A collaboration that should have happened a long time ago: Travis Barker and Vans. The drummer of the famous band Blink-182 has been loyal to the brand for years, and after several campaigns and collaborations, he finally gets his very own Vans collab.
And what better way to kick off his collaboration than with a sneaker full of tattoos?
For the collaboration, they chose the Vans Old Skool, a sneaker Barker is often seen wearing. The sneaker stays true to its roots with a classic black-and-white colorway, featuring subtle (and not-so-subtle) details that reference the artist.
For example, a boombox logo is placed on the tongue, referencing his chest tattoo, while the barbed wire on the sole and the ‘Dues Paid’ on the toe box are nods to tattoos on his knuckles and knees. On the heel sits Barker’s own ransom-style logo, known from his drum kit.
Specially for the collaboration, Barker also released an exclusive track titled ‘Dues Paid’, a reference to his tattoo and a symbol of his musical journey and personal growth. The campaign images were shot by Atiba Jefferson, who is also considered a Vans veteran.
The Travis Barker x Vans Old Skool drops on October 23, 2025, via the Vans website. It is not yet known whether the release will be available in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe.
Keep an eye on the Sneakerjagers news page for updates, as another Barker release is already planned for 2026.
