Vans Partners with L.A. Streetwear Brand Satoshi Nakamoto to Create Studded Old Skool Sneaker

Vans has partnered with luxury streetwear brand Satoshi Nakamoto to create a collaborative collection under its OTW banner, releasing Aug. 8 exclusively at satoshinakamoto.cloud.

The Los Angeles-based brand Satoshi Nakamoto (sharing a name with the pseudonym referring to the creator of Bitcoin) previously customized Vans Old Skool sneakers, making them available independently before teaming up with Vans.

For the new Vans OTW shoe, the popular Old Skool design is reimagined with pearl and crystal studs along the signature Sidestripe, toe and heel. The canvas upper, in a green hue called Olive Drab, features “Satoshi Nakamoto” embroidered in a handwritten font on the tongue; the name is also printed on the laces. These details are meant to evoke a certain hand-made quality.

The official description for the shoe reads, “For this collaboration, Satoshi Nakamoto blends LA’s heritage skate culture with the rugged, vintage essence of American studding, promising a bold fusion of styles that captures the spirit of both brands. With a shared mindset of challenging convention through exploratory design forms, the OTW by Vans x Satoshi Nakamoto Old Skool celebrates this distinct point-of-view.”

The announcement of the partnership with Satoshi Nakamoto follows Vans unveiling its new creative direction centered around the motto “Always Pushing.” The brand recently gained the leadership of Sun Chloe, who took on the role of global brand president after leaving her position at Lululemon as chief product officer.

Following the executive shuffle, Vans OTW has revealed several projects lately. In July, the brand announced that the Old Skool 36 was reinterpreted and would be released in two colorways from 1977. In June, Vans unveiled new iterations of the Half Cab and Old Skool silhouettes with knit uppers.