The SNS × Vans Knu Skool collaboration revisited a silhouette first introduced in 1998, leaning into the exaggerated proportions and padded construction that defined late-’90s skate footwear.

Working closely with the SNS team, we explored two colourways built around premium brown hairy suede, using colour and material to emphasise the Knu Skool’s oversized construction. The final release paired the brown upper with a gum sole and contrasting royal blue 3D sidestripe. I also developed an alternative version with a yellowed sole, creating a more aged, archival feeling, which ultimately remained unreleased.

As another connection to the shoe’s history, I proposed printing “The Soul Remains the Same”, a line from an original Knu Skool advertisement, onto the sockliner. Although the detail was removed before production, it was intended to create a subtle link between the 1998 original and its contemporary return.