From humble beginnings in New England's hardcore scene, Killswitch Engage has emerged to play in the world's biggest festivals including the Reading and Leeds in the United Kingdom as well as on Ozzfest and the Vans Warped Tour in the United States. Bursting onto the scene with "The End of Heartache," a breakout hit that was nominated for Best Metal Perfomance in 2005, the band has become one of the most recongnized names in Metalcore. Their most recent release "As Daylight Dies" features several hit singles and the band will tour throughout the United States in 2009 after touring around the world last year.

Vans and Killswitch Engage collaborate on a special Vans Classic Slip-On™ release featuring the bands signature skull artwork created by bassist Mike D' Antonio, available now from the Zappos Rideshop! Click here to see all the latest and greatest from Vans and the Zappos Rideshop.

Who in their junior high and high school days didn't at least own one pair of slip on Vans shoes? These comfortable, long lasting and easy to slip-on shoes are a part of our national heritage. Sitting in homeroom, doodling in pen on the rubber edge of your Vans is possibly the most 80's of memories.

Well, now you can relive those glory days even in some of the retro-80's checkerboard styles with the Vans Classic Slip On Core Classics. These shoes are guaranteed to bring back memories and make your life a whole lot easier. Because let's be honest, who has time for shoelaces? You didn't have time for them back then and you definitely don't have time for them now.

Styles
Vans Classic Slip On Core Classics are so affordable you could easily buy a different style to suit your every mood or one for each day of the week. There is the retro checkerboard in black/white, red/white, pink/black and red/black. For more of a preppy look go for the blue, white or black. There is even a version so white that you could probably hit the skate park in the dark and the cops could still see you.

Materials
These shoes come with classic Vans EVA insole support to help cushion heavy landings when grinding, shredding or just jumping off the roof. They have a cotton drill lining for extra comfort and breathability. The sole is Vulcanized to repel heat and to make it durable. And as always there is the gum rubberized outsole that is a Vans trademark—you could probably even still write in pen on it.

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R. Crumb, despite working entirely outside the mainstream comic book industry, is considered to be the founder of the underground comix movement and its most prominent contributor. Crumb began his career as an illustrator for American Greetings in Cleveland, but by the late ’60s he had moved to San Francisco where he became involved in underground publishing. In 1968, Crumb founded the seminal Zap Comix, which is still an outlet for leading artists today. One of his most recognized works, “Keep on Truckin’,” became a widely distributed fixture in popular culture in the ’70s. In 1981, Crumb produced and edited a new comic magazine, Weirdo.

By the late ’80s, fed up with America’s urban sprawl, Crumb sold a number of his sketchbooks and moved to a new home with his family in the south of France. Crumb seldom ventures back to the U.S. and, in recent years, has been immersed in his latest project, illustrating the book of Genesis. Two of Crumb’s most recognizable characters are featured in this Vans x R. Crumb project with Mr. Natural appearing on the SK8-Hi Deconstruct and Fritz the Cat dropping in on the special Vans Classic Slip-On.

Be sure to check out all the newest Holiday styles from Vans available now in the Zappos Rideshop!

This season Vans introduces another B4BC collaboration, the Women's Veil. Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a non-profit, youth-focused education, awareness and fundraising foundation. Their mission is to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle. We all know and love someone who has been affected by this terrible disease. We believe, for the well being of the snowboard community, that our role is to teach positive health practices which assist in detection and prevention of breast cancer. For the 2010 season, Vans has partnered with B4BC on a special edition Veil, to help raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

The Veil features Vans custom-designed BOA Focus System. Zonal closure provided from the Focus System gives the rider the versatility to adjust to any condition imaginable. Coupled with the Custom Quadfit Thermal Liner with interchangeable fit bars, the Veil gives you a true custom fit you never thought possible. Check out the Veil and all the newest Vans product from the Zappos Rideshop!

Although this Boston-bred band was around for only a short time in the late 80's and early 90's, the Pixies melodic punk and surf-rock sounds inspired bands such as Nirvana, who in turn influenced a generation of musicians. The band reunited in 2004, and rumors still fly today about the band's future. Vans' Pixies release salutes the band with artwork from their 1997 best-of compilation album Death to the Pixies. The artwork, depicting a nude frontman Black Francis giving a thumbs down salute, was originally seen on the band's first posters and t-shirts. Available now from the Zappos Rideshop in the Classic Slip-On as well as the SK8-Hi.

