Vans has been a staple of counter culture since the ’90s, and this week they’ve announced a debut collaboration with one of the most famous people of the early 2000s: Travis Barker. The Blink-182 drummer’s “Dues Paid” Old Skool release on Thursday.
In the early 2000s, Vans became a defining symbol of punk and alt-rock culture. Rooted in its skate heritage, the brand’s simple silhouettes like the Old Skool, Slip-On, and Era became everyday staples for fans of bands such as Blink-182, Green Day, and Sum 41. Vans’ sponsorship of the Warped Tour cemented its place in the scene, bridging music and streetwear. The shoes’ affordability and DIY appeal mirrored punk’s ethos; authentic, unpolished, and expressive, making Vans an enduring emblem of youth rebellion and underground style.
This week, Vans has announced a new project with one of the OG icons of that early aughts era, Travis Barker. The Southern California native has teamed up with his local sneaker brand to bring is ideas to life with a new pair of the Old Skool. Barker’s take on the shoe prominently features the words “Dues Paid” in a gothic script across the toes of the pair, setting the precedent for the rest of the look. Dressed in a classic black suede with white Formstrips, the look adds a black midsole with a white barbed wire graphic running down each side. Tongues feature a stereo graphic reminiscent of the 2000s to boot. In the editorial photos below, Barker is shot wearing a white pair, too, though it is unclear if this style will be available to the public.
TRAVIS BARKER X VANS OLD SKOOL “DUES PAID” RELEASE INFORMATION
The debut collaboration from drummer Travis Barker and Vans has been scheduled to release later this week, on October 23rd, 2025. Taking on the classic Old Skool style dressed in a simple black & white, the “Dues Paid” edition features graphics and symbols relating to Barker’s life. Pairs will be available through the Vans website as well as their retail store at the The Grove in LA. Pricing is currently unknown.
Travis Baker x Vans Old Skool
Release Date: October 23rd, 2025 (Vans)
Check out the official images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.Â
