Nicole McLaughlin Adds Climbing Gear To Latest Vans Collab

Matt Varga February 21st, 2025 (updated)

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Sustainability remains a key focus for brands across the landscape, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a single actor in the space who talks the talk more than Nicole McLaughlin. Initially gaining traction and attention for her bespoke customization work, the multi-hyphenate has since brought her clever upcycling touch into the collaborative space, enlisted by many of those same brands to bring co-designed work to the public. Already listed in her Rolodex, Vans is circling back to follow up on their 2023 link-up with the Nicole McLaughlin Vans Slip-On RS.

Repurposing otherwise discarded items while retaining most of their structure remains McLaughlin’s signature, so it’s no shock that in embracing climbing culture she utilizes that same literal touch. The “RS” subhead manifests in a tangible rucksack taking over the toe-box of the Vans Slip-On, additionally sporting a lash tab on top for further functional customization. A nylon strap that wraps around the collar furthers that utility, wittily shown in the campaign images with a miniature camping get-up attached to both shoes.

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In addition to the shoes themselves, Nicole McLaughlin and Vans teamed up for the “Rucksock,” a cold-weather wool sock that sports many of the same features. The full Nicole McLaughlin Vans collection releases first via the designer’s website on February 26th. A wider launch via Vans.com and partnering retailers follows on the 27th. Retail pricing for the capsule ranges from $25 (rucksack) to $130.

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Written by

Matt Varga, Junior Editor

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.