On the Zelen Blog you can read about Converse, Vans Shoes, Dr.Martens and more. You can also buy shoes with us as well!

Vans are an incredibly popular shoe – almost everyone you know has likely owned or currently owns a pair of these iconic sneakers. Whether you’re skateboarding at the park in your Vans shoes or you’re walking to and from school in them, they’re going to get dirty. So, how can you clean your Vans shoes? Here are some easy tips:

Canvas Vans

1. Put your Vans shoes in the washing machine. Use a mild laundry detergent such as Woolite and set the temperature to cold or warm (not hot) so you don’t damage the fabric.
2. Start the wash cycle. Your Vans shoes may thump around – don’t be alarmed! This won’t harm your washing machine.
3. Once the cycle has finished, put your Vans on a towel on the floor to dry. If it’s sunny, put them outside. Don’t put your Vans shoes in the dryer.

Suede Vans

1. You can’t put suede Vans shoes in the washing machine. First, rub off any dirt with a dry paper towel.
2. Use a small amount of suede cleaner (available at shoe stores) on a cloth or sponge and gently rub your Vans shoes. Repeat this process until stains are gone.
3. Place your suede Vans shoes on a towel on the floor to dry, or outside if it’s sunny.

We don’t see collaborations between Dr. Martens and other companies too often; it’s more a tactic of skate shoe companies like Vans and Converse. However, this season Dr. Martens has teamed up with Underground, the well-known fashion company out of London. Dr. Martens previously collaborated with Underground to create a military-style boot.

This season’s Underground x Dr. Martens line is more edgier, using the classic 1460 boot but incorporating studs to the design. These Dr. Martens boots have a thick band of leather at the ankle, covered with these silver studs, making for an eye-catching detail that nods to the boot company’s early skinhead following.

In the early days of Docs, non-racist skinheads and punks in the UK began sporting the boots, which had been worn mostly as work boots. As Dr. Martens spread in popularity, they were worn by people in all sorts of subcultures, but are associated mostly with their earliest adopters. It’s nice to see a new Dr. Martens boot that retains the classic appeal but modernizes it enough to appeal to the masses.

See photos of the Underground x Dr. Martens line.

If you’re agonizing in the aisles of a toy store or racking your brain about what to bring to your friend’s baby shower, here’s the answer: Converse baby and toddler shoes! Infant Converse shoes make a wonderful gift for baby boys or girls, and while previous seasons brought us solid colours such as pink, blue and black, there is a whole new batch of patterns for fall and winter 2011.

First up, it’s everyone’s favourite childhood character: Dr. Seuss. Converse announced last year that they were creating a line of Dr. Seuss shoes, and they became so popular that a line of adult footwear was released, too. Go for a subtle grey style or stand out with character-patterned red and white shoes with turquoise laces.

For the most stylish babies around there’s the simple slip line, available in grape wine or green. These low cut infant Converse shoes are easy to put on and take off as there are no laces.

Whether you’re looking for an edgy new look for the little one in your life or want the perfect new baby gift, look to the new line of infant Converse shoes for style inspiration!

Read our post on Vans baby shoes.

It was recently announced by Converse that they are going to be using Nike Flywire technology on the upper of one of their upcoming releases. If you’re not familiar with Flywire technology, it’s a “lightweight support system with tensile fibers that come together and make the foundation for upper material construction”, according to Nike. The company recognized that athletes’ feet need greater support, but nobody wants to wear a clunky shoe. However, lightweight shoes didn’t provide the proper amount of support.

Nike worked for years to develop Flywire technology, taking Kevlar and spinning it into embroidery-thin thread, and adding Lycra to the areas that needed more flexibility and power. The result is a shoe that’s incredibly sturdy yet lightweight, fitting to the form of your foot.

So, for those of you who look to Converse solely for fashion rather than function, you may want to take another look. We’ll be waiting to hear about this line of shoes that features Flywire technology.

The latest Converse collaboration is with Clot, a Chinese design house that calls itself a “lifestyle company.” It was co-founded by the famous actor rapper, model, producer, and designer Edison Chen. (Many of us haven’t heard of him, but his sex scandal in 2008 made international headlines – you might have seen him on the evening news!)

The Clot X Converse shoes collaboration for winter 2011 once again uses the ever-popular Chuck Taylor, and comes in a duo of subtle shades that make a great contrast against the gum rubber outsoles. Available in grey suede or navy canvas, the Clot X Converse Chuck Taylor shoes have a low-cut profile that fits with both lines’ clean, casual style, and an accenting gold tack on the front. Like all Converse Chuck Taylor shoes, you’ll see the simple logo on the tongue and heel.

