Born X Raised and Vans unveil Authentic 44 sneaker collaboration

Los Angeles‑based streetwear label Born X Raised partnered with shoe brand Vans to create the Authentic 44 collection. The partnership was introduced at a community event held on August 1 at House of Vans Mexico City, where a limited‑edition, friends‑and‑family version of the sneaker—50 pairs in a white‑and‑blue colorway featuring hand‑drawn graphics, an unlocked chain detail and the Spanish phrase “Una Cuadra A La Vez”—was distributed exclusively to attendees.

Designed by Born X Raised co‑founder and creative director Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, the Mexico City edition incorporates references to the city such as the Aztec rain god Tlaloc and “Distrito Federal” on the heel. The same hand‑sketched aesthetic will appear across the broader Authentic 44 line, which includes white, black and blue versions previewed during Paris Fashion Week. The full collection, featuring distressed canvas uppers, yellowed midsoles and pen‑style illustrations, will launch globally in Spring/Summer 2027 alongside matching apparel items such as hoodies, sweatpants, graphic tees and a mesh football jersey.