Help, they've tabi-ed Vans

I have a confession to make: I own about 300 sneakers but I don't own a single pair of Vans. And I don't even know why. They're a stone-cold classic and every trainer guy should have some. But for some reason I just never… got around to it. Which is weird, because Vans is one of those brands that's been around forever, influencing everything from 1970s skate culture to 2010s Tumblr dashboards. But I think things are about to change thanks to its brand new collab with Fdmtl.

If you're not tapped in, Fdmtl (short for “Fundamental”, btw) is a Tokyo-based label that's basically built its rep on doing the absolute most with denim. We're talking boro patchwork (reworked, layered fabrics), sashiko stitching (contrast reinforcement stitching), and that whole “old cloth made new again” philosophy. It's super technical, very Japanese, and the kinda thing that looks even better the more you wear it. They've worked with Vans before, but this one feels slightly different and slightly unhinged (in a good way).

Fdmtl

Fdmtl

First up: the Authentic. Unwrapped in a bunch of colour combos, Fdmtl's gone and added a split toe straight down the middle. When I was a kid I thought we'd get flying cars and jetpacks by 2026. Instead we got Vans tabis – and I'm very OK with that. Some pairs are dripped out in raw denim, others in creamy white suede, and the rest have contrast stitching running all over it in that famous sashiko style, giving it that handcrafted vibe. All of them keep the classic vulcanised sole and low profile, so it still feels like a Vans at heart – just one that's been through a very niche Japanese remix.

There's also a Slip-On too, which dials things back a bit by skipping the split toe entirely. Same patchwork energy, same attention to detail, just way easier to wear if you're not trying to explain your shoes every five seconds.

Fdmtl

Fdmtl