The Sk8-Hi launched in 1978 as Style 38 and was Vans' first high-top. This is the winter version from Vans' MTE (Made for the Elements) line: waterproof, insulated and built on a grippier sole. The upper mixes ripstop, suede and leather, so it's lighter than an all-leather shoe and tough enough to take a beating.
The regular Sk8-Hi has been a special operations favorite for years because it's quiet, low-key and nothing about it says military. The MTE takes that same shoe and fixes the one thing it was never good at: weather. HydroGuard 360° keeps water out, 100 g PrimaLoft keeps your toes warm and the All-Trac outsole keeps you upright on wet rock, slush and ice.
Long nights in wet grass, cold ladders and slippery rooftops. If the sneaky beaky stuff doesn't stop when the weather turns, neither should your shoes.
Key Features
- Ripstop, Suede and Leather Upper – Light, tear-resistant and durable
- HydroGuard 360° Waterproofing – A full waterproof bootie that stretches with your foot and still breathes
- 100 g PrimaLoft Insulation – Keeps you warm without holding moisture inside the shoe
- All-Trac Outsole – Cold-weather rubber with flexible lugs that grip wet, icy and uneven ground
- UltraCush Drop-In Footbed – Cushioning for long days on your feet
- Padded High-Top Collar – Ankle coverage without the weight of a boot
Specifications
- Upper: Ripstop, suede and leather
- Waterproofing: HydroGuard 360° bootie construction
- Insulation: 100 g PrimaLoft
- Footbed: UltraCush, removable
- Outsole: All-Trac rubber, at least 30% recycled and regenerative rubber
- Closure: Laces
- Fit: Unisex
Applications
- Night work in cold and wet conditions
- Low-vis and plainclothes use in winter
- Urban movement in rain, slush and snow
- Travel, EDC and off-duty
Why Choose the Sk8-Hi MTE
It's the same shoe special operations made their own, rebuilt for Nordic weather. It won't replace your -30 °C boots, and it doesn't try to. For everything from October rain to January slush, it's the best shoe out there for mischievous operations and sneaky beaky stuff when it's cold, dark and wet.
Care
Brush off dirt once it's dry and wipe the ripstop panels with a damp cloth. Dry them at room temperature, never on a radiator or next to a fire. Hit the suede with a protector spray now and then to keep the outer fabric from soaking through. Keep them out of the washing machine.
SIZING INFO!
Vans use US sizing and the Sk8-Hi generally fits true to size. If you have wide feet or plan to wear thick wool socks, go half a size up. If you don't see your size available, send us an email at team@geardom.com and we'll try to get you sorted.
