Vans 50th Anniversary Pro Classics Collection

We have all been waiting patiently for Vans to announce what they their plan was for their upcoming Golden Jubilee. In case you haven't been paying attention, our beloved brand is turning 50 next year. And it looks like they are pulling out the stops. We are happy to bring you a peek at the Vans Pro Classics line that will consist of the most iconic classics from milestone eras and pro skaters, all with upgraded tech for comfort and skate. Here is what we are so excited about.

Duke Kahanamoku helped spread surfing throughout the world. This Hawaiian surf legend, actor, and five-time Olympic medalist handed Vans founder, Paul Van Doren, the shirt off his back to make custom shoes. The Authentic Pro ’66 celebrates Duke’s iconic Aloha print and his legendary meeting with Paul Van Doren.

As one of the original members of the ’70s Z Boys skateboard team, Peggy Oki revolutionized the sport alongside other skate pioneers, including Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva. The Authentic Pro ’74 commemorates the Zephyr team’s explosion into the skateboard scene at the 1974 Del Mar Classic.

An original Z-Boy, filmmaker, and co-founder of Powell Peralta Skateboards, Stacy Peralta brought his skate expertise into the design of Vans’ classic Era style in 1976. The Era Pro ’76 combines next generation function with the classic style of the first-ever Vans “Off the Wall” shoe.

One of the most innovative skateboarders of all time, Tony Alva brought his brash, aggressive influence and ideas to create modern skate culture. The Mid Skool ’79 continues what T.A. started—skater-driven design built for progression.

Vans’ most iconic style was introduced to the world in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. California’s youth culture, along with the Classic Slip-On, became a widespread phenomenon … thanks to a surfer and his kicks. Jeff Spicoli’s classic checkerboard Slip-On goes Pro with the Slip-On Pro ’82.

Christian Hosoi combined raw power, incredible style, and a larger-than-life persona to take skateboarding from relative obscurity in the early ’80s to soaring global popularity by the end of the decade.The double checkerboard Sk8-HiPro ’83 recreates an iconic early colorway of the Sk8-Hi that cameto be known as the quintessential skate shoe of the ’80s.

One of the first Freestyle BMX superstars, Eddie Fiola dominated the circuit and promoted this young sport to new levels of recognition. The Era Pro ’83 goes retro in red, white and blue—just like Eddie wore in his famous Vans ad.

The Iron Man of Freestyle BMX, Dennis McCoy pioneered the sport and turned pro in 1986—and hasn’t stopped competing since! Upgraded to Pro standards, the Sk8-Hi Pro ’86 features its most iconic colorway from the ’80s

The Vans BMX team forfeited a national pro-level competition so they could perform the Helltrack race scenes and stunts in Rad, a cult classic tribute to BMX culture. A star is born … again. This film’s original Authentic is reinvented with modern Pro upgrades as the Authentic Pro ’86.

From the Santa Cruz team in the ’80s to Black Label in the ’90s and AntiHero today, Jeff Grosso bleeds skateboarding. Jeff’s custom black & white twotone Sk8-Hi is reproduced with modernized Pro construction as the Sk8-Hi Pro ’87.

Already a legend, Steve Caballero brought a higher level of functionality to the design of the first signature skateboarding shoe in 1989. The new revolution of street skaters adopted the Caballero, customizing it into what became the most iconic skate shoe of the ’90s—the “lighter, better, faster” Half Cab® in 1993. The Caballero Pro ’89 is upgraded to modern specs in its iconic original burgundy with croc emboss colorway.

Ray Barbee helped define the culture and style of modern skateboarding by bringing skaters from backyard ramps to city streets. This pioneer of smooth style influenced an entire generation with his effortless, relaxed approach and positive attitude. The Old Skool Pro ’92 reintroduces the iconic white/black colorway and sleek shape from the early ’90s, upgraded to Pro functionality and cushioning.

Unbridled enthusiasm, energy, and the ability to skate anything and everything with complete commitment, John Cardiel changed skateboarding … and his legendary skating will be revered for generations to come. The Chukka Boot ’93 transports the past into the future with an upgraded Pro construction in a nostalgic ’90s colorway.

Proving that fashion and function can work together, Geoff Rowley’s first Vans signature shoe emphasized grip and boardfeel, allowing him to go full throttle while staying in complete control as one of the most influential skateboarders of all time. The Rowley Pro ’00 is reinvented with Pro functionality in the original all-black colorway.

The Vans 50th Anniversary Pro Classics Collection will be available beginning in Spring 2016 and release throughout the anniversary year. Keep it tuned here for more information on these historic colorways as they become available.

via [Strictly Vans]

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