Vans Has Nailed The Ancient Func/Fash Conundrum

There’s not many sets of daps that stand up to a dewy winter’s morning checking the surf.

Something about the combination of wet grass, damp top layer sand and its powdery relative below that renders canvas shoes a write off in record time. Which, as surfers, Vans couldn’t abide, thus their venture into shoes not just for skateboarding. The most recent manifestation, the Destruct Mid MTE-1 (for those concerned with the details) may well be the point where Vans aesthetic, comfort and technical features combine.

If you live somewhere cold and want a pair of shoes for checking the surf, bush walks, the pub, camping and all the other stuff that’s awesome about winter, then it’s hard to go past the pair above. They’re waterproof, but still breathe, and thanks to the wonderfully named, “PrimaLoft® Cold Weather Package,” they’re warm too. Making the transition to soaking wet, freezing (Vans) booties either better or worse, depending on how you stand and how your circulation functions.

This little release also comes with a tasteful copper shell, as modelled by the ever radiant Holly Wawn above, and generally it’s a product of Vans travelling further into the realm of quality adventure gear with a surf bent. Which is just great news for all of us who enjoy surfing quality waves without the nuisance of surplus other people.

If you feel like getting out there, grab yourself the gear for the job here.