First Look at the FDMTL x Vans Authentic Tabi Collaboration

Name: FDMTL x Vans Authentic Tabi
SKU: TBC
Release Date: 2026

As previewed during the FDMTL‘s Fall/Winter 2026 runway show, the Japanese denim specialists have partnered with Vans to debut an avant-garde reimagining of the classic Authentic silhouette. This collaboration introduces a striking split-toe Tabi construction, a design choice that fuses traditional Japanese footwear heritage with Southern California’s iconic skate DNA.

The upper is meticulously crafted from FDMTL’s signature high-grade indigo denim, featuring a complex patchwork boro aesthetic that utilizes various shades and textures of blue. This “mended” effect is further enhanced by intricate sashiko-style contrast stitching that runs across the quarters and toe box, giving the sneaker a handcrafted, artisanal finish.

Branding is kept understated, with Vans’ familiar tab and midsole marks integrated seamlessly into the design. The tongue and laces remain streamlined, while the sole preserves Vans’ classic vulcanized rubber look, grounding the experimental upper in recognizable skate DNA.

The runway preview revealed several distinct color executions. One version highlights FDMTL’s signature indigo patchwork, combining multiple denim tones with visible stitchwork for a handcrafted effect. Another iteration explores deep and light indigo dye variations, layering shades of blue to reflect Japanese denim culture. A cleaner option pairs a white upper with a blue midsole, offering a more versatile everyday look. Each finish emphasizes texture and layering, reinforcing FDMTL’s philosophy of “old cloth reborn.”