Vans and Travis Barker build on the drummer’s lifelong fandom of the brand.

One of the first things that comes to mind when you say “Travis Barker” – outside of drums, tattoos and cars – is Vans. The legendary musician, most famous for smashing the tubs for Blink-182, is a California native just like Vans, and has worn the iconic checkerboard kicks on stages and sidewalks all over the globe.

“My first pair of shoes was a pair of Vans,” says Barker. “Growing up in Fontana, California, I always connected the brand to skateboarding, BMX, and punk culture. Once I started seeing my idols wearing them too, it really sealed it for me. To me, they were always the coolest shoes. This partnership was an easy call because it’s a brand I’ve genuinely loved and identified with since way, way back.”

The centrepiece of the collection, which also includes apparel, is without doubt the Old Skools. Reimagined with a fresh off-white colourway, the shoes have the unique ‘Dues Paid’ emblem on the vamp, as well as barbed wire design on the foxing, canvas uppers, cotton laces and Travis Barker logo detailing on the heel and tongue.

For the campaign, Barker and Vans enlisted fellow musicians The Paradox, N8NOFACE, Tim Armstrong (of Rancid, The Transplants), Missy (of Mannequin Pussy), Dani Miller (of Surfbort), and more, with the shoot in the safe hands of Atiba. Check it out below and set a reminder for Friday June 19th when these become available online.