VANS VAULT DECEMBER 2011

VANS Vault have dropped this month's footwear collection to add to their Fall/Winter range. It includes two colourways for each of the SK8 Hi LX and Era LX models, all made with premium leather uppers and accented with suitably autumn features. The Eras have flannel constructs and nice metal eyelets, while the hi tops are finished to a cleaner look with simple contrast branding and cute seasonal laces. It's a strong foursome, up there in its design, quality and practicality too as they all make for great footwear both smart and casual. Drops like these help me through the coldness.

DQM FOR VANS FIRST ISSUE

Now these are excellent shoes, all really beautiful. As part of Black Friday shopping, DQM and Vans collaborate to release this exclusive Deluxe Holiday Collection. There's less than 100 pairs for each of the three styles and they're only available online and in store at The Vans DQM General, New York, which only opened two months ago.

The featured models are the Mid Skool '77, Chukka Decon and Era, all made with premium leather. I'd buy every one of them but if I had to take my pick, it would be the Chukkas in Military Green - very clean, finished to perfection. They will be released of course on Friday but I doubt they will last very long. A really impressive drop for me.

VANS ERA 59 C&P NAVY

This just got restocked at Flatspot earlier today, and rightly so. The Era 59s have a good shape and the details packed into this particular model makes it a real sexy shoe. A heavy gauge canvas makes the upper, which features a beautiful tartan lining and metal eyelets too. The dark brown leather laces and corduroy heal panel finish it to perfection, nicely wrapping it up and emphasising the quality of the chosen materials. At only £49 this is a winner.

VANS OTW ARCATA FALL 2011

The big brands are already announcing their Fall items. What is that, like 3 seasons ahead?! Crazy.

This is a new line from Vans for their Over The Wall autumn collection, suede mid tops coming in three soft colourways. I quite like how the raspberry one has been laced, as opposed to the more closed style in the grey. It's got a nice shape and it would be a good basic pair to have in your urban lifestyle collection.

Also, the CA 31 shown below is beautiful man. I love it so much. It's part of Vans' California Spring 2011 collection and is available now. The tan tip is a great finish and compliments the quality grey suede so well. A top product for me.

CARHARTT x VANS AUTHENTIC

Check out this limited edition collaboration, Carhartt's take on the Authentic. They've provided nylon fabric and unique suede to give these timeless classics a more rustic and rigid feel, with the iconic orange waffle soles providing an edgy contrast. It rocks. Especially loving the green pair. They are available to buy now in Carhartt's global flagship stores.

Box is classy too.

VANS CHUKKA LOW SPRING 11

This is the forthcoming California 106 Vulcanized sneaker from Vans for the Spring 2011 drop. I was considering investing in a pair of 106s myself just the other week, but I think I'm gonna wait for these. Made with perforated suede uppers, I reckon these have a bit more aura and respect than the current Vulcs. Plus, the leather detail and laces add some class to it too. Really love it. Onto my wishlist it goes!

LINKS : Vans

MEXICAN BLANKET VANS

Woah. Available only in Japan. Not sure what to say.

FALL VANS CHUKKA DEL BARCO

The Chukka del Barco arrives this autumn in two new colourways of black and the pictured brown. They're okay.. boatshoe styles are getting more and more common, which is cool. Still waiting to find a super pair though.

LINKS : Vans

VANS SK8 HI DECONSTRUCT SUEDE

This is the Sk8-Hi Deconstruct model from Vans, ready for Fall 2010. Made from premium suede, it comes in three colourways and I love this Dark Burgundy/White edition, the other two being black and grey. The sneakers are slim, clean and perfect for my taste. The matching coloured outsole and metal eyelets are great. With their release imminent, my mouth is watering..

Not that I'm gonna eat them. Obviously.

LINKS : Vans

SNEAKERS FOR VALENTINE'S

Valentine's Day 2010 is upon us and it's not just the cute couples celebrating. Valentine's is an occasion which many brands use as a theme for limited collections, so here is a bunch of my favourites..

VANS

This V2041 Hi takes a Valentine twist with white leather upper and red stitching. Very simple, very sleek, very sexy. Finished with quilted patterns, there's this element of luxurious romance, making this a very special pair of shoes. The theme is also available in SK8 Hi.

NIKE

The Dunk Hi and pictured Air Force 1s are fit for the adorable partners. With white polka-dots on varsity red denim, they enbody love and togetherness perfectly. A sweet collection from NIKE.

ROYALEFAM

Limited to just 16 pairs, "DIE DIE MY DARLING" is ROYALEFAM's take on the Valentine's DUNK HI. This handmade limited edition monster of a shoe demonstrates the Bloody Valentine side of the story, with strong red cameo, a matching blood rose, Sawtooth nose art and even bullet holes. I heart it.
PUMA

This is what PUMA have prepared. The FIRST ROUND high top. It's made in leather and uses a simple colourway. But man is it pathetic. It looks cheap and plastic, the laces are fucked up and what is up with the kissprint? I'd say you give this to someone you're breaking up with..
ADIDAS

ADIDAS ORIGINALS have released the NIZZA HI and NIZZA LO . The high top (probably more suitable for the females) has heavy heart printing on a white base, and the Nizza Lo takes a red colourway with white highlights. Both models feature an I LOVE YOU lace lock. Aw.
SUPRA

In all blood red canvas and white outsole, these SKYTOP HEARTBREAKERS are my favourite of the lot. With only 1000 pairs on this entire planet, these super strong sexy shoes are bound to be flying off the shelves after their release just yesterday. I am not one of the lucky few. Damn. But they are oh so gorgeous!!

LINKS
VANS | NIKE | Royalefam | PUMA | adidas | SUPRA