Vans Honors Mac Miller with a Limited Sneaker In Homage To His Fifth Album, ‘Swimming’

Kyle Lamar Rice
·2 min read
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Last week, Vans released a limited run of Mac Miller-inspired sneakers to pay homage to the late rapper’s legacy before passing in 2018. As soon as the shoes dropped, they were sold out, initially retailing for only $100. But collectors and Miller fans can still cop a pair online for a sharp price increase, starting at $750.

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The Vans, which emulate the brand’s classic style Miller was often seen sporting, feature the original black canvas and white midsole but are detailed with “Mac Miller 1992 Til ∞” printed on the rubber. On the toe box, a yin-yang embroidered with “Swimming by Mac Miller” encircled around the symbol—a nod to his fifth studio album and Miller’s love for music.

Swimming 5-Year Vans

Price: $750

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The yin-yang, outside of Miller seen sporting the symbol on merch accompanying the album, was theorized by fans as Miller’s deep understanding of music. As one Reddit user puts it, Swimming “ends on a 7th chord. Think ‘do ray me fa so la ti……,’ and Circles starts with a ‘do.’ Swimming starts with the downbeat in the same chord progressions and the root note. The yin-yang symbol is perfect. One album leads directly into the other, and vice versa.”

It was this level of deep synergy between his albums and songs that made users flock to his work. However, Miller had long struggled with addiction and mental health, often attempting sobriety and later relapsing. In an interview with New York Mag, the artist detailed his struggle to find balance, saying, “I really wouldn’t want just happiness, and I don’t want just sadness either. I don’t want to be depressed. I want to be able to have good days and bad days.”

You can still shop the collection on StockX, but supplies are quickly running out. If you’re a fan and still want to pay homage to your favorite artist, feel free to cop some other Mac Miller merch. Etsy has some great selections, like this tracklist album tee or a minimalist “Self Care” hoodie.

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