If you buy something through our retail links, we might earn an affiliate commission or all sales amount.

Vans’ checkerboard patterned slip-ons [“What is the nature of the gravitational pull of the 3 that makes us fall in love with you?

Vans' checkerboard patterned slip-ons ["What is the nature of the gravitational pull of the 3 that makes us fall in love with you?

Among the many sneaker brands, “Vans” continues to be supported by the world as an existence that absolutely cannot be missed when talking about sideways fashion. Among the sneakers that represent the brand, the “Checkerboard Pattern Slip-On” has a birth story and history that you would want to tell someone if you knew about it, and has gained tremendous support from a wide range of people, not only skaters but also fashionistas and celebrities.

Extremely popular with skaters and fashionistas alike!

When most people hear the words “checkered slip-ons,” the first thing that comes to mind is Vans. Vans’ “checkered slip-ons” have established themselves as a worldwide staple, chosen by everyone from international celebrities to fashion trend-setting industry figures. Since its appearance in 1979, the Vans has been loved by a wide range of people without major design changes. Since its appearance in 1979, the Vans has been loved by a wide range of people without major design changes.

Vans’ checkerboard pattern slip-ons have an interesting history among sneakers, which is one of the reasons for their worldwide popularity. Here we will introduce the surprising history of the checkerboard pattern slip-on.

The Surprising History of Checkerboard Pattern Slip-ons that Tickle Men's Hearts (1)

The checkerboard pattern was adopted by Vans around 1979, when Steve Van Doren, the son of Vans founder Paul Van Doren, was asked by teenage skaters at the time to paint the The idea was inspired by this idea, and the midsole of the shoe was painted in colors to represent a checkerboard. Inspired by this idea, he invented the idea of printing a checkerboard pattern on the upper canvas of slip-ons instead of the midsole.

Editor Tachibana
At the time, Vans slip-ons were popularly known by the number #98. Incidentally, there was another slip-on model available at the time, the #48, which did not have a padded cuff. There is a rumor among fans that the checkerboard pattern was created around the time the #48 slip-on was born. Currently #48 is not available in the standard line, but on rare occasions a reissue model is sold.

The Surprising History of Checkerboard Pattern Slip-On's Male Heart-Tugging 2When it was first released, it was supported by the British subculture scene!

Around 1979, when the checkerboard pattern slip-on was born, a musical genre called 2-tone ska was gaining attention. 2-tone has two meanings: black and white clothing and harmony between black and white people. The artwork of “The Specials,” a representative of this musical genre, frequently featured a checkered pattern consisting of two tones of black and white. Against this background, Vans’ checkerboard-patterned slip-ons gained tremendous support among fans of the subculture scene after their release. The Vans sneakers established a different way of wearing sneakers from the side-slip style of surf and skate.

Editor Tachibana
Vans is establishing the Checkerboard Foundation in 2019 in connection with the checkerboard pattern, which also has implications for the coexistence-oriented coexistence of black and white people. The donations made to date to various non-profit organizations amount to more than $10 million. This is one of the episodes that shows the charm of Vans, which values each culture.

The Surprising History of Checkerboard Pattern Slip-ons for Men (3)It was one movie that established the classic status of the slip-on sneaker!

When discussing Vans’ checkerboard pattern slip-ons, the 1982 American film, ”First Time at Ridgemont High,” should not be overlooked. This movie is the one that Vann’s first experience with the public was in 1982. It is no exaggeration to say that this movie is the one that brought the Vans to the public’s attention. According to the official Vans website, Sean Penn himself chose the checkerboard style. According to the official website of Vans, Sean Penn himself chose the checkerboard style.

Incidentally, the checkerboard patterned slip-ons are featured on the cover of the movie’s soundtrack (see image below) as an item closely related to the movie. If you are interested, please check them out.

The charm of checkered slip-ons is not only their history!A great item that can be easily matched with a wide range of coordinates and can also play a leading role in styling

From here, we will introduce the appeal of Vans’ checkered slip-ons by picking up specific coordinating pieces that are attracting attention.

Add a touch of individuality to your summer T-shirt & denim footwear!

subtitle=”Checkerboard Pattern Slip-ons”]

One of the royal summer styles is the combination of a plain white T-shirt and jeans. While clean white sneakers and loafers are great, there are days when you feel like adding a little more interest to your outfit. Vans’ checkered slip-ons are the perfect footwear for such occasions. The monotone checkered pattern adds a nice accent to your feet and breaks up the monotonous look of a simple outfit.

Example of wearing checkerboard pattern slip-onsPop flavor with a colored checkerboard pattern in a sideways style

Checkerboard pattern slip-ons are currently available in a variety of color variations in addition to monotone . Justin Bieber wears an oversized T-shirt and shorts with red and white checkerboard print slip-ons on his feet, and his cap, socks, and sneakers are in a variety of colors to pick up the colors of the T-shirt’s printed design. The styling of the caps, socks, and sneakers, which are all in a variety of colors to pick up the colors of the T-shirt’s printed design, creates a pop sideways flirtation.

