What’s in the Vans Autism Awareness collection?
The new range is set to feature sensory inclusive designs and will raise US$100,000 for charity.
From breast cancer to International Women's Day, streetwear brand Vans has long used its popularity to support great causes. Now, the label is working to help create awareness of Autism, with the release of a brand new line full of sensory inclusive footwear designs.
Release date: March 2020
Where to buy: US Vans site
Releasing later this month, the Autism Awareness Collection will see the arrival of six new sneaker silhouettes designed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in mind. Each pair of kicks will be available in calming colour palettes and will have features that focus on the senses of sight, touch and sound.
A pair of ComfyCush Old Skools will come in a blue suede upper, complete with Vans iconic checkerboard pattern. Red velvet hearts will be scattered throughout the design, while a special message from Vans will appear on the heels.
Two pairs of ComfyCush Slip-On PT's have meanwhile been outfitted in a plush check upper in muted grey and blue colourways. The easy pull-on style has also been reimagined in a holographic water print upper in soothing shades of blue and green.
Both the ComfyCush Old Skools and the ComfyCush Slip-On PT styles will be available in adults, kids and toddler sizing, giving everyone an opportunity to nab themselves a pair.
Three remaining models have also been made exclusively for kids and toddlers, with the all-new ComfyCush New Skool V heading the range. Featuring a single strap design that makes them easy to put on and take off, the sneakers also feature a pull tab for easy entry and a padded collar for added comfort.
A final ComfyCush Slip-On PT model will also be available in a white style with "LOVE" text printed on the toe.
In addition to the sneaker line, Vans is also releasing a range of long and short sleeve tees for kids. Similar to the rest of the range, each of the graphic tees will come in calming colour palettes designed to soothe.
While there isn't an official release date at this stage, Vans has said that the line will be available sometime this month. We can expect to see them first on the US Vans site, though we're hoping that they'll also drop onto the Australian version of the site too.
US$100,000 of the proceeds raised from the line will be donated to A.skate Foundation, which is a non-profit organisation that teaches skateboarding to children with autism to help them connect with the social world.
You can check out the rest of the Autism Awareness collection below.
In a statement, Vans has said that the brand has stood as a "champion of individuality and self-expression" since its inception and is looking to celebrate "the unique aspects of all people" with its new line.
For more Vans news, release dates and current discounts, you can check out our Vans hub.
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Images: Supplied
