Vans Surf team rider Mikey February leads a life of purpose and intention, both on and off his board. The intention and determination that February displays riding a wave is the same intention and determination he applies to life off the board, a mindset that’s helped him to become one of the world’s most accomplished surfers — all while remaining the same affable, accessible individual he’s always been, a hometown hero who founded his non-profit organization with his wife and was the first Black African surfer to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour. Now, February’s unique cocktail of intention, determination, openness, and love of community has been put on display across his new collection of apparel and footwear with Vans Surf. 

There’s an air of romance to the solitary surfer conquering an intimidating wave. Still, the community and culture of surfing are a large part of what makes surfing so memorable. The Vans Surf x Mikey February collection explores both pillars of the sport in true “Off the Wall” style with pieces designed for feats of bravery, skill, and athleticism, as well as items intended for the “before” and “after” moments like the Ultrarange Neo VR3, a brand-new, sustainability-focused model with striking design lines and bold paneling.

Besides the Ultrarange Neo VR3, the collection also consists of the Surf Boot 2 Hi V, Style 36 Decon VR3 SF in rich brown and glossy black, and an Authentic VR3 with a kick-down heel (for ease of entry and egress) in “Shadow.” Each VR3 sneaker features materials like regenerative leather and bio-based foam. This is a step towards Vans’ goal of sourcing 100% of its top 4 CO2 impact materials (cotton, leather, rubber, and polyester) from regenerative, responsibly sourced, renewable, and/or recycled sources by 2030. Besides footwear, the Vans Surf x Mikey February collection also offers the Ever-Ride Boardshort, SS Woven Shirt, Chore Jacket, SS Tee, Authentic Pant, and Tote Bag.

The Vans Surf and Mikey February collection is available now at Vans.com/surf and select Vans Surf retailers. Prices range from $50 to $130.

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Vans Surf is proud to announce its latest head-to-toe collection with African surf lifestyle brand Mami Wata, which draws inspiration from African surf culture, key historical and cultural events, and the power and positivity of surfing. The collection leads with Vans Authentic VR3 SF and a curated assortment of additional footwear styles, apparel, and accessories. 

Founded in 2017, Mami Wata is translated in West African Pidgin English as “Mama Water” or Mother Ocean. Based out of Cape Town, the brand is focused on furthering manufacturing diversity and surf development in Africa and supporting world-leading African surf therapy organizations Waves for Change and Surfers Not Street Children. Mami Wata’s mission is to offer a different narrative of surfing and Africa to the world and to educate and share the positive effects of surfing with everyone. This season, Vans partners with Mami Wata to deliver a collection founded on these principles and inspired by important cultural moments in Africa’s history.

From Zaire’s “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974 and Nigeria’s “Festac ‘77” to other iconic local music festivals, this new head to toe collection takes the bold and graphic imagery of these cultural events and adds a modern Vans twist, tying back to Vans’ heritage Checkerboard prints. Vans Authentic VR3 SF in Mami Wata Cream is the hero of the collection and follows Vans’ strict materials guidelines with one or a combination of regenerative, responsibly sourced, renewable, and recycled materials making up at least 30% of the product.

The upper features leather (Vans leather products support responsible manufacturing via the Leather Working Group) and organic cotton on the Style 36 Decon VR3 SF and Sk8-Hi 138 Decon VR3 SF, respectively. The outsole across all footwear features Vans’ all-new VR3Waffle™ rubber compound. All the rubber used to make this outsole (60% of the compound) is regeneratively grown natural rubber sourced from farms utilizing agricultural practices intended to promote biodiversity, enhance water cycles, improve soil health, and/or sequester carbon. The brand-new VR3Cush™ drop-in footbed uses 25 percent biobased EVA foam partially derived from plants.

Along with the Mami Wata Authentic VR3 SF, the new collection also features a Style 36 Decon VR3 SF and the Sk8-Hi 138 Decon VR3 SF, both in Mami Wata Cream.

By utilizing bold graphic details in contrast to a micro-Checkerboard, inspired by hand-woven fabrics popular throughout Africa, this collection pays homage to the past while giving a vibrant nod to the future generations that will live and define African surf culture. The new apparel features a Mami Wata Pullover, short sleeve tees, woven shirt, boardshorts, and a hat.

The Vans x Mami Wata Collection will be available globally beginning February 16, 2023, at Vans Surf retail locations and Vans.com/news.

