Vans Transforms Its Classic Sneaker with Its Wildest Look Yet

Thanks to a luxurious new material treatment, the Premium Authentic 44 Shoe gets its most unexpected makeover yet.

Close-up of a sneaker with white laces, multicolored fuzzy fabric, and a black tongue against a yellow background.

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Published 2 hours ago

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Ranked next to cashmere and silk as a premium natural material, mohair is commonly found in luxury apparel and goods, instantly recognizable thanks to its fuzzy, silky look and feel.

Applied to one of Vans’ most iconic skate shoes, mohair gives the Premium Authentic 44 Shoe a totally new personality, refreshing the classic silhouette with elevated texture and visual depth.

Pair of Vans sneakers with navy blue toe caps, multicolored fuzzy fabric sides, white laces, and silver spikes on the toe area. — The latest rendition of the Premium Authentic 44 Shoe takes a walk on the very wild side.

Wild style

The latest version of the Premium Authentic 44 Shoe is on the verge of being unrecognizable, but manages to preserve its classic skate-tuned DNA amidst daring new design updates.

Navy and multicolor Vans sneakers with spikes worn with black pants and white socks, feet raised outdoors. — The Authentic is known for its clean, functional design. The latest version adds a dash of fashion-forward whimsy to the equation.

The slim sneaker’s refreshed upper features multi-hued mohair detailing wrapping around the upper, with either blue or black suede and canvas across the forefoot and heel.

That multi-layered upper features alternating decorative spikes and gemstones, imbuing the new shoe with Y2K personality.

The frayed details on the upper, along with the grease treatment on the sidewall, complete the 2000s-era styling. (Throw in an Ed Hardy hat, and you’re set.)

Pair of navy blue Vans sneakers with white laces, multicolored fuzzy trim, and silver spikes on a light background. — Spikes and gemstone crystals give this classic shoe a very Y2K personality.

Legs wearing a beige pleated skirt, white ruffled ankle socks, and navy sneakers with multicolored fuzzy accents and silver spikes. — Weird shoes are more popular than ever … but this Vans may take the cake for most unique.

Although its new aesthetic is certainly experimental, the tech underfoot is proven.

The Sola Foam ADC (All-Day Comfort) insole offers upgraded cushioning, the footbed prioritizes comfort over the long haul and the signature waffle outsole pattern offers just the right amount of grip.

The fine, silky and fluffy texture of the mohair really shines from this angle.

Vans

Heritage details like the foxing on the sidewall and the vulcanized build preserve what made the original shoe a classic, and cotton laces and metal eyelets offer everyday durability without fuss.

Thanks to its elevated materials and construction, the new Premium Authentic 44 Shoe in Mohair Blue sits at a slightly higher price point than the typical Vans sneaker, but it still manages to stay accessible at just over one hundred bucks.

Availability and pricing

The Premium Authentic 44 Shoe in Mohair is available now on Vans’ website, retailing for $110.

Navy blue Vans sneaker with multicolored fuzzy fabric, white laces, metal spikes, and white rubber sole.

Vans Premium Authentic 44 Shoe

$110 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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