Vans has teamed up with Midwest emo pioneers American Football for a collaboration celebrating the 25th anniversary of the band’s self-titled debut album. Partnering with Vans OTW (Off the Wall), the brand’s creative division known for experimental collaborations. The American Football project debuts the Vans Authentic 44 sneakers with the album’s iconic cover art printed across the shoes.
The collaboration campaign pays homage to one of emo’s most recognizable landmarks: the American Football house in Urbana, Illinois. In the promotional video, skaters perform tricks on ramps built in front of the suburban home while Paramore’s Hayley Williams, folk artist Novo Amor, and math-rock guitarist Yvette Young join American Football’s Mike Kinsella and Steve Lamos in celebrating the release. The cross-generational lineup highlights how the album’s twinkly guitar instrumentation, lyrical introspection, and everlasting influence continue to resonate decades later.
In 2023, the band purchased the Urbana house to preserve it from demolition, keeping it as a creative space for retreats, exhibitions, and artistic collaborations. The purchase was made alongside their label Polyvinyl Records, photographer Chris Strong (who shot the album cover), photographer and skateboarder Atiba Jefferson, and art space Open House Contemporary.
The release date of the collaboration shoe has yet to be announced.
