Vans unveiled its new pinnacle category, OTW by Vans in late 2023, announcing its “Vault” category would be closing to welcome this new platform where the brand’s most elevated product expressions and brand experiences come together with the innovators of art, design, style, skate culture and entertainment.
Sterling Ruby’s mondo sculpture in LA last year was a big example of that, as were the various build outs in Paris during fashion week.
“OTW by Vans is a new vision for the pinnacle expression of Vans, conceived under the direction of Ian Ginoza, Vice President, Creative Direction for Pinnacle. A platform for pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, OTW by Vans channels its skateboarding origins to drive a distinct and unique point of view.”
Since making the announcement and with product rolling out steadily since early 2024, here are our top picks from this year.
OTW by Vans
1. Old Skool 36 Vibram Sole
The Old Skool 36 Vibram dropped in February. “A classic, elevated. For the first time, the iconic Old Skool 36 gets upgraded with a Vibram Waffle Vulc outsole, merging heritage design with premium performance.” More Vibram soles were set to come down the pipe. Keep scrolling.
2. JJJJound’s Half Cab
JJJJound’s Half Cab dropped on April 17. Vans and Montreal’s JJJJound came together to breathe some new life into one of skateboarding’s most iconic shoes—Steve Caballero’s legendary Half Cab. Reinterpreted as a more wearable lifestyle-oriented version of the Half Cab: padding removed and the classic JJJJound nylon tongue applied.
3. Old Skool 36 FM
“Influenced by sound waves, frequencies, and vibrations, the Old Skool 36 FM is a bold evolution of the Old Skool 36,” Vans mentioned on Instagram.
“Featuring a lofted engineered-knit upper, molded rubber toe cap and heel, a reinterpreted waffle outsole echoing FM radio patterns, componentized cupsole construction, and a 3D-injected TPU structural Sidestripe.”
4. Beatrice Domond’s Mary Jane DS
OTW by Vans has worked with Vans Skate Team rider Beatrice Domond for the launch of the Mary Jane DS by Beatrice Domond. Inspired by Beatrice’s Haitian heritage and growing up in Miami—the silhouette blends timeless design with elevated craftsmanship. The Mary Jane DS by Beatrice Domond is crafted with a premium leather, suede upper, goatskin linings, and a statement outsole.
The details are deeply personal: a digitally printed map of Haiti on the sockliner pays homage to Beatrice’s family roots, while custom packaging nods to vintage Vans skate boxes, adorned with her signature and logo. This one dropped in December 2024, but made the cut anyway.
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OTW by Vans x FDMTL
5. FDMTL Old Skool 36 EK and Half Cab 33 EK
Just dropped May 30! OTW by Vans has joined forces with FDMTL for their sixth collaboration. Known for their intricate denim and traditional Japanese techniques, FDMTL aligns with Vans’ commitment to quality and heritage. The collaboration, featuring an Old Skool 36 EK and Half Cab 33 EK allows OTW to incorporate unique, artisanal elements with premium materials.
6. Leather Checkerboards
Check ’em out: Authentics, Slip Ons, and Old Skools dropped on May 20 with full-grain leather and Vibram outsoles. Did you cop?
7. FTP Old Skool 36 and Authentic 44
OTW by Vans is officially linking up with FTP for their first-ever collaboration, and they’re kicking things off with two undeniable classics: the Old Skool 36 and the Authentic 44. Dropped on May 9.
Other cool stuff the OTW category has been up to? Check out the Checkered Past weekend they put on in NYC last year complete with a Rehearsal-worthy Max Fish recreation!
Related: OTW By Vans and Max Fish: Checkered Past, NYC Photos
