Vans Celebrates 50 Years of Skateboarding History with a Modern Twist!
The Era of Skateboarding Shoes Begins
In 1976, Vans made history by launching the Era, the world's first shoe specifically designed for skateboarding. Now, as we mark its 50th anniversary, Vans is retooling this iconic shoe to meet the needs of modern skaters. But here's where it gets interesting...
The Authentic, though 10 years older, was adopted by skateboarders, but the Era was the first shoe tailored to their unique demands. Vans is now updating this classic with contemporary technology and materials, while still honoring its original shape.
Introducing the Vans Skate Era WaffleCup
The Vans Skate Era WaffleCup features the brand's WaffleCup vulcanized cupsole, known for its high-impact resistance. This innovative sole is reinforced with PopCush foam and a grippy SickStick rubber outsole, ensuring maximum performance and durability. The upper combines suede and nylon, paying homage to the Era's classic design, but with a modern twist. DuraCap rubber layers are strategically placed at high-wear areas, and the collar is heavily padded for added comfort and support.
This updated shoe is available in three stylish colorways: black and white, black and brown, and a tonal blue, white, and gum combination.
The Skate Era: A Subtle Evolution
Alongside the robustly updated Skate Era WaffleCup, Vans is also releasing the Skate Era, which incorporates DuraCap and SickStick technologies more subtly. It features a PopCush insole and stays true to the original Era's shape. One of the four colorways, a red, blue, and white combination, is an original from 1976 and is featured in Vans' campaign with Tony Alva.
The Era's Legacy
The Era's story is deeply intertwined with the history of skateboarding. Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, members of the legendary Z-Boys, worked with Vans to design this iconic shoe as they led the first wave of skateboarding's popularity. Interestingly, Vans had been making the Authentic as a deck shoe, and its sole design, originally intended for gripping boat surfaces, proved equally useful for skateboards before the invention of grip tape.
Both the Vans Skate Era WaffleCup and Skate Era are now available on Vans' website. The WaffleCup retails for $75, while the Skate Era is priced at $65.
So, what do you think of Vans' celebration of skateboarding history? Do you prefer the bold updates of the WaffleCup or the subtle evolution of the Skate Era? Let us know in the comments!
