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Travis Barker is a legend in the music biz.
Drummer of Blink-182, producer and songwriter, Barker is now adding designer to his lengthy list of accomplishments with his latest collab via Vans. The sneaker is a low-top canvas Old Skool model that dropped Thursday, Oct. 23. The collaborative kicks are available now on Vans’ website and retail for $85. The unisex style is already making waves, as it’s sold out in multiple sizes.
The silhouette is an apt reflection of both Vans and Barker’s backgrounds, touching on both parties’ Californian routes and love of skateboarding. It’s also edgy, incorporating elements of Barker’s days spent behind a drum set spinning pop-punk tracks with his bandmates. The low-top offering is made of black canvas, as most Vans styles are, making them super breathable so your feet don’t sweat. You’ve also got a mix of suede in the uppers that gives the shoe durability as well as textural interest.
From the dark uppers, the shoe transitions into signature white-striped motifs that travel the length of the shoe. There are tons of custom details affixed to the model that allude to Barker’s life lived on stage and at punk shows, from barbed wire foxing and oil-stained toe bumpers that give a lived-in feel to boombox artwork on the heels, imparting a graphic finish.
Transitioning from the co-branded footbeds, the sneaker is adorned with chrome aglets, a totally rocker touch, and metal eyelets. The laces are cotton and black, coordinating with the overall black color scheme. Padded collars offer the wearer added support and comfort. The soles are your classic waffle pattern, a staple design element for Vans, giving the shoe a non-slip finish.
Through and through, the shoe is an homage to Barker’s life and music. The graphic design elements elevate the sneaker, setting it apart from Vans’ other black canvas models. This style is something we’d throw on for a coffee date, a trip to the skate park or for running errands accompanied by jeans, your favorite band tee and a cozy flannel.
The more lived-in these bad boys get, the better they’ll look, as with almost all of Vans’ sneakers. They’re made to be worn, something that matches Barker’s rocker aesthetic. If you’re a fan of Barker and Blink-182, or you’re just in the market for new sneakers, we recommend you snag these before they’re gone.
