They are nothing like what you are used to seeing

By Awang Sulung

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a fan of Vans. Their popularity has always escaped me. Canvas sneakers, such as their Old Skool, remind me of, well, school. For my sneakers, I like those that make me feel I have long left the classroom. So Vans have never been part of my footwear rotation. But that could change. The Anaheim brand has just released a totally new silhouette, the Super Lowpro Collaps, that is unlike anything I have seen in the Vans line-up. These are old-school in that they look like running kicks of the past, but with the current trend for thinness.

The Super Lowpro Collapse is so understated that it reminds me of the Slovak brand Novesta. But these Vans have an additional feature that reminds me of hybrid ballet pumps: elastics between the pull tab and the eyestays, allowing the collar to stretch. These facilitate easy slip on without undoing the laces. They also provide the option of flattening the heel to turn the kicks into mules. The shoes with the nylon and suede upper are, therefore, not only flexible, they are packable too. For me, what really works are the colours. Apart from black and cream (instead of white), there is a blush pink, and the chartreuse (pictured above), which I was drawn to. Just the shade to lift any outfit. And bring joy.

Vans Super Lowpro Collapse Shoe, US$85, is available on the Vans American website. It is not certain when it’ll drop on our island. Product photo: Vans. Illustration: Just So