Vans Combines Two of Its Iconic Silhouettes into One Do-It-All Sneaker

With the help of a Japanese streetwear brand, the new shoe also joins an outdoor-focused take on a classic.

Close-up of black canvas sneakers with white laces and white side stripes, labeled "BEAMS" on the tongue tag.

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You shouldn’t mess with a good thing. But every once in a while, you should definitely combine two good things together to see what happens.

Colliding with longtime collaborator Vans yet again, Beams Japan has helped create a hybrid version of two of the footwear giant’s most iconic sneakers.

Pair of black and white sneakers with dirty soles hanging by laces on a green bean plant trellis. — Beams reunites with Vans for a new hybrid sneaker, featuring both Old Skool and Era silhouettes.

Two ‘70s icons

Originally dubbed “Style 95,” the Era shoe launched in 1976 as Vans’s first purpose-built skating shoe. It was designed with the help of legends Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva for comfort during longer sessions.

A year later, Vans came out with the Old Skool, which appealed to a different type of skater. Rather than the padded collar and flexibility of the Era, the Old Skool favored durability over comfort. It was perfect for skaters who went a lot harder. The leather toe and heel overlays offered better protection against grip tape wear. Visually, it was also distinguished by its now-signature Sidestripe.

Pair of black Vans OTW sneakers with white laces and white side stripe, labeled "BEAMS 50TH" inside. — The outside of the new Skool Era features the signature Sidestripe found on the Old Skool, while the inner foot sports the minimalism of the Era.

While both silhouettes were huge hits among the exploding southern California skateboarding scene, their mainstream ubiquity didn’t happen until decades later. Now, the shoe icons have joined forces as part of Vans’ more experimental OTW division.

Man in black rain suit and cap sitting in the driver's seat of a white truck with green tarp. — Originally designed as Vans’s first skateboard-specific sneakers, the Old Skool and Era have crossed over to mainstream ubiquity.

Split personality

Instead of trying to Frankensteining different pieces together, Beams keeps it simple. It essentially splits the personality of each shoe to conquer each side of the new “Skool Era” sneaker.

Hand holding a black and white canvas sneaker with white laces and a white sole. — You can see the difference between the stitching shape when the shoes are held side by side.

From the Era, it takes the minimalist design and applies it to the inner-foot side of the silhouette. This means less-angular stitching and clean paneling with the absence of the Sidestripe.

As for the outer side, it’s Old Skool all the way, with the Sidestripe present and accounted for. Lastly, a Vibram outsole has been added for improved traction.

Person in a navy jacket and cap harvesting green beans in a garden with a plastic basket nearby. — The sneakers have also been equipped with Vibram outsoles for improved traction underfoot.

This actually isn’t the first time that Beams has combined the Era and Old Skool. A couple years back, it created a similar hybrid model (the “Era Skool”), but in reverse (Era on the outside, Old Skool on the inside).

Black Vans sneaker with white laces and neon green sock stepping in a water puddle. — The Era95 Gore-Tex (shown) joins the Skool Era as a waterproof alternative to the minimalist lifestyle shoe.

Made for the outdoors

Along with the Skool Era, Beams also debuts the Era95 Gore-Tex. This is an outdoor-focused version of the Era sneaker to “suit your modern lifestyle.”

Pair of black Vans sneakers with white laces and soles on a rocky surface. — At first glance, these look like your classic Era shoes, but they’re now ready-made for the outdoors.

As such, the Japanese streetwear icon has also improved the durability of the shoe. You get Vibram on the outsole rather than Vans’s own proprietary vulcanized rubber waffle sole. Plus, Gore-Tex lining is added to the upper for waterproofing, making these solid trail sneakers for any terrain.

Availability and pricing

The OTW by Vans x Beams Skool Era and Era95 Gore-Tex drop July 3 from Beams’s online store. However, pre-sale will begin on July 2 at the Beams Harajuku store in Tokyo.

The Skool Era will be priced at ¥15,400 (~$95), while the Era95 Gore-Tex will carry a ¥21,450 (~$132) price tag.

Pair of black Vans sneakers with white side stripe, white laces, and white rubber soles.

OTW by Vans x Beams Skool Era

Shop Now at Beams

Pair of black Vans sneakers with white laces and white rubber soles on a white background.

OTW by Vans x Beams Era95 Gore-Tex

Shop Now at Beams

About the Author: Ethan Brehm is an associate editor at Gear Patrol writing about footwear, watches, spirits, EDC and more. When he’s not shopping for his next G-Shock, he spends his time watching movies and planning a future road trip with his family. He firmly believes CDs sound better than vinyl.

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