Even though we refer to them as “skate shoes,” Vans have crossed over to mainstream ubiquity that we often forget their provenance. Now, under its subversive Off the Wall label, the Southern California footwear brand has taken one of its most iconic skate shoes and transmogrified it to endure in the wilderness. This is the Old Skool 36 Trail Vibram.
Slap a Vibram outsole on any shoe and it can do a whole lot more, whether you want it to or not. The de facto king of the grippy outsole, Vibram is a signifier of traction and rugged support. While many shoes utilize different varieties of the brand’s tech, such as the Megagrip or Kletterlift, others might develop a custom version of Vibram.
For the Old Skool 36 Trail Vibram, Vans employs its first-ever custom Vibram grip inspired by the checkerboard pattern on their Classic Slip-Ons. This lug formation is wrapped around the perimeter of the outsole, extending up the toe and heel. However, the middle of the outsole sports the MTE lugs of Vans’ outdoor-focused shoes.
Debuting in 1977, the original Old Skool 36 was Vans’ second-ever shoe and was designed to be a durable skater holding up to everything you’d put it through on your board. However, now that they’re heading onto the trail, they require a different set of durability standards.
The uppers and tongue employ lightweight and high-strength Dyneema fabric that won’t get penetrated by rocks, twigs, and the like. Meanwhile, Vans eschews a standard lacing system for a Fidlock magnetic closure that lets you put these on and take them off incredibly quickly, but never inadvertently.
Made from a high-cushion EVA foam, the midsole is inspired by the vulcanized rubber on classic Vans, with a foxing strip and checkerboard detailing as well. This not only provides a cleaner aesthetic but pairs well, comfort-wise, with the lightweight and supportive soles.
Uppers: Dyneema
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Vans custom Vibram perimeter, MTE center
Lacing: Fidlock magnetic closure
Available in olive green or white colorways, the OTW Old Skool 36 Trail Vibram is currently priced at $165. Head over to Vans OTW’s website to get one for yourself.
Vans’ Off the Wall label created an outdoor-focused version of its iconic Old Skool 36 skate shoe, equipped with the brand’s first-ever custom Vibram outsole.
