Andrew Rizzo A year after being named Vans’ first-ever Artistic Director, R&B star SZA is finally stepping out from behind the curtain with her inaugural Vans collection. It’s now quite clear the appointment was a shrewd one, with SZA delivering two standout footwear styles and a full apparel suite that’s much more than a mere add-on.
We can’t earnestly dive into the collection without first discussing SZA’s love for nature, something Vans and co. worked seamlessly into the lineup and its presentation when we got an early look during New York Fashion Week a while back. In another world, SZA is a marine biologist, having majored in the field at Delaware State University before dropping out to go all-in on music during her final semester. At one point she had a streetwear and environmental brand called Ctrl Fishing Co. to channel that passion, creating sustainable tees and the like while promoting an anti-plastic message. Now her love for the outdoors, specifically fishing, plays a central role in her first Vans drop.
The headliner is a pair of Vans Authentics featuring tons of different colorful fish graphics, aesthetically on par with a Patagonia fleece grail and other product in that same fishing grandpa lane. Pre-scuffed sidewalls add some vintage character, while a new collapsible heel makes the shoe an easy grab and go mule option if you so choose to wear them that way. That same utility extends to the other footwear offering, a brand new Knu Skool Mule with a completely chopped off heel. The colorway here stays plain in black and white, though bug graphics on the insoles continue the nature throughline.
Now, the apparel. We’re used to seeing sneaker collections include apparel just for the sake of it, but SZA’s Vans debut has us genuinely impressed in that regard. Most pieces stay within the same grandpa fisherman lane that defines the shoes, albeit with a bit of street sensibility. The first slide of the last gallery below shows some of our favorites, namely snap shorts and a reversible fisherman’s vest with a ton of bells and whistles.
The SZA x Vans (or VANSZA) collection releases October 22nd, 2026 via Vans and select retailers. Both shoes come in at $110 for the Authentics and $115 for Knu Skool Mules. Check out official images of the shoes and apparel below if you’ve already got pieces in mind.
WHERE TO BUY
Womens SZA x Vans Authentic
US 10/22/2026 Thursday
Powered By:
| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SNIPES US | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| Foot Locker | Standard | Check Site |
| Vans US | Standard | Check Site |
WHERE TO BUY
Womens SZA x Vans Knu Skool Mule
US 10/22/2026 Thursday
Powered By:
| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Locker | Standard | Check Site |
| Vans US | Standard | Check Site |
| SNIPES US | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
Vans x SZA Apparel
VANSZA Collection — Frequently Asked Questions
When is the VANSZA collection releasing?
The first VANSZA collection by SZA and Vans releases on October 22nd, 2026, featuring footwear, apparel, and accessories.
Where can I buy the VANSZA collection?
The VANSZA collection will be available through Vans.com, Vans retail stores, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and select sneaker retailers. Availability may vary by location.
What shoes are included in the VANSZA collection?
The first release includes two sneakers: the Vans Authentic Kickdown, featuring a collapsible heel and fish-inspired graphics, and the Knu Skool Mule, a slip-on reinterpretation of the classic Knu Skool.
How much do the VANSZA sneakers cost?
The Vans Authentic Kickdown retails for $110, while the Vans Knu Skool Mule is priced at $115.
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