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Vans Surf and Former have partnered once again on a collection that epitomizes “Off The Wall” creativity. With a nod to both brands’ shared ethos of raw, unapologetic authenticity and progressive design, Vans’ latest collaboration with Former is laser focused on fresh details and elevated materials.

Rich leather and suedes are the backbone of the footwear styles, with embossed detailing and patches designed by the Former team for a DIY, against-the-grain aesthetic that makes this collection undeniably Former. A black, green, and cream palette runs throughout the offering, led by Vans Destruct Mid MTE-1, and rounded out with the all-new Surf Boot Hi Split Toe 3MM and the Mid Slip MTE-1.

The Destruct Mid MTE-1 combines style and capability, thanks to MTE technologies, including moisture management, thermoregulation, and traction, that allow it to hold up and function, rain or shine. The MTE-1 Primaloft™ Cold Weather Thermal Package keeps feet warm during cold spells and post-surf. Sealing the deal, the MTE-1 outsole provides traction and the rugged durability that defines Vans. The collection also includes a long-sleeve tee and sherpa-lined Former Jacket featuring patches on the back and a Former lockup on the front left chest.

Founded by professional surfers Dane Reynolds and Craig Anderson, and pro skaters Austyn Gillette and Dylan Rieder, Former is independently owned and operated with the sole intention of creating and producing things they like to wear and be a part of. No overly complex business plan or strategies. Just good, quality design.

Vans x Former will be available globally beginning September 8, 2022, at select partner retailers, Vans retail locations, and vans.com/surf.

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DJ Javier is a Filipino-American multi-disciplinary visual artist and designer known for his bold artwork that blurs the lines between fine art and graphic design. DJ’s work finds its focus within traditional graphic design, fine art, illustration and mural work; drawing inspiration from the rich and diverse counter cultures of Southern California that raised him and continually inspire the conversation within his work today

Inspired by Vans’ classic vulcanized roots, the Vans x DJ Javier La Costa Slide-On features a traditional Filipino “Nipa Hut” bamboo house on the beach, and red, yellow, blue and off-white colors inspired by the Phillipines Flag. They’re made with a synthetic nubuck strap featuring soft synthetic rubber and stretch textile lining for comfort. It also includes lightweight, flexible, and durable injected ULTRACUSH™ Lite waffle outsoles, water-based inks and glues, and a Vans logo.

DESIGN NOTES:

· Beach scene depicting skeleton body surfing with traditional Filipino “Nipa Hut” bamboo house on the beach.

· Red, yellow, blue, and off-white colors inspired by the Philippines flag.

HEADS UP!  ACCORDING TO MOST REVIEWS, THESE FIT HELLA TIGHT, SO SIZE UP 1 OR 2 FULL SIZES.

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DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

DJ Javier is a Filipino-American multi-disciplinary visual artist and designer known for his bold artwork that blurs the lines between fine art and graphic design. DJ’s work finds its focus within traditional graphic design, fine art, illustration and mural work; drawing inspiration from the rich and diverse counter cultures of Southern California that raised him and continually inspire the conversation within his work today.

The Sk8-Hi 138 Decon VR3 SF features a Filipino Water Buffalo –“Carabao” – that represents the hard work and resilience of Filipinos, as well as the national flower of the Philippines – the Sampaguita Flower – and a Filipino flag inspired “Checkerbayan” color scheme.

The Slip-On VR3 SF features Filipino warrior and rice farm worker skull motifs, an outsole print of “Mabuhay,” which is Tagalog for “Long Live,” and a Filipino flag inspired “Checkerbayan” color scheme.

SUPPORT US.  CLICK HERE OR ON EITHER PIC TO PURCHASE VIA THE VANS SITE!

The base silhouette also happens to feature the newly VR3 construction.  Here’s what Vans has to say about it:

“In order to reduce the overall footprint of Vans, our team has set ambitious sustainability goals. Big or small, all of our efforts add up to positive change. VR3 is the Vans commitment to sourcing 100% of our top 4 CO2 impact materials (cotton, leather, rubber and polyester) from Regenerative, Responsibly Sourced Renewable, and/or Recycled sources by 2030. The collection highlights the following responsibly sourced renewable materials:

Upper- 50% organic Cotton / 50% responsibly sourced renewable cotton blend canvas and leather sourced from a tannery rated Gold or Silver for environmental responsibility by the Leather Working Group, a multi-stakeholder auditing group.

Footbed – new EcoCush™ footbed is made using at least 25% biobased EVA foam partially derived from plant-based sources per ASTM D6866-16 testing standard.

