DEFCON & Vans Bring Back Their Sk8-Hi Notchback Pro

DEFCON‘s rugged Sk8-Hi designs — which saw Syndicate releases in both 2013 and 2014 — remain some of the most underrated Vans collabs of all-time and now the two are back at it. The result? Perhaps their best co-branded drop yet.

This season, Vans reunites with the stealth collective for three new takes on the Sk8-Hi Notchback Pro. Here, the kicks are as badass as ever, adopting three new Multicam® patterns: Arid™, Tropic™, and Black™. In each case, the kicks pay homage to their inspirational roots, adopting fabrics originally developed for the likes of the U.S. Army and tactical law enforcement. Premium waterproof and flame-retardant Wolverine pig suede construction combines with camo-covered nylon and details like Dri-Lex™ moisture management linings and gusseted tongues.

While DEFCON origins remain classified, the projects stamped with their namesake speak volumes. Vans reunites with the stealth collective this spring to resurrect the Vans Sk8-Hi Notchback Pro, engineered with three new Multicam® patterns, Arid™, Tropic™, and Black™, specifically designed to reduce the visual and near-Infrared signature of a person in three distinct environments. As an ode to past projects, the Vans DEFCON Multicam® capsule comes full circle, completing the footwear outfit with new apparel fabrics originally developed for the US Army and tactical law enforcement. And, since it’s a Pro drop, Ultracush HD footbeds — sporting custom artwork — line each shoe while reverse lug outsoles meet knurled texture foxing tape.

Joined by corresponding tees, the DEFCON x Vans Sk8-Hi Notchback Pros drop May 27 at select Vans Pro Skate dealers.