Vans certainly keep us on our toes when it comes to collaborations. From scribbled-on sneakers with Collina Strada to spiked slip-ons with Gucci, you just never know what you'll get from the skateboarding shoe brand (I mean this is in a good way, too).
The California brand recently joined forces with Haribo (yes, the German candy brand) for a collaborative collection of sneakers and apparel inspired by — you guessed it — its beloved gummy bears.
For the sneakers, Haribo and Vans offer up playful spins on classic models like the SK8 Hi, Old Skool, and Slip On.
For the SK8 Hi, we see Haribo's famous "The Happy World Of Haribo!" message printed in various languages on the upper's blue panel. At the same time, the heel boasts Haribo's Dancing Bear motif.
Elsewhere is classic Vans details, like the traditional canvas construction, suede jazz stripe, rubber midsole, and of course, signature Off The Wall badges.
The Old Skool, on the other hand, goes full gummy mode, emerging with a sleek yellow exterior made of leather (it literally looks like a life-sized jelly candy shoe, but please don't eat it). There's even bear imprints engraved into the glossy upper (and triple straps). At the same time, the Vans famed stripe receives a bright red coat.
And to top it all off, Haribo's tagline, "Kids and grown-ups love it so, the happy world of HARIBO," wraps around the vibrant-colored midsole.
Finally, we have the imitable Slip Ons, offered in two equally bold schemes. The first is a tonal red offering, whose toe box is stamped with a giant, squishy Dancing Bear piece. Then, there's the white pair featuring an (almost) allover gummy bear and checkerboard print while Haribo's classic logo settles on the midsole.
Naturally, the same concepts inform the kids and toddlers' footwear, which includes a Slip-On, Authentic, and Old Skool model.
Of course, the fun doesn't stop at the feet as Haribo and Vans also prepared some collaborative t-shirts, hoodies, long sleeves, sweatpants, socks, bucket hats, and backpacks — riffed with candy motifs and dual branding.
Released on April 6, the Haribo x Vans collection is still up for grabs at Van's website and ABC Mart's website. And again, please don't eat the merchandise.
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