Advisory Board Crystals Unveils A Vans Sk8-Hi Trio For Fall/Winter 2023_Stride into Fashions Embrace

Advisory Board Crystals‘ debut Vans project wasn’t for everyone. Co-founders Heather Haber and Remington Guest told Sneaker News in August, “We made a shoe for us, for our brand, and for our consumer…we’re happy with that,” on the topic of their EVDNT EXT ULTI. Abc.’s next two collaborations with the brand, however, have been designed with a much broader audience in mind.

Subtly unveiled in the imprint’s Fall/Winter 2023 lookbook, the Abc. x Vans Sk8-Hi is more approachable than its predecessor. For starters, the high-top skate shoe has been a mainstay of both the California-institution and pop culture over the last 45 years. Additionally, the silhouette takes on a “Black/White” and “Navy” color schemes more familiar than Advisory Board Crystals’ “Beige/Brown/Olive” inaugural project with Vans.

Despite its straight-forward color palette, the Abc. Sk8-Hi keeps things interesting with its mismatched arrangement. Three styles of the iconic action sports silhouette are delivered as part of the brand’s impending collection – which aims to juxtapose sport, mind, and consciousness. Proportions have been tampered with by Haber and Guest, who also bring their meticulous attention to craftsmanship to the classic Vans shoe. Jazz stripes are kept intact, but their surroundings are updated with ripstop nylon and suede. A similar lacing system found on the Abc. EVDNT EXT ULTI makes its way onto the three unreleased Sk8-Hi’s, as does the Los Angeles-based label’s authentication hologram. Pull tabs bring a functional modification to the silhouette, while an inner bootie component improves on the shoes’ comfort. “Abc.” branding is apparent throughout the trio, notably appearing on the tip of the reinforced midsole.

Neither party involved has confirmed a specific release date for the Abc. x Vans Sk8-Hi collaboration, but Haber and Guest told Sneaker News that the shoes would launch for fall. Stay tuned for updates and expect pairs to hit usual Vans stockists unlike the more exclusive Abc. EVDNT EXT ULTI.

For more fotowear news, check out the CLOT x adidas Originals collection debuted at Shanghai Fashion Week SS24.