Vans' New Old Skool Bolt Is Out for Revenge

The classic silhouette has brewed up a storm.

Footwear
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Back in 2017, a controversy-covered Ian Connor launched Revenge x Storm with a Vans Old Skool bootleg that was the subject of much ridicule for its derivative design. Adjusting branding elements and replacing Vans’ iconic jazz stripe with a thunderbolt on each side, the main thing Connor brought to the table was hype. Leveraging this element, he’s managed to cultivate a fanbase for the brand while subverting Vans’ design patents with an updated version of his shoe.

Now, Vans has reclaimed the thunderbolt with the new Old Skool Bolt silhouette. Iterating upon the classic sneaker, the Old Skool Bolt notably utilizes its midsole’s linework to reach across a portion of the midfoot’s upper, creating a thunderbolt shape on each side. Typical Old Skool elements such as its jazz stripe and upper’s canvas build make a return in the Bolt’s “2 Tone” pack of color compositions. Each of the four looks utilize a white base with blue, red, green and black offering contrast.

For those looking to rock the Vans Old Skool Bolt, all four of the “2 Tone” colorways are available now via select retailers such as Oneness at a price of $75 USD. Stay tuned for an official launch via Vans in the coming months.

In other electric footwear news, Vans is launching a collaborative collection with Haribo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Goldbear Gummi Candy.

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Logan Fairbrother Associate Editor

Logan Fairbrother is a writer who spent four years at Hypebeast, where he led the footwear vertical and spearheaded the weekly “Best Footwear Drops” franchise. Based in Portland, OR, his work centered on industry analysis and product storytelling, extending into fashion and gaming, with a focus on how products are positioned and resonate within culture.

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