The Vans Hylane taps into a potent kind of nostalgia; one born in the golden era of Y2K skate culture, when VHS edits ruled, social media and smartphones were virtually non-existent, and skate shoes were big, bold, and built to last.
The original Hylane silhouette, inspired by the 1999 Upland, was part of that moment; worn by riders who embodied the raw, DIY spirit of the era. Hooked on MTV and a kind of non-conformist attitude that sometimes feels lost nowadays, the Hylane is a silhouette that honours the culture and mindset of a generation that shaped skateboarding into the global force it is today.
All imagery courtesy of Vans
Though it was a you-had-to-be-there moment—even if your only front-row seat was through a VHS skate video or late-night TV segment—Vans is keeping the spirit alive. With the Hylane, the brand brings that Y2K skate energy to a new generation, expanding the silhouette’s story with fresh colourways and a sharper edge. The retro-futuristic style is back in updated colourways that are dialed in for skate-inspired looks, and everything in between.
Rooted in late-90s skateboarding and reimagined for today, the Hylane takes cues from the original 1999 Upland silhouette. Chunky, cushioned, and unapologetically nostalgic, it hits that sweet spot between function and fashion. It’s a defiant nudge against the minimalist, hyper-sleek arc of today’s sneaker culture — a reminder from Vans that the OG puffed-out skate tongue deserves its renaissance. Glossed Side Stripes™, 3D logos, and embroidered hits return as design pillars that have shaped streetwear’s DNA in ways we’re still unpacking. Beneath this new iteration of the Hylane sits a reverse waffle outsole, a Cold Cement Cupsole for long-haul durability, and padded collars built for comfort. Vans is crystal clear with its technical details, as always.
With the love for Y2K looks and chunky sneakers in full swing, the Hylane fits right in as an emblem of a bygone era and a marker for the future. These new colorways bring a modern energy to a familiar form, keeping the Hylane’s identity intact while pushing the palette into new territory.
The Vans Hylane is now available at Vans retailers and online.
All imagery courtesy of Vans
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 84 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2 000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership
doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as the Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
Vans, “Off The Wall” Since ’66
Written by Holly Bell Beaton
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