Vans is continually looking for ways to lessen their carbon footprint and to ensure a healthier earth for future generations. Vans is now offering consumers the choice of purchasing select Vans Classics for Fall 2009 in 100% organic canvas uppers with 20% recycled rubber outsoles. The production of each shoe limits the use of synthetic rubber and utilizes organic cotton that is grown pesticide and herbicide-free using natural farming methods resulting in healthier fabrics and a healthier environment. Available from the Zappos Rideshop in the Authentic, The Classic Slip-On and The Era. Get your eco-freindly on!!

Brand new colab shoe from Vans with Dutch born illustrator Parra! Parra is a designer who has been skateboarding since he was 10 and was even lucky enough to get "sponsored" by Vans around the age of 18. Now he lives in Amsterdam and draws vintage style art pieces with a modern, post-pop art approach. His vibrant, colorful and often humorous images feature a distinctive, hand-drawn feel. They can be seen printed and drawn on paper in various exhibitions globally. Oh, and keep an eye out for his new wave clothing label Rockwell, too! Available from the Zappos Rideshop on the Era.

Ever wondered what it would be like if you removed the padding from a SK8-Hi™? Well the footwear engineering genius' over at Vans have fulfilled your fantasy once again. Introducing the Vans SK8-Hi™ Deconstruct. This shoe combines the existing features and benefits of the SK8-Hi™, but now with a little more steez (and less padding of course). Standard features include an environmentally conscious canvas upper. Triple stitching on the collar and toe box. Traditional rubber outsole with Vans' trademarked Waffle Grip and a clean vulcanized construction. This will most definitely be a hot ticket item for fall, so get em' while they last! Available in 3 colors from the Zappos Rideshop. While you're at it, don't forget to check out the full range of Vans available from Zappos.com - HOLLA!

http://www.zappos.com/vans

This Fall Vans has released the "Off The Wall" pack which is a throwback to the Vans original skate line as introduced in 1977. Back in the late 70's when these styles were introduced, they were the first shoes in the world designed specifically for skateboarding. These styles have since evolved into the classic favorites that you can only get from Vans. Now, 30 years later, they are re-introduced in their original colorways, available from Zappos.com

The "Off The Wall" pack comes in these different styles available at Zappos.com - The Era™, The Classic Slip-On™, and the The Mid Skool '77 (truly a throwback!). And don't forget to check out all the other Vans Classics available from Zappos.com

Vans SK8-Hi™ "Dressed to Kill" is a killer pair of skating shoes. These shoes feature a Kiss band member graphic that makes these shoes a great tribute to the spirit of Rock and Roll. If you are a skater, a wannabe skater or if you just like cool shoes, then try these on for size.

Vans SK8-Hi™ "Dress to Kill" - The Basics

Vans SK8-Hi™ "Dress to Kill" shoes retail for $69 and come in both men's and women's sizes. They come in men's sizes 3.5 to 13, as well as women's sizes 5 to 12. They weigh in at about 18 ounces and have a shaft height of about 6.5 inches, depending on the size of shoe that you order.

These shoes have a black, white and grey tone palette. This makes them the perfect addition to nearly any wardrobe. They have a high-top design that stars the members of the band Kiss in full character makeup on the sides of the shoe, as well as the logo "Dress to Kill" printed on the side of the shoe's sole.

Dressing to Kill

When you buy a pair of shoes there are many things that you need to think about. Fit is the first thing. A properly fitted shoe will fit snuggly but will not be tight or crumple your toes. Next you will want to look at function. The type of shoe that you buy needs to reflect what you will be using the shoe for. For example, if you will be using the shoe for skateboarding then you will want a shoe that has give in its design so that it flexes, as well as a non-skid sole to prevent slippage from your board.

The final thing that you want to think about when buying a pair of shoes is style. The styling of the shoe needs to fit in with your current wardrobe. This will give you the most styling options when putting together your daily look. Fortunately, the Vans Sk8-Hi™ "Dress to Kill" has a neutral palette, which means that it will look good with nearly anything that you want to pair it with.