Outsole – new EcoWaffle™ – all new rubber compound made with responsibly sourced natural rubber instead of petroleum derived synthetic rubber. This new rubber compound was developed and engineered to maintain the grip and durability Vans has been known for since ’66.

DESIGN NOTES FOR BOTH SHOES:

• Filipino water buffalo “carabao” representing the hard work and resilience of Filipinos.

• National flower of the Philippines, sampaguita flower

• Filipino warrior and rice farm worker skull motifs on the upper.

• “Mabuhay” Tagolog saying for “long live!” (Used as a greeting or to express good wishes).

• Redesigned Vans checkerboard, “Checkerbayan” utilizing the flag of the Philippines embedded into the artwork.

• Red, yellow, blue, and off-white colors inspired by the Philippines flag.

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Vans and Mollusk link up for footwear and apparel collection. The capsule features iconic silhouettes, subtle textures, and standard colors that sit easily on hemp, corduroy, and cork. The project incorporates the Authentic SF, Slip-On SF, and the Chukka DX SF, plus three tees and two hats.

Mollusk worked with long-time collaborator, Nathaniel Russell, to deliver the business. Nathaniel cooked up a hot scene with all his friends: Big Time Dolphin, Byrd the Hair Farmer, and Mystic Mushroom. Then, photographer Aubrey Trinnaman helped bring this collection to life with snapshots of warm memories of a day with your friends. Suitable clothes for a good walk.

The Vans x Mollusk collection will be available at mollusksurfshop.com on May 16th, 2022, and at select surf retailers and Vans.com. Visit Vans.com/News for more information.

Additionally, a release party will be held on Saturday, May 14th, at Mollusk Surf Shop, Santa Barbara. Join Mollusk for an afternoon of good hangs, drinks, and music by Mapache (plus a special surprise gift).

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Founded in 1971 by Craig Sugihara, the Town & Country Surf Shop was born from—and continues to be driven by—the needs of the surfer. As can be seen in their iconic yin and yang logo, T&C’s foundational ethos is rooted in balance. Whether Craig is shaping boards or looking after the surfing community in Hawaii, he makes sure T&C’s dedication to quality, pursuit of innovation, quality materials, and passion remains at the forefront of everything they do.

After all these years, T&C remains owned and operated by Craig, the original founder, whose grom-like stoke lands him regularly in the lineup or around the island enjoying the friendships that only a life dedicated to surfing can provide. In honor of T&C’s 50th anniversary, Vans worked closely with Craig to uplift T&C’s rich heritage, while still giving a progressive nod to the future of surf culture by offering new spins on classic color combinations, checkerboard accents, and the gradient fades that the brand has become famous for.

The collection consists of a Sk8-Hi 138 Decon SF, an UltraRange EXO, and a few apparel pieces, including two short-sleeve tees, a long-sleeve tee, a pullover hoodie, and a pair of dope 18″ boardshorts. The collection finishes off with a Mini Ward Cross Body Bag.

Everything is now available on the Vans website.  Support us, by clicking through on the links above and HERE.

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Words via Thalia Surf and some pics via Hypebeast:

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Nestled in the artistic beachside community of Laguna Beach, Thalia Surf is celebrating 20 years as a melting pot of alternative surf arts and crafts. To mark this milestone we’ve teamed up with Vans on a new collection of footwear and apparel. The original “alternative” surf shop, Thalia Surf continues to be a waypoint for surfers interested in the more artful side of surfing, marked by our frequent collaborations with artists, surfers, filmmakers, shapers, and brands.

The Vans x Thalia Surf collection shoes take inspiration from Laguna Beach’s history and natural beauty. The artwork and colors reflect the Crystal Cove region’s marriage of coastal open space and rugged sea shore, with the green, blue and black hues representing the foliage, ocean and rocks that define Crystal Cove’s landscape. The use of corduroy, canvas and leather touches to Thalia Surf’s reverence for surf history, with an eye towards the ragged edge of the surfing sub culture.

Our Vans x Thalia Surf collection apparel is inspired by the Laguna Beach surf experience, and Thalia Surf’s longstanding partnership with Vans in Laguna. The 2 birds represent that friendship. Whether it is palm tree views near Rock Pile, barrels at Brooks Street, trekking it into Crystal Cove, or evening sessions at Thalia St., this collection captures the spirit of living and surfing in Laguna Beach.”

Available now via Vans’ webstore.

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