In a bold and brilliantly offbeat move, Signal has teamed up with Vans and Ernest Packaging to craft something no one thought possible: the iconic Vans Classic Slip-On sneaker made entirely from cardboard—and yes, it’s fully skateable. This incredible project is known as the Cardboard Vans Slip-On, redefining what’s possible in footwear innovation.
Known for pushing boundaries with their experimental “Cardboard Chaos” series, Signal has previously crafted everything from a rideable surfboard and a fully functional skateboard to several musical instruments, including a guitar inspired by Fender’s classic electric model, known as the Stratocaster. Now, they’ve raised the bar once again by transforming one of the most recognisable skate shoes—the Vans Classic Slip-On—into a handmade, fully skateable sneaker made entirely out of cardboard. The collaboration marks yet another step in Signal’s evolution from an independent snowboard brand into a creative force rooted in innovation, community, and fearless design.
The idea sparked life when Vans’ own Steve Van Doren gave the green light to explore what seemed impossible. Ernest Packaging, with their reputation for unconventional engineering and structural know-how, stepped in to help bring strength, form, and skate-worthy performance to the unlikely material. From there, the Signal crew travelled across the globe to Vans’ manufacturing base in Hanoi, Vietnam, where the concept became a tangible reality. Together, the teams carefully crafted just 10 pairs of the cardboard Vans Slip-Ons, each one a handcrafted piece of wearable innovation.
The cardboard shoes were then brought stateside to California, where skateboarding legends Christian Hosoi, Omar Hassan, Tony Alva, and Lizzie Armanto laced them up, put them to the test, and proved that they weren’t just art pieces but could seriously perform. From drop-ins to ollies, these cardboard kicks delivered shock value and functionality in equal measure.
“To be able to make some shoes out of cardboard is just incredible,” said Steve Van Doren, clearly impressed by the project’s audacity and execution.
For Signal’s Dave Lee, this project encapsulates the brand’s entire ethos: “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.”
The project isn’t just about craftsmanship, it’s about community, collaboration, and taking ideas further than anyone thinks they can go. It’s a tribute to thinking outside the box, quite literally, and turning cardboard into something extraordinary.
Skateboarding pro Omar Hassan echoed the surprise of many: “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.”
Watch the behind-the-scenes video of the creation of the cardboard Vans slip-on here:
The behind-the-scenes video dives deeper into the heart of the collaboration, offering a rare glimpse into the camaraderie, craftsmanship, and culture that brought the cardboard Vans Slip-On to life. It captures the human side of the process—from creative planning sessions in Southern California to hands-on teamwork at the Vietnam factory, where shoemaking traditions met wild innovation. Rather than focusing solely on the product, the video highlights the relationships built during the journey and the sense of purpose that drove the teams to make the impossible wearable.
Capping off the video is a moving and endearing moment between Ernest Packaging’s President Tim Wilson and his father, Charles Wilson, the 100-year-old (and counting) CEO of the family-run business. Tim presents him with a custom pair of the cardboard Vans Slip-Ons, sparking a touching exchange about legacy, leadership, and the importance of treating people like family. The moment beautifully mirrors Vans’ own origins as a father-son venture, adding emotional weight to a project that was never just about shoes—but about creativity, connection, and doing something unforgettable together.
Fans have a rare chance to win more than just a pair of the iconic cardboard Vans Slip-Ons. Signal is running a giveaway that includes one pair of Cardboard Vans Classic Slip-Ons (size 9.5M/11W), a limited-edition collaborative 8.5″ skateboard deck, a Signal T-shirt, and a Signal sticker pack. It’s a one-of-a-kind prize bundle celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. The giveaway is open only to legal U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry, and is subject to full terms and conditions. The winner will be announced on August 11, 2025. To enter and get all the details, visit the official giveaway page.
This one-of-a-kind collaboration speaks volumes about the power of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. For Signal, a brand rooted in snowboarding, music, and storytelling, it’s another bold chapter in their mission to build what shouldn’t exist. For Ernest Packaging, whose legacy of inventive, people-first solutions spans over seven decades, it’s a testament to how innovation can come from the most unexpected materials. And for Vans, a brand synonymous with skateboarding culture and DIY spirit since the 1960s, it’s a fitting tribute to their enduring legacy of pushing boundaries, celebrating individuality, and embracing the wild ride of what comes next.
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