MAKE CHUKKAS GREAT AGAIN!  That’s what I’ve been saying for years now.  Call me that old head, who lives in his not so distant past, trying to tell all the youngins what’s REALLY cool, while they rightfully ignore me.  The mainstream sneaker culture has been turned all the way inside out for awhile now.  Used and abused for everything it has to offer, and boy has it had a lot to offer as of lately.  Prices have inflated beyond any rational comprehension, with no real justification, other than the “shit on toast” factor.  If one person sees someone else eating shit on toast, well then by all means, they want it as well.  This is great for those making the shit and the toast, and those who are selling it.  Problem is, there’s way too much of it, and it’s leaving a huge skid mark on our culture.  (I’m sure that one went over some of your heads).

In comes Jimmy Gorecki, most recently known for his brands JSP and Standard Issue Tees.  A former pro skater for the likes of Zoo York and ICECREAM, certified with the OG culture that forged the path for what we have today, so you know he’s been around for some super dope shit, and you know he’s experienced enough to know what it takes to make a future classic.  If you’re into trends and being on the leading edge of fashion, then you may not care about classic anything, but to me, this shoe garners much respect, and these are the types of collabs us Vans collectors eat up.  This is one of those releases that speaks directly to our core demographic.  It’s rooted in skate, streetwear, and community, which is something we have a passion for.  We always say that the best collabs have a story behind them, and these pay homage to a person, place, and era all at once.  Some bought them to support their friend Jimmy.  Others bought them cause of the exceptional marketing that led up to the release.  I bought them cause they are exactly what we’ve been waiting for.  A name and a brand that’s relatable.  A guy that’s into all the same shit we are.  A friend of a friend (shout-out to Arvie Gimeno @albinoandpreto, who fyi, was my plug on our original OTWS “Bones” hats we made years back, when he was still operating as SntmntlCo).  Basically, what I’m trying to say is, he represents us hardcore Vans collectors, whether it was intentional or not, and I’m sure I can speak for everyone else, by saying thank you Jimmy!

I was a little relieved that the Chukka was chosen for this release.  A Vans model that’s a little bit off the radar for the new jacks, but coveted by those who’ve been buying the rare and limited Vans shit since the early days of Vans Syndicate and the like.  Back in the day, you couldn’t see a premium collaboration without a Chukka in the lineup.  The Chukka 79 VLT LX was the right move.  Just a little bit different than your average Vans Chukka Boot, with a few layered panels that runs up the lace eyerow and around the collar and ankle of the shoe, as well as a panel that wraps around the entire heel.  Take note of the “VLT” label in the name.  This is something introduced fairly recently to the Vault line, to differentiate from the “OG” or ORIGINALS label that is also offered within the Vault lineup.  VLT’s are typically reserved for the slightly more sophisticated shoes, thus the slightly higher price points.  Not sure if it’s justified by materials and build, or if it’s purely for luxury bragging rights, but nonetheless, these are VLT’s.  The Black and Marshmallow colorways are equally perfect.  It’s all about preference.  With premium pig suede, brass eyelets, custom printed Racing Red checkerboard foxing scenes, Crystal Blue translucent blue toe bumpers and waffle soles, and custom printed Ultracush® insoles, you can’t go wrong with either.

These are the types of releases we get excited for.  At first, I told myself I would buy only one colorway, but after going back and forth, I knew I’d regret passing on either one.  Thankfully, I was able to check-out on two separate orders with Kinetic (Nocturnal), one of only 3 places you could get these.  Also just a fun fact since we’re Vans snob elitists over here, it was mistakenly reported that this release was the first time that a Vault release was allowed by a Vans Skate retailer, but for those who know, this is actually the 2^nd time.  Can anyone guess the first collection?  It might’ve been a mix-up with production back in the day, as I believe it was only sold at Core Skate accounts, but the shoes were definitely Vault, with Vault tags and LX labeling on the shoes.  Hint:  it was a collaboration with one of Vans’ pro skate icons.  I might have narrowed that down too much, making it too easy!

On a personal note, thanks if you took the time to read all this.  Now days, it’s hard to get stoked about a lot of releases, so I tend to just do the copy and paste thing from blogs, and the various info that the friends at Vans send me, but when something is worth talking about, you better believe I’m going to heap some praise, and shed light on it.  I’m very rarely endorsed, and if so, I’m clear about it.  These came out of pocket at full retail price plus shipping.  Not a small chunk of change for some Vans, but I’m calling these a future classic, so having them in the collection was a must.  Hope we get to see some more cool shit like this in the near future!

-Bill “Guamstyles”

Here’s a quick vid of the shoes as well:  JSP Chukka Review

tons more exclusive pics after the jump Read More

I received a nice package the other day from our friends over at Vans, and to my surprise it was a pair of OG Chukka Boot LX’s from the Vault x LQQK collection, accompanied by a super dope custom made vinyl crate, showcasing some printed graphics featured in this collection.  They know me so well!  Before I get into reviewing this pair, I wanted to say thank you to Michelle C. over at Vans, who always thinks of me, and keeps me tapped in to the latest and greatest things happening over at Vans.  There’s many more friends we have over there, but she’s special special lol.  Thank you Michelle!

So right off the bat, this sophomore collection checks all the boxes when it comes to what we consider a proper collaboration.  It’s been awhile since we’ve discussed the criteria, so for our new friends, here’s the 5 things we like to see:  (1) New and original material, design element, or color, (2) Thoughtful packaging, (3) Branding, (4) Story or connection to something, (5) Limited or exclusive (preferably numbered when possible).  This collection hits on all of that.  From the combination of nubuck suede, paint splatter, and debossed Vans circle logos, to the super dope lime green brick drawer boxes, to the subtle branding on the outside forefoot of the vulc sidewalls and back side of the Vans flag, to the story connection of their print studio in NYC.

Many of us may not have known much about LQQK prior to their Vault collabs, but you have to give it up to Vans Vault for providing this “LQQK” into their cool place.  No hype.  Not for anything more, than to just introduce us to a really cool company, who does some pretty cool shit.  We’re always learning something new, and cool, and who else is going to bring that to you?

Check out more of my personal review pics after the jump, all taken with my iPhone 11 Pro.  Green if that matters, lol.

#GiftedbyVans

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