Nice Kicks: When working on footwear, how much emphasis is placed on what will be worn around the shoe?
Taka Hayashi: Not too much really. I pick out the colors first, but usually the colors that I pick out are very muted and more earthy tones. It kind of blends in with the clothes and stuff that is already wearable.
Nice Kicks: Skateboarding is probably the only sport category where shoes from the ’60s can compete in performance with designs from today. As a designer, what do you attribute that to?
Taka Hayashi: It’s less of the over-paneling. Simple paneling and functional stitching make them more functional. [For skating] I like the Style 36 and the Slip-Ons sometimes. Sk8-His are definitely my number one choice.
Nice Kicks: When designing, are you focused more on making something that’s ideal for the time or something that’s timeless?
Taka Hayashi: It’s a blend of both actually, and it depends on the model I work on. Some models I definitely make more as a statement piece. Some I make more as a wearable, timeless piece that’s more classic if it’s closer to the heritage of the Vans DNA, like the TH Sk8-Hi LX that came out in Spring 2011. It’s detailed out, but it has a very simple paneling. It’s done super subtle so that it doesn’t pop out. It just has more of a timeless feel.
Vans Vault Sk8-Hi TH LX “Black” & “Honey”Nice Kicks: What advice would you give to an aspiring designer?
Taka Hayashi: Definitely don’t follow trends, just go with your own instinct. Develop what you started and go with your own path.
Nice Kicks: What can fans expect from Taka Hayashi and Vans Vault heading into the next decade?
Taka Hayashi: As of now, I think sneakers are really trending, so we’re going back to our DNA. We’ll continue with our classic silhouettes, but I’m sure in another two to three years it’ll change up again. It could go to boots or dress shoes, or a mix of both.
