A bit ago I was watching @rbumali ’s NY Revisited tracking down that footage of Stevie skating the Vans Valient and I didn’t realize how much Lennie Kirk footage there was in there. Obviously some of this ended up in Timecode but also it was really sick to see an alternate angle of his harebrain boardslide on that super high out ledge from Penal Code 100A. (Both angles in the second slide.)
Anyway, I compiled all his clips from the video together here for your viewing pleasure. Quit sinnin’.
Regarding the Vans “International Sole” (as described by CCS on the Valient which my last two posts were about), I knew there were a few other shoes featuring this sole but not until I started collecting material for the Valient post did I realize how many other styles shared that sole in the ’94 to ’96 period. So here is a little swipe through of Vans shoes featuring the “International Sole” which is a really good cupsole.
2. The Temper. This one actually looks pretty sick. Would fuck with.
3. The Lo Cab. Why this never got reissued when 90s cupsoles were all the rage and they were already making the Fairlanes is beyond my comprehension.
4. The Fairlane. Definitely the most famous of the International Sole Vans and a true classic.
5. The Hemi. Kind of a low top Valient.
6. The Wally. A super sick one the’ve kinda redone a few times.
7. The Gravel. I’d skate them.
8. The Alley. I feel like people would be hyped on these now.
9. The Blake which is kinda like an Airwalk Solo II knock off.
10. The Fracture. Not much to say here.
Keep swiping for some alternate shots of the different shoes. The green with gum Temper is especially sick and the Lo Cabs look so good.
It should be noted that three or so years ago Vans was producing a proper Fairlane again on the International sole, and also introduced a new model on the same sole called the Speed, which was kinda cool but maybe kinda lame but maybe kinda cool. I’ll post a picture in my stories that will be highlighted with the other Valient stuff.
I can promise you this is the last time I will be posting about Vans until I start thinking about Dr. Ts again.
I know you love it when I get all nerdy about shoes, so this one is extra nerdy for ya’ll. A post about a random Vans shoe from the mid 90s, The Valient. Specifically the white with black sole colourway of it.
The Valient was in the Vans line in the end of 1994 and throughout 1995 and is on what CCS catalogs refer to as the “International” sole which it shares with it’s more famous sibling, the Fairlane. It came in a few different colours that I could find but it seems as though skaters of the time really liked the white with black sole as it was worn pretty heavily during this time period, making appearances in many photos and clips on some 90s legends.
I’m not exactly sure why everyone liked the Valient specifically since there were quite a few shoes during that time on the International sole (more on that later) but I’m guessing because the shape of it and the fact that it’s a semi-mid top you could make it look PHAT.
I’m also not exactly sure why I even remember this shoe or paid attention to it in the first place, but this post has been culminating for about 6 years since me and my homie Ian were watching old skate vids and I pointed out “Oh he’s wearing those old white with black sole Vans that everyone wore back then.” My friend Ian didn’t know which ones I was talking about so since then I’ve been searching for and saving any photos and clips I see of people wearing them. But judging by how many of you I’ve chatted with in the DMs about this random Vans shoe from the 90s, I’m not the only one who paid attention.
So here’s a collection of a bunch of photos of the Vans Valient I’ve found in old mailorder catalogs along with some skate photos of them in action.
Gonna post up a little edit of people skating them in footage in a few days too…
Finally got around to chopping up some Hi8 footage I took of the Obsession board show a couple weeks ago at @ninetimesedmonton . Super fun night with tons of rad people and amazing artifacts. Hopefully there will be another show in another city soon!
Finally got a chance to really watch the new @quasiskateboards video. Fucking great video. I’m stoked people are still making awesome videos.
This shot of Jon Rowe with the dude on the bike is especially excellent.
Some highlights of the incredible board collection that was on display Saturday night at the Obsession board show for @ninetimesedmonton . Super rare boards from @alienworkshop , @girlskateboards , @habitatskateboards , @chocolateskateboards , as well as some bangers from some other great brands in the mix.
I was honoured to have been included by bringing the best of my VHS video collection as well as some other random memorabilia.
A super fun event, thanks to everyone who made it happen and thanks to everyone who attended. Hopefully this show goes on the road!
For a more complete look at everything at the show, there’s a story highlight in our profile titled “Obsession”.
