While my interest in fashion often surpasses my interests in sports (sorry, not sorry), it's no secret that the two go hand in hand. Fashion is the fabric that literally and figuratively holds teams together, builds confidence on and off the board, and inspires fans globally. Over the years, I've taken an interest in this powerful intersection, making mental notes of celebrity courtside looks, skate style, and new sneaker collabs. One brand that's capturing my attention right now is Vans. The brand just launched its New Future campaign, which reimagines the iconic Old Skool Shoe we all know and love through the lens of four inspirational athletes.
Launched in 1977, the Old Skool shoe was the second skate shoe Vans ever made. Nearly 50 years later, you can't ride the subway, cross the street, or stroll around the city without seeing a pair. And with four new styles, you're about to see a whole new wave of Vans sneakers on the streets. The New Future Premium Old Skool collection is a celebration of passionate creativity and personal style—and some seriously bad*ss professional athletes. Keep scrolling for a closer look at the designs and stories behind this nostalgic silhouette.
When it comes to merging sports and fashion, Efron Danzig is a pro (no pun intended). Blurring the lines between skatewear and high fashion, you can find Danzig gliding her way through New York City in Vans or strutting down the runways during fashion week. When designing her version of the Old Skool shoe, a heel was a necessary addition. "I took details from old New York rockers, trashy girls, Marie Antoinette, military, punks, and my friends who make clothes. I'm like, dude, a skate-shoe version of that would be sick," she says. She brought this to life via a heeled cupsole, full-grain leather, silver hardware, and corset-inspired lacing. This shoe sits at the intersection of feminine edge and classic nostalgia. Does it get any better than that?
Meet Cocona Hiraki, the youngest Japanese Olympic medalist ever, with 2020 and 2024 silver medals under her belt. At just 16 years old, Hiraki is accomplishing her wildest dreams while traveling, winning contests, and connecting with skate crews across the globe. “With skateboarding, no one person is the same. Each person has a different style," she says. This sentiment is reflected in her playful shoe style. Her custom artwork is displayed on a translucent outsole and adorned with a removable friendship bracelet and charms inspired by her Japanese heritage. Between skate sessions, Hiraki often taps into her creative side, crafting friendship bracelets as a way to honor these global connections. Neutral with fun pops of color, this sneaker is the perfect statement shoe to wear with summer dresses or a classic pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
Based in one of the world's richest skate cities, Tania Cruz is an Argentinian skateboarder who rides through Barcelona and beyond, creating incredible communities along the way. When she's not hitting all the cool European spots, you can find her on the road with the Foundation Skateboards team. Inspired heavily by her global skate and art communities, Cruz intentionally designed her shoes based on what her crew would want to wear. It features rub-away black leather that reveals red underneath with wear, allowing each pair to become more unique over time. Cruz compares the Old Skools to a person who has scars from the past. "We have to wear them with pride because they make us unique, strong, and different," she says. This iteration of the Old Skool shoe embodies this sentiment perfectly.
Allow me to introduce you to one of California's most stylish and talented surfers, Karina Rozunko. Her love for traditional longboarding doesn't stop her from tapping into several other creative outlets, including fashion design, filmmaking, painting, and more. Rozunko's version of the Premium Old Skool shoe takes on an effortless approach: She replaced the laces with custom metal hardware, creating a vintage-inspired design with an asymmetrical wrap upper. Consider this black-and-white slip-on the edgy shoe you can wear with all your laid-back looks this season and beyond. According to Rozunko, "Whatever you own, you can look amazing if you're just rocking it." It's safe to say, we're on board.
If you're on the hunt for a fresh pair of sneakers to wear on repeat, check out when each Old Skool drops.
Premium Old Skool by Cocona Hiraki drops July 17
Premium Old Skool by Karina Rozunko and Tania Cruz drops September 4
Premium Old Skool by Efron Danzig drops September 10
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