Vans’ Weatherproof Sk8-Hi Takes a Walk on the Wild Side

The Sk8-Hi Waterproof Insulated Shoe maintains its cold-weather capability while layering in two distinctive new looks.

Close-up of a brown suede and camouflage canvas sneaker with white laces and a white sole labeled "ALL-TRAC.

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Over the past decade, Vans has transformed its MTE (Made for the Elements) Collection from semi-weatherized takes on its classic silhouettes into a lineup of genuinely technical footwear, complete with waterproof membranes, advanced insulation and trail-ready traction.

The Sk8-Hi has been part of that continued evolution, but its latest update isn’t about adding more performance.

Instead, the weather-ready high-top gets an aesthetic refresh that merges streetwear looks with its outdoor-tuned build.

High-top Vans sneakers with brown suede, leopard print fabric, white laces, and white rubber soles. — For fans of animal print, these kicks offer a compelling trifecta: leopard skin patterning, weather-readiness and classic Vans style, all in one capable package.

Totally wild

Although we’re still in the midst of summer, fall is fast approaching, and Vans is preparing for that seasonal shift with the release of two new versions of its Sk8-Hi Waterproof Insulated Shoe.

Both draw inspiration from wildlife, but one is overtly animal-inspired, while the other is far subtler.

High-top beige and white sneaker with white laces, textured sole, and "WATERPROOF" text on the side. — The Checkerboard Turtledove White is subtler than its leopard-clad counterpart but no less appealing.

The Leopard Incense Beige wears its wild roots on its sleeve; the leather, suede and 100 percent recycled textile upper is a mix of light brown with leopard print, featuring black accents in the heel pull tab and collar.

The Checkerboard Turtledove White, on the other hand, uses wildlife-inspired color, rather than print, as its base. The monochromatic sneaker features the same upper construction, built in varying shades of white.

Brown and leopard print Vans high-top sneaker with white laces and white side stripe. — Vans combined leather, suede and 100 percent recycled textile in the Sk8-Hi’s durable yet stylish upper.

HydroGuard 360-degree waterproofing keeps moisture at bay.

Vans

Both sneakers feature Vans’ top-of-the-line weatherproofing components.

These include HydroGuard 360-degree waterproofing, 100-gram Primaloft insulation, UltraCush drop-in footbeds for all-day comfort and an All-Trac outsole, which is designed with a new compound built for multi-surface traction in various terrain and conditions.

Pair of Vans high-top sneakers with brown suede heel panels and leopard print fabric uppers, viewed from the back. — Oversized heel tabs make these easier to get on, while reinforced construction helps them combat inclement weather and conditions.

Due to their premium materials and performance technologies, the Sk8-Hi Waterproof Insulated Shoes land at the higher end of the Vans price spectrum at just shy of $150.

While they’re certainly an investment up front, the refreshed kicks’ water protection, thermal regulation and traction are built to go the distance.

Availability and pricing

The Sk8-Hi Waterproof Insulated Shoe is available now on Vans’ website, retailing for $145.

High-top Vans sneaker with brown suede, leopard print fabric, white side stripe, and white laces.

Vans Sk8-Hi Waterproof Insulated Shoe

$145 at Vans

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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