Noon Goons x Vans Is a SoCal Love Affair & Other Sneaker News Worth a Read
Sneakerheads are bombarded with news of upcoming releases on a daily basis. To save you some time from searching each and every site and leak account, we've taken it upon ourselves to sift through the onslaught and bring you a few noteworthy kicks that have captured our attention.
Today, Noon Goons gives us a look its first footwear collection, as the brand has teamed up with fellow California outfit, Vans, for a three-sneaker release. The collaboration spotlights a trio of iconic Vans silhouettes, each of which is elevated with luxe materials and subtle design details.
That isn't all from Vans, though. The shoe manufacturer has just delivered a new Croc-like version of the Slip-On that is ideal for the summer months ahead.
Elsewhere, New Balance recently released a must-have pink colorway of the 991, while PUMA is introducing an all-new silhouette this spring, with the Wild Rider. And fans of LeBron James will finally be able to get a hold of one of the most coveted colorways from his signature Nike line, as the Lebron 8 "HWC" is reportedly releasing to the public very soon.
Read on to get the latest info about the Noon Goons x Vault by Vans collection and more.
Noon Goons x Vault by Vans
Release Date: April 15
Where to Buy: Noon Goons and Vault by Vans retailers globally
Editor’s Notes: For the brand's debut footwear collection, the Noon Goons team chose to reimagine three Vans silhouettes it wore growing up. The Old Skool captures attention with its snakeskin-embossed black leather upper and contrasting white side and foxing stripes, while the Sk8-Hi reverses the colorway. Both incorporate contrasting Noon Goons embroidery. Rounding out the collection is the Slip-On, which emerges in dark navy velvet with an all-black sole. A subtle nod to the Fly By Leather Jacket and Leopard Zip Shirt from Noon Goons’ Spring 2021 collection is then given via the leopard insole.
New Balance 991 "Pink"
Release Date: Available now
Where to Buy: Select retailers such as Sneaker Politics and coming to Highsnobiety Shop
Editor’s Notes: New Balance is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 991 by releasing a new pink colorway of the classic silhouette. The sneaker is crafted from premium materials at New Balance's Flimby factory and features complementary splashes of gray and white to complete the look. The pair won't come cheap, however, as you'll have to drop $250 to add these bad boys to your spring/summer rotation.
Nike LeBron 8 “HWC”
Release Date: TBC
Where to Buy: TBC
Editor’s Notes: One of the most beloved colorways from LeBron James' signature Nike line is finally coming your way. Rumored to release on April 23 is the “HWC” (Hardwood Classic) iteration of LBJ's LeBron 8, formerly a player exclusive. The "HWC" LeBron 8 was made to match the Cavs’ Hardwood Classic jersey, although the silhouette itself debuted after James left Cleveland for Miami. While official photos of the hoops sneaker have made their way online, Nike has yet to announce a release date for the "HWC" colorway. When the shoe does arrive, expect it to be fairly difficult to secure.
PUMA Wild Rider
Release Date: April 10
Where to Buy: PUMA and select retailers
Editor’s Notes: PUMA's brand new Wild Rider silhouette is a nod to the brand's Easy Rider II OG runner from the 1980s. Inspired by city life, the sneaker takes stylistic elements from the Easy Rider II — such as the OG color and debossed concave circles engraved in the midsole — all while showcasing a new design in the front and back of the midsole, as well as the outsole.
Vans Trek Slip-On
Release Date: Available now
Where to Buy: Vans and select Vans Surf retailers
Editor’s Notes: Spring is here, which means sandal season is upon us. As slides, clogs, and other types of slip-on footwear will become increasingly popular over the next few months, Vans is taking the opportunity to introduce a new silhouette, called the Trek Slip-On. The Trek Slip-On is being marketed as a "go-anywhere, do-anything, fully rinsable shoe." It is crafted from a one-piece injected TPU and features an oversized reverse waffle sole for grip. Oh, and let's not forget. It incorporates Vans' signature checkerboard pattern across the upper, too.
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