Whenever Japanese fashion brand Alexander Lee Chang teams up with Vans, techwear fans’ ears perk up. After their reinterpretation of the Sk8-Hi with a Boa system last Winter, ALC is back with a sleek new take on the Vans Era, launching next year.
The Vans Era has been an essential piece of sneaker culture since it debuted back in 1976. The padded collar and seemingly infinite color blocking options helped the shoe define a generation of skaters and other extreme sports enthusiasts. Fast forward 43 years and not much has changed, other than the popularity of the Era. Now, they can be found on the feet of nearly everyone. However, there’s one upcoming version that aims to flip the script. Announced earlier this week, Vans is teaming up once again with Japanese brand Alexander Lee Chang to bring some innovation to the Era. Similar to the Sk8-Hi release from last year, ALC’s take on the Era drops the classic lacing system typically used in favor of a single Fidlock V-Buckle closure situated on the outer side of the throat line. Secured by nylon webbing, there is a tiny bit of slack at the end allowing you to loosen or tighten the shoes on foot.
ALEXANDER LEE CHANGE X VANS ERA RELEASE INFORMATION
The new techwear-inspired Vans Era created by Japanese label Alexander Lee Chang has not yet been announced for release, though they are expected to arrive in stores sometime in January of 2020. The latest project from Vans and ALC will likely carry a much steeper retail price than usual Era releases, thanks to the inclusion of the Fidlock V-Buckle strap. Check out the promo images below for a better look, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for more Vans release news.
UPDATE (12/14/19):
The Alexander Lee Chang x Vans Era has now been announced for release on January 11th, 2020. The high-tech, limited-edition take on the classic sneaker will be available for raffle from SHELTER Tokyo for approximately $285.
Alexander Lee Chang x Vans Era
Release Date: January 11th, 2020
Color: Black/Black
