Vans Slip-On Skateboarding Sneakers Feature Classic Prints and Bold Collaborations

A favorite of sneakerheads for decades, Vans Slip-On shoes took their style inspiration from classic boat shoes. These sneakers feature a padded collar with an upper made from canvas, leather, suede, corduroy, or other materials. Rubber foxing attaches the waffle sole to the upper. Inside the shoe, buyers will find a comfortable insole with the Vans logo.

Sneakerheads can find their next Vans Slip-On in many patterns and colorways on eBay.

The Classic Checkerboard Vans Slip-On Sneaker

The Vans Slip-On story began in 1977 when Vans founder Paul Van Doren introduced Style #98. This durable shoe quickly became a favorite in the Southern California skateboarding and BMX biking scene, thanks to the waffle sole's ability to grip the skatedeck. Skaters customized their slip-ons by drawing checkerboard patterns with markers. Van Doren noticed these modifications and eventually released the iconic black and white checkerboard Classic Slip-On.

In 1982, moviegoers watched Sean Penn's character in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" sport a pair of checkboard Vans Slip-Ons. This appearance gave the shoe mainstream appeal. As the shoe gained in popularity, Vans released variations on the checkerboard pattern. New colorways like black/black, black/gray, and white/true white checkerboard became popular. Vans offered a rainbow checkerboard print to celebrate Pride. In addition to unisex sizes, Vans expanded the slip-on product line to include Vans women's and children's sizes.

The Classic Checkerboard Slip-On: A Celebrity Favorite

SoCal skaters aren't the only fans of the Classic Slip-On. Celebrities choose Vans when they want a comfortable, casual look. Actress Olivia Wilde paired a classic black and white checkboard slip-on with a black tee and loose jeans. Whitney Port and Sofia Richie also chose this colorway, while Gwen Stefani opted for a blue and white pair with matching jeans. Kourtney Kardashian wore an all-black casual outfit with black and white checkerboard Vans that provided a pop of print.

Vans Slip-On Sneaker Collaborations

Vans expanded beyond single-color and checkerboard styles and introduced new patterns and prints. The company collaborated with celebrities and fashion houses to create new versions of the Slip-On sneaker. Other collaborations introduced Vans Classic Slip-Ons featuring beloved characters.

Vans x Peanuts Collaboration

Vans featured Snoopy and Charlie Brown on their popular shoes and clothing with the Vans x Peanuts Collaboration. These styles used original artwork from the Peanuts comic strips and television specials. The Peanuts Christmas line released a Classic Slip-On with a scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas. This shoe featured a navy and white canvas upper with Snoopy and his doghouse on one shoe. The other shoe featured Charlie Brown and his Christmas tree.

In Fall 2017, Vans released Peanuts line that reimagined popular styles. The Classic Slip-On was updated with a black canvas upper with a graphic of Charlie Brown hugging Snoopy. Other styles like the SK8 High featured a black leather upper with a Snoopy graphic. Styles for women featured a pink upper with popular Peanuts characters like Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Sally.

Vans x Disney Collaboration

The Vans x Disney collaboration capsule collection brought Mickey and Winnie the Pooh to Vans clothing, shoes, and accessories. Some styles showcased large, bold graphics of Mickey Mouse, but the Slip-On shoes featured a smaller, subtle print. Options included a gray Slip-On with Mickey Mouse print and a white Slip-On with Minnie Mouse print. To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Walt Disney World, Vans released a capsule collection that included a new take on the classic checkerboard pattern. This Slip-On featured a black and white checkerboard upper with large graphics of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Star Wars x Vans Collaboration

For Fall 2014, Vans released its first Star Wars collection. This collection brought original Star Wars artwork to the Slip-On and other styles. One shoe in the six-piece collection was a Slip-On with artwork from the original movie poster for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Other shoes in the collection added Yoda to the popular Hawaiian hibiscus print.

Vans x BAPE Collaboration

In addition to creating styles with popular characters, Vans worked with designers and fashion houses around the world. Vans partnered with Japanese streetwear brand BAPE to create two capsule collections. Shoes in these collections featured BAPE's signature camouflage print paired with classic Vans colors. Other styles mixed bold colors, BAPE's camo print, and Vans classic checkerboard. No collaboration with BAPE would be complete without a Vans x BAPE tee shirt. Buyers could pair their favorite BAPE Slip-Ons with the matching shirt. The mix of skater style and Japanese streetwear was popular among sneaker fans.

Vans x Thrasher Collaboration

Vans went back to its skater roots with the Thrasher Collaboration. In 1981, Thrasher Magazine debuted. This magazine chronicled the style and news of SoCal skate culture. With this collaboration, skaters could purchase their favorite Vans styles in designs that featured the Thrasher flame logo. These shoes featured classic Vans styling with a black canvas upper and rubber sole. The Thrasher flame was printed across the canvas at different angles and sizes. Buyers also could pick up a matching Vans x Thrasher tee shirt.

Vans x Takashi Murakami Collaboration

Japanese artist Takashi Murakami was a huge fan of Vans, so it's no surprise that Vans collaborated on a special collection with the artist. Released under the premium label, Vault by Vans, items in this collaboration featured a smaller run and a higher price point. The Murakami-designed Classic Slip-On sneakers used a canvas upper with bright, anime-inspired prints. For Fall 2015, the collection featured bright smiling flowers and skull prints. The shoes reimagined the classic waffle sole in bright colors like teal and yellow. Vans offered Murakami's Classic Slip-On in six unisex colors and three toddler colors. The toddler Slip-Ons had a bright fabric upper with a single bold graphic, like a smiling flower. Every shoe included an image of Murakami's dog, Pom, on the sole.

Vans Release for Pride 2021

In June 2021, Vans reimagined the iconic checkerboard print in rainbow hues to celebrate self-expression and the LGBTQ+ community for Pride Month. In a partnership with 45 artists, Vans created artwork in windows that depicted testimonials from LGBTQ+ activists. Vans continues to expand their offering of rainbow styles that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community year-round.

Sneakerheads love tracking down the latest unique prints and colors of Vans Classic Slip-On. Check eBay for the latest deals on Vans Classic Slip-Ons. Buyers can find classic styles like the checkerboard or limited edition collaborations featuring popular characters. Buyers looking for an extra boost can find their favorite Classic Slip-Ons with a lightweight platform sole. Parents raising the next generation of sneaker fans can find styles for babies, toddlers, and kids. As Vans continues to expand its collaborations, sneakerheads can find these new styles on eBay.