OTW by Vans continues its work with Satoshi Nakamoto through the Era 95 Gems, a new take on the Era silhouette shaped through material breakdown and visible wear. The collaboration treats change as part of the design itself, allowing the shoe to shift visually over time through its construction.
SNEAKERS
The upper introduces a black canvas layer designed to tear away with use. Beneath it, a checkerboard pattern emerges, creating a second surface that gradually becomes visible. This dual-layer structure places focus on exposure and progression, where the shoe reveals its own composition through everyday use.
At the collar, exposed foam replaces a traditional finished edge, giving the shoe a raw, unfinished appearance. The lacing system carries additional detail through a printed lace that features sandblasted bead elements. A repeating “Satoshi” print runs along the lace, marking the collaboration through direct visual repetition.
Color enters the design through the ankle area, where multicolor round gemstones appear along the collar. These elements introduce contrast against the distressed build and shift attention to specific points on the shoe.
The sidewall carries a hand-wiped treatment in black and yellow, creating a worn surface from the start. A distressed foxing stripe reinforces this effect, aligning the entire construction with an altered, pre-worn finish.
The outsole continues the concept through transparency. A translucent crystal sole reveals the name “Satoshi Nakamoto” underneath, visible during wear. This detail extends the design language to the base of the shoe, keeping the identity embedded within the structure.
OTW by Vans will release the Era 95 Gems on April 30 through its official platform and selected retail locations. The drop includes stores in Los Angeles at The Grove, New York City on 5th Avenue, London West End, Le Marais in Paris, Seongsu, Lotte World Mall in Seoul, and Shibuya Parco.
