First look at the Vans Rowley XLT x Dime MTL

Who’d have thought in the year of 2023, we’d be talking about the és Muska one week and then the following week be harping on about the Rowley XLT.  Well at NOTE, we’re here for it.

With the burgeoning nostalgia and trends around the 90s and 00s, we guess it’s not surprising that one of the biggest releases in the industry this year is for the Rowley XLT from 2001. But these are not just a thoughtless reissue taking advantage of this nostalgia, the Vans Rowley XLT x Dime MTL is the first of many shoes to be reissued by the two industry Jugganauts. This series aims to bring some timeless classics back to life and it’s got people going crazy, including people sneakily snagging pairs pre-launch - you know who you are - and people going as far as creating a petition to bring back the shoe.

Ok that’s enough of that let’s take a gander at the shoes…

The Birth of the Rowley XLT

In the late 1990s, Vans teamed up with professional skateboarder Geoff Rowley to create a shoes that would withstand the rigors of skateboarding. One result from this partnership was the Rowley XLT (supposedly meaning Extra Light - all though by today’s standard these are anything but) which launched in 2001, a revolutionary skate shoe that combined durability, comfort, and style. The Rowley XLT quickly became a hit among skateboarders, thanks to its innovative design and of course Geoff Rowley's general gnarliness.

Introducing the Vans Rowley XLT x Dime MTL

Fast forward to the present day, and the Rowley XLT is making a comeback in collaboration with Dime MTL, a skateboarding brand known for its ‘wavy’ and unique designs. This collaboration brings together two powerhouses in the skateboarding world to create a shoe that combines the best of both brands. We salute you Dime MTL and Vans!

The Vans Rowley XLT x Dime MTL collaboration pays homage to the original Rowley XLT while adding a fresh twist. The shoe features a classic silhouette with updated materials and design elements, making it perfect for 2023. With its sleek lines, bold colors, and attention to detail, the Vans Rowley XLT x Dime MTL collaboration is a must-have for any skater, shoe historian, or civil.

Along with the classic XLT timeless design, these are as per usual jammed packed with Vans tech. The shoe features a reinforced toe cap and suede upper, providing durability and protection against abrasion. They also incorporate Vans' UltraCush HD footbed, which provides superior impact protection and cushioning. If you’re planning to skate anything like 2001 Rowley this new tech is definitely a welcomed addition

How to get your hands on the Vans Rowley XLT x Dime MTL

The Vans Rowley XLT x Dime MTL is set to release on Thursday, 5th October at 00:00am (BST). Set your alarms, shot some energy drink and get ready for a tasty dose of 00s skate history.