Vans Vault – Lite LX Collection (via @blends_official)

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Blends gives us a preview of the latest and greatest offerings from Vans Vault, featuring the inaugural debut of the Lite LX model.  Typically Vans shoes start off in the Vault line, and work their way down to the mainstream channels of Vans products, but this time it started out a little bit backwards.  What started off as an LXVI feature, which then made it’s way to every Vans store, the Lite line has been wildly successful, obviously due to their level of comfort compared to our typical beloved Vans.  The key feature is the CMEVA (Compression Molded Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) outsoles also known as Ultracush Lite technology.  With their smart “PICK ME UP” orange tags adorned on every pair, they sparked people’s curiosity, and once Vans started creating them in the classic colorways that we’re all familiar with, that’s when people really started to give them a chance.  We now get to see a premium versions of these shoes, by way of the Vault Lite series.  For the first round, we see 3 Authentic Lite LX’s, 2 Old Skool Lite LX’s, and 2 Sk8-Hi Lite LX’s, wrapped entirely in premium leather with leather insoles.  These will be available this weekend at all Blends accounts that carry the Vault by Vans line, as well as online.

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LXVI x Don Pendleton – Sk8-Hi Lite, Authentic Lite, & Iso 2 Mid (Summer 2015)

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Don Pendleton has teamed up with Vans’ LXVI to offer us his take on the Sk8-Hi Lite, Authentic lite, and Iso 2.  Don Pendleton made a name for himself in the early 90’s with Alien Workshop, by creating some of the iconic designs they are best known for.  Don’s ability to incorporate references to ambiguous characters as they compete for space within his unique linear compositions, creates an underlining metaphorical reflection on the state of contemporary society and culture.  For this collection, he used his signature owls for the side panels of each shoe, done up in a few grey, blue, and black tones.

The shoes are now available by clicking on the pic above and after the jump

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LXVI – Sk8-Hi Lite (Spring 2015)

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pics via Hypebeast

Vans has done a good job of figuring out what to do with the LXVI line.  They wanted to target an action sports “spectator” demographic, and they put out a lot of new designs, in the form of trainers, hiking boots, and casual sneakers, but it looks like they found a happy medium that might just be their future bread and butter.  They’ve incorporated the newer Ultra Cush soles with the classic silhouettes that we all know too well.  Keeping at least one Sk8-Hi, Authentic, or Old Skool in your current rotation is a must, and once you get your hands (and feet) on a pair of these new “Lite” pairs, you may just put your other pairs to rest.  They’re light, they’re flexible, they’re soft, and they look just like your originals.  Might I even add that they start to wear in the same manner, but the soles last a bit longer which is a common issue we will always deal with, with our beloved Vans vulcanized rubber soles.  For the Spring, Vans has revamped the Sk8-Hi Lite in a premium perforated leather version, which looks eerily similar to a California version that came out a few years back.  They’re perfect, and you can get them now by clicking on the pic above.

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Vans x Rich Jacobs – Collection (Spring 2014)

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Born in Long Beach, but now residing in Oakland, artist Rich Jacobs of Movezine has partnered up with Vans, to create this interesting collection, featuring an Authentic Lite, Slip-On Lite, and Iso 1.5.  Each shoe features different artwork from him, each in their own wild style.  I like that he went with the Lite models, which are comfortable, lightweight, and wearable all day long.  I’m not sure if this is a Proper LBC exclusive, or if they just got to do a special release for them, being that they are in his hometown.  Either way, you can get them now from Proper.

more models after the jump

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LXVI – Classic Lites Collection (Fall 2014)

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The LXVI collection has been around for a little over a year now, and well, it’s been a rough start to say the least.  There was some confusion in the beginning, as to who this collection was for.  It was released exclusively at Foot Locker, and the majority of the shoes were unfamiliar new models, which seemed to underperform with the action sports kids, and weren’t very durable.  Well, come to find out, it was supposed to be more of an “action sports spectator” shoe.  Huh what?  Yeah, it was a lifestyle project of some sort.  Ohhhh, okay!  Well, fast forward a year later, and I think LXVI is on the right track with these new renditions of our familiar classics.

