Signal x Vans x Ernest Packaging Create the Cardboard Classic Slip-On

Signal, a brand born in snowboarding and raised on experimentation, is now evolving into a culture rooted in adventure, art and nature, and the relentless pursuit of ideas and designs that spark wonder. After creating the cardboard surfboard, cardboard skateboard, multiple instruments including a cardboard Fender Stratocaster, the idea came to collaborate for the next project in the Cardboard Chaos line…a fully skateable Vans Classic Slip-On sneaker.

Lizzie Armanto Vans Cardboard Shoes

The soul of this project is collaboration. Once given the green light from Vans’ Steve Van Doren, the packaging pioneers at Ernest Packaging brought structure, style, and skate-worthy durability to a shoe made of cardboard. The Signal team then travelled to the Vans manufacturing headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, to build them. A limited number of XX pairs were carefully hand-crafted by the Signal and Vans teams. Once completed, the shoes were brought to California, where skateboarding royalty, including Christian Hosoi, Omar Hassan, Tony Alva, and Lizzie Armanto, sized up, slipped ‘em on, dropped in, blew minds, and shattered expectations.

This is more than just a wild idea come to life. It’s a continuation of everything Signal believes in: Build what shouldn’t exist. Do it with your crew. Do it with soul. And have a damn good time doing it.

Signal/Cardboard Chaos’ Dave Lee comments:

All you have to do is think differently, and big, make it happen, put in the work, and you have this amazing creation…this amazing idea that’s come to life.”

Omar Hassan adds:

“Really good board feel, and they look really cool. I think as far as aesthetics and the way they look, you pretty much nailed it on that one.”

Vans Classic Slip-On Cardboard Sneaker