Vans still equips wearers for adventures on and off the ramp, but the heritage footwear brand's latest offering is its most versatile and progressive yet. The silhouette always ready, the MTE Cross Pathis an all-terrain shoe that can take explorers from the city to the mountains and back again, without sacrificing that cool, natural look.
Taking inspiration from other famous Vans silhouettes, the MTE Crosspath includes iconic elements such as the classic Sidestripe and the red Off the Wall heel tab, while incorporating new features, like an updated technically advanced construction.
The MTE Crosspath and its higher cut variant, the MTE Crosspath Midare enhanced by performance features that truly set the shoe apart from other off-road options available. With sustainable materials in mind, Vans crafted the shoe's upper from 100% recycled PET, reinforced with seamless RAPIDWELD™ construction and a PFC-free DWR water-repellent coating. The model's midsole is made from 50% bio-based, plant-derived EVA foam, while 31% of the outsole's rubber is regeneratively grown, promoting more respectful agricultural practices.
A roomy toe box and contoured insoles allow the wearer to live in Crosspaths from day to night. While the interior of the shoe is designed to maximize comfort, the exterior is designed to withstand harsh traction and harsh conditions, implementing a new traction pattern for maximum surface contact.
The MTE Crosspath and Crosspath Mid will debut alongside the second installment of the Crosspath story, told by Vans Snowboarding Team riders Ryo Aizawa, Jake Kuyzk, Jill Perkins and Ivika Jürgenson as they explore St. Johns, Newfoundland, putting the shoe's durability to the test. the test.
Ahead of this release, Hypebeast spoke with Matt Nosbusch, Director of Design at MTE, below about the shoe's capabilities and some of its standout features.
Hypebeast: What sets this all-terrain offering apart from other sustainable models launched by Vans?
Matt Nosbusch: This new Crosspath offers a lighter 4-season approach that provides maximum cushioning, traction, all-day versatility and all-weather wearability. The outsole has been upgraded with a more robust set of toe picker lugs and braking lugs, and features a more radiused lug edge around the entire perimeter to improve traction on all surfaces.
How to effectively strike the delicate balance between style and functionality with the MTE Crosspath?
Balance is the objective, we were there at all functional levels while always being
focusing on creating an aesthetically pleasing, clean look and feel that draws inspiration from our skateboarding roots.
This shoe is also designed for all-day wear, incorporating elements such as a more spacious tip. Tell us about some of the other features maximizing the comfort of the all-terrain shoe.
The Crosspath is built with a new upper shape designed to wrap the
the bones of your foot while allowing durable zones, flexion and cushioning where it's needed. Additionally, it features a new bio-based EVA midsole for maximum cushioning and all-day comfort.
This shoe is also one of Vans' most progressive all-terrain options. Can we dive in the sustainable considerations implemented in the MTE Crosspath project Design?
This technical upper is made of recycled PET mesh and textiles with lightweight no-sew (quick-weld) accents. The 50% bio-based midsole provides lightweight cushioning.
In what scenarios do you envision MTE carriers? Crossed path?
Mainly for all day wear when you expect a lot from your shoes. Perfect for a
travel when you only take one pair of shoes. They work well in town and elsewhere
types of terrain.
As this shoe is one of the most technically advanced and weather-resistant Vans shoes offerings, how does it open the door to more innovations to come?
The design team continues to promote performance and style, and we see that the next generation is ready for Vans to evolve its offerings. The Crosspath is exactly that, taking Vans to new levels of style, performance and all-day comfort.
Discover the MTE Crosspath and the MTE Crosspath Mid on vans.com.