I still remember the day the first images of the labubu vans collab leaked. My collector group chats just exploded. It was one of those moments where two completely different parts of my brain lit up at once, the part that loves Kasing Lung's weirdly adorable monsters, and the part that spent its teenage years trying to land a kickflip in a pair of beat-up Old Skools. It felt like a fever dream.
And that dream quickly turned into a full-blown frenzy.
This wasn't just another crossover. This was a collision of two cultural juggernauts: the unstoppable force of Pop Mart's designer toy empire and the undisputed king of skate culture, Vans. The result was pure, uncut hype, and at the center of it all was one specific item that had everyone losing their minds: the Monsters Forever Vinyl Plush Doll.
The Full Scope of the Drop (It Was More Than Just a Doll)
While the plush doll stole the show, it's easy to forget this was a full-fledged collection. Vans and Pop Mart dropped a whole line of gear. There were three main shoe models: a classic black-and-white Old Skool with a subtle LABUBU print, an Authentic with a more colorful all-over monster pattern, and a Sk8-Hi that cleverly incorporated LABUBU's silhouette into the iconic Vans Sidestripe. They also released t-shirts and hoodies.
They were all cool, don't get me wrong. But let's be honest. Nobody was setting 15 alarms for a t-shirt. The entire world was after the doll.
The LABUBU "Monsters Forever" Vinyl Plush Doll is a perfect summary of the whole collaboration. It's a standard-sized LABUBU plush, but with some key Vans-inspired details. The ears are lined with the iconic black-and-white checkerboard pattern, and its little green outfit is simple but effective. The real star, though, is the accessory: a perfect, miniature Vans shoebox that it clutches in its hand. It's a small detail, but it's the kind of thing that makes a collector piece feel special.
Release Day Was a Mess. A Beautiful, Predictable Mess.
The official labubu vans release date was December 15, 2023. And if you tried to buy one online, you probably have some minor PTSD. The drop was handled across both the Pop Mart and Vans official channels, as well as in select physical stores.
The online experience was… well, exactly what you'd expect. The US Pop Mart site listed the doll for $28. It sold out in what felt like under 10 seconds. I was there, finger on the button, and still missed it. The Vans site was a similar story. It was a bloodbath orchestrated by bots and lightning-fast checkout pros.
This is where we saw the first signs of regional disparity, something I see all the time as a seller. Friends and contacts in Asia, particularly in Singapore and Hong Kong, reported seeing the dolls sitting on shelves in physical labubu vans popmart stores. For a day. Maybe two. In the West, it was a ghost. It never even had a chance to warm the shelf. This created an immediate and intense aftermarket surge, because the demand in the US and Europe was just as high, but the accessible supply was virtually zero.
Real Talk: Let's Talk Price, Hype, and Aftermarket Insanity
This is where things get wild, and where I think a lot of people get a skewed view of the designer toy market. That $28 plush doll? Within 24 hours, listings were popping up on eBay and StockX for $150. And they were selling.
I watched the StockX price chart for the LABUBU Vans doll like it was my favorite crypto coin. * Retail Price: ~$28 USD * December 16 (Day after release): Average sale price hits $160. * Late December/Early January: The price stabilizes, hovering between $120 and $140. * Today (as of writing): You can expect to pay around $110-$130 for one in good condition.
That's a 4-5x markup, and it has held surprisingly steady. Why? It's the perfect storm. You have the massive, dedicated LABUBU fanbase. You have the equally massive Vans and streetwear fanbase. And you have the FOMO-driven hype crowd who may not even know what a LABUBU is but see a hot, limited-edition item and want in. This doll was, for many, their first introduction to the world of designer toys, much like how The Ultimate Guide to LABUBU Dolls explains the initial boom.
Interestingly, the shoes and apparel didn't see nearly the same aftermarket explosion. You can still find most of the shoes for close to their retail price. It proves that in this collab, the toy was the art, and the shoes were just the merch.
Our Take: A Collector's Honest Verdict
So, here's my unfiltered opinion as someone who buys, sells, and collects these things for a living.
The LABUBU Vans collab was a masterclass in marketing, but the doll itself is, objectively, a bit basic.
Okay, hear me out. The concept is 10/10. The execution is… a solid 7/10. The plush body is standard fare. The vinyl head is the same high-quality sculpt we expect from Kasing Lung. But when you compare it to the sheer creativity and intricate detail of a series like the Exciting Macaron Labubu, with its unique textures and complex designs, the Vans LABUBU feels very straightforward. You're paying for the brand association and the hype.
But does that mean it's bad? Absolutely not. It's an iconic piece. It is a specific, explosive moment in time for the hobby. It's a fantastic "trophy" piece for a collection, a conversation starter that bridges the gap between toy collectors and sneakerheads. It's visually striking and instantly recognizable. The value isn't in the complexity of the doll itself; it's in the story it tells. It's the same kind of energy we saw with the The Monsters x One Piece Labubu crossover, where two fanbases collided to create insane demand.
Is it "overhyped"? From a pure material and design standpoint, yes. Is it a must-own piece of modern designer toy history? Also, yes. The two are not mutually exclusive.
The Buyer's Playbook: So, You Still Want One?
If you missed the drop and you're still thinking about pulling the trigger, I get it. Here's my playbook for navigating the aftermarket without getting burned.
What to Look For: First, the details. The most important, and most easily lost, part of this figure is the miniature Vans shoebox. A listing without the shoebox, or with a damaged one, should be significantly cheaper. Do not pay top dollar for an incomplete figure.
Second, check the tags. There should be an official Pop Mart and The Monsters tag stitched onto the body, as well as a cardboard hang-tag if it's brand new. Fakes often skimp on the quality of these tags.
Third, the face paint. Look for crisp lines on the vinyl face. The teeth should be sharp and clean. Sloppy paint is a huge red flag, though even official releases can have minor factory flaws.
Where to Buy: Your main options are StockX, eBay, and private collector groups on platforms like Facebook. * StockX: The safest, but also the most expensive. They authenticate the item for you, which is a huge plus. You'll pay a premium in fees, but you're guaranteed to get the real deal. * eBay: More risk, but potential for better prices. Scrutinize the seller's feedback and demand clear, detailed photos from every angle. Use PayPal Goods & Services. Always. * Collector Groups: The wild west. You can find the best deals here from fellow fans, but it's also where you're most likely to encounter scammers. Only deal with established members with good references.
What's a "Fair" Price? Right now, if you're paying between $100 and $130, you're in the right ballpark. Anything under $90 should be viewed with suspicion. Anything over $150, and the seller is likely just fishing. When you're searching, try a few variations like "labubu vans collab" or even the common typo "labubu van" to make sure you're seeing all available listings.
This collab was a moment. It pushed LABUBU even further into the global spotlight and showed that the appetite for well-executed designer toy crossovers is stronger than ever. It was chaotic, expensive, and a little bit ridiculous, and honestly, that's part of what makes collecting so much fun. It's a wild ride, but it keeps things interesting.
While this specific piece is now an aftermarket hunt, the world of LABUBU is always expanding with new and exciting series. If the thrill of the chase is what you love, you can always browse our LABUBU collection to see what's currently available and maybe find your next favorite monster.
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