Two shoes in one footwear with the future clog
Vans teams up with Sterling Ruby for The Future Clog, a sculptural pair of ‘two shoes’ combined in one piece of footwear. Using a two-part system, the closed outer shell forms a structure around the inner mule, so users can wear the inside without the outer shell. A large opening at the rear allows foot entry, with no straps or laces in place, and the shell includes a circular button on the side surface to connect the parts and showcase the collaboration between the footwear company and the American artist. Sterling Ruby and Vans’ The Future Clog uses a slip-on design with no separate upper or sole. The structure then is unified, allowing for an enclosed front and an open top. So far, the footwear is set to become available on the footwear company’s site starting August 21st, 2025.
all images courtesy of Sterling Ruby and Vans | photos by Sarah Conaway, unless stated otherwise
sterling ruby and vans introduce their third collaboration
The entry section is cut to allow the foot to slide in without laces, straps, or external fasteners. The base has elevated parts that act as built-in tread. It is not attached separately but formed directly in the mold, which means the sole and body are one unit. The form is based on angular planes rather than traditional curved shaping, making the heel rise in a block form and the forefoot extend forward in a pointed structure. The structure is lightweight due to its hollow design, and the cavity inside the shoe keeps the material weight low while maintaining strength.
The shell exhibits flowing curves without sharp edges or geometric patterns. It falls evenly with the surface lines’ design, which follows organic forms that wrap around the inner mule structure. The shell color appears in off-white or cream tones with a matte finish, but on an Instagram post, the footwear company and the artist’s studio write that a ‘marble’ colorway is also underway for The Future Clog. Sterling Ruby develops the footwear through his Los Angeles-based S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. practice. He applies his experimental approach to form and material in the footwear design process, and the result is the third collaboration between Sterling Ruby and Vans’ OTW division.
a large opening at the rear allows foot entry
the closed outer shell forms a structure around the inner mule
the base has elevated parts that act as built-in tread
the form is based on angular planes rather than traditional curves | from here, photos by NOUA UNU STUDIO
aerial view of the footwear
project info:
name: The Future Clog
design: Sterling Ruby, Vans | @s.r.studio.la.ca, @vans, @otwbyvans
photography: Sarah Conaway, NOUA UNU STUDIO | @sarahhconawayy, @noua_unu
The post sterling ruby and vans produce the future clog, a pair of ‘two shoes’ in single footwear appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.