Vans Continues Their ComfyCush LX Project With The Darkside Initiative

As part of their ComfyCush push in 2019, Vans is teaming up with their collaborative partners the world over for new takes on the tech — and the latest associate to lend their signature stylings is The Darkside Initiative. The San Francisco-based retailer has opted to take on both the Vans Sk8 Hi and Vans Old Skool, and although the black and orange palette may make it look as if the shoes are inspired by the San Francisco Giants, the kicks are actually inspired by another team: the Philadelphia Flyers.

The large orange “We Don’t Like You Either” hits on the heels of both shoes are taken from t-shirts Philly fans wore during Game 4 of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs to spite Sidney Crosby of the rival Pittsburgh Penguins — who’d mentioned that he “didn’t like any guy on their team” when asked about the Flyers. Unexpected inspiration aside, the shoes also feature orange detailing on the tongue tag/rubber heel badge, and are completed with a simple white midsole. Look for both pairs to release at both of The Darkside Initiative’s shops in SF and on their webstore February 16th, with the Old Skool retailing at $140 USD and the Sk8-Hi priced for $10 less, at $130 USD.