Vans x Federal BMX Old Skool
Inspired by rider-owned Federal Bikes’ illustrious legacy and Anaheim-based Vans’ commitment to both skate and BMX sporting prerequisite, the latest Vans x Federal BMX Old Skool Pro release is one that pairs premium pedal-feel with an ode to evolutionary street and sporting culture. Accompanied by a collaborative ‘Speed Dial’ edit filmed by the visionary Rich Forne that features the likes of Dan Lacey and Anthony Perrin amongst its Canary Island backdrop, Vans’ latest Old Skool Pro instalment marks the first-ever for the internationally renowned BMX crew.
Home to the likes of shared pro-riders such as Bruno Hoffman and 2019’s recently assigned Boyd Hilder, UK-based Federal Bikes’ pioneering 22 year legacy has evolved tenfold since their early-day fruition in 1999. Part of the new-wave of independent BMX brands encouraged by the likes of US heavyweights such as SoCal’s Mongoose and North Carolina’s Eastern, Federal’s progressive passion for the sport has helped them to continue in their curation of well-rounded collections of some of the most impressive hardware, frames and components the industry has ever seen. Famed for their detailed ‘Bike Check’ rundowns and their ‘Lost It’ series saga that chronicles the progress of their full length "FTS" project, Federal’s indomitable spirit continues to capture the attention of riders both local to their East Sussex locale and their international remit.
Pushing the boundaries of what can be done on two wheels, Vans’ foothold in the BMX scene has grown to become equally as prevalent as their skate-centric stature even since their East Broadway beginnings in Anaheim circa 1966. Producers of industry pioneering videos such as their ‘Illustrated’ and ‘Homestead’ edits and torchbearers for competitions such as the BMX Vans Pro Cup and Rebel Jam BMX, Vans adds Federal Bikes to its long list of BMX associates for 2021. Collaborating for the second time with Robbie Morales’ Cult BMX in 2014, Shadow Conspiracy in 2011 and host to signature stylings such as the Dakota Roche BMX Slip-On and the Dennis Enarson Old Skool Pro BMX, the Anaheim collective continues to focus on functional footwear, performative pedal-feel and classic styling for yet another release.
Keeping it classic, pinstripe quarters and bold-black suede overlays complement this mixed-material canvas release, with the Vans x Federal BMX Old Skool Pro designed to handle even the most demanding of rides. Elevated sockliners, DURACAP rubber underlays and Vans’ exclusive Wafflecup BMX construction provide a necessitated advancement on the OG Old Skool profile to honour its two-wheeled remastering, with the reinforced auxetic overlays a complement to the increased wrap-around foxings. Suited to wear both on and off the bike, the traction-focused underfoot tread makes light work of taxing terrains and ungripped pedals, with the interior-facing midfoot abrasion patches helping to prevent wear across the crank-side panels. Crisp white side-wall stripes with classic Vans flag-label detailing are in keeping with tradition, with the flat-white laces securing the commemorative Federal logo’d tongue across the natural arch of the foot. Additional padding complements the collar, with illustrative ‘Federal’ matt-black debossed detailing etched across the rear, black suede brace above the classic ‘Off The Wall’ heel scab.
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