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Vans Takes Military Style to Another Level with Its Iconic Sneaker

The company’s latest Field Pack takes a very personal inspiration on the combat aesthetic.

Pair of brown and green camouflage Vans sneakers shown from the back on a green background.Vans
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Ethan Brehm

By Ethan Brehm

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Vans’s Old Skool platform has been an absolute boon for collaborations and new editions throughout the years. The classic feel of the skating sneaker offers broad appeal and the simple multi-panel uppers give the silhouette the perfect amount of versatility to serve as a blank canvas for various reinterpretations.

Close-up of a brown mesh sneaker with white laces and a white rubber sole.
Vans debuts its Field Pack, featuring the Old Skool with overlays inspired by the netting in World War II helmets.
Vans

As part of the new Field Pack collection, the latest edition isn’t the first military-inspired Old Skool, but it might be the most faithful to the theme.

Playing the field

It starts with a personal approach. The Field Pack (also featuring takes on the Half Cab Decon and Authentic 44) was created under the auspices of Greg Betty — one of the key figures responsible for the brand’s revival in the last decade. Rather than mere camo-printed versions of beloved silhouettes, the collection draws inspiration from his father’s military service and vintage military equipment.

Pair of low-top sneakers with white laces, camouflage fabric, and brown mesh panels on white rubber soles.
Unlike other military-inspired sneakers, the new Field Pack has more of a personal touch.
Vans
Pair of black low-top mesh and leather sneakers with white rubber soles and a white wave stripe on the sides.
Along with the Woodland Camo Green, there’s also a Combat Black variant (shown).
Vans

The centerpiece of the three models is the Old Skool 36, in both Woodland Camo Green and Combat Black colorways. The classic canvas uppers are covered with gillnet overlays inspired by the netting in World War II helmets. It nearly buries the signature Sidestripe insignia underneath on the Woodland variant. However, it comes through just fine on the black.

The camo print can be seen on the toe cap, heel counter, tongue and eyestays. Meanwhile, canvas is swapped for a pebbled leather on Combat Black. 

Pair of black Vans sneakers with white rubber soles viewed from the back.
The white soles on the sneakers feature pre-scuffed markings so you don’t have to do it yourself.
Vans

Tying together the motif, the white midsoles on both sneakers are intended to look aged and dirty with seemingly random black markings.

Pair of brown and camouflage Vans sneakers, one showing top with white laces, the other showing waffle-pattern sole.
Camo is used sparingly here, allowing the netting to be showcased on the upper. Meanwhile, the classic waffle outsole is still intact.
Vans

Both shoes are based on the Premium version of the Old Skool, which means higher-quality materials, a Sola Foam ADC insole and upgraded foxing tape inspired by the Osnaburg-reinforced outsoles from the ‘90s.

Two more to watch out for

Aside from the Old Skool, the Field Pack also includes the Half Cab Decon and Authentic 44.

Black Vans Half Cab mid-top sneaker with textured leather and mesh upper, white logo patch, and white rubber sole.
The Field Pack also features the Half Cab Decon …
Vans

The Half Cab comes in Combat Black, Combat White and Woodland Camo Green. The netting is present here as well but much less so, wedged between the leather or canvas overlays.

Pair of camo-patterned Vans sneakers with white laces and silver studs on the toe area.
… and the Authentic 44.
Vans

The Authentic 44 ditches the netting entirely but still features the distressed soles. It lands in Woodland Camo Green and Combat Black.

Availability and pricing

Priced at $115, the Old Skool 36 Field Pack editions are expected to be available July 16 from Vans’s website. Meanwhile, the Half Cab Decon and Authentic 44 variants will be priced at $100.

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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