The name ‘switchback’ comes from the original Swithcback Railway at Coney Island that opened in 1884 as America’s first real roller coaster. How ‘real’ it really was depends on your perspective, as the ride got its name from the fact that the linear track required empty cars to be pulled back to their starting point after a white-knuckle 6mph ride. So while the Vans California Switchback has a considerably more modern feel than anything from the 19th century, they do indeed have the kind of timeless style that could keep these in the Off the Wall rotation for years to come. The same can also be said of your personal collection, these new duckboot-leaning water-resistant pairs offering the promise of warm and dry feet despite your environment. Peruse more angles on the latest boot-inspired sneakers from Vans after the jump and look for them at select retailers like DQM.