BAPE and Vans Stack Camo and 3D Stripes on the Premium Knu Skool

It is safe to say that when A Bathing Ape and Vans link up, we better pay attention. Following a string of successful collabs over the past years, the two names are now back at it! This time turning their attention to the chunky Knu Skool silhouette.

Let us introduce you to the BAPE x Vans Knu Skool ‘Black Camo’ and ‘OG Camo’!

A Closer Look at the BAPE x Vans Knu Skool ‘Black Camo’ and ‘OG Camo’…

BAPE and Vans give us their signature styles, but with a special twist, as always. This latest collaboration does not just swap out colours, it forces two distinct design languages to fight for the same real estate so to say.

The Knu Skool by Vans is a ’90s-inspired version of the Old Skool model. It comes with a padded tongue, an oversized 3D-Sidestripe, and thick laces for the perfect skate aesthetic and a great feel on the board.

Rather than replacing the Knu Skool’s oversized, puffy DNA, BAPE has layered its most recognisable archives right on top of it.

Dropping in the colorways ‘OG Camo’ and ‘Camo Black’, the design features a beautiful blend of heavy suede overlays around the toe, heel, and eyestays. Underneath, there are breathable canvas panels printed with BAPE’s legendary ABC Camo.

While the green pair leans heavily into the traditional, woodland Harajuku aesthetic, the black pair takes a stealthier, tonal route, letting the textures do the talking. Not unexpected, but the inner sides of the shoes have a different pattern than the outer sides.

Let’s check some details, because there are a lot: Look closer at the lateral sides and you will spot a masterclass in co-branding. The Knu Skool’s chunky 3D Sidestripe shares the stage with BAPE’s star-shaped ‘STA’ logo, sitting side-by-side without either taking a back seat. Move down to the midsoles, and the streetwear label’s famous shark-teeth motif is molded directly into the rubber, right alongside an embedded ‘A Bathing Ape’ wordmark.

To round off the design, the duo has equipped the pairs with custom Ape Head lace keepers, wide laces, and a frosty, translucent waffle outsole that reveals Vans’ classic Checkerboard pattern underneath.

How about the Drop Date?

The BAPE x Vans Premium Knu Skool collection is scheduled to arrive on 15th July 2026. Expect these to land via Vans and select retailers. Click the buttons below for a complete overview of release info and stockists.

We also recommend to stay locked to our release calendar to always stay ahead of the latest drops!

IMAGE CREDITS: VANS