Year: 2022

Vans and Japanese retailer BILLY’s TOKYO are joining forces once again for an exclusive release. Celebrating 2023’s Year of the Rabbit, a Vault by Vans footwear collection has been prepared with thematic touches throughout.First, three Vans Slip-Ons arrive in red, green and black colorways that feature their primary color alongside an off-white in Vans’ classic checkered pattern. Amongst the geometry, a yin and yang symbol created by white and black rabbits lands across the upper. Each pair’s sockliner and lining features a red that is fitting for Chinese New Year while the rubber sole unit favors an all-white look with a red Vans logo at the heel.As for the DIY HI VLT LX, a “DESIGN IT YOURSELF” approach is utilized with various Velcro-backed attachments included to decorate it. Combining elements of the Vans Sk8-Hi and Half Cab, the resulting silhouette serves as a fitting canvas for the pair’s many thematic overlays and trinkets.The three Vault by Vans Slip-On colorways and the DIY HI VLT LX are scheduled to launch via BILLY’s on January 1. Prices begin at ¥12,100 JPY (approx. $90 USD) for the Slip-On pairs and go up to ¥26,400 (approx. $196 USD) for the DIY HI VLT LX. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BILLY’S ENT (@billys_tokyo)In other footwear news, Palace’s collaborative GORE-TEX Vans Half Cab landed in this week’s best footwear drops.

In June, Matthew M Williams took the slip-on trend in a new direction with the reveal of his next Nike project. Continuing his series of experimental footwear offerings with the Swoosh, the hole-covered Nike MMW 005 Slide surfaced. Previously launching in “Light Bone” and triple black — with a “Volt/Black” pair to come — the unique clog has now been prepared in “Light Grey” for 2023.Joining the slip-on movement earlier this year, Williams’ knack for boundary-pushing design provided another contender in the market of premium laceless footwear. Its perforated upper may trigger trypophobia with its clusters of holes throughout the shoe. Tonal co-branding arrives front and center with a Swoosh joined by “MMW” text while larger openings in the foam shell can be spotted just above the lateral’s midsole. A dual-foam outsole is backed by a metallic silver stability plate that shines between the “Light Grey” upper and white sole. A special collaborative dustbag for pairs has been prepared as well.Currently, Nike has yet to share any release information for the upcoming MMW 005 Slide “Light Grey.” Expect it to hit shelves early next year via Nike, 1017 ALYX 9SM and select retailers worldwide at a price of $190 USD.In other footwear news, the Nike Shox TL will be stepping into 2023 in black and white colorways that emphasize its unique shape.

Back in September, New Balance teased a crisp “White/Red” iteration of its high-top 650 silhouette with small hits of black throughout the sneaker. In anticipation of 2023, the footwear company will flip the colors to emphasize a bold “Black/Red” look that will likely see many people spend the money they received during the holidays. Running all across the shoe is a dominant black leather upper that is complemented by red accents along the heel counter, mudguard, outsole and branding. Playing a subtle, but fitting contrast is a white midsole to balance out the black and red base. Additional highlights include the sneaker’s sturdy ankle support, along with New Balance’s vintage basketball graphic adorning the tongue label. The New Balance 650 “Black/Red” is expected to drop online and at select retailers for $140 USD in January 2023.For more on footwear, ASICS merges the GEL-SONOMA and 15-50 MT for hybrid trail shoe.