Vans’ Striking New Sneaker Literally Caused a Riot on the Streets of New York City

The latest OTW by Vans creation blends a heritage model with multiple Y2K trends, delivering a shoe sure to stand out from the crowd.

Pair of black canvas sneakers with frayed edges and multicolored rhinestones on the heel, on an orange background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published April 30, 2026

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Updated May 1, 2026

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Bedazzling reached peak popularity during the Y2K era, but as late ’90s and early 2000s style makes its return, the art of applying rhinestones, crystals, or studs to clothing and accessories is having a resurgence.

Take for instance, the new OTW by Vans x Satoshi Nakamoto Era 95 Gems: with its distressed aesthetic, gemstone details and beaded accessorizing, this already-viral collaboration sneaker captures a fresh take on retro style.

The eye-catching new collaboration is making waves outside of aesthetics; it was almost immediately sold out upon release, and even caused the Vans’ Fifth Avenue location to close temporarily after a small riot started outside the store.

Black Vans sneaker with colorful rhinestones on eyelets and text on white sole, suspended above red velvet surface. — Built on the classic Era, the OTW by Vans x Satoshi Nakamoto Era 95 Gems is almost unrecognizable thanks to distressing, pearlized details, novel color treatments and more.

Deliberately distressed

For those immersed in cryptocurrency, “Satoshi Nakamoto” is the name of the figure(s?) responsible for the creation of Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, streetwear enthusiasts will recognize the moniker from the contemporary LA-based streetwear label, which is back for another much-anticipated partnership with OTW by Vans.

Black Vans sneakers with white laces, multicolored rhinestones, frayed edges, and "Satoshi Nakamoto" text on the sole. — The traditional Era construction was preserved for authentic proportions.

Vans describes its latest OTW by Vans collaboration as a rework of the iconic low-top silhouette, featuring a “stripped-back, dystopian edge.”

For millennials and anyone older, I suppose the idea of 2000s-era fashion trends coming back into the mainstream is pretty dystopian … but I digress.

Close-up of a black Vans sneaker with white laces, colorful beads on the laces, distressed fabric, and multicolored rhinestone embellishments. — Round, multi-colored gemstones and sandblasted bead detailing concentrated at the throat add flair.

The Era 95 Gems features a tearaway black canvas upper with a checkerboard underlay.

The distressed collar reveals its foam construction and gives texture to the shoe, which is matched by the tears along the vamp.

The black and yellow hand-wiped sidewall treatment creates a naturally worn-in patina.

Vans

A printed lace with sandblasted beads at the top adds even more detail, while the sidewall is covered with “Satoshi Nakamoto” branding.

That heavy branding is counterbalanced by the bedazzled upper, which is designed with round multi-colored gemstones.

Finally, the sidewall is treated with a black-and-yellow hand-wiped finish for a naturally worn-in patina, and the dremeled foxing stripe continues the shoe’s distressed theme.

Black Vans sneaker with frayed edges, multicolored rhinestones on the upper, and yellowed sole with black text. — The latest Vans shoe is essentially a high-end, premium take on a Y2K craft project … and it’s clearly resonating.

While each one of the stylistic attributes of the new premium sneaker feels wild on its own, together they create an unexpectedly cohesive aesthetic, effortlessly capturing the experimental outlook of the Y2K years while remaining firmly rooted in the modern era.

Availability and pricing

The $195 OTW by Vans x Satoshi Nakamoto Era 95 Gems sold out within 10 minutes of its release this morning. As of now, it looks like resale sites will be the best bet for finding a pair.

Black Vans sneaker with frayed edges, multicolored studs, white laces, and a yellow sole printed with "Satoshi Nakamoto.

OTW by Vans x Satoshi Nakamoto Era 95 Gems

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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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