Matt Varga “What if?” is seemingly a question weighing heavy on sneaker brands’ minds in 2025. Beginning with Jordan Brand’s retelling of the Jordan 1 “Bred” story, Vans is the latest to take on a hypothetical narrative for their latest link-up with Carpet Company, asking in the capsule’s promo “what if the Old Skool was never designed?” Aligned with that “alternate reality” idea, the two imprints are unveiling the Vans Old Skool 36+, a fresh build arriving the collab’s January 9th release.
To begin with the hardware, the model builds a new aesthetic through some relatively marginal changes; metal eyelets, a new rear heel tab, and an exposed foam tongue lead up the compositional swaps here. However, the tech is more transformative — PopCush insoles, Sickstick rubber traction underfoot, and Duracap materials bring a sturdier build to the skatepark icon.
Rounding out the shoe, Carpet Company brings an aesthetic overhaul to the silhouette over top. Croc skin quarter panels in yellow take center stage, but tufted Velcro tongue addendums and various branding hits on the heel and outsole drive home the collaborative atmosphere. And yes, as promised in the title, the shoe is limited to a 1,977 unit run, that incredibly specific quantity chosen to reflect the Old Skool’s year of creation.
The Carpet Company x Vans Old Skool 36+ releases on January 9th alongside an accompanying collection, replete with sweatsuit pieces and a backpack. The shoe retails for $128 via Vans channels and select skate shops. Keep an eye on our Sneaker Release Dates page for updates on exactly what stockists will carry this capsule.
