Vans x Magneta Skateboard x Shogo Zama

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, proudly partners with skateboarder-owned Magenta Skateboards and Vans APAC rider, Shogo Zama, on a collection of newly updated Skate Classics that stand out for their world-class performance led by upgraded construction and reinforced materials. The collection leads with the Shogo Skate Era, and includes the Skate Chukka with an overarching aesthetic inspired by classic ‘90s skateboarding. Magenta Skateboards was established in Paris by Soy Panday and brothers Vivien and Jean Feil. Magenta’s main influence stems from the late 80s to mid 90s era of skateboarding, an era which saw Vans’ iconic shoes on nearly everyone’s feet.

“The Era and the Chukka have been a visual feature of every video we grew up watching. Personally speaking, collaborating with Vans has been a dream come true.” - Soy Panday

Magenta has always had strong ties with the Japanese underground street skateboarding scene and met all-terrain ripper and smooth operator, Shogo Zama, on one of their first trips to Japan, eventually leading to him officially joining the team in 2020.

Completely redesigned with skateboarders in mind, the Skate Classics line delivers fully revised uppers that incorporate reimagined patterns and an all-new last for better heel fit. A molded heel counter and locked-in tongue straps with premium heel hold keep feet secure for better control. The DURACAP underlay takes on a new shape, adding flexibility and removing excess bulk to eliminate hot spots, resulting in an essential fit for maximum durability where skaters need it most. Two-part foxing featuring a heavier knurl texture on toe bumpers, as well as Sick Stick, a new proprietary gum rubber compound, increases the durability and longevity of the shoe. In addition, Vans best-in-class PopCush energy-return footbeds snap back and won’t pack out, keeping legs feeling fresh to skate longer.

The Skate Classics Magenta x Shogo Zama collection was inspired by the four seasons, giving the collaboration a nature inspired hue that Magenta is synonymous with. The embroidering is Soy Panday’s take on a view of Mount Fuji as seen from Shogo’s hometown. Each shoe features the standard Vans skateboarding label flipped inside out revealing the key message, “World’s No. 1 Skateboarding Shoe”.

“Shogo is in his Spring, I am in my Autumn. We represent two generations of skater, in love with the same shoes. We wanted the collaboration to appeal to all generations, young and old alike.” - Soy Panday