Vans links with Ben G and Pop Trading Company on a limited-edition capsule created for Ben G’s 20th anniversary. The collaboration keeps the focus on Amsterdam, using the city’s skate scene, street details, and local visual codes as the starting point for a two-style release.
SNEAKERS
The capsule reworks two Vans silhouettes, the Era and the Sk8-Hi. Both sneakers carry references tied to Amsterdam, but each one approaches the idea differently. The Era looks to one of the city’s most familiar details, the Amsterdammertjes, the burgundy bollards that appear throughout Amsterdam. The Sk8-Hi brings the capsule’s animated artwork onto its canvas upper, giving the release a stronger graphic side.
The Era holds special meaning within this release, since the silhouette celebrates its 50th anniversary. Vans, Ben G, and Pop connect that anniversary to the Amsterdammertjes through color and detail. The shoe features hairy suede uppers in a burgundy shade that recalls the bollards, along with embossed foxing inspired by the “XXX” stamp found on each one.
That local detail gives the Era a strong Amsterdam identity. The burgundy upper, textured suede, and stamped foxing all point to the city in a way that still works within a classic Vans shape. The result feels familiar at first, then reveals its meaning through the details.
The Sk8-Hi takes a different route. Its canvas upper carries artwork connected to the campaign, extending the capsule’s playful visual language into the second sneaker. The same artwork also appears on the Era’s custom footbeds and the exclusive packaging, which helps connect the full release without making both shoes repeat the same idea.
Picnic Studio created the animated film for the campaign. The short film follows a carefree skater through Amsterdam and leads him to the Vans x Ben G x Pop pop-up, where a pair of Eras waits for him. The film keeps the tone loose and slightly offbeat, matching the capsule’s view of Amsterdam skate culture.
Co-branded details from Ben G and Pop appear on the heel and outsoles, giving both Amsterdam names a clear place in the design. Those details matter because the collaboration marks Ben G’s 20 years as part of the city’s skate scene. Pop Trading Company also brings its own Amsterdam connection into the project, making the capsule feel rooted in the local network around both brands.
The Vans x Ben G x Pop collection is available now as a limited-edition release. The capsule brings together the Era, the Sk8-Hi, animated artwork, custom footbeds, exclusive packaging, and details drawn from Amsterdam’s streets.
