Vansza’s Obscure Knu Skool Misses the Forest for the Trees

Double Tap to ZoomSneakersVansza’s Obscure Knu Skool Misses the Forest for the Trees2 minutes ago in SneakersIn a lot of ways, Vans' collaboration with SZA was a gift none of us saw coming. This is both an astute observation and a literal manifestation. Meet the camo-colored Vansza Knu Skool.RealTree camouflage wraps the upper while thique white laces and a puffy tongue keep the brand's skate quintessence at the forefront. Red contrast stitching at the Jazz Stripe also adds some hue variation to the otherwise tonal sneaker. More than just a shoe, the Vansza Knu Skool represents the larger impact of SZA's role as artistic director for the brand. At first, the collab might have sounded a little less than harmonious. In terms of creative wheelhouses, SZA has the game on lock when it comes to emotive melodies, but skateboarding? Not historically. However, this bespoke role, as SZA is the first person to hold this title, perfectly encapsulates Vans' steady upward fashion climb. Present day, It can be hard to recall a time when Vans existed outside of the fashion circuit, but it's true. Vans wasn't always the fashion darling we know it to be today. At least not on the broad scale we're witnessing right now.Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.The Vans sneakers of yore existed primarily within skater circles before shifting into the mainstream, where they've oscillated in popularity for the better part of the last two decades. As of late, though, Vans' stylish stock has been on the up and up, and SZA's onboarding has only elevated the skate brand's clear strides towards a fashion-focused futureAll the best sneakers are obscure to some degree. Right?Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit our SHOPPER page and subscribe to the newsletter for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.We RecommendVans & Sza Want To Get All Up In Your ToesVans’ Harris Tweed Loafer Is Too Dapper for the Skate ParkVans’ Mossy Authentic Sneaker Shines from the SwampVans Quilted Slip-On Is a (Patch) Work of ArtAnother Glam Grunge Vans Sneaker Enters the ChatWhat To Read NextVansza’s Obscure Knu Skool Misses the Forest for the TreesSoundboks Shrunk the Party, Not the VolumeNike’s Caramel-Coated Dunk Has Us Craving Something SweetConsider the Cute-but-Comfy Conundrum Solved, Courtesy of JENNIENike Readied Its Most Athletic Trail Shoe with Pickle JuiceYou Have to Look Closer at Olivier Rogers