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Vans Syndicate doesn't play around when it comes to their releases. This is a top tier project that doesn't bow to release pressures either — sometimes a few pairs turn up and sometimes they hold off. That's a rare thing in an era (no pun intended) where most lines are just rolling out shoes for the sake of it. There's only one underlying theme with each Syndicate drop, and that's a certain authenticity in the choice of collaborators and the ensuing byproduct. We loved the Mister Cartoons, the John Cardiel collection with Pendleton, overlooked camo Mid Skools, the ballistic nylons with the free bag, every single W)Taps edition, Suicidal Tendencies editions, the S/Doubles with Shawn Stussy, the Eric Dressens...shit, we love everything Syndicate because the names we just mentioned are heroes of ours.

This is real hero product — last year's SHUT editions came with Rhyme Syndicate style SYNDICATE snapback hats and the Civilist pack repped for Berlin's skate sub-culture perfectly. Some people missed those shoes drop because they were too busy crying in the street about Tyler the Creator (who's down with Dill) wearing the clothes they like. Fortunately, nobody cares what they think. Even Syndicate boxes come correct. We knew that Jason Dill would make an appearance within the Syndicate line eventually. So what does the oft-discussed, official Jason Dill Vans shoe look like?

You don't need to recall Anthony Van Engelen inciting imitators worldwide with his Stooges soundtracked 'Photosynthesis' appearance to appreciate what he and Dill have cooked up here, but those who know recognise that he fits in perfectly with prior Syndicate partners. Anthony and Jason created a trio that includes the Old School Pro 92 (which we've been loving since the Ray Barbee co-signed reintroduction) with a faux fur cheetah pattern for some brothel creeper, high end lairyness that's kept offset with some leather details, a faux snakeskin take on the Authentic Pro that bolsters a staple shoe with some scaly flamboyance (the best of the three) and a simpler leather take on the AV Sk8-Low that keeps the mad materials inside the shoe but stays sensible externally.

There's a scorpion logo on the footbeds because as 'Drive' reaffirmed, most things look cooler with scorpions on, plus clear outsoles and they all represent all that's good about Syndicate. Jason's a good guy, regardless of whether you agree with the upriver and downriver talk, and as the recent Vice interview indicated, he's not a fan of the OBEY hat dudes, but we bet a few of them pick these up anyway — that's a victory for Dill. While we're talking Alien Workshop legends, we want to see a Lennie Kirk shoe with crucifixes all over it.

Apparently, these drop on the 1st of April at the usual frugal handful of Syndicate retailers, so harass the good folk of Supreme London, Slam City and Flatspot if you're keen to grab a pair. We're not sure if they're going to drop with any "extras" like prior Syndicate drops, so keep an eye out for updates.