It’s likely that if you asked someone to name five pairs of shoes that every man should have in his closet, he or she would always bring up Vans Old Skool as a must-have shoe. “But why Vans?”, you might be thinking.
If you want to buy a pair of shoes that people love, the Vans Old Skool is one of the best options at a reasonable price. They’re still one of the top companies in the world because of their rebellious attitude and love of simplicity in their designs.
Are Vans Old Skool Worth it, though? Let’s take a closer look and see.
History of Vans Old Skool
Paul and Jim Van Doren started Vans in Anaheim, California, in 1966. Original Authentic shoes were the earliest of the Vans models, created in the same year as the Van Doren Rubber Company and remained almost unaltered since. “Side stripes” were also made popular thanks to the shoe’s design.
In 1977, the shoe was released, but its name wasn’t. “Style 36” became an instant hit within the skater culture of the 1970s and beyond, and was known as such at the time. The Authentic, Old Skool, slip-ons, and Sk8-Hi designs were all introduced by the end of the 1970s, with the characteristic ‘jazz stripe’ drawn from a Paul Van Doren drawing.
Why Are Vans Old Skool So Good?
Vans are again in the main scene because of their distinctive designs and reasonable prices, making them a hot commodity. However, are they worth the hype? Here, find out.
Naturally Versatile
Perhaps the main reason the Old Skool is still so popular is that it’s easy to get and can be used for many different things. There are many places where you can wear Old Skool, even with a formal suit or a pair of gym trousers. As long as the situation isn’t too weird, Vans will work just fine.
The wide variety of Vans shoes available means you’re certain to meet someone wearing them at some point. These shoes come in a wide range of styles and colors.
Affordable
There are a lot of different styles and materials of Vans Old Skool shoes. They can cost anywhere from $60 to $100. It’s very cheap compared to Nike, Adidas, and Balenciaga, which are all in the same market.
There are many places where you can buy and wear Old Skool Black and White shoes. These are most probably one of the most affordable common shoes for regular use.
Minimalistic Design
Old Skool shoes from Vans have been very popular as they have a minimalist and unisex design. This has made them one of the best-designed shoes in the world today.
Vans Old Skool for an All-Day Workout
When you’re lifting weights, especially heavy ones, you want your feet to be able to hold on to the ground. This means you should push your big toes into the ground and push your pinky toes down to keep your balance. That can only be done in shoes that are flat and don’t have a lot of cushioning.
If you only go to the gym to lift weights, you could wear flat shoes like Converse or Vans. Take your shoes off and only wear socks for some of your lifts if you don’t have flat sneakers.
Durable and Long-lasting
About a year to two years is the normal lifespan of Vans sneakers. A skater’s shoes will likely last less time if they get a lot of wear and tear. It also has padded collars, reinforced toe caps, and rubber waffle outsoles.
A waterproof spray is available from Vans. There is even a style that has fleece inside to keep your feet warm in the cold winter months. Depending on how often you wear them, they can last for years without any (or very few) tears or holes. It is because Vans are made for skateboarding, which requires a strong and durable shoe.
Limitations
Although Vans Old Skools are an excellent value, they do have a few drawbacks that prevent them from being the ultimate sneaker. Take a look at a few examples.
Despite the fact that the Old Skools seem flawless, there are a few nitpicky details that separate them from the really exceptional. It’s not the most comfortable sneakers in the market to wear, and the back of your foot can get scratched by the shoes. The tongue also moves a lot. In order to make up for this, Vans Old Skool ComfyCush is introduced, which is an extremely comfy sneaker that can be worn all day long.
Moreover, the material used in Vans Old Skools shoes is so thin that it’s difficult to keep feet warm and dry. But they aren’t any worse for your feet than most other popular shoes.
Vans shoes, again, are not meant to be used for running. Their hefty weight and stiff midsoles may be alright for short runs, but for regular jogging and long distances, you should look for shoe Vans made specifically for running.
Types of Vans Old Skool
If you’re an Old Skool aficionado, you’ll never run out of options since Vans’ design staff has collaborated with more artists than Mark Ronson’s. But there are a few major modifications to the basic model that sneaker fans should know.
Vans Old Skool
There is nothing more authentic than a black and white version of the Old Skool. This hue was one of three options available when Vans originally introduced the sneaker in 1977. It’s hard to top in terms of variety and timelessness.
Vans Old Skools are available in a variety of colors. Old Skools Pink and White are iconic and more popular with teenagers.
