Vans partners with Ernest to create first-ever skatable cardboard sneake
Footwear and apparel brand Vans has partnered with Ernest Packaging Solutions to create the unthinkable - the first-ever skatable sneaker made from cardboard. Developed as part of Ernest_s Cardboard Chaos series_ the sneaker pays homage to Vans_ skate culture roots_ innovative drive_ and authentic expression.
Vans sneakers have been favored by skateboarders around the world since 1966. In 1976_ skater Tony Alva started collaborating with the brand to create sneakers strong enough to endure the demands of skateboarding_ with his unique skating style inspiring the brand_s “Off the Wall” tagline. Close to five decades later_ Vans has partnered with Alva once more with Steve Van Doren to develop the first-ever skate shoe made from paper.
Ernest Packaging created a durable and flexible version of Vans_ iconic checkerboard pattern outer fabric using its own cardboard materials_ which Alva_ Van Doren_ and skate legend Christian Hosoi vigorously tested. The cardboard upper overcame each production challenge_ from extreme heat curing at 275° to high-pressure processing at 20 PSI.
“Collaborating with Steve was a really special thing for me_” said Tim Wilson_ President of Ernest Packaging_ in a statement. “As a California kid myself_ I know just how iconic the Vans shoes are. And the fact that we got to build one together was just awesome.”
The cardboard sneaker builds on a growing list of innovation projects from the Ernest Cardboard series_ which first began in 2014_ including the first cardboard snowboard_ a cardboard skateboard for Tony Hawk_ a surfboard_ a wakeboard_ and more.
“It all came together. We made a custom pair of cardboard Vans shoes with Steve Van Doren_ with professional skateboarders_ with all these amazing people_ and_ I mean_ there are just no words_” said David Lee_ host of Cardboard Series produced by Signal Productions and Liquid Agency_ in a statement. “It_s too cool.”
News regarding the collaboration comes as Vans continues a broad refresh of its store network as part of a major retail transformation to help turn around declining sales.