Vans is looking to the future while taking a journey down memory lane.  With a new collection influenced by decades of music and culture, the company is reimagining its iconic Old Skool shoe, which was initially released in 1977.  The good news for ardent supporters?  Not much is changing with the traditional design.  The recognisable side stripe, the distinguishing feature that made Vans famous, remains prominent.  However, the details especially those related to sustainability and comfort are where the true improvements lie.

The 30% biobased Sola Foam ADC insoles in the new Old Skool make them more environmentally friendly and cushioned. “While we wanted to keep the integrity of the Old Skool’s original paneling, including our iconic side stripe, we did a complete revamp of the shoe from a comfort, fit, and sustainability standpoint,” says Diandre Fuentes, Head of Design for Vans Lifestyle Footwear. The rubber outsoles are now made with regenerative rubber, giving the shoe a greener footprint without sacrificing its edge.

The first drop, arriving February 6, is a nod to the hardcore punk scenes of the ’70s and ’80s. Expect bold colors and leopard prints think Henry Rollins and the DIY punk ethos.Vans will release collections in March and April that are influenced by more recent times, such as the early 2000s Warped Tour era, when bleached hair, chequerboard prints, and studded belts were popular.  With its vibrant colours and summer-appropriate gum soles, the last drop taps into Y2K memories and indie hip-hop influences.

For the campaign, Vans teamed up with musicians who live and breathe this rebellious energy: The Paranoyds, Voice of Baceprot, Little Simz, and Hi-Tech. “Skateboarding and music cultures thrive on creativity and authenticity,” says Voice of Baceprot frontwoman Firda Marsya Kurnia. “It’s not just about wearing something it’s about making a statement and owning your space with confidence.”

Laila Hashemi of The Paranoyds echoes that sentiment: “Our style matches our music it’s loud, colorful, and expressive. We love jumping around on stage, loading gear into the van, getting to the next city fast, and doing it all over again. The Old Skool is a raw representation of SoCal style… it’s timeless.”

Vans athletes also joined the celebration in Los Angeles, where an exhibit showcased the brand’s evolution. Skateboarder Beatrice Domond summed it up best: “For me, I dress from the shoe up. Sneaker culture and the Old Skool—has had so much influence on my generation. I’m excited to bring it back.”

With a history rooted in counterculture and self-expression, the Old Skool’s latest refresh proves that some classics never go out of style they just evolve with the times.