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 Masayuki Nakaya / Photographer

PROFILE

Masayuki Nakaya

photographer

Born in Ehime, 45 years old. He first encountered photography while studying graphics at the Kuwasawa Design School. After graduation, he joined a studio and started his own business. He currently lives in Tokyo and Kanagawa. His base in Kanagawa is under construction.
Instagram:@masayuki.nakaya

Do you usually wear "Vans"?

I've been wearing them for over 20 years, mostly "slip-ons". I like them because they are easy to wear and come in a variety of colors. I wore them for a photo shoot on Yakushima Island and when I went to Zion National Park in the U.S., so I have quite a few memories of "slip-ons.

I am sure that the model you have worn this time is different from that image.

The fit can be adjusted with a boa closure, the inside is warm, and they are definitely different in a good way from the "Vans" I usually wear.

What do you think of the design?

I like them a lot because they also utilize the basic Vans design. I also like the functional accents, such as the boa closure. With this look, I can totally wear them around town.

You have done a lot of DIY work on your home in Kanagawa, and I would love to see you wear them in such situations.

They are waterproof and warm, so they may indeed be the best for the coming season. I'll be wearing them stiffly when I tinker in the garden.

What kind of fashion do you wear these days?

I wear only racy clothes. I used to try on designer clothes, but my tastes have changed a lot since I have been doing more DIY at home and tinkering in the garden.