Who, after this week’s news cycle, doesn’t need a feel-good story? On Wednesday, exactly three weeks away from the start of Autism Awareness Month, Vans announced plans for a shoe collection geared particularly to meet the feet of those with autism spectrum disorder.
Vans drops an Autism Awareness sneaker pack — each sneaker comes with sensory-friendly details 👏 https://t.co/BLkrX1VfQt pic.twitter.com/asKJFnYdmv
— highsnobiety (@highsnobiety) March 12, 2020
Featuring five items for toddlers, four for kids and one for adults, the shoe line comes not only at a fitting time based on what the calendar says, but also because of the increasing number of individuals who find themselves on the spectrum. The goods contain “sensory-inclusive elements including a calming color palette and design features that focus on the senses of touch, sign and sound.”
Marking 54 years in the business, Vans has obviously attained a loyal following, and this move figures to strengthen its ties with consumers, especially since its partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards will see it channel at least $100,000 of the proceeds to the A.skate Foundation. That nonprofit assists children with autism to acquire skateboarding skills, with the new footwear products possibly making for great attire for any end-users who are fortunate to pick up the wheel-based education.
There is other knowledge to gain from this matter. Given that Vans has included a heavily altruistic component to this collection’s existence, the company is obviously looking to appeal to a greater cause than the accumulation of wealth. It is using a thoughtful approach to easing some of the difficulties that those with autism spectrum disorder face. We are especially fond of the slip-on nature of many of the shoes, with that element showing great awareness of the inability of some spectrum members to tie laces.
The lesson that the slip-on aspect, the calming colors, the comfortable padding and the hook-and-loop closure on one shoe teaches us is that distributors, if they are ever fortunate enough to work with an autism awareness organization or something akin to one, should engage in extensive research that yields concepts that respectfully and creatively appeal to audiences and give them a feeling of inclusivity that could lead to repeat business and will guarantee great promotions.