One of the most important pieces of safety equipment that you need for skateboarding is a great pair of shoes. The best skating shoes will have a flat sole with good grip. This will keep you from sliding or skidding off your board. You will also want to select a shoe that has been properly fitted to your feet. Shoes that fit the size and shape of your feet will not only improve your stability, but it will also reduce your chances of twisting your ankle or developing blisters. If you are looking for a great skate shoe then consider the Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer.

Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer - Specs

The Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer is a skate shoe that retails for $69.00. It comes in women's sizes 5-12, with half sizes available, in men's sizes 3.5-13, and in youth size 4. It has a medium width and a black, red, white and gold design. The shoe weighs in at about 18 ounces for a men's size 10 and has a shaft height of about 6.5 inches.

The construction of the shoe is impeccable. It has an upper made from a patchwork of canvas, leather and suede. It has an EVA insert that has been die cut and a gum sole.

Working Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer - Wardrobe Tips

The Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer is a great shoe that can be easily worked into nearly any casual wardrobe. They coordinate well with jeans and t-shirts, and can also make a great compliment to skater shorts and tanks for summer wear. These are not dress shoes but you can create a funky evening look by pairing these shoes with a more formal outfit, such as a dark pair of slacks, a bold printed T and a sports jacket.

Keeping Your Shoes in Top Condition

When you invest in a good pair of skateboarding shoes it is a good idea to take steps to protect their appearance. Keeping them clean is one step that you can take to keep the color and their general appearance crisp. Obviously when you skate outdoors you are bound to get them dirty. The trick is to allow mud and dirt to dry before brushing them clean. This is a better option than trying to clean mud off of wet shoes. This only embeds the mud into the fibers of the shoes. You can also protect your shoes by spraying them with a Teflon or waterproofing treatment before you first use your shoes. This will help make them water proof and also help them to become more resistant to stains.

He's considered to be one of the most influential skateboarders in history, and this Santa Monica native spent most of his youth perfecting many of the skateboarding tricks that were popular in the 1960s. Skateboarder magazine reports that Tony Alva was the first ever skateboarder to perfect a stunt called the 'frontside air' trick, a seemingly simple maneuver that involves twisting and lifting the skateboard while in the air.
The frontside air involves riding up the wall at a slight angle and then lifting the board off the feet with the hands while turning around in the air. The skateboarder needs to have enough speed to reach high into the air so they have time to shift their wait and pop the board in their hand before hitting the landing spot. It's a complex maneuver for the beginning skateboarder, but is an incredible stunt to watch when it's performed properly.

Tony Alva managed to do just that at a very young age, and soon became famous for carrying out the first ever air trick in history. He and his skateboarding friends have been credited with creating the concept of a skatepark or 'bowl' inside empty swimming pools that allowed for these types of stunts to be performed. The frontside air is just one of several unique stunts that could be performed in the 'bowl' and many of the Z-Servant boys perfected these stunts to make their mark in history.

After continued success with pulling off his incredible stunts, Alva used the attention and spotlight to build a solid career in the industry, setting a new standard for professional skateboarders around the globe. He was the first ever professional skateboarder to open up his own company "Alva Skates" in 1977 at the young age of 19, and was also one of the original members of the Z-Servant boys.

Alva so moved on to the retail industry. He now owns lineup of skateboarding stores and created a cult-like following of fans who line up for his signature skateboarding gear. In addition to his amazing stunt performances for the crowds, Alva has secured sponsorships from companies such as Vestal Watches and Vans.

When it comes to performing the ultimate wheelie on a dirt bike, the crown goes to the Wheelie King, otherwise known as Doug Domokos. Domokos is a Guinness Book of World Records holder, a Michigan native who began fueling his obsession for motorcycle mayhem at the young age of 15.

He practiced his now world-famous stunts at abandoned railroad roundhouses for years, riding for hours until he had worked up the skills to enter a motocross racing competition. He first began to do wheelie performances at the races he attended in Michigan and soon became the center of attention with his amazing bike stunts that left the crowds wanting more. He traveled the country to perform the ultimate Wheelie, every motorbike enthusiast's test of bravery and courage.

The wheelie is performed by lifting the bike up during a speedy ride and navigating it across a course or different types of terrain without touching the ground with the front of the bike. Domokos not only performed the wheelie by sitting and standing on the bike but also executed the stunt by navigating the bike with one hand and doing acrobatic tricks right on the bike while in motion.

