As skateboarding continues to mature, there is a tangible history unfolding as the number of generations from the original pioneers continues to grow year by year. Many of the individuals or brands that are now aged enough to be considered historic are not heavily involved in todays skateboarding scene but there have been those few pioneers who were not able to create a sustainable industry out of our art, but also adapt to all of the changes that it has undergone in the past 50 odd years. Two of these brands that have sustained and actually considerably succeeded are Vans and Madrid Skateboards who are celebrating their 50th and 40th anniversaries respectively this year and to celebrate have teamed up to re-release the classic Sk8-High Pro skate shoe which incorporates Madrid’s legendary Fly Paper Griptape for the collab.
Vans opened its doors fifty years ago in 1966 and were the first to make production runs of shoes specifically designed for skateboarders and the various demands they required from their foot ware. Since the beginning they have remained on the forefront of skate shoe technology and innovations which is demonstrated by the high quality and performance still found in all of their shred slippers. Similarly, Madrid Skateboards founded by Jerry Madrid has always been a board company who remained on the cutting edge of board design and technology implemented into his sleds. Fly Paper Grip Tape was the first grip specific brand in the industry coming straight out of the Madrid factory back in the early 80’s.
Rerunning this classic shoe, which was already way rad the first time it came out, shows a deep respect to a few of the key members of our industry who have continuously pushed skating and allowed us to express ourselves properly on quality equipment. From all of us here at Wheelbase, we would like to say thank you to these two brands for all the positive impact they have had within our community. After you check the complete both the complete list of specs and to see where to closest skate shop that will be carrying your size is, peep the video that was whipped up of some good ol’ park thrashin’ done in the sneakers in questions.