[Update 18 Aug 2022] Stranger Things Season 4 has ended, but Vans is assuaging fans’ want for more of with official images of the two’s collaboration. Per previous leaks, the skateboard brand is on track for a 26 August release. Excitingly, joining the Hellfire Club Vans Old Skool are the Sk8-Hi and Authentic covered in references to the sci-fi show. 

In this Stranger Things x Vans Sk8-Hi, a black canvas upper pays homage to the series’ most notorious creature, the Demogorgon, through a reflective screen print. Vines accompany the red graphic while the Vans stripe cuts through the image in a tumbled leather. The heels and eyelets take on a shaggy suede for extra textural fun. The sole units, too, join in on the Upside Down motifs.  The iconic quote “Friends Don’t Lie” is scrawled across the midsole while the translucent outsole reveals more graphics of the Demogorgon’s sharp teeth. 

Conversely, the Stranger Things x Vans Authentic is more playful and lighthearted than the Demogorgon Sk8-Hi and the Hellfire Club Old Skool. A nod to one pizza delivery boy Argyle, one of Season 4’s main characters, the uppers are mismatched checkers decorated in sketches of pizzas, palm trees and the Surfer Boy Pizza logo. Argyle’s name and a yellow stain, presumedly pizza grease, is also present on the toe box for extra details. 

What this collaboration showcases is Vans’ ability to nail the finer details, providing Stranger Things fans their own little “iykyk” moment. The Stranger Things x Vans Collection will retail at the following prices: 

• Stranger Things × Vans Old Skool “HELLFIRE CLUB” at ¥12,100 (~US$90)
• Stranger Things x Vans Authentic at ¥11,000 (~US$82) 
• Stranger Things x Vans Sk8-Hi  at ¥13,500 (~US$100)

[Update 12 Jul 2022] Joining the Stranger Things x Vans Old Skool “Hellfire Club” are custom options for the Old Skool, Authentic, Sk8-Hi, and Slip-On. Fans of the Netflix series can customise these silhouettes with prints that of the “Poster Art,” “Flame Logo,” or “Hellfire Club” motifs.

Additionally, for the first time in Van’s history, the brand is bringing the custom option to their apparel and accessories. This includes backpacks, tees and sweatshirts. Unlike the Hellfire Club-themed Old Skool that releases in August, the Stranger Things x Vans Customs is currently available on the Vans website. Keep scrolling for more images!

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Images of Stranger Things x Vans “Hellfire Club” Collection

Images of Stranger Things x Vans Customs Collection

If Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” has been on repeat for you or those around you, then it’s likely due to the influence of Stranger Things 4, the latest season of Netflix’s hit series. The popularity of this science fiction is undeniable, and Vans is providing fans the opportunity to rep “merch” that prove their allegiance to the show’s Hellfire Club.

The Hellfire Club is the official Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) club that the cast of boys join in Hawkins High School. Given that this club is the central plot driver of season 4, it is befitting that the Hellfire Club’s motifs take over the Vans Old Skool, whose model name is in itself a nod to the 80’s retro setting of Stranger Things.

Similar to many other iterations of Vans Old Skool, the Stranger Things’ collaboration utilises a black canvas upper as a background for its design elements. Uniquely, though, cracks of red appear across the upper, mimicking the background of the Hellfire Club logo. Doodled on top this cracked look are the words “Hellfire Club”, the logo’s burning sword and devil, along with the iconic D&D dice with flames at the heel.

The jazz stripes are not spared, with black and white chains scrawled along its length. The midsole, too, features Van’s iconic checkers, an axe with the words “Hell Can Wait” and a “Choose Your Weapon Wisely” sword design that is emblematic of D&D. Interestingly, the midsole also sports a scuffed look with intentional black markings, lending the shoe an adventured-in look that ties nicely with Stranger Things’ premise.

As this is the first sneak peek into the collection, we have no doubts that more models (such as the Sk8-Hi, Authentic, and Slip-On) and apparel will be joining the offerings. The Stranger Things x Vans collection will drop on 26 August.

Be sure to keep our page in your bookmarks for the latest updates on the Stranger Things x Vans Collection. In the meantime, keep scrolling on to see more pictures of this doodled Vans Old Skool!

In other sneaker-related news, check out this Nike Air Jordan 1 that may or may not be a Dunkin’ Donuts collab.

1. Stranger Things x Vans “Hellfire Club” Collection

Images via samtheking25

2. Stranger Things x Vans Customs Collection