China got the Clot X Converse shoes first, but they’ve arrived in North America. Check out photos here.

We already told you about a cool new line of Super Mario Bros. Converse sneakers coming down the pipe, and now there are two more styles headed our way! While Super Mario Bros. can be found for the modern Nintendo Wii and the DS system, there was nothing quite like the original game that came with the clunky 80s Nintendo console. The graphics would be considered laughable now, but at the time Super Mario Bros. was considered a totally modern innovation.

The most recent collaboration between Converse and Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. has just been released, and these ones are awesome! The new Super Mario Bros. Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers come in two styles: a bright blue canvas upper featuring a screen shot from the game, and a black pair dotted with red Mario Brothers. Both pairs featured the cute star (remember, it gave you invincibility for 15 seconds in the game?) on the rubber tab on the back heel of the shoe, rather than the original Chuck Taylor star.

See photos of the Super Mario Bros. Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers!

Converse sneakers have remained in style year after year, especially the Chuck Taylor’s in colors like red and black. It’s not often that you see a brand that keeps producing stylish shoes for over 100 years. While your basic Converse sneaker is always fashionable, this year there are some newcomers. Here are three hi-top trends for fall you should know about:

Leather Hi-Tops: These sleek hi-tops hit the runways this spring and are now popping up in stores everywhere. The black leather Chuck Taylor seems to be a popular choice and is an extremely versatile shoe for guys and girls.

Lace Hi-Tops: Nope, we’re not talking about lace-up hi-tops! This year, lace is huge, adorning everything from dresses to handbags. You’ll find a wide selection of hi-top sneakers accessorized with delicate white or black lace.

Glitter Hi-Tops: Glitter is another go-to fashion choice for fall, especially in makeup and footwear. There’s a new line of dazzling TOMS shoes in silver and gold glitter, as well as sparkly hi-tops that will make your feet stand out this season. Here’s a budget-friendly tip: Buy a pair of plain-coloured Vans shoes and decorate them with fabric glitter.

We’ve just seen a preview of the Converse Addict line for fall/winter 2011, and it’s dazzling! The Converse Addict collection is a collection created by Converse Japan, and features a premium line of All Star Chuck Taylor Hi-Tops. You can see metallic gold and silver leather options, with quality Vibram outer soles.

Fashion critics are liking the overall look of the Converse Addiction line, with some noticing some Daft Punk inspiration in the footwear and the lookbook, which shows models in various poses wearing masks.

You may recall that a Converse Addict line came out earlier this summer, with a cute pair of leopard-print hi-tops. Actually, the Converse Addict collection has been out for awhile: in 2009 a few camouflage colourways came out.

It makes sense that the Converse Addict shoes for fall/2inter 2011 are metallic, as that is one of the hottest looks this season, according to designers. You’ll see metallic hues in everything from makeup to dresses this year – what better way to accessorize than with a pair of Converse Addict shoes?

See images of the Converse Addict line.

In keeping with the colourful patterns and styles that are emerging for fall 2011, it’s no surprise that Dr. Martens has released a cheerful Paisley Pack. The 60s have been a huge influence on this year’s styles, with styles from one of the best-loved eras popping up on the runways and in stores everywhere. These 60s-inspired men’s or women’s Dr. Marten’s are sure to turn heads, as they feature a bold burst of colours and crazy paisley patterns.

The Dr. Martens Paisley Packs comes in two patterns: a more subtle beige and brown with hints of yellow, or a brilliant cherry red accented with blue. You can choose from the Jeffrey (updated 8-Eyelet Boots) or the Octavius (updated 4-Eyelet Shoe).

Unlike regular Dr. Martens which are etched, the psychadelic patterns are painted on leather. Check out some stunning photos on Dr. Martens Paisley Pack.

Of course, if these colourful creations are a bit too over-the-top for you, you can find classic Dr. Martens in shades like burgundy, grey and black.

Converse Product Red is an initiative that was launched in 2010, aimed at raising money and awareness about AIDS in Africa. Converse is a part of the larger Red Project, which was co-founded by U2 frontman Bono, and works towards eliminating AIDS in Africa. The goal of Red is to have zero babies born with AIDS by the year 2015. Since it’s launch in 2006, the project has raised over $170 million, which goes directly to helping those affected by AIDS in Africa.

Other Product Red participants include Nike, American Express, Starbucks and Gap. Each company creates a product with the Project RED logo, and a percentage of the profits is given to the Product RED campaign (up to 50%).

The nice thing about Converse Product Red shoes is that you can customize them. You pick the sneaker style you want, and can personalize the “MAKE MINE (RED)” logo. Check them out!