In a match that appears to have been a long time coming, Vans, the original skate shoe company, and iconic rock band METALLICA announce a creative partnership delivering shoe projects that will surely satisfy action sports and music fans alike.

Many a skate trick is landed with Vans shoes on the feet and a METALLICA tune in one's head, so the inevitable union kicks off in October with a limited edition Vans / METALLICA 20th-anniversary Half Cab Pro available in better skate shops everywhere. The collaboration will continue late this winter with two product drops: a four-piece "Passion Project" collection designed by each member of METALLICA coming in February and a two-shoe salute to the band's debut album, "Kill 'Em All", delivering in March.

As a "thank you" to the fans that have made METALLICA one of the most successful acts of the past 30 years, the unique "Passion Project" collection will launch exclusively to Met Club members in January prior to being made available to the general public.

"I've been wearing Vans on stage my whole freakin' career (and way before that!)," said METALLICA bassist Rob Trujillo. "Whether I'm walking the streets of Venice or San Francisco, Vans provides the funk in my stride!"

"To have METALLICA, my all-time favorite metal band, collaborating with me on this 20th-anniversary Half Cab shoe is an honor and a dream come true," said Vans' skate legend Steve Caballero. "I'm very stoked that Vans is working with such a legendary band and the Half Cab is just the beginning."

In early October, skate shops around the world will receive the latest release in the year-long celebration marking 20 years of the most popular skate shoe of all-time, Steve Caballero's signature Half Cab. The heavy-duty canvas and suede "black to the floor" METALLICA edition of the Half Cab Pro features classic band lyrics embossed in the side, exclusive Vans / METALLICA / Steve Caballero labeling and a unique clear rubber sole with "Kill 'Em All" album artwork showing through.

In January, Met Club members will have the first opportunity to grab one of the most unique Vans shoe collections ever: the METALLICA "Passion Projects". Each bandmember — Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich — had free rein to choose any iconic Vans shoe style and make it their own. Each drew from their favorite influences in the worlds of music, action sports and art to create Vans shoes reflecting their personal style. The Vans x METALLICA Passion Project shoes are available to the general public in February.

In March, Vans and METALLICA introduce "Kill 'Em All" theme shoes featuring two of Vans' all-time favorite styles, the Classic Slip-On and the Sk8-Hi, each emblazoned with artwork marking the 30 years since the release of METALLICA's debut album.

Stay tuned to Metallica.com and Vans.com for updates and videos that capture the unique shared passions between Kirk, James, Robert and Lars and your favorite Vans team riders.