Vans x Octopus Collection

Aug 3, 2021

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, is excited to announce our first footwear and apparel collaboration with Octopus, a surf brand known for its core surf sensibility mixed with elevated, minimalist aesthetics.

A surfer-owned-and-run company with no big investors, no one to answer to, and no rules to follow, Octopus is the best in the game when it comes to surfboard traction, bags, grips, and leashes. With shared team riders Mikey February, Dylan Graves, and Harry Bryant, it was high time for a collaboration between two rule-breaking brands committed to seamlessly blending style and performance – and never compromising one for the other.

“I’m hyped two brands that I ride for decided to party together on a collection,” Dylan said. “It feels like wedding merch that I’m so thankful for once the hangover wears off.”

Leading the first ever Vans x Octopus collaboration is the UltraRange EXO in Octopus’ signature black and crème colorway. The corduroy-inspired textured textile upper, marshmallow Sidestripe, marshmallow and black sole, and subtle Octopus branding on the heel tab align with Octopus’ restrained and clean aesthetic. This lightweight and breathable go-anywhere, do-anything shoe features all-terrain grip, a co-molded UltraCush Lite midsole for comfort, and an EXO skeleton for added support and durability. An UltraCush tongue provides ports for superior airflow, while the full rubber reverse waffle lug outsole offers traction and flexibility.

The Sk8-Hi 138 Decon SF and Classic Slip-On SF also get the Octopus treatment in luxe materials and Octopus’ go-to colorway. The Sk8-Hi features tonal marshmallow quarters, combining suede and corduroy for subtle textural variation. A black leather Sidestripe, black tongue and laces, and an emboss printed Octopus logo on the heel add the finishing touch.

Connoisseurs of simplicity will appreciate the Vans x Octopus Classic Slip-On. The marshmallow-on-marshmallow colorway features a corduroy vamp and heel with suede quarters, and Octopus’ signature round graphic emboss printed in black on the heel.

It wouldn’t be an Octopus collaboration without some high-performing gear for the water, and the Surf Boot Hi ST 3mm embodies the combination of style and function that Vans and Octopus fans have come to rely on.

The brand new split toe Surf Boot Hi dual rubber-dipped construction maintains a second-skin fit while adding structure and warmth with optimal flexibility. A split toe offers increased control and dexterity. Vans’ micro-waffle outsole increases boardfeel and grip without adding thickness, and a gusseted top helps maintain a nice bootie-to-leg seal.

True to form for Octopus, the bootie boasts a sleek minimal aesthetic with subtle detailing. The black boot features just a touch of crème – in the Octopus logo around the collar and on the heel of the outsole – while a black waffle-texture Sidestripe and toe cap add textural variety.

Supporting the footwear is an apparel pack, featuring a Vans x Octopus short sleeve tee, pullover hoodie, and surf trunks. The 100% ringspun cotton tee comes in black with an understated round Vans x Octopus typographic logo on the chest and a large collaboration-specific graphic on the back – Octopus’ signature tentacle mandala logo ringed by Vans’ iconic Checkerboard.

The same limited-edition graphic can be found screenprinted on the left chest of the fleece pullover, which also features Vans Checkerboard and Octopus printed down the sleeve. A hood and kangaroo pocket keep it cozy.

The Vans x Octopus Surf Trunk 3 is a 4-way stretch performance trunk with a low-profile buckle, wetsuit top connector, and an elastic waistband. The timeless black short features typographic branding on the left thigh and a zipper pocket on the right thigh for storing essentials.

Founded in 2014 by a group of friends and professional surfers, Octopus was created as a core surf brand like the ones we grew up with but with a different perspective that speaks to a more refined aesthetic and an ethos of only creating highly-tested, durable and necessary technical surfing gear. Vans latest collaboration with Octopus embodies these principles, delivering a timeless offering of truly functional pieces that can live on as staples in and out of the water.

The Vans x Octopus collection is available August 13, 2021, at select Vans Surf retail locations and at Vans.eu/Surf.