Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, listened to the BMX community and enlisted insight from Vans team rider Dakota Roche to help build the Slip-On Pro BMX, the first-ever Vans Slip-On to offer Wafflecup BMX technology.
Considered one of the hardest working BMX riders out there today, Dakota’s unrelenting drive for street riding has bolstered his professional career and garnered many accolades over the past ten years. In need of a shoe that stands up to his riding, Dak worked with Vans on the Slip-On BMX Pro, featuring a striking two-tone black and white colorway with a black outsole.
“The Slip-On Pro has been my go-to shoe for riding, skating and chilling for some time now. In my mind, the only thing that could make it even better was the tried and true Wafflecup BMX sole,” Dak said. “My dreams came true in the form of a very stylish shoe that can take a heavy beating in the streets but also pair well with your fancy dinner kit.”
Dak also lent his artistic talents to the silhouette, showcasing his original drawings on the heel and tongue: “It’s an absolute honor to have my artwork incorporated in these bad boys. The sun is always a reminder to me to push through trying times, so it just made sense to subtlety tie it in.”
Designed with the BMXer in mind, Vans Wafflecup BMX technology is a first of its kind for BMX, providing unrivaled support and durability without sacrificing pedalfeel. The Slip-On BMX Pro also features a rubber toecap for added protection and DURACAP reinforced underlays to prolong the life of the shoe.
Dak’s creativity carries over into several everyday-wear apparel pieces, including a short sleeve pocket tee in antique white and a classic black snapback hat. Each feature his hand drawn artwork. In addition, Dak simultaneously released a curated Vans Spotify playlist, which includes songs and artists that he’s kept close to his heart over the years: “Some emotional, some motivating, and some inspiring—something for every mood,” Dak adds.
Dakota Roche grew up surfing, skating and riding BMX in Huntington Beach. With few local trails to hone his BMX skills, Dak was drawn to street riding. His tireless work ethic propelled him to worldwide attention early in his career, and more than a decade later, he’s amassed a heavy collection of outstanding video parts, earning him the respect of the BMX community.
The Slip-On Pro BMX by Dakota Roche is now available at Vans.com.my