Vans Old Skool Checkerboard
In the same way that the original Vans logo’s stripes have become synonymous with the company, so has the checkerboard pattern. Iconic punk rock and emo patterns of the 2000s have found their way onto the Old Skool, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Vans Flame Old Skool
Dressing like your feet are on fire isn’t exactly fashion 101. The Old Skools, on the other hand, pull it off. If you’re going to wear these shoes, you’re going to have to dress them up a little. They fit well with skinny black jeans and a band t-shirt, and a black biker jacket is the best way to look good.
Vans Old Skool Yacht Club
The Yacht Club Old Skool from Vans is one of the most eye-catching shoes in the brand’s catalog, which is a significant accomplishment in and of itself. With its vivid, block-colored panels sewn together to form a unique sneaker, it’s like wearing a patchwork quilt for your feet.
Vans Old Skool ComfyCush
Vans Old Skool ComfortCush rapidly became a go-to-shoe for skaters because of its more comfortable and durable construction. The shoe has since become a mainstay in the Vans range. Vans are known for their firm rubber soles, but the ComfyCush midsoles are softer and more cushioned. This also means that the outsole has been changed for the best. In a world where comfort is becoming more important than anything, ComfyCush has been the best investment so far.
Vans Old Skool Classic Skate
These Vans Old Skool Classic Skate Shoes are the best shoes for skateboarding and are specially made for them. This Vans shoe is built to last through walking, running, skateboarding, and so much more. It’s a good choice for skaters who want good durability at a good price.
Vans Old Skool Reissue DX
As a double dose of throwback pleasure, the Reissue DX range of Old Skools offers a somewhat more vintage feel. The original elements of the Old Skool remain, although there are a few minor tweaks.
The primary changes include a coated suede and leather combination for further protection against scuffing, which comes in a variety of hues. There’s even a snakeskin-effect mono-python shoe made entirely of leather for the most discerning sneakerheads.
Vans Old Skool MTE
As you might have guessed from the name, the Mountain Edition line, or MTE, is a more durable version of the standard edition. This is a big deal, because the Old Skool is so popular, solid, and durable.
There is a layer of Scotchguard on the uppers of the shoe, they’re fleece-lined, and there is a layer of heat retention between the sock liner and outsole. Keep your feet warm, dry, and able to breathe at the same time. They look cool, too.
Vans Old Skool Platform
We all have those moments when we wish we were just that little bit longer. The Old Skool platform from Vans is here to help you out. The famous Old Skool silhouette has been reworked into a skate shoe with a nostalgic 90s platform trainer attitude.
Because these platforms come in both black and white, you’ll be able to choose the color that best suits your own style.
Parting Words
Vans, which are based on skate culture from the 1960s, also appeal to younger people who like vintage styles. Vans gives us a chance to be creative by having art contests, inviting artists to events, and letting customers make their own shoes. They like art and being different.
The Old Skool now ranks as one of Vans’ top-selling and most recognizable models of all time. It has come a long way and upgraded itself without changing its core design. This timeless shoe definitely deserves your attention; however, the choice is yours.
If you love the comfort and prioritize that over anything, there are lots of other options than Vans Old Skools. Other than that, this classic shoe deserves to take place in your closet. We have written an article on Vans Ward Vs Old Skool on our site. You can check it out too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vans styles unisex?
There are many different Vans styles that are for both men and women. The sizing is the same for both men and women for the core styles. Some styles, like the platform shoes, may have a gender because the sizing may be smaller or not run in certain sizes. Then, if the shoe fits, wear it.
Are Vans Old Skool Vegan?
There are a lot of Vans styles that are vegan because they want to be more eco-friendly. As you can see, apart from the leather styles, the majority of their collection is made without any animal products or interaction at all. All of the Authentic, slip-on, and era styles are completely plant-based.
What does ‘Off The Wall’ mean?
There’s a clever twist to the brand’s famous tagline. Off the wall is a phrase used to describe things that are a little weird or unconventional, which fits in with the brand’s roots. But “off the wall” also refers to a skate trick, which connects to their status in the skate community. After they get off the ramp, they’re going off the wall.
Are Vans Old Skool waterproof?
There are shoes of Old Skools that are waterproof. As they are fabricated with waterproof leather and suede, you will never have wet feet with Vans MTE shoes during October’s rainy days.
Are Vans Old Skool great for wide feet?
Vans Old Skool size has one thing in common: these are performance skate shoes with a tight fit. Please make sure you get the widest size available if you have wide feet.
You can check our article, are vans good for wide feet?