How are we Feeling About the INVINCIBLE x Vault By Vans “Gnarly Pack?”

Vans doesn’t always have the best reputation with skateboarders, and the latest Vault by Vans collaboration may not help with that. INVINCIBLE joined with Vans for what they are calling the “Gnarly Pack,” which involves new takes on both the Authentic and the Sk8-Hi. It’s not about the colorways, which are grayscale, or the quality of the shoes for skating, but the design.

The crux of the INVINCIBLE x Vault by Vans collab is that they come pre-frayed. They are designed to look like well-worn skate shoes right out of the box. The Authentic, in particular, comes quite frayed. Now, there are jeans that come pre-stressed, or pre-ripped, but that’s more of a fashion thing. A dumb fashion thing, in terms of ripped jeans, but the idea isn’t for you to appear to be wearing well-worn, naturally ripped jeans. Do the shoes from the Gnarly Pack effectively allow you to look like you’ve worn your shoes out skating without ever stepping on a board? Are these shoes the equivalent of stolen valor? Take a look for yourself and let us know what you think. If you’re curious, the shoes hit INVINCIBLE outlets July 1, and Vans retailers July 8.