Vans Old Skool 36 FM Debuts at Milan Design Week

Sneakers

April 11, 2025

The Vans Old Skool 36 FM debuts at Milan Design Week through an immersive cultural installation, redefining the brand’s iconic skate shoe.

Vans Celebrates Culture and Innovation at Milan Design Week

During Milan Design Week 2025, Vans showcased its commitment to the fusion of design, art, and music by launching the Old Skool 36 FM. This sneaker, which is part of the OTW by Vans line, was introduced through an immersive installation titled “CHECKERED FUTURE: FREQUENCY MANIFEST”. This event took place at Triennale Milano and created a unique experience for attendees. Moreover, the installation was designed by Willo Perron, who expertly crafted a space that reflected the brand’s heritage while looking forward. To enhance the experience, Tim Hecker created a captivating soundscape. Altogether, the event invited guests on a journey that transitioned from Vans’ rich legacy to an exciting, music-inspired future.

The installation not only explored the visual architecture of sound, but it also transformed frequencies, waves, and vibrations into a captivating sensory experience. Moreover, it extended seamlessly into the museum’s garden. This transition blended elements of architectural history with a futuristic vision. In addition, a large-scale checkerboard design made of mirrored panels elegantly framed the ceremonial stage. Here, Björk, Vegyn, and Evissimax delivered unforgettable performances.

Introducing the Old Skool 36 FM: The Future Make Debut

The highlight of this cultural experience is the launch of the Old Skool 36 FM. This shoe is a bold reimagining of the legendary Style 36, which is Vans’ second-ever skate shoe and the first to feature the iconic Sidestripe. Furthermore, as the inaugural release in OTW’s ‘Future Make’ series, this silhouette seamlessly blends cutting-edge design with technical innovation. In addition, it showcases advanced construction techniques. Overall, the Old Skool 36 FM represents a significant step forward in skate shoe design.

The sneaker features a componentized cupsole, a modern evolution of Vans’ waffle outsole. Its upper uses a lofted engineered knit for breathability and a sleek finish, complemented by a 3D-injected TPU Sidestripe. For all-day comfort, the shoe includes a Sola Foam ADC insole and EVA Strobel construction, delivering a premium underfoot experience.

Available in Two Elevated Colorways

The Old Skool 36 FM drops in two essential colorways: Marshmallow and Black. The mix of clean minimalism and bold structure creates a versatile design ready to carry Vans into its next era.