Iconic skate brand Vans has partnered with Engineered Garments, a New York-based fashion label founded by Japanese designer Daiki Suzuki, to launch an all-new take on the classic Era sneaker.
The upgraded sneaker arrives with a unique mix of suede, leather, and canvas materials. As a result, it serves to continue the mismatched design of the original Era. However, in this case, the left and right shoes even feature non-matching material placements. For example, the toe box on the right sneaker is made from leather, while the left is made from suede. In addition, the sneakers feature a laceless, slip-on design and come equipped with Van's signature 'UltraCush' lightweight foam cushioning.
The new Era sneakers are set to drop on April 9 and will be available at select retailers worldwide.
Mismatched Skate Shoes
Vans and Engineered Garments Unveils Multi-Material 'Era' Sneakers
Trend Themes
1. Mismatched Sneakers - The trend of mismatched design for sneakers will continue to grow and offer new opportunities for collaboration between fashion and sportswear brands.
2. Mix of Materials - Using different materials to construct sneakers will create opportunities for unique designs and innovative products.
3. Laceless Design - The laceless, slip-on design trend for sneakers will continue to evolve, offering more comfortable and convenient products.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - This trend offers opportunities for fashion brands to expand into sportswear collaborations and explore new design possibilities.
2. Sportswear - Sneaker brands can use different materials to create unique designs and innovate their products, providing a competitive edge.
3. Footwear Retail - The laceless, slip-on sneakers trend creates opportunities for retailers to offer more convenient, comfortable and stylish products to their customers.