Back in July of 2011 Berlin shop Civilist were allowed to put their spin on the Chukka Low under the Vans Syndicate umbrella. This meant that shop had all the material options and colors at their disposal. But in paying tribute to their home city of Berlin and its storied past they decided to keep it clean with an all-black approach. The owners inspired by the city they grew up in and which also is represented in their shop name,
Supple black leather was matched up with Dri-Lex fabric on the Chukka’s upper. Black stitching keeps the upper on the slimmed pure white vulcanized sole. Other details that make this sneaker special include brushed copper eyelets to match their store fixtures. Civilist branding on the tongue tag and lace tips along with special “Berlin Brigade” insoles. If you were one of the lucky 100 to snag a pair of these limited collaborations you also received a t-shirt, special set of pins and tote bag. Since this Chukka Low collaboration released both Vans and Civilist have linked up on other sneakers however the original is the most meaningful.
Aaron Nojima
Robbie Falchi