoe that plays on the original classic checkerboard made famous by Vans. The shoe features a leather insole and a creamy suede upper that epitomizes the ethos of Syndicate.
WTAPS
The list of collaborations with Japanese label WTAPS is extensive and ranges from classic Vans models such as the Authentic and SK8-HI to exclusive one offs such as the Greaserz and Rudeez.
Wings
These are one of the cult classics apart from the crossbones which are just as much sought after. The gold pair was re-released a few days ago and was the final shoe to be released under the Syndicate label; a fitting farewell to the newer fans of the brand who wanted a piece of the older models and to the old heads who were around since the day they original released back in 2006.
Crossbones
Notorious for their use of the crossbones motif, WTAPS designer TET created one of the most coveted Vans sneakers of all time. He brought an iconic logo and fixated it allover onto numerous models of classic skate shoes that really propelled the Syndicate line into the limelight of underground streetwear early on. The first pairs released in 2007 in black with the navy colourway following shortly after in 2008. The final colourway was burgundy which released in 2011.
Rudeez
The Rudeez model is one like I’ve never seen before. Originally releasing in 2008 under the WTAPS line, the shoe takes inspiration from wingtip brogue oxfords to transcend the skate shoe into an almost high fashion realm.
Pictured from the left to right are the Basher, Rudeez, and Greaserz, all original models designed and released as Syndicate and WTAPS collaborations. In my opinion, these shoes really show the extent of the creativity and potential that Vans Syndicate allowed for.
Another notable designer who introduced his own flair to the Syndicate line was Luke Meier who currently heads OAMC and used to design for Supreme. He took a minimal approach to designing his own Vans sneaker, the Seylynn, using tonal colours on either suede or leather uppers with a simple, clean white sole, lacking of any unnecessary details.
Other notable releases include…
Jason Dill (2015)
Odd Future (2013)
Defcon (2013)
Fucking Awesome (2013)
Concepts (2015)
Dill / AVE (2014)
Carhartt (2013)
Mr. Cartoon (2005)
These are a mere few out of the long list of collaborations that have been made possible by Syndicate spanning over the course of a decade. It’s sad to see the line end but the legacy it’s left will always be present in both skate culture and fashion.
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