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Since 1966 Vans has left a ubiquitous waffle tread mark on a range of outdoorsy subcultures, branching beyond skateboarding and into snowboarding in 1993, then into surfing with the Triple Crown contest series in 1997. More recently, it's set sights on general outdoor adventure (and travel) footwear and apparel.
Born of experience with and inspiration from all of these, the new Vans UltraRange EXO Hi Gore-Tex MTE-2 is the latest in a long line of experimental Mountain Edition (aka MTE) shoes from the Southern California mainstay—a go-anywhere sneaker boot designed with cold weather surfers in mind. And it’s easily one of the most rugged pairs we’ve seen from the company to date.
Working with the versatile, adventure-ready UltraRange style, Vans pulled together its most weather-capable product technologies to make up this hardy shoe. Starting at the base, the UltraRange EXO sole is an inverted restyling of the classic vulcanized waffle that creates grippy nubs of a rubber compound specifically formulated for finding grip in cold weather. Support comes from the brand’s comfortable UltraCush midsole that has already updated countless classic models in the Vans catalog.
A one-two punch of Primaloft insulation and Gore-Tex waterproofing creates a warm and dry safe place to keep your feet on cold, wet days. We’re particularly fond of the brown colorway with red laces as it's reminiscent of classic hiker boot style. Both all-black and all-white colorways offer a more approachable balance of style and function that's equally well-suited for city streets and muddy trails around the world.
Though winter surf days were the design inspiration, we’d happily lace up a pair for a fall camping trip, chilly bike commute, or even just a walk to the corner store once these sweaty city sidewalks fill with discolored snow and slush.
Published 09-13-2021