Here’s what Highsnobiety wrote about these:

“LXVI’s latest innovation re-engineers Vans Classics using modern construction methods to focus on improved fit, increased overall comfort and weight reduction. While each style maintains its original, unforgettable aesthetic, the result boasts a completely new fit and feel thanks to functional features such as Vans’ unique ActionFit last shape and UltraCush Lite sole unit”.

So basically, Vans is being true to themselves by sticking to their classic design, while offering up a casual version for those of us who don’t skate or shred up our shoes on the daily!  This is something that we can all welcome and embrace into our Vans community!  Word on the streets is that these are super comfortable, and you can go all day in these.  Vans should hook it up with a wear-test sample!  Just kidding, I don’t ask for stuff…but I do gladly accept it, lol!  Go out there and try a pair on everybody, and report back here!

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LXVI – Prime (Spring 2014)

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Words via Hypebeast:

“With a focus on progressive designs Vans LXVI presents its new Prime silhouette for spring. Bridging the label’s classic aesthetics with technological updates, the Prime sees the use of leather and mesh across its taped upper, while an option of speckled or python prints accent the tongue and heel panel. The lightweight sneaker sits atop an Ultracush midsole and rubber outsole for comfort and greater traction. Fitting as both a lifestyle shoe for the season ahead, the Vans LXVI Prime is set to release in March 1 in black/light grey and light grey/white at select stockists.”

“Inevva” thought I’d see this silhouette from Vans, but it’s not bad at all.  We’ll just have to wait and see when it arrives!

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Vans LXVI – Red Dawn Collection (Available Now!)

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Words via Hypebeast:

“Vans LXVI introduces its “Red Dawn” Tie Dye capsule collection, a three-silhouette lineup consisting of special edition renditions of the Parameter, the Locus, and the Iso.

All three models feature tonal black uppers accented on the inside with California sunrise-inspired tie-dye motif hidden on the footbeds of each shoe. Easily the more visible pairs of the set, the Locus, with its mesh quarter panel and nubuck overlays, and the Sk8-Hi-inspired Parameter both get an added hit of color with the pattern prominently displayed on the laces while the Iso opts for a more subdued look with its all-black upper with black laces and outsole.”  Available now by clicking on the pics above, and after the jump!  Support OTWS!!

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Vans LXVI – “Mint & Red” Pack (Fall 2013)

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Words via Highsnobiety:

“Vans LXVI embodies forward-thinking design intended for the active lifestyle surrounding youth culture. LXVI is focused on delivering footwear that provides improved comfort, increased flexibility, and reduced weight through modern materials and innovative construction. Fall 2013 of LXVI introduces the “Mint & Red” pack, draped in mint hues and accented with hits of red, this collection presents updated colorways of the Graph, Numeral and Variable. The “Mint & Red” pack is available now at select Vans LXVI retailers.”

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Vans LXVI – Camo Pack (Spring 2013)

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Vans’ LXVI action sports brand is bringing this dope Camo pack for the Spring.  Constructed with MultiCam camouflage material, this olive colored pack is looking pretty tight.  These will be available in the Graph, Secant, Numeral, Variable, and Stat models, starting in April, according to Highsnobiety.

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Vans LXVI – All Weather Terrain Pack (Holiday 2012)

Here’s the latest from the LXVI group, dubbed the “All Weather Terrain Pack”.  Available in four models: the Stat, Secant, Variable and Module, each featuring Scotchgard� treated pig suede and 1200D ballistic nylon upper materials with quilted and insulated liners.  Also, for a rugged outdoor feel, these are equipped with D-ring hardware and two-tone round laces, which round out the package nicely.  These are now available for purchase from Vans by clicking on the pics above and after the jump.

info via FreshNGood

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