Carpet Company, the Baltimore-based skate brand known for its innovative designs and cultural storytelling, has long been heralded for its collaborative efforts in the footwear world. Last year, the label worked with Vans to deliver a three-pack of sneakers, including two Half Cabs and a Cab 4 colorway. Continuing their work, Carpet Company and Vans pay homage to a sneaker that helped propel Vans to the forefront of skate culture — the Old Skool.
This Vans Old Skool 36+ takes inspiration from the original Style 36, first introduced in 1977 as Vans’ debut shoe to feature the now-famous Sidestripe. Limited to 1,977 individually numbered pairs, this release honors the Old Skool's legacy while incorporating modern features for skaters. The sneaker’s standout details include a premium faux croc skin upper in black and yellow, custom Arabic text labels, interchangeable Velcro tongue patches, and embroidered accents.


Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com