The Motorcycle Museum's Hall of fame reports that the record-setting event that got him into the Guinness Book of World Records took place in 1984 at the Tallageda Speedway in Alabama. He set the wheelie record of 145 miles at the event, and this record stood for almost a decade. To date, Domokos' stunts have been recreated for Hollywood feature movies, and he also published a book called "Wheelyin' with the King."

Wheelie and motorbike enthusiasts of all ages can learn a lot from this talented stunt master; today's biking enthusiasts perform similar acts on BMX bikes, mountain bikes and the classic dirt bike, and there are dozens of variations of Domokos' jaw-dropping acts.

Wearing the right shoes and gear is a must; the right shoes ensure you have a strong grip on the bike pedals, all while navigating in style. Then you need to practice your body control and balance as you shift your weight to different parts of the bike; when you feel the power coming into the bike as you accelerate, you'll need to open up the throttle quickly to full blast so that the front of the bike lifts upward.

And that's it! With the front of the bike in the air, you can start performing a balancing act like the Wheelie King himself.

Youngstown, Ohio, is a great place to plan a vacation. It is in the center of all the Midwest action. It is only about an hour from both Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cleveland, Ohio. It is also the halfway point between New York City and Chicago. If you are passing through Youngstown on your way to one of these larger cities, stop over for a day or two to see what it has to offer.

Stomping Grounds - Local Skate Park
If you want to stretch your legs and get some riding time in during your vacation or business trip, drive to the Youngstown suburb of Austintown. This is where you will find a great skate park called Stomping Grounds. It is open all year; however, it has two seasonal schedules, a winter schedule and a summer schedule. Saturday the park is always open from noon until 10 p.m. regardless of when you visit the area. The owners of this skate park also open the park when the outside weather is bad, so call ahead if you are stuck indoors and want something fun to do.

Youngstown, Ohio Attractions
When you are not skateboarding, you will want to explore the local tourist attractions. One of the must see attractions is the Butler Institute of American Art. It is located on Wick Avenue. The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is also found on Wick Avenue at 648 Wick Avenue.

If you are interested in nature, consider touring the Ford Nature Education Center, which is located at 840 Old Furnace Road. On the other hand, if you are interested in catching some air instead of getting your shoes dirty, plan to take a hot air balloon ride offered by the Sky Dancer Hot Air Balloon Flight. This ballooning company can be found at 3110 E. Western Reserve Road.

If you are looking for a place to go to school next year, stop by the Youngstown State University campus. Take a tour, talk to an admissions counselor and explore the campus. You can also try out the food, do a little shopping at the University Center and become familiar with the vibe of the school.

Learn all about the coolest skate park in Moorestown, New Jersey, the Moorestown Vans Skatepark.

Moorestown, New Jersey is known for a couple of things. First of all it is known as being the home of the Perkins Center for the Arts, and secondly it is known for its ghosts. If you live in this city or will be visiting it soon and you are a skater, then you need to visit one of the city's best skateparks, the Moorestown Vans Skatepark. This park has everything you could ever want in an indoor mall based skatepark.

Moorestown Vans Skatepark - What it Has to Offer

The Moorestown Vans Skatepark is know for its well rounded collection of skatepark terrains and features. If you are a fan of street courses then you will have a lot of fun ripping down their finished birch wood street course. This street course not only has straight aways and curves, but it also has obstacles that you would typically see on the street. For example, there are fire hydrants, gaps, wall rides, planters, ledges, stairs and ledges.

In addition to the street course, Moorestown Vans Skatepark also has a great collection of ramps and pipes. They have a vert ramp, a ¼ pipe and a ½ pipe. This skatepark even has a kid's course, however, according to the locals this skatepark is better suited for intermediate and advanced skaters. If you are a beginner/newbie, you are better off developing your skating skills off-site before you attempt the rides and ramps at Vans Skatepark.

Gearing Up for Moorestown Vans Skatepark

Like most other skateparks in the country, Moorestown Vans Skatepark is a skate at your own risk park. This means you are responsible for keeping your body in one piece while skating there. To protect yourself from injuries you need a helmet, pads, a good board and a decent pair of skate shoes. A little common sense is also good to use, especially if you are a novice skateboarder or if there are less experienced skaters running the course when you are there.