Vans Knu Skool Mule SZA Black White: a sculpted heel and Sage Adams artwork

Vans has introduced the Knu Skool Mule SZA Black White, a collaboration with SZA that changes the Knu Skool’s rear construction. It has an open back and a sculpted heel, with a release expected on 22 October 2026.

The mule keeps the Knu Skool’s oversized, 1990s-inspired look but removes the closed back. Its sculpted heel is designed to hold the foot in place, according to Vans.

The regular Knu Skool belongs to Vans’ skate-shoe line, with a bulky shape that dates back to the 1990s. Its padded tongue and pronounced side stripe distinguish it from the slimmer Old Skool.

Here, the open back is intended to make the shoe easy to put on and take off. The sculpted heel adds shape around the rear of the foot rather than enclosing it in a conventional sneaker back.

The upper is black suede, with a raised 3D Sidestripe on the side. These are the main visible design details that distinguish this SZA version.

See the exact product listing and details:

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Vans Knu Skool Mule SZA Black White

Style code: VN00119WBA2

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Vans says the design draws on SZA’s preference for easy-to-wear footwear. The insole carries custom artwork by Sage Adams, with watercolour motifs.

The artwork sits inside the shoe, while the black suede and raised stripe define the outside. Vans presents the mule as SZA’s personal take on one of her favourite silhouettes from the brand.

The collaboration also has VANSZA branding on the hangtag and shoe box. The style code is VN00119WBA2.

For another approach to easy-on footwear in this collaboration, see the <a href="/blog/vans-authentic-sza-knockdown-vn00115awht-release">Vans Authentic SZA Knockdown with a fold-down heel</a>. That model uses a folding heel rather than the Knu Skool Mule’s open-back shape.

Vans marks the shoe as coming on 22 October, confirming the day and month. The full date associated with this pair is 22 October 2026; the year remains expected.