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.4 Shuhei Kato/NOT WONK

PROFILE

Shuhei Kato

NOT WONK

He is 27 years old and hails from Tomakomai, Hokkaido. He formed the band "NOT WONK" when he was in high school. The band became so popular that they were invited to Tokyo, but they continue to base themselves in Tomakomai.
Instagram:@notwonk

Have you ever worn "Vans" before?

Actually, I don't have that many. I thought they were cool, but I had the impression that skaters wear them, so I couldn't wear them half-heartedly (laughs). (Laughs) Also, it snows and is cold here.

How do you feel when you actually try on the new model?

I had a strong image of a classic, but I was surprised to see GORE-TEX. Also, it is warm because it contains Thinsulate. It feels like a Hokkaido model.

What kind of fashion do you usually wear?

Secondhand clothes are by far the most common. Sometimes I buy select clothes, and sometimes I get them from someone.

You are based in Tomakomai, not Sapporo, in Hokkaido.

I think it is the absence of people. I like the fact that there are no other people when I go out. The other day, when I went to a movie theater, it was great to be by myself. If I want to meet someone, I can go to Tokyo or Sapporo.