VANS DANIEL J SKATE Sk8-Hi SHOES

This season, we’ve partnered with the “Hi, How Are You Project,” championed by Daniel Johnston’s family and friends, to inspire new conversations around mental health issues by funding and creating media content, projects, and events. The project aims to remove the stigma and shame associated with mental illness by encouraging open dialogue and to support those on the frontlines.

Vans proudly contributes to the awareness campaign with the Vans x Daniel Johnston Skate Sk8-Hi, featuring Daniel’s iconic cassette artwork printed on 10 oz (283 g) canvas and suede uppers. In his early songwriting career, Daniel hand-drew on cassette tapes to give to friends and strangers. The artwork on this shoe is a checkerboard pattern created from Johnston’s cassettes, and is inspired by the lo-fi execution and iconic low-fi art that made him popular.

Skate-specific features include repositioned DURACAP™ reinforced underlays and fully redesigned uppers, combined with a new two-part foxing tape with a deeper knurl pattern on the toe, making the Skate Sk8-Hi durable enough to withstand daily skateboarding abuse. For more board control, the new molded heel counter and internal tongue straps lock your feet in. Even the gum rubber sole that made Vans famous has been elevated with the SICKSTICK™ rubber compound for more grip and boardfeel. Plus, POPCUSH™ energy return sockliners provide superior cushioning and impact protection while helping to lessen leg fatigue for longer skate sessions. Internal heel stiffeners have also been added to provide more support and stability.

For Vans, skateboarding can be a powerful form of creative self-expression, and have a profound impact on one’s mental well-being. Because beyond the ramps and tricks, there’s a whole world to discover.

• VANS SKATEBOARDING X DANIEL JOHNSTON COLLECTION: Custom artwork in this collection is inspired by Daniel’s iconic self-produced cassette tapes and his iconic low-fi art.
• INCREASED DURABILITY: DURACAP™ reinforced materials, deeper knurl texture on the toe bumpers, and higher sidewall heights provide a more traditional look with increased durability and protection.
• FULLY REDESIGNED UPPERS: Reconstructed with a molded heel counter and internal tongue straps for a locked-in fit and more board control.
• LEGENDARY GRIP: Our new, proprietary SickStick™ gum rubber compound is our stickiest rubber yet.
• POPCUSH CUSHIONING: Our best cushioning and impact protection. POPCUSH™ energy return footbeds protect your feet while helping to lessen leg fatigue for longer skate sessions.