Sneakers have had a real wild streak lately with animal print pony hair popping up on uppers across the board. Vans is now getting in on the trend, as its dropped two pairs of Authentics with distinct patterns.
The Vans Authentic “Animal Print Pack” serves up the classic model with fuzzy cheetah and Dalmatian patterns. While diverging in their color and patterns for their pony hair uppers, the two sneakers are united by white sole units with black stripes, a black collar and white laces. Cream leather lines the interior, while a white hangtag carries Vans’ name in blue.
Originally known as the #44 Deck Shoe, the Authentic was released by Vans as its first shoe in 1996. Although intended for boats, California skaters quickly realized its ability to grip boat decks translated to boards and shifted Vans’ target audience for the rest of its history. Ten years later, the first out-and-out skate shoe would launch through the Era, which was designed with help from pioneers Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta.
Coming off of the success of its 2025 Old Skool “Souvenir” duo inspired by Chanel’s Graffiti bag, Vans gave the Authentic its own Chanel-derived treatment earlier this year based on the 2016 La Habana Bag.
The new pony hair treatment comes after brands including Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Puma have all applied a small zoo’s worth of animal prints on the material in the last year.
The Vans Authentic “Animal Print Pack” is out now on the brand’s website. Pricing for both colorways is set at $130.
Vans Authentic in cheetah print pony hair (pair)
Vans Authentic in cheetah print pony hair (lateral)
Vans Authentic in cheetah print pony hair (above and outsole)
Vans Authentic in cheetah print pony hair (heel)
Vans Authentic in Dalmatian print pony hair (pair)
Vans Authentic in Dalmatian print pony hair (lateral)
Vans Authentic in Dalmatian print pony hair (above and outsole)
Vans Authentic in Dalmatian print pony hair (heel)
