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.2 Ryuichi Kawajiri / Art Director

PROFILE

Ryuichi Kawajiri

art director

Born in Rumoi, Hokkaido in 1982. Belongs to the Sapporo-based design firm, Designin Co. He received the JAGDA New Designer Award in 2021. He is also a dog lover.
Instagram:@ryuichikawajiri

Do you have any memories of "Vans"?

When I was a design student, I chose the Zephyr skateboarding team from the West Coast in the 1970s as the subject of my graduation project. The way they used their arms was unique and sensational, and I created an original font inspired by their skating style. They used to wear navy "Authentic" with their Levi's, and I thought it was cool, so I used to imitate them for a while. Even though I don't skateboard at all (laughs).

How do you feel about the comfort of the model you were asked to wear this time?

It's kind of fluffy (laughs). (Laughs.) You can feel the high cushioning. Vans" has a strong low-tech image, but these are packed with high-tech features.

What do you look for in winter shoes?

It's important that it doesn't sink in since we are in a snowy area, but it's also important that we don't slip and fall. In such a case, the choices are inevitably outdoor-oriented. But I don't like that kind of thing. That is why I always wear leather shoes in winter. I have to put an end to wearing sneakers. But if they look casual and are functional, as they are in this case, there's no need to say anything.

What kind of fashion do you like?

I often combine my favorite brand clothes with cheap vintage clothes. What I value is color and shape.