It’s safe to say that we’re all still doing a bit of recovering from the turmoil of 2020. Between a global pandemic and civil unrest, it was undoubtedly an exhausting year like no other. Yet even through all the uncertainty, essential workers and hometown heroes like our country’s mail carriers kept us going. Year after year through rain, shine, and even snow — the United States Postal Service has always delivered. In honor of their dedication, Vans has officially licensed a collaboration with the parcel pros to create the USPS x Vans Collection.
There’s a natural sense of community and patriotism that lies behind USPS‘ iconic uniforms. Their eagle logo and hints of red, white, and blue has allowed mail carriers to become unexpected style icons that make workwear look effortlessly cool. Vans takes inspiration from the USPS uniform to create a full apparel collection that includes a selection of signature sneakers such as the Sk8-Hi MTE-1, Sk8-Hi Reissue, the Vans Authentic, and the Vans Old Skool.
The Vans Sk8-Hi MTE-1 is perfect for the mail carriers that trek through rain and snow, being that this sneaker is a winterized version of a Vans classic. This sneaker takes the USPS’ iconic blue and combines it with a “Blue Fog” exterior. This all-terrain sneaker is ready for whatever comes your way as it’s equipped with a vulcanized outsole, a sherpa fleece-lined collar, heel pull tab, and reflective tongue badge. To complete the look, a USPS eagle patch is stitched on the top lateral corner.
The Vans Sk8-Hi Reissue honors USPS’ Priority Mail sector. The exterior quarter has an all-over print of the USPS logo that is accented with red laces. The midsole is stamped with the Priority Mail logo that is typically seen on the USPS box. This sneaker will release exclusively at Foot Locker on January 20, 2022.
The Vans Authentic is made with light blue denim, which is another textile commonly tied with the USPS uniform. This sneaker has an all-over print of an alternate USPS logo. Finishing details include custom branding, white laces, and a unique certified stamp graphic on its tongue.
Last but not least, the Vans Old Skool is made with lightly tumbled white leather and is complete with the signature USPS colors on its Jazz Stripe. A small U.S. Mail logo is placed on the midsole. Each sneaker in this collection comes in a custom shoebox that mimics the USPS Priority Mail motifs and signature boxes.
The delivery date for the USPS x Vans Collection is set for November 29, 2021. You can purchase these sneakers and the entire apparel collection from Vans.com and Footlocker.com, as well as select stores. At this point in time, you can expect limited quantities from Foot Locker, but their exclusive Sk8-Hi Reissue will be launching on January 20, 2022. Shoes prices range from $65 to $115, while apparel prices range from $28 to $75. For more Vans releases and updates on all your favorite sneakers, follow @NiceKicks on Twitter.
