For those who grew up on Tumblr, chances are both Mac Miller and Vans hold a very special place in their hearts. Now, five years after the release of what was to be his final album, Swimming, the Californian skate shoe brand and the late artist’s estate have come together to celebrate the project (and his legacy) with an exclusive take on the Vans Authentic silhouette.
Starting with its usual black canvas base, the Mac Miller “Swimming” x Vans Authentic collab comes customised with several motifs that pay tribute to the rapper. On the toe box, a Yin-Yang decal is outlined by the words “Swimming by Mac Miller” - referencing both his “Swimming” and “Circles” projects, while the words “Mac Miller 1992 - ∞” wrap their way around the vulcanised midsole. Elsewhere, the pairs come stamped with their usual Vans branding, but fans and collectors alike will be pleased to know that they arrive in a special-edition box.
To celebrate the release, a portion of the sales will go towards Mac’s charity, the Mac Miller fund, which was set up to provide budding young musicians with the resources they need to “help realise their full potential, through exploration, expression and community”. For those wanting to get their hands on a pair, the “Swimming”-themed Vans Authentic x Mac Miller collab will be dropping exclusively on the rapper’s website on the 3rd of August.
