The Victor “Doobie” Pellegrin signature shoe was developed in close collaboration with the Vans Pro Skate athlete, creating a product that reflected both his personality and the way he skates. The goal was to design an understated everyday skate shoe while weaving in details that felt unmistakably “Doobie.”

Working directly with Victor, the shoe combined practical performance features with playful storytelling. An embroidered side stripe improved durability, while a waterproof or, “beer-proof” suede upper reflected his laid-back character. A hidden stash pocket was built into the tongue, constructed from net material as a nod to his love of fishing, while quilted quarter panels, heavy-duty laces and additional tongue padding reinforced the shoe’s rugged, comfortable feel.

The project also gave me the opportunity to collaborate with legendary skateboard artist Todd Francis, whose illustrations were incorporated into the insole and packaging design, adding another layer of personality to the collection. Following the product launch, the marketing team developed a memorable campaign with director Jack Lammas that perfectly captured Victor’s character and the spirit of the project. The skate team also reported that it was one of the most comfortable skate shoes they had tested, with the additional tongue padding contributing to the overall fit and feel.