Vans has a long history of being associated with skateboarding, a relationship dating back to the brand's founding in 1966—so, it really comes as no surprise that these sneakers with built-in ankle guards are attributed to the label.
Launched as part of Vans Vault, these innovative and somewhat absurd shoes build on top of the Vans Era silhouette. Taka Hayashi, a "prolific Californian artist, and Vans Vault designer," is responsible for the wacky model that is sure to gather a lot of attention from sneakerheads and skaters alike.
Although the ankle guards are certainly not capable of preventing a rolled ankle, they will offer some protection "in case of a botched trick." Additionally, the ankle guards have a built-in secret pocket that skaters can use to transport cash, snacks, and other things.
Image Credit: Vans
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Safety-focused Shoe Designs
- These sneakers with built-in ankle guards offer innovative safety features for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Skateboarding Sneaker Innovation
- Vans Vault's ankle guard sneakers demonstrate disruptive innovation in skateboarding footwear.
- Functionality and Style Integration
- The inclusion of a secret pocket in the ankle guards showcases an innovative blend of practicality and fashion.
Where This Applies
- Athletic Footwear
- The safety-focused features of these sneakers provide opportunities for disruptive innovation in the athletic footwear industry.
- Skateboarding Equipment
- The inclusion of ankle guards in these sneakers presents potential for innovation in skateboarding protective gear.
- Fashion Accessories
- The incorporation of secret pockets in shoe designs suggests disruptive innovation possibilities in the fashion accessory market.
