Imran Potato’s Hit Puffy Vans Knu Skool Sneakers Are Making a Return

Vans’ Knu Skool, a puffed-up version of the brand’s classic Old Skool, owes a lot of its success to Imran Potato. The shoe made its debut in 1998, the beginning of the heyday for beefy skate shoes, and was brought back by Vans in 2015. Neither of those runs were as popular as the Old Skool’s current streak though, which began with an Imran Potato collaboration in 2022 and has continued through Gen Z’s obsession with all things Y2K.

Two years later, the New York City-based designer with a penchant for bootlegging is taking on the Knu Skool once again with two new colorways and a retooled outsole. The collaboration comes as part of Vans’ recently launched OTW line, making Imran Potato just the second collaborator for the Vault by Vans successor.

More from Footwear News

The Imran Potato x Vans Knu Skool MTE is a remix of a remix intended for cold weather with a watertight suede upper and lugged outsole. Two color options define the capsule, one of which puts a black and white upper atop a gum sole unit. The other sandwiches a white midsole between a two-tone blue upper with white detailing and a gum outsole.

Just like the previous capsule, a special dual-branded mark is embroidered onto the heel of both colorways. Meanwhile, the tongue, Jazz Stripe and laces remain as pillowy as ever.

The Imran Potato x Vans OTW Knu Skool is scheduled to release April 3. The blue colorway will be available through the websites for Vans and Imran Potato, as well as select third-party retailers. Imran Potato’s website will also be the exclusive place to purchase the black version. Both are priced at $140.

Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Blue
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Blue
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Blue
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Blue
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Blue
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Blue
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Black
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Black
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Black
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Black
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Black
Imran Potato Vans Knu Skool MTE Black

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Best of Footwear News

Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.