Aloha!  Looks like Vans has more up there sleeves.   This “Surf Shaka” Pack will feature two models done up in two colorways each.  The Era and Slip-On both possess an all-over print of the screaming hand design which was made popular by Santa Cruz surf and skate company.  *The Shaka is a greeting used in Hawaii to convey what the locals call the “Aloha spirit,” a gesture used to convey friendship and understanding.* One color scheme is mainly orange and black with the screaming hand in pink, while the other is primarily white with blue accents. This pack will be available soon at select Vans retailers.  Mahalo, loyal readers!

New release from Vans, the Rata Vulc in black or blue hemp, with white vulcanized sole and matching white laces.  The blue has white stitching all around the bottom and top.

While some say that it is a “boat shoe” it reminds me more of a Clark’s Wallabee.  In any event, it is not made using any products (at least the upper, I haven’t verified from Vans whether their non-leather shoes are 100% vegan), and is really clean.  I’m really feeling the black colorway.  Vans continues to impress with their simple yet striking designs.

UPDATE: You can cop a pair of these at Zappos or  Bows and Arrows in Berkeley. I used to live down the street from this store!

Very Late in December Stefan Janoski tweet-leaked a grey canvas (ahem, vegan) colorway of his signature shoe.

Excellent.  I was disappointed that there didn’t seem to be a canvas model available after checking out his new SB site (go there for better pictures).  Looks like there is nothing really special about this one though.  It’s a plain grey upper with an embroidered swoosh in same grey, white round laces, and white stitching on the toe.  As with all the Janoskis, the sole is vulcanized rubber.  I don’t know how I personally feel about these models, and why there is so much hype about them, but I guess people are all about the simplicity and the clean silhouette.

Sorry for the pic, this is just a leaked photo (see below for a better pic of a different model).  More updates to come!

black/anthracite - not vegan?

Uma Thurman rocking the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 in Kill Bill

The Onitsuka Tiger by Asics was originally a running shoe until it was adopted by many as a casual shoe.  Most memorably, it was worn by Uma Thurman in Kill Bill (pictured above) in several different colorways.

Most of the Onitsuka Tiger models are vegan:

Ultimate 81
Ultimate Tiger
Saiko MT
Gel Lyte III
Stormer
Procourt Nextide

A few releases of the following models are vegan:

Mexico 66
Fencing LA
Mexico Tigress

The Mexico 66 is the yellow model worn by Uma in the sword fight scene, while the white and blue stripe one is the 60th Anniversary edition (not vegan, unfortunately).  There are way too many online vendors selling all sorts of colorways, so I won’t even bother linking to any of them.  Just google it, I’m sure you’ll find something that suits you.

Ultimate 81 available at Zappos in Leaf Green/White