Bape and Vans only began collaborating with each other in 2021, but they’ve made up for lost time in the past five years by working together on timeless models including the Old Skool, Sk8-Hi and Authentic. Their next output will look to a shoe from later in Vans‘ history, and yet one still very much rooted in the past.
The Bape x Vans Knu Skool will release next week with two colorways loaded with iconography from the Japanese streetwear brand. Both iterations feature Bape’s Sta logo and Vans’ Jazz stripe, trading places on the lateral and medial sides of the left and right shoes. Shark teeth are then incorporated into the mold of the midsole’s toe, while a metal lace dubrae comes in the shape of Bape’s Ape Head. Vans’ signature checkerboard print can also be made out beneath a translucent outsole.
Where the shoes diverge are in their Canvas uppers. A black-and-white pair uses Bape’s cloud camo on its lateral sides and a larger-than-usual checkerboard print on its medials. A mismatched colorway then opts for more color as well, featuring Cloud Camo in purple, pink and green across the two sneakers.
Originally released in 1997, the Knu Skool is a puffed-up revision of the 1977 Old Skool. The newer sneaker came as puffy skate shoes first reigned supreme and was relaunched in 2023 amid the ongoing revival of ’90s and ’00s trends. During the past few years, Adidas has also reimagined many of its older models with an oversized bent inspired by the same era.
The Bape x Vans Knu Skool will release Wednesday through Vans’ website and select worldwide locations of its store. Pricing is set at $150.
Bape x Vans Knu Skool in black and white (pair)
Bape x Vans Knu Skool in black and white (above and outsole)
Bape x Vans Knu Skool in green, pink and purple (pair)
Bape x Vans Knu Skool in green, pink and purple (medials)
Yudo Kurita
Bape x Vans Knu Skool in green, pink and purple (above and outsole)