Vans Breakers

Item #33: Vans Breakers Shoes

Era: 1980s

Circulation: Rarer than rare.

Behold the Holy Grail of Breakdancing shoes. Actually as far as we’re aware they’re one of two vintage shoes to be specifically designed for breakdancing purposes. Both shoes were released by Vans under their Breakers line – this is the more popular #438 and at $45 was the more expensive of the two. #439 was a slightly more traditional shoe but it features side laces and a higher toe. Both are somewhat obscure items, never really mass-produced for the mainstream, mostly sold through direct mail magazine campaigns and uber-specialty stores.

To promote their kicks Vans cast a crew of breakers known as the Vans Breakers who performed all over Anaheim at special events. We scribed a post about these shoes a few years ago and some quality comments poured in which helped solidify it as our favorite post, ever. Aside from several demands about how to find a pair original members of the Vans breakers reconnect. Very cool – check it out here. One of the original members of the crew managed to dig up this video on YouTube of the crew in action (watch below, wait for the second crew to come out!)

Brand: Vans

Size: 9

Condition: Great vintage condition.

Variables: The pictures tell the tale. Some wear spots on the soles mostly near the heel. Mild scuffing most noticeably on the left side of the left shoe. Very clean synthetic portion: white, red and leather? are pretty flawless. Insides are very clean and fresh. Soles are firmly attached.

Price: $999.00 (includes expedited shipping w/tracking and insurance in U.S. and Canada)

Sorry, these have been sold.