Vans sneakers are easily some of the most identifiable shoes on the market. Originally built for skateboarders, the brand was the first to shift their focus to the burgeoning BMX movement. Now, Vans is paying respect to an OG fanbase with a new Checkerboard look.


Vans sneakers are a nearly essential piece of sneakerheads closet. The simple stylings have become classics since the brand started in 1966, and have remained relatively unchanged ever since. While the early pairs were designed for skateboarding, Vans was the first apparel and footwear brand to hop on board the BMX train that was gaining steam in the early 70s. For their latest collection, Vans is paying homage to the original BMX movement with five new colorways across two silhouettes.

The Vans Era and Sk8-Hi are two of the greatest silhouettes from the brand. Still the favorites amongst fans today, these two shoes were also heavily involved in the early BMX movement. The Era from the new collection will come in three colorways: blue & yellow, teal & brown, and a blue & red colorway as a nod to the legendary original pair designed by Dogtown in 1976. Each of the three colorways is marked by a checkerboard pattern along the sole matching the main color of the upper. The Sk8-Hi from the BMX pack will come in blue & yellow and blue & red, both with the famous checkerboard pattern covering the quarter panels.

The Vans “BMX Checkerboard” pack is set to release this June. All five colorways of the Era and Sk8-Hi will launch from Vans and secondary retailers, with varying price points. Check out the early images of the Vans “BMX Checkerboard” collection below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for more Vans Classics release dates.