Vans Does Its Best On Roger Impression with a Surprising Spin on a ’90s Sneaker

Launching in collaboration with Japanese tennis brand Setinn, this collection comes off the wall and onto the court.

Vans x Setinn Capsule Collection sneaker sole closeup

Published 12 hours ago

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Over the last few years, tennis has seen a bit of a resurgence.

There are a number of reasons this could be the case, including (but not limited to) its accessibility during the pandemic (it’s easy to keep your distance on the tennis court), the emergence of tennis-related media (Challengers comes to mind), the sport’s popularity on TikTok and more.

Whatever the case, it’s already trickled pretty heavily into the fashion world, led by releases such as On Running’s Roger (as in Federer) sneaker.

Now, an iconic Southern California skate and surf lifestyle brand is getting in on the trend. Vans has teamed up with Japanese tennis brand Setinn on a court-ready capsule collection.

Vans x Setinn Capsule Collection sneakers in tennis balls — This Vans x Setinn release sees the reemergence of a surprising ’90s sneaker.

Courtside kicks

The headline act of the Vans x Setinn Capsule Collection is a pair of sneakers. More specifically, this collection sees the resurgence of the Vans Speel LS, a surprising, largely forgotten silhouette from the ’90s.

While it’s perhaps an odd, dark-horse revival, bringing back this shoe in this manner works surprisingly well. For the most part, the silhouette has been maintained, although it’s been given a more minimalist aesthetic.

Vans x Setinn Capsule Collection sneakers closeup on tennis court — The minimalist aesthetic translates to the Speel LS remarkably well.

The upper is done in white leather — a classic tennis sneaker color — with green accents on the tongue and heel. And the thick, rubber, vulcanized sole sees the brand’s signature waffle pattern swapped for a more court-friendly design.

The Speed LS isn’t the sole sneaker in the collection, however. Another classic, the Authentic, also gets a Setinn minimalist makeover. Now, this canvas shoe sees a subtle net-like grid applied to a white canvas exterior.

Vans x Setinn Capsule Collection authentics on skateboard on tennis court — These gridded Authentics are both clean and distinct.

Serving up aces

While the two pairs of sneakers are certainly the highlights of this collection, they’re not the only releases included.

Alongside the Vans Speed LS and Authentic sneakers, the collection also includes some apparel. There’s a dual-branded baseball cap, a co-branded t-shirt (in two colorways) and performance shorts.

There’s even a bandana that shares the same gridded pattern as the Authentics.

Tennis player wearing Vans x Setinn Capsule Collection — Yes, you could make a whole outfit out of the pieces in the collection.

While the promo imagery also shows a Satinn-branded skateboard, it’s unclear if this is a part of the release or just an additional product for promo only.

All told, the collection is clean and minimalist, while remaining true to Vans’ signature style. It’s slated for an August 9 release date at the Vans x Setinn Pop-Up.

model wearing Vans x Setinn Capsule Collection on tennis court and holding skateboard — It would be pretty cool if the brands released the Setinn-branded skate deck.

Coming soon

As mentioned, the Vans x Setinn Capsule Collection is slated for an August 9 release at the brands’ pop-up. Pricing and availability are not yet released.

For more information, it’s recommended that you monitor the brands’ social media as the release approaches.