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Today Vans Skateboarding launches its first signature shoe from Lizzie Armanto.
As a trailblazer in skateboarding, Lizzie is an inspiration, breaking down the barriers of what’s possible. So, when Vans set out to create Lizzie’s first signature skateboarding shoe, they listened closely to her and what she needed to progress. The result is The Lizzie, Vans’ first signature skateboarding shoe designed by a woman in 20 years. The Lizzie provides something else entirely for a wider range of skateboarders whose needs are not being met.
“I really enjoyed the process of creating a shoe from the ground up,” Lizzie said. “I felt compelled to make a shoe that is simple, functional, feels good on your feet and has a bit of soul, and feel proud of what we were able to accomplish.”
To bring this vision to life, Lizzie worked closely with Vans’ Innovation and Product Development teams on a performance-fit last molded directly from 3D scans of her feet. Lizzie wanted a shoe that represented her completely—from a slimmer fit tailored to her foot shape, to a leaner outsole for a closer connection to her board and improved flexibility. The impact cushioning in typical skate shoes left Lizzie feeling like she was floating above her board, so Vans listened to create a new lower profile footbed.
The Lizzie features a new vulcanized construction with a lower profile sidewall foxing tape, an exposed radiused outsole edge, and flex grooves for a stable, broken-in feel. The universal fit features the perfect amount of EcoCush™ cushioning, increasing boardfeel for a wider range of skaters. A new 3D Embossed DURACAP™ toe and Sidestripe has even more durability in high-wear areas, while an all-new micro-waffle tread and Sick-Stick™ rubber offers maximum grip.
Because Lizzie is also passionate about preserving our planet, her signature shoe received the Vans VR3 Checkerboard Globe designation, meaning it follows strict footwear materials guidelines for all major components and has been designed and engineered to have a reduced carbon footprint compared to Vans’ canvas shoes. Under the VR3 designation, The Lizzie will always be made in part with organic cotton, natural rubber and biobased foam. For its debut, The Lizzie also utilizes suede across the entire shoe sourced from Leather Working Group (LWG) tanneries that have been rated gold or silver for environmental responsibility.
“I feel very connected to nature, and I’m stoked that my shoe could bring me even closer to it. I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to include sustainable materials and practices as much as possible throughout the entire process. It means a lot to me that Vans’ design team went the extra mile to make this happen,” Lizzie added.
The Lizzie is finished with minimal detailing, including Lizzie’s signature initials on the exterior tongue label as well as her first and last name on the underside of the heel flaps, visible only when flipped up. Bright pops of hand drawn citrus and botanical illustrations on the shoe’s interior lining speak to Lizzie’s love of plants.
