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Vans’ Latest Drop Borrows a Page from Clark’s Iconic Desert Boots

With its heritage-inspired sole and loafer-inspired soul, the new Skate Loafer 53 Crepe combines capable skate tech with an iconic menswear silhouette.

Close-up of a brown textured fabric with a black circular peace symbol attached.Vans
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By Hayley Helms

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The Clarks Desert Boot is one of the most influential shoe designs ever created, and since its debut in the 1950s, it has inspired countless lookalikes and homages.

The latest design to borrow from the legendary silhouette comes from a brand that’s just as influential in its own right: the Vans Skate Loafer 53 Crepe combines skate-ready DNA with a loafer-inspired upper and Desert Boot-inspired sole, resulting in a shoe that’s as easy to wear as it is on the eyes.

Brown suede loafers with black rubber soles and a round black emblem on the strap.
The Skate Loafer 53 Crepe is influenced by multiple archival styles, yet still feels fresh and modern.
Vans

Vintage charm, modern tech

The Skate Loafer 53 Crepe builds on the momentum Vans has generated over the past couple years, drawing from the brand’s proven formula for producing hybrid-style shoes with both heritage and contemporary flair.

Black suede loafer with a thick black rubber sole and a strap across the upper.
Part loafer, part Desert Boot, part skate shoe … this lifestyle design can do it all without trying too hard.
Vans

The most noticeable Desert Boot homage, apart from its simple profile, is the new hybrid loafer’s crepe-style sole, which mimics the translucent and gummy appearance of traditional Clarks styles.

The retro aesthetic continues through the loafer-style upper built with a soft, textured leather suede, available in both black and Crepe Vintage Cola (brown) colorways.

Brown suede slip-on shoe with peace sign metal detail and patterned rubber sole.
The slip-on, textured suede upper makes for easy all-day wear.
Vans
Pair of black suede loafers with black rubber soles and a round black emblem on the strap.
Both color options feature a metal peace sign hardware on the penny strap that crosses over the vamp.
Vans

While the shoe looks vintage at first glance, underfoot, modern skate technology defines the style.

The Skate Loafer 53 Crepe features reinforced skate construction for long-lasting wear, including its SickStick rubber waffle outsole, Popcush insoles and vulcanized soles for traction.

Pair of brown suede Vans shoes shown from the back with black rubber soles and "Vans Off The Wall" logo.
The crepe-style sole features subtle Vans branding on the back of the heel.
Vans

Each colorway features a metal peace sign hardware detail on the shoe’s penny strap, tying together the past-meets-present hybrid design.

Availability and pricing

The Skate Loafer 53 Crepe is available on third-party retailer sites now, although there is no set date announced for the shoe to appear on Vans’ official website. The loafer is retailing for $85.

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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