Vans joins forces with Dutch artist Parra to introduce an innovative reinterpretation of the OTW by Vans Old Skool 36 sneaker. Parra’s history with Vans began in the early 1990s through sponsorship in skateboarding, years before his visual language entered galleries and museum collections. The project reconnects that early relationship through a familiar silhouette shaped by his graphic approach.
SNEAKERS
The Old Skool 36 receives a material-led update that pairs soft suede with Parra’s wavy colorblocking and asymmetric details. The palette reads clean, with surface choices guiding the look. Typography appears on custom tongue labels and mismatched footbeds, where a direct note reads, “Don’t forget to skate in these.”
Function drives the build. Sola Foam ADC insoles support daily wear, while a vulcanized sole teams with Vans’ waffle outsole for traction. Matte foxing frames the shoe, and custom heel scabs finish the profile with a clear visual cue tied to the collaboration.
Parra also created a self-directed video campaign that showcases his surreal aesthetic and creative process. The visual offers an intimate look at how he develops his ideas, translating the concepts behind the shoes into motion while remaining true to the collection’s overall vision.
The OTW by Vans x Parra Old Skool 36 arrives January 22 with a retail price of $130 USD.
