‘New’ Alife Chukka/Desert/Supreme Vans
Why bite one model when you can get at two different classics at the same time? Okay, sneakers are taking the form of classic Desert boots fairly often today, and that’s fine. We are all inspired by things around us, people we see, previous work, that is part of development. But this is obviously the same color way that Vans and Supreme put together over a year and half ago. While Alife does a lot of good projects, parties, and products, they seem to be faltering a little too often lately. Maybe because they make a lot more stuff now, not everything can be great. But that isn’t really an excuse to get uncreative. I’d say these Alife chukka/desert boots in a recent hitter collab color way are getting close to the uncreative classification. I don’t think Alife needs to venture into these odd mash up models. They should stay making dope Everybody Hi’s, Lo’s, T’s, and sweats. Throw in a good party, some art, and a sneaker collab. That’s the recipe.
Even Vans…
A brand that has capitalized off the simplicity of their line over the past couple years can still make a wack shoe. We at h(y)r collective like to add our 2 cents when it’s needed rather than just present you with a product. This time I’m going to have to say this shoe sucks. The ‘Lacy’ as it’s called is a new shoe from Vans that sits between their new deck shoe, slip-on, and an authentic. It’s just ugly. Maybe if I was into wearing shoe lace belts I would be more into this Vans model, but I don’t, so I’m not. I’m not just against this shoe because I have fallen into an anti-wearing Vans time of my life. I still like Vans and recognize their success when they produce a good product. This just isn’t one of those times. I can also see this shoe causing disaster while going down a hill on my bike at a decent pace. But I’m interested to hear what you have to say.
Vans BAsketball SHoe
The first new model in the Syndicate line dropped today at Firmament and their online shop, The Glade. The shoe is obviously modeled after a classic basketball shoe, taking inspiration from dunks, AF1’s, and Jordan III’s. The shoe was designed by TET of w)Taps for the Syndicate line, which we will see expanding in new directions in the next couple months. This shoe is probably not for me, as it’s quite bulky. If I want a casual basketball shoe, I would probably cop a Nike dunk, and if I want a Vans shoe, it would be for a more subtle look. I do appreciate the Syndicate line a lot though. The production always seems very good, from the design, to the quality, to the packaging. I definitely appreciate a nice shoe box when I get one, and Vans has been doing a great job, this season they switched up from the black and went with a nice natural cardboard. These are retailing for 120 Euros.
Vans: Japan Exclusive
A little while back we spoke on some Japanese exlcusive Vans that we will problably never see and how much of a bummer it was because they are so cheap there. Well here’s another pair of exclusive Japanese Vans that we won’t see anytime soon. The Sk8 Hi in white and black leather. The thin eyelets and laces combined with premium leathers make this model as good as it can be. I’m a fan of one color Vans, so when done with nice materials I’m definitely going to be feeling it. The only unfortunate thing, other then being a Japanese exclusive, is that the model is the Sk8 Hi. For me it’s one of the hardest Vans models to wear. Do you drop your pants down on the shoe? Try to stack it and pop the tongue? Half tongue pop? Lace them all the way up? I don’t really know, I think this shoe is really difficult to wear so if any body has some suggestions lets hear.
Syndicate Vans Show
San Francisco recently played home to a really dope art/shoe show that showcased the new Vans Syndicate line. The line has been fairly talked about, with the addition of several completely new Vans models and a lot more work by Tet and the wTaps crew. Being Hunted put together a nice photo feature covering the show, the people, and the products that were on hand in SF. There definitely seems to be a worldly air about the event as fashion and art influences from around the globe were in attendance. It is pretty cool to see shows and parties like this going down for the release of a Vans shoe line, the work is good, the execution is good, and the overall project is going to the next level. I’m sure the new Syndicate line will not stick around shelves long, so be sure to find out what local retailer, if any, will be getting their hands on ‘em.
