Vans’ power to rework core styles sets the brand apart in a crowded market. Tracing that talent back, though, reveals the root cause: an extremely strong original rotation of understated designs.

Reinventing bad designs doesn’t work. The strength of Vans’ timeless silhouettes like the Old Skool, Authentic, and Slip-On reveals itself time and time again with each new generation of the styles, it's latest being a zipper'd version. That's right.

Arguably Vans’ most popular and revered silhouette, the Vans Old Skool has seen its fair share of collaborations and limited releases. Take this all-blue leather iteration from 2 Riser Pads, or the beefed-up Knu Skool evolution.

And while bold colorways and refreshing new silhouette alterations definitely raise the profile of the shoe, there’s something to be said for a simple upgrade, too, like in the case of this titular one.

The Vans Old Skool Zip Shoe exalts the beauty of the Old Skool silhouette, framing it in a new set of premium fabrics and adding a zip along the laces.

The effect is a time-tested classic made even more wearable and luxe. Not only does the buttery leather offer a sophisticated new image, but it also ensures that the shoe is now waterproof.

Combined with hits of soft black suede, the tonal upper sets an understated backdrop for a silver-tone zip which stands out as the shoe’s defining characteristic.

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