As always, if I ever get the chance to get a special release early, I like to put together a little review for those who are impatiently waiting for the drop date, or for those who are on the fence about these. Sometimes the quality and detail doesn’t come through with official press photos, so I like to provide a lot of macro shots. Everyone loves to see a premium full-grain leather up close, displaying each wrinkle, or perhaps a nappy suede with each individual fiber highly focused on. For some, it might be the insoles, lining, bottoms, or even the packaging. Hopefully I’ve left nothing to the imagination, and I hope those who are seeking these, get theirs.
First off, the choice of using a Prison Issue was an awesome idea. This model doesn’t come around often, and if so, it’s buried amongst a lineup of other general releases at your typical Vans store, and the last premium pair we saw were the Vault perforated nubuck edition. The shade of white utilized on this Prison Issue LX is pure, and I’d say it has just a slight tint of gray compared to the all-white Vault leather pack that just re-released. The contrasting blue suede heel strip lets you know these aren’t your average pair, and the very minimal RFC lettering on the side of the heel doesn’t distract from the overall aesthetic. The heel pad lining has the Ringleaders custom logo, as every proper collaboration should include, and the rest of the footbed has a unique black and white pattern on it. Your favorite gum waffle sole finishes these off nicely.
The Ringleaders and O.T.H. did a superb job on these, and I expect them to go quick on Saturday morning. I’d like to shout out Denis and Graeme from OTH, for allowing me to get these early, so that I could share them with you all. I’m not one of those guys that brags about getting connected, or getting stuff early, or for free, or blah blah blah, but I always am humbled by it. I don’t run this site with a purpose to get anything out of it, except for maybe respect, or at the very least, acknowledgment that we are the official gatekeepers of all things Vans, in the realm of sneaker collectors. We care about the details that other sites and reviewers fail to point out, because this is our hobby. Our passion, if you will. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the pics! -Guamstyles
The Vans x OTH, R.F.C. project will be released exclusively at the Vans x OTH store and online on October 4th at 9 am in store and 11 am online (Eastern time). The shoe will be retailed for 130$ CDN . A hoodie, a pin, and a t-shirt with the new Ringleaders branding will also be available in very limited quantities.
tons more hi-res pics after the jump
