# Theological Sneakers Robert Crumb and Vans Create Heaven-Questioning Kicks By Brian G Randles | Published 2009-10-03 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robert-crumb-and-vans References: [highsnobiety](http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2009/10/02/vans-x-r-crumb-pack-sk8-hi-and-slip-on/) & [crumbproducts](http://www.crumbproducts.com/aboutcrumb.html) Robert Crumb and [Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sr-studio-la-ca-x-vans) have joined heads to create [two new sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beams-and-vans). The ‘Mr. Natural’ Sk8 Hi shoe is white and features the thought-provoking question ‘Who wants to go to heaven anyway?’ and allows you to literally walk all over theology. The “Fritz the Cat” [Slip-On shoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slip-on-rs) is the other product from the Robert Crumb and Vans collaboration. Check out the two innovative sneakers, as well as more on Robert Crumb, at the links below. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Collaborative Sneaker Collections:** The collaboration between Robert Crumb and Vans showcases the trend of artists and brands teaming up to create unique and thought-provoking sneakers. - **Religion-challenging Design:** The 'Mr. Natural' Sk8 Hi shoe with its provocative theological question represents the trend of incorporating bold and controversial messages into footwear designs. - **Artistic Influences in Fashion:** The Robert Crumb and Vans collaboration demonstrates the growing trend of integrating artistic influences into the fashion industry, blurring the lines between art and apparel. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Retail:** The collaboration between Robert Crumb and Vans presents an opportunity for fashion retailers to explore unique partnerships that combine art and design in footwear. - **Artistic Merchandising:** The 'Fritz the Cat' Slip-On shoe showcases how the art industry can disrupt and innovate in the merchandising space by leveraging collaborations with popular brands like Vans. - **Religious/spiritual Merchandise:** The theological questioning design of the 'Mr. Natural' Sk8 Hi shoe opens up possibilities for religious and spiritual merchandise to adopt more controversial and thought-provoking messaging. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bold Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sr-studio-la-ca-x-vans.md) - [All-Over Patterned Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anarchy-is-the-key.md) - [Artistic Sneaker Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skechers-x-vexx.md) - [Fine Art-Inspired Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otw-by-vans-line.md) - [Dynamic Graphic Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sr-studio-la-ca.md) - [Thematic Ombre-Effect Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wicked-hightop-sneakers.md) - [Graphic Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-otw-x-undercover.md) - [Futuristic Sculptural Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-future-clog.md) - [Mismatched Sci-Fi Cartoon Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puma-x-rick-and-morty-mb05.md)