Vans MTE Sk8-Hi Waterproof Insulated

Vans MTE: Iconic Californian Skate Style Ready for Winter, Rain, and Frosty Urban Asphalt

Are you looking for shoes that maintain the unmistakable profile and attitude of your favorite Vans sneakers, yet will not let you down in autumn downpours, on icy surfaces, or in slushy snow? The Vans MTE (Made For The Elements™) collection available at Queens is precisely what your wardrobe needs for the cold months. The Vans brand has taken its most legendary silhouettes – led by the ankle-high Sk8-Hi, low-top Old Skool, and hybrid outdoor versions of UltraRange – and completely reimagined them into fully functional inclement weather footwear. The result is durable shoes with water-repellent membranes, insulation, and rugged traction, allowing you to embrace skate aesthetics all year round, regardless of what falls from the sky.

The Story of the MTE Collection: The Birth of the "Made For The Elements" Series

The journey of the MTE series illustrates how the iconic Californian brand, born on sun-soaked beaches, has adapted to the harshest climates:

• From Skateboarding to Surfing in Icy Waters: The concept of the MTE series originated from surfers and skaters on the Vans team, who traveled to cold corners of the world in search of waves – from the Oregon coast to Iceland. They needed a shoe that could handle mud, frozen rocks, and snow in the parking lot, without having to wear bulky and heavy hiking boots.
• Three Levels of Protection (MTE-1, MTE-2, and MTE-3): Vans has categorized the entire range into clear categories based on the level of technological protection. While the MTE-1 level offers excellent basic protection against water and cold for milder urban winters, MTE-2 and extreme MTE-3 utilize top-tier outdoor membranes such as GORE-TEX® and advanced thermal insulation capable of handling mountain excursions.
• Winter Streetwear Without Compromise: For all street fashion enthusiasts, the arrival of the MTE series represented a significant relief. No more sacrificing the signature Sidestripe and typical Californian cut due to low temperatures.

Technologies and Features to Keep You Warm and Dry

In the Vans MTE models, you will appreciate the thoughtful overall protection against the elements:

• Water-Repellent Treatment and Waterproof Membranes: The durable upper made from premium hydrophobic leather, suede, and technical textiles is protected by either a special water-repellent treatment or an integrated waterproof membrane (in higher versions, the membrane is HydroGuard™ or GORE-TEX®), which prevents moisture from entering while allowing the foot to breathe.
• Thermal Insulation Filling PrimaLoft® or 360° Insulation: The interior of the shoes is lined with warm microfibers (in several models, featuring top insulation PrimaLoft® mimicking the properties of down), which trap body heat and effectively prevent cold from penetrating from the ground.
• Reverse Waffle Lug Outsole: The iconic Vans outsole has been turned inside out. This has created a deep tread from a weather-resistant rubber compound All-Trac™, which grips snow, mud, and wet leaves, keeping you steady with every step.
• Pull Tabs and Reinforced Tongue with Integrated Wedges: The integrated tongue prevents water and dirt from entering through the lacing, and robust textile pull tabs on the heel and tongue allow for quick and comfortable slipping on, even with thick socks.
• Cushioning Insole UltraCush™ or OrthoLite®: The soft foam insole inside the shoe reliably absorbs impacts on hard urban asphalt and provides high comfort throughout the day.

How to Wear and Style Vans MTE Models?

• With Cropped Wide Jeans and a Flannel Shirt: Let the ankle profile of the Sk8-Hi MTE shine in combination with loose denim, a warm puffer jacket, and flannel – a classic autumn uniform that never disappoints.
• With Cargo Pants and an Insulated Jacket: More technical models like UltraRange EXO MTE look great with parachute pants, drawstrings, and functional gorpcore layering.
• With Insulated Sweatpants for Quick Urban Missions: For a casual relaxed fit, opt for a hoodie, loose joggers, and black leather MTE sneakers that will keep your feet dry regardless of the weather outside.

Choose your pair from the Vans MTE collection at Queens and enjoy autumn and winter in warmth, dryness, and with authentic Californian style that never goes out of fashion.