Trucks connections with Ben J and Pop Trading Company in a limited-edition capsule created for Ben G’s 20th anniversary. The collaboration keeps the focus on Amsterdam, using the city’s skate scene, street details and local visual codes as a starting point for a two-style release.
SNEAKERS
The capsule reworks two Vans silhouettes, the Time and the Sk8-Hi. Both sneakers carry references associated with Amsterdam, but each approaches the idea differently. The Era resembles one of the city’s most well-known details, the Amsterdammertjes, the burgundy bollards that appear throughout Amsterdam. The Sk8-Hi brings the capsule’s animated artwork to the top of the canvas, giving the release a stronger graphic side.
The Era has special meaning in this release as the silhouette celebrates its 50th anniversary. Vans, Ben G and Pop connect this anniversary with Amsterdammertjes through color and detail. The shoe features a furry suede upper in a burgundy hue reminiscent of the pillars, along with a fox print inspired by the ‘XXX’ stamp found on each.
This local detail gives Era a strong Amsterdam identity. The burgundy upper, textured suede and stamped foxing all point to the city in a way that still works in a classic Vans shape. The effect is familiar at first and then reveals its meaning through the details.
The Sk8-Hi takes a different route. The canvas upper features artwork tied to the campaign, extending the capsule’s playful visual language to the second sneaker. The same artwork also appears on Era’s custom soles and exclusive packaging, which helps tie the full release together without making both shoes repeat the same concept.
Picnic Studio created the animated film for the campaign. The short film follows a carefree skater in Amsterdam and leads him to the Vans x Ben G x Pop pop-up, where a pair of Eras await him. The film keeps the tone relaxed and slightly offbeat, matching the capsule’s view of Amsterdam’s skate culture.
Details from Ben G and Pop appear on the heel and outsoles, giving both Amsterdam names a distinct place in the design. These details matter because the collaboration marks Ben G’s 20 years as part of the city’s skate scene. Pop Trading Company also brings its own Amsterdam connection to the project, making the capsule feel rooted in the local network of both brands.
The Vans x Ben G x Pop collection is now available as a limited edition. The capsule brings together the Era, Sk8-Hi, animated artwork, custom floors, exclusive packaging and details from the streets of Amsterdam.
