Vans celebrates 50 years of innovation with a radical upgrade to its iconic skateboarding shoe, the Era. But here's the kicker: this shoe isn't just a relic of the past; it's been re-engineered to meet the demands of modern skaters.
The Era, born in 1976, was the world's first shoe designed specifically for skateboarding. Now, with half a century of history under its belt, Vans is giving it a much-needed makeover.
The Vans Skate Era WaffleCup: A Modern Take on a Classic
This updated version, the Vans Skate Era WaffleCup, retains the classic shape that made the Era famous but packs a punch with contemporary technology. The name hints at its key feature: the WaffleCup vulcanized cupsole, designed to withstand high-impact moves and reinforced with PopCush foam for added comfort. The grippy SickStick rubber outsole ensures you stay connected to your board.
The upper, crafted from suede and nylon, pays homage to the Era's original design, but with a twist. DuraCap rubber layers are strategically placed in high-wear areas, extending the shoe's lifespan. And for added comfort, the collar is heavily padded.
The Skate Era WaffleCup comes in three colorways: a sleek black and white, a rugged black and brown, and a tonal blue, white, and gum combination.
The Original, Evolved: The Skate Era
Alongside the WaffleCup, Vans also introduces the Skate Era, a more subtle evolution of the original. This shoe incorporates the same DuraCap and SickStick technologies, along with a PopCush insole, while staying true to the Era's original shape. One of the four colorways, a vibrant red, blue, and white combo, is a nod to the past, featuring in Vans' campaign with Tony Alva, a legendary Z-Boys skater.
The Vans Skate Era WaffleCup and Skate Era are available now on Vans' website. The WaffleCup retails for $75, while the Skate Era is priced at $65.
So, there you have it: a classic shoe, reimagined for a new generation of skaters. But here's the part most people miss: this isn't just a shoe; it's a piece of skateboarding history, updated for the modern era. What do you think? Is this a worthy upgrade, or should Vans have left well enough alone? Let us know in the comments!
