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Vans is stepping back into the early 2000’s with its latest Vault sneaker launch, courtesy of Gallery Dept.
The skate brand has teamed up with Josué Thomas’ streetwear label to re-release its Rowley XLT sneakers, originally launched in 2001, under its Vault by Vans label. Their new $150 version features the lace-up sneaker’s signature paneling and rounded toes, as well as faintly textured rubber soles and padded upper tongues — with added updates from shorter vamps and thick ankle collars.
However, the Rowley XLT set’s colorways bring it a sharp new flair for the fall season. One of the paneled iterations features a “Neopolitan” palette of dark brown and light pink leather, complete with light pink suede accents.
The label’s signature side lines — cast in an orange-red hue — brings the shoe an added pop of color, smoothly completed by white laces, paneled white and brown outsoles and orange “Gallery Dept.” tongue patches.
Similar textures can be seen in the shoe’s second colorway, “Blue Steel,” which casts the Vans style’s uppers in a light gray, deep blue and red palette with white trim. The set is finished with padded collars, rubber outsoles and “Gallery Dept.”-branded tongues, just like the aforementioned first colorway.
For a practical spin, each Rowley XLT shoe includes EVA foam midsoles and larger heel clips for added stability and comfort.
Vans’ launch with Gallery Dept. marks the brand’s latest collaboration this year. Throughout 2023, the skate-focused label has launched co-branded collections, limited-edition products and more with brands including Collina Strada, Gucci and Barbie, among others.
About the Author:
Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on trending news, celebrity style, collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
