Vans OTW continues his work with Satoshi Nakamoto through it Era 95 Gemsa new version of the season’s silhouette shaped through material breakdown and visible wear and tear. The collaboration treats change as part of the design itself, allowing the shoe to visually shift over time through its construction.
SNEAKERS
The upper inserts a black canvas layer designed to tear with use. Below this, a checkerboard pattern emerges, creating a second surface that gradually becomes visible. This two-layer structure emphasizes exposure and evolution, where the shoe reveals its own composition through daily use.
On the collar, exposed foam replaces a traditional finished edge, giving the shoe a raw, unfinished look. The lace-up system is further detailed via a printed lace that features beaded sandblasting elements. A repeating ‘Satoshi’ print runs along the lace, signaling the collaboration through direct visual repetition.
Color enters the design from the ankle area, where colorful round gemstones appear along the collar. These elements contrast the distressed construction and draw attention to specific areas of the shoe.
The sidewall has a hand-painted treatment in black and yellow, creating a worn surface from the start. A distressed foxing stripe enhances this effect, aligning the entire build with a weathered, pre-worn finish.
The outsole continues the concept through transparency. A translucent crystal sole reveals the name “Satoshi Nakamoto” underneath, visible during wear. This detail extends the design language to the base of the shoe, keeping the identity embedded in the structure.
OTW by Vans will release the Era 95 Gems on April 30th via its official platform and select retail locations. The drop includes stores in Los Angeles at The Grove, New York’s 5th Avenue, London’s West End, Le Marais in Paris, Seongsu, Lotte World Mall in Seoul and Shibuya Parco.
