Vans Celebrates 50 Years of Skateboarding with a Modernized Classic
Vans, the iconic skate shoe brand, is marking 50 years since the launch of the world's first skateboarding shoe with a special edition release. The Era, introduced in 1976, was specifically designed for the demands of skateboarding. Now, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, Vans is giving the low-top a contemporary makeover.
The result is the Skate Era WaffleCup, a shoe that retains the classic Era silhouette while incorporating advanced technology and durable materials. The name itself hints at the shoe's innovative features, including the brand's WaffleCup vulcanized cupsole, which provides excellent impact resistance and is reinforced with PopCush foam and a grippy SickStick rubber outsole. The upper is crafted from a blend of suede and nylon, ensuring a classic look while also enhancing durability in high-wear areas with DuraCap rubber layers.
Three colorways are available for the Skate Era WaffleCup's debut: black and white, black and brown, and a subtle tonal blue, white, and gum combination. These designs cater to various style preferences while maintaining the shoe's skate-ready functionality.
In addition to the Skate Era WaffleCup, Vans also introduces the Skate Era, a more subtle update to the original Era model. The Skate Era incorporates DuraCap and SickStick technology, as well as a PopCush insole, while retaining the original Era shape. One of the four colorways, red, blue, and white, pays homage to the shoe's 1976 origins and features in the campaign for the Vans x Tony Alva collaboration, where Alva and fellow Z-Boys skater Stacy Peralta worked with Vans to design the Era, shaping the sport's early days.
Both the Skate Era WaffleCup and the Skate Era are now available on Vans' website, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of skateboarding history with a modern twist. The Skate Era WaffleCup retails for $75, while the Skate Era is priced at $65.
