This kind of stuff makes us happy. A tribute to a pair of shoes ridden to death, submitted by Ryan Mense. Coincidentally these are the same shoes we are re-releasing this week after 5 years. Thanks Ryan!

“I came upon a pair of my Vandever’s as I was doing some spring cleaning in the garage today. I was instantly struck with nostalgia, remembering the days at our now fallen trails, road trips in to the unknown, and learning so much about myself through riding a bmx bike. These were my second pair of them, they’re the only model of shoe I have ever bought two of I might add. I bought them around 2003 or 2004 I think, which makes me 15 years old at the time. I was right in the prime of falling in love with bikes, and these Orchid’s really did make the experience all the better. As you can see in the attached photos, I rode these shoes until they were an ominous deathtrap to my shins from slipped pedals. I just wanted to say thanks for doing what you are doing, and keep doing what you’re doing! Peace.”
-Ryan M.