Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) has turned its attention to some of the most iconic shoes in the current Vans line-up for a new collection. 

BAPE is best known for its striking camouflage patterns and eye-catching designs, applied on streetwear pieces alongside cosmetics, furniture and art. 

Blending Japanese design innovation with classic Southern California silhouettes, the new collaboration between BAPE and Vans has produced two new models based around the Old Skool and Sk8-Mid shoes. Both key features in the history of Vans, the two model lines have their roots in skateboarding but get a whole new flavour through this latest collaboration. 

You’ll find the Old Skool wearing BAPE’s recognisable camouflage print in a series of colours applied to the quarter panels, while the forefoot features BAPE’s Shark symbol created in a vulcanised rubber print. 

Switch to the Sk8-Mid and you’ll get a green camouflage pattern across the canvas. It’s all contrasted by solid black sections which tie in with the typical Vans aesthetic, while around the back the classic ‘Off The Wall’ logos are highlighted in a bold red shade. On both sets of shoes, the Vans Sidestripe is adjusted to include BAPE’S STA logo. You’ll find ‘A Bathing Ape’ applied to the toe box, too. 

For now, it is just the Old Skool and Sk8-Mid which are getting the BAPE treatment, though there’s a good chance that this could be extended to other model lines in the future.