taps Tokyo-based label SOPHNET. for their latest special project. Founded in 1998 by utilitarian-minimalist design veteran Hirofumi Kiyonaga, the brand is well-known for an approach of refinement and quiet achievement as opposed to radical change.
In true SOPHNET. fashion the shoe is kept supremely simple, letting the subtle adjustments do all the speaking. The most apparently change is the all-grey finish – stripping away any graphic elements to allow the iconic Vans form take centre stage.
Aside from this, the remaining tweaks can only really be seen when the shoe isn't being worn. The tongues feature a small tab which features the SOPH. scorpion emblem, whilst the outsoles eschew traditional gum rubber for an icey clear variation which reveals a printed footbed graphic.