Splash/Afro

Checkerboard pattern slip-on exampleOn the feet of a relaxed jackets coordinate

A navy blue tailored jacket, a striped cut and white denim. The “Vans” checkerboard pattern slip-ons are a streetwise addition to this relaxed, French-casual look. It is interesting to see how a fresh impression can be created by simply changing the footwear. The mix of monotone stripes and checkered patterns also creates an atmosphere of depth.

Checkerboard pattern slip-on exampleUse as a breakthrough for monotone coordinates

The charm of monotone coordinates is that you can easily create a sophisticated impression by simply unifying the items you wear with achromatic colors. However, depending on the way you dress, a combination of only achromatic colors may give an impression of tastelessness. Vans’ checkerboard-patterned slip-ons are recommended as a solution to this problem. Even a white coordinate with a white T-shirt and white pants will look less monotonous with the addition of the checkerboard pattern slip-on accent. The addition of a cap gives the look a more casual, side-splitting vibe, and it even controls the overdone look that is often associated with white coordination.

Checkerboard pattern slip-on exampleAmerican casual style

Vans’ checkerboard pattern slip-ons are a rare sneaker with a wide range of versatility that fits well with American casual style in general. For example, as you can see in the snap below, a military-inspired American casual coordinate with a more assertive camouflage pattern. The combination of camouflage and checkered pattern may seem like they would clash with each other, but when they are combined, it is surprisingly easy to see how well they fit together without being obnoxious.

There are endless ways to wear the checkerboard print slip-ons!

The OTOKOMAE editorial department has taken a series of snapshots of Vans checkerboard print slip-ons, showing how they can be worn in a variety of ways! If you are considering purchasing a pair of Vans checkerboard print slip-ons, or if you already own a pair and are looking for some useful outfits, we hope you will take a look at them.

Editor Tachibana
Among the many classic sneakers available, I don’t think any other model is so versatile, unique, and even cost-effective, as of July 2024, for less than 10,000 yen. For those who are looking for a pair that is not influenced by trends and can definitely be worn for many years, I highly recommend Vans’ checkerboard pattern slip-ons.

Checkerboard pattern alone offers a wide range of choicesImma buy a pair of Vans checkerboard pattern slip-ons!

Currently, checkerboard pattern slip-ons are available in a wide range of options in all approaches. Finally, among the checkerboard-patterned slip-ons available for purchase today, we introduce some of the hottest models that we recommend to our readers!

When it comes to classic slip-ons, this is the one!Classic Slip-on

The classic checkerboard print slip-on is a staple. The combination of a simple form that will never fade away and the signature rubber waffle sole is irresistible.

Click here for details and purchase.

Comfortable and addictive!Comfy Kush Slip-On

These checkerboard patterned slip-ons feature Comfy Cushion Technology for a softer, more cushioned outsole than classic slip-ons. The simple one-piece sole has added arch support for a comfortable fit. The moisture-wicking lining material is designed to keep feet dry.

Click here for details and purchase.

Collection for SkateboardersSkate Slip-On

Checkerboard pattern developed in a collection of skateboarding shoes designed to maximize skateboarders’ performance. Slip-on. The reinforced DURACAP™ material is used, the toe bumper incorporates knurling for a deeper uneven feel, and the raised sidewalls provide high durability and protection. A molded heel counter and shoe tongue strap secure the foot in place for easy board control. Vans’ proprietary SickStick™ rubber compound with top-class grip, POPCUSH™ cushioning, and POPCUSH™ Energy Return footbed reduce fatigue from long hours of riding. POPCUSH™ cushioning and POPCUSH™ energy-return footbed reduce fatigue caused by long hours of riding.

Click here for details and purchase.

Rebuilt with environmentally friendly materialsMTE Slip-on

“MADE FOR THE ELEMENTS”. The Vans MTE series, which responds to various environmental changes depending on the season and its area, introduces a sustainable checkerboard patterned slip-on, re-constructed with environmentally friendly materials. The material is 100% U.S. cotton produced in soils that absorb more carbon. The outsole is made of natural rubber sourced from farmers who practice regenerative agriculture. The insoles feature VR3’s checkerboard globe logo, which certifies that at least 30% of the product’s weight is made from materials sourced through recycled, renewable, or regenerative agriculture (“regenerative agriculture”).

Click here for details and purchase.

Contemporary design and a new standard!VANS PREMIUM Slip-on 98

The ” VANS PREMIUM ” footwear series pursues form, fit, and comfort through modern design and refinement. The upper is made of high-quality 8 oz. canvas, and the sole is made of ” SOLA FOAM ADC “, a highly resilient polyurethane foam developed based on years of research, to ensure a comfortable fit. The short vamp, a characteristic of archival designs, and the color with a higher heel portion are also not to be missed. In addition, the gloss finished sidewalls are wider and more stylish than those of the regular model. The shoe box is also specially designed.

Click here for details and purchase

Follow us !

Sign up to receive
OTOKOMAE Mail Magazine!

Subscribe by Email

Official OTOKOMAE Instagram Snapshot