Vans Old Skool Drops K-Pop Demon Hunters Golden Capsule
Vans extends its licensing partnership with Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters franchise with a gilded Old Skool capsule arriving in kids' sizing only. The collaboration marks the film's one-year anniversary with a shimmering design centered on the franchise's "Golden" anthem, releasing July 17 in-store and July 20 online.
By Ava Rodriguez
The Partnership Expands
Since securing its position as the primary footwear licensee for K-Pop Demon Hunters late in 2025, Vans has maintained steady momentum with the Netflix franchise's merchandising pipeline. The California brand's latest installment arrives as a celebration of the film's first-year milestone, expanding beyond the initial holiday-season releases into a more elaborate capsule that signals the partnership's longevity. Additional styles, including a textured Derpy Slip-On and further designs tied to the film's principal characters and supporting ensemble, remain in development.
Design Details
The centerpiece of this release is a kids-exclusive rendition of the Old Skool silhouette, built around the franchise's "Golden" single. The execution trades subtlety for visual statement: gilded tones dominate the toe box and heel counter, while matching gold striping extends across the insoles, lace stays, and sidewalls. The signature Vans SideStripe grounds the overall composition in black, though even this anchor receives glittery embellishment that ripples from the heel to the midfoot—a design choice that prioritizes thematic cohesion over restraint.
The Old Skool silhouette itself carries particular weight within Vans' hierarchy. As the brand's foundational canvas dating back decades, the model's enduring appeal lies in its structural simplicity, a quality that proves either liability or asset depending on execution. In this instance, the gilded application reads as intentional rather than overwrought, with the metallic finishes distributed across multiple components rather than dominating a single surface.
Release Strategy and Sizing
Vans has staggered the rollout across two phases: July 17 marks the in-store debut at Vans retail locations, followed by a broader online launch three days later on July 20. The capsule arrives exclusively in children's sizing, with grade school pairs priced at $75, little kids' at $60, and toddler sizing at $55. This kids-only approach aligns with the franchise's core demographic while acknowledging the collector mentality that often surrounds licensed entertainment collaborations.
The SKU for the grade school model is VN000ECUGLD, serving as the primary product identifier for retailers and resale platforms.
What's Next
This release functions as an interim chapter within a broader collaborative arc. Vans has confirmed that additional product—including the aforementioned Derpy Slip-On and designs derived from secondary characters such as the Saja Boys—will surface in coming months. The cadence suggests a sustained push through the remainder of 2026, maintaining consumer engagement ahead of K-Pop Demon Hunters 2's anticipated 2029 arrival.
FAQs
When does the K-Pop Demon Hunters x Vans Old Skool release?
The collaboration releases July 17, 2026 at Vans stores, with a wider online launch on July 20, 2026.
What is the retail price?
Grade school sizing retails for $75, little kids' for $60, and toddler sizing for $55.
Where can I buy the shoe?
The shoe is available starting July 17 at Vans retail locations and July 20 online, with the grade school SKU listed as VN000ECUGLD.
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Release Info
Product: K-Pop Demon Hunters x Vans Old Skool (Golden)
Release Date: July 17, 2026 (in-store); July 20, 2026 (online)
Sizing: Kids' exclusive (toddler, little kids', grade school)
Retail Price: $75 (grade school), $60 (little kids'), $55 (toddler)
SKU: VN000ECUGLD (grade school)
Retailers: Vans stores and Vans.com
