Not the worst look ever. Photo; FDMTL x Vans
No other shoe is tied to surf culture like the Vans Authentic. Maybe the Vans Classic. Or is it the Vans Slip On? You get the point. Vans and its three marquee shoes are synonymous with surf culture, but they’re also some of the most versatile shoes in the entire world. Yeah, they’re rooted in surf and skate culture, but just about any niche interest or subculture finds a way to make them fit their style too. This is a new one I never thought I’d see though: the Jika Tabi.
The Japanese brand FDMTL, which actually specializes in Japanese-made denim, revealed a collaboration with the Southern California-based shoe brand at its own runway show earlier this month. If you’ve never heard of FDMTL, think of them as denim connoisseurs. The material is a big deal in Japanese culture, and FDMTL is known for coming up with incredibly detailed patchwork designs. The brand has a signature style, known as “Boro,” inspired by traditional Japanese patchwork that produces unique, intricate designs on its pieces. In other words, they aren’t making mass-produced, fast-fashion jeans.
The FDMTL and Vans collaboration features a Vans Classic shoe showcasing some of FDMTL’s special designs, a pair of Slip Ons dipped in denim, but the standout pieces in the collaboration were several Vans made into split-toe Jika Tabis, a traditional Japanese shoe.
“The runway preview revealed several distinct color executions. One version highlights FDMTL’s signature indigo patchwork, combining multiple denim tones with visible stitch work for a handcrafted effect,” wrote the brand. “Another iteration explores deep and light indigo dye variations, layering shades of blue to reflect Japanese denim culture. A cleaner option pairs a white upper with a blue midsole, offering a more versatile everyday look. Each finish emphasizes texture and layering, reinforcing FDMTL’s philosophy of ‘old cloth reborn.'”
Don’t get carried away and run to your local Vans shop though. First off, the runway show was just a reveal for the FDMTL’s upcoming line. These shoes won’t actually be launching until fall of this year.
