Una x Dime x Vans

Interview by Shari White

How did you get on Dime?

It started with meeting the Dime guys through mutual friends who rode for Vans, like Leon. We went on skate trips to Montreal, and then a couple of years ago, they asked if I wanted to skate in the Glory Challenge.

Who gave you the first box?

Phil, I think. I was working at Goodnews Skateshop in Victoria and had already been wearing it, so they hooked it up.

When was your first Dime trip?

I think it was LA in 2019. We mostly filmed with an iPhone, but I was hyped to make it into the montage.

Who are your favorite people to skate with on the team?

Leon, Big Sexy, Max, Marie, Alexis—honestly, the whole team is cool in their own ways.

I heard you were on the Dime Glory Challenge committee and had a lot to do with the obstacles starting small and getting bigger. What inspired that idea?

Yeah, it’s sick! I was hyped to have a place at the table. The idea of incremental obstacles came up through trying to keep the event epic but still approachable for different levels of skating.

That’s sick that Dime included you in the event planning, and now with the Vans shoe collab. How much input did you have in the choice of the style and colorway?

I had the choice to either try this new model or go for a classic, and I decided on the Mixxa because it was similar to other Vans shoes I’ve had, like the Varix. Also, Dime’s perspective and support on the design helped boost my confidence that it was a good idea. The colorway was another aspect inspired by past Vans I’ve seen and owned, and I had pretty much full choice in that for this shoe. The black/grey is neutral enough to fit with whatever outfit, and the gum stands out slightly to add to the shape. I like that the details are only fully visible up close, while the shape and puffy tongue are more obvious.

How does it feel to have your name on a Vans shoe?

It’s crazy, honestly. At first, stepping into an insole that has your name on it feels like you’re a little kid with labeled clothing. Then, when I saw the shoes on someone else’s feet for the first time, it felt more real—it’s exciting. These things with my name on them are going to be made and released all over. It’s trippy.

Congrats Una, hyped for you.

You can find Una’s shoes online and in stores now.