Vans' too high-tech shoes that can beat any weather.

Vans" is a low-tech brand. There are no superfluous decorations in any of their shoes, and they usually don't incorporate features. This is the biggest appeal of "Vans" and the reason why skaters love them so much. However, the "MTE" series overturns this image. It is waterproof, warm, and grippy, with ultra-high-tech specifications. They are quite popular. For this issue, we took snaps in Tokyo and Hokkaido. We asked 10 people from completely different living environments, in the city and in the field, in the north and in the south, how they felt wearing the shoes.

Photo_Shingo Goya

Text_Keisuke Kimura

Edit_Soma Takeda

Sample 5: Minoru Hoshi / freelance chef

PROFILE

Joan Hoshi

Freelance chef

Born in Tokyo, 48 years old, he has been working as a French and Italian chef for more than 20 years. He has been working as a French-Italian chef for more than 20 years and now has two restaurants in Kichijoji and Ikejiri-Ohashi.TACOS ShopHe works as a chef for the "Mere Old Man". He loves his cat, whom he has recently adopted.
Instagram:@minori_hoshi

What is your impression of "Vans"?

I have a strong image of shoes worn by someone I admire or a cool senior. Also, I am a rock fan, so I also notice "BAD BRAINS" and other collaborations with various artists.

Do you own a Vans?

Now I often wear the collaboration model with "Metallica". In the past, I liked "Half Cab. I think I always have a pair of "Vans" shoes.

What do you think of the model you wore today?

They are warm and waterproof, yet very lightweight and feel as comfortable as regular sneakers.

What do you think of the design?

I like the fact that they look like regular "old school" shoes, so you can wear them in everyday life, and yet they are actually functional. It's hard to imagine from their appearance that they can be worn in the rain.

What kind of occasions would you like to wear them?

I ride my bike all the time, so it is still for when I ride my bike. I like shoes with good grip when riding on rough roads, so I thought this work would fit me quite well. Of course, it looks good on rainy or cold days, too.

OLD SKOOL MTE-1 ¥12,100

The MTE(MADE FOR THE ELEMENTS) series was created to meet the needs of any environment. It is developed in three levels, from level 1 to 3, and as the level increases, it performs better in harsher environments. The upper, which uses HydroGuard and GORE-TEX, prevents water from entering the shoe, while Thinsulate and PrimaLoft, which trap body heat, keep the shoe comfortable regardless of weather and ground conditions. The upper is also equipped with Thinsulate and PrimaLoft to keep the inside of the shoe comfortable regardless of the weather or ground conditions. Level 2 and 3 models are also equipped with Vans' All-Trac rubber outsole, so they can be used on wet city streets and unpredictable trails.

The lineup from MTE includes two models, the "Sk8-Hi" and the "Ultrarange. The basic performance is almost the same, but the "Ultrarange" has a more cushioned model with UltraCush™ in the midsole.
Each model has a different range of material use and corresponding situations, so check the illustration above for details!