Vans x Hockey: Andrew Allen Collection
A creative collaboration between three highly-energised skate heavy-weights; Vans, Hockey Skateboards and boundary-pushing pro-skater Andrew Allen, the eagerly awaited Vans x AA Hockey collection is one jam-packed with skate-orientated spins and contemporary flair. Birthed from Allen’s undying appreciation for classic Vans profiling, his secured spot as one of their in-house skate team riders and from his time spent with Fucking Awesome’s sister-company Hockey Skateboards, this collab welcomes the revival of the Authentic High Pro, remodelled for the first time for skate, whilst quirky new custom tees set about delivering a by-gone 00’s aesthetic to the contemporary skate scene.
Inspired by skate’s old-school vibe, the Vans x Hockey collection takes Allen’s zero-fucks given attitude and mixes it with streetwear staples to create a release that offers a little bit of subverted speciality for any everyday skater. Dusting off a retro silhouette, one that is very rarely seen these days, the Authentic High Pros arrive constructed from mid-weight cotton sateen and cotton twill uppers, whilst their DURACAP vamp underlays, PopCush footbed and the addition of vulcanized rubber ollie-patches provide them with reinforced layerings that pair well with feisty footwork and strained shredding sessions. Sealed in a legendary all-black colourway and fashioned with commemorative ‘Andrew Allen’ hand-embroidered signature detailing, custom insoles and with exclusive ‘shattered’ heel tab branding, these renewed kicks evoke an urbanised appeal that bears a striking similarity to the pro-skater’s magnetic persona.
Rounding out the collection, two tees have been added to cement its nostalgic circa-2000’s impetus. With both short and long sleeve option available, both designs incorporate custom ‘I Want Vans’ graphic decals, a relic revived from early skate-shoe advertising and one that is also reflected in the insoles of the Authentic High Pros. Maintaining Vans’ passion for fuss-free stylings and Hockey’s notoriety for delivering zesty, animated artwork, the undeniable character associated with the monochrome design style is one not to be missed this season.
Although his stance style is regular, Allen’s punchy skate-style is renowned for being far from that. Solidifying a career in skate through his ability to constantly subvert societal norms and push the boundaries of contemporary skateboarding, Andrew Allen has been a key member of the Vans skate team for well over 17 years. Having spent time with sponsors such as Anti-Hero Skateboards, Spitfire Wheels, Independent Trucks and of course as part of Hockey’s hard-hitting crew, Allen and his street skating prowess has led him to many notable achievements, such as his involvement in the design of one of Vans’ most groundbreaking skate-profiles to date, the Vans Core Stage 4. A master of natural transition and lauded ledge-work, California-dwelling Allen has featured in many momentous projects such as Girl/Anti-Hero’s ‘Beauty and the Beast 2’ as well as in creative campaigns for the likes of Transworld Skateboarding, Deluxe Distribution and Thrasher amongst a whirlwind of other Hockey x Fucking Awesome edits.
To celebrate this exclusive SU20 collaboration, Vans and Hockey released their own ‘Andrew Allen Authentic Hi’ video reel that effortlessly showcases just how monumental this pairing between team-rider AA and one of Vans’ much-loved age old profiles really is. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out below.
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