It is very difficult to keep old ideas fresh, unless 1.) It is a great idea, or 2.) You manage to update the details of the idea and keep it modern.  In Vans’ case, they have managed to retain the best of both worlds by creating some of the best skate shoes over the course of their rich history as well has being a highly sought-after company for high profile figures in the skate world, art world and fashion world to collaborate with.

Most recently, Vans has chosen to collaborate with Tristan Caruso, who many of you may know as the owner of Proper, the infamous skate store located in the heart of Long Beach, California.  With this latest collaboration, as Tristan explains to Sneaker Freaker, he has focused on Long Beach’s nautical assets, which subsequently inspired the design of the three Vans models he chose to work on.  The Proper collaboration includes the Vans Authentic LX, the Vans Chukka Del Barco and the Native American LX (which Proper calls the Long Beach Native).

All the models are featured in fresh takes of materials from canvas to suede, as well as some nice, subtle embossed material on some of the models.  Each model features a nautical hang tag that acts as a shout out to the Port of Long Beach and the sailing activities that have taken place there over the years.  The models also all feature white soles, which makes the models more like boat shoes, as any type of colored sole shoe is typically not permitted onto boats due to the scuffing it creates on the wood or fiberglass deck.  The shoes also feature an “Proper” insole as well as “Proper” hangtags on the upper.  All three models should be available at Proper, and thanks again to Sneaker Freaker for the interview.

More photos below…

Tristan Caruso of Proper