VANS x PALACE release LOW 2

## THE DECLARATION Palace and Vans are releasing the Vans Low 2 on February 27th, 2026 with a proclamation that cuts through industry noise. The brands crowned their collaboration "the best skate shoe of the year in an ad spot featuring Danny Brady and Rory Milanes, both sponsored by Palace and Vans". This declaration lands exactly 58 days into 2026. The Instagram post strips away marketing fluff for direct communication. "Accompanied by a video campaign featuring Vans skate team riders Danny Brady and Rory Milanes, the pair is seen accepting the award at the prestigious S.S.O.T.Y awards". Palace photographer Charlie James Young captured the campaign imagery that supports this satirical narrative. The Palace x Vans partnership remains very much intact, set to celebrate its five-year anniversary later this summer. Five years represents substantial commitment in streetwear partnerships that often last single seasons. ## THE TECHNOLOGY STORY The sneaker is built on Vans' most advanced vulcanized platform, equipped with PopCush insoles, DuraCap underlays, and SickStick rubber outsoles. PopCush technology addresses skateboarding's fundamental challenge: impact protection without sacrificing board feel. Central to this performance upgrade is the integration of PopCush insoles. Designed to absorb high-impact landings while maintaining energy return, PopCush technology allows skaters to maintain precision under stress. This technology differentiates the Low 2 from competitors relying solely on cupsole construction. The Vans Low 2 is a successor to the original Vans Low from 2023, also co-created by Palace and Vans. Three years between iterations suggests deliberate development rather than seasonal churn. ## VISUAL STRATEGY DECODED Visually, minimal and modern are the two words that come to mind. A series of curved overlays wrap the exterior, while an inner sock-like bootie ensures a secure, comfortable fit. The minimalism contrasts with maximalist trends dominating 2026 sneaker releases. Dragon motifs, potentially inspired by Steve Caballero's dragon decks, appear on the tongue and sides, while Palace's triangle logo forms the eyestays. These details connect skateboarding heritage with contemporary brand identity. Three colorways of the Vans Low 2 launch February 27th: White, Black/Gum, and Yellow/Black. The colorway count matches industry standards for premium collaborations while maintaining exclusivity. ## COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Among the most popular skate shoe brands, Nike SB, Vans, Adidas, and Converse stand at the top. Nike SB has gained massive appeal through high-profile collabs and advanced performance features like Zoom Air cushioning. The Low 2 arrives as Nike SB plans several new Dunk colorways in 2026, according to leaks. Highlights include Muni Fast Pass, Thai Food Hemp, Bronx Girls Skate, and Dashawn Jordan editions. Adidas Skateboarding maintains presence through one of skateboarding's heaviest hitters—Tyshawn Jones—dropped a fresh new colorway of the Tyshawn II, along with a new apparel collection. However, while the brand is rooted in various sports, it also releases sneakers and apparel for the skating niche, though perhaps not as widely popular as Nike's SB line. ## BRAND TRAJECTORY Vans entered 2026 with momentum from the Valentino Garavani x Vans collaboration, which took the latter's Authentic silhouette and reimagined it under the direction of Valentino's current creative director, Alessandro Michele. The luxury collaboration positioned Vans beyond core skateboarding audiences. In this landscape, Vans finds itself having (yet another) moment. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, as they say, and after an extended hiatus from being a go-to footwear option for many, the brand is popping up a lot more often these days. The timing benefits from broader market conditions. When a recession looms, a $90 pair of Old Skools that look better the more you beat them up feels like a smarter investment than a $300 tech runner that looks dusty after one wear. ## CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE By crowning the Low 2 as skate shoe of the year, Palace acknowledges the hyperbolic language often associated with product launches while simultaneously reinforcing confidence in the shoe's capabilities. This self-awareness distinguishes Palace from brands taking themselves too seriously. The February 27 launch creates 306 remaining days for competitors to challenge the "skate shoe of the year" claim. Palace's confidence suggests they believe performance and cultural relevance will sustain the declaration through December 31, 2026.