Vans shoes are the absolute ultimate in the skate scene. Whether Vans Authentic, Era, Slip-On or the Old Skool series, these kicks go together with skateboarding like griptape on a deck. Each of these models represents generations of skaters, surfers and musicians who have grown up with classic vans. Which makes it all the more obvious why the design of these shoes has hardly changed over the last 50 years. Well, here and there they’ve mixed in some new colours, patterns and special editions, but the iconic checkerboard pattern still remains a staple in this brand's lineup.
Oldies but Goodies – The Vans Classics Guide
With the Vans Classics shoes, the Van Doren brothers helped write skateboarding history; and besides changing skateboarding, they also introduced the waffle pattern into the world of shoes. To help you choose your new Vans, you’ll find everything you need to know about Vans Classics in the following overview:
Vans Authentic
It all started with this! The Vans #44, better known as the Vans Authentic, was sold as one of three original designs in 1966 and on its first day of production, 12 pairs were sold. Although the sales figures have increased considerably since then, the design of this cult shoe has hardly changed. Skaters in the late 60’s discovered the Vans Authentic and lived the great fit and grippy waffle sole. Thus, Vans made its entrance into the skate biz.
The Vans Authentic is an absolute all-rounder due to its vulcanised outsole and the lightweight canvas upper. Depending on the colour combination, not only do they go with your daily skate outfit, but your suit trousers as well. As with every Vans shoe, the Authentic is a unisex model. It can be worn by boys and girls alike, although the Vans Authentic Lo Pro is a special version for more feminine feet.
Vans Era
The Vans Era was designed in 1976 by Dogtown legends Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta as the very first Vans skate shoe. Although it’s very similar to the Authentic, it has many more skate-specific features. These include the revolutionary Waffelcup sole for noticeably better board feel and grip, as well as a padded heel area for better grip and stability.
If you’ve always wondered what the difference is between the Vans Era and the Vans Era 59, we have the answer for you. While in the classic Era the heel cap was colour-coordinated with the toe area for added emphasis, the Vans Era 59 features a tongue and hem reinforced with smooth leather. You learn something new every day!
Vans Old Skool
Vans took the skate world by storm with the Era, however, founder Paul Van Doren felt that they still lacked a certain level of brand recognition. Nike and Adidas had established themselves with the swoosh and the famous three stripes, which swayed hobby-doodler Van Doren to pick up a pencil and start sketching; And that’s how the famous "Jazz Stripe" was created. The wavy side stripe has since then adorned much more than just the Vans Old Skool.
When it comes to the features of a skate show, the Van Doren classics have much more to offer than just the Vans Authentic or the Era. There’s a damn good reason the Vans Old Skool is used by team riders like Gilbert Crockett as the starting prototype for Pro-Models. Due to the considerably higher cut and the high lacing, the Old Skool sits securely on the foot. Additionally, the suede on the toe cap, heel and around the eyelets provides additional protection against abrasion.
Apart from the world of skateboards, the Old Skool also established itself most predominantly in the music scene. Bands like Black Flag, Descendents and Slayer made the Vans #36 one of the hottest shoes of the 80’s and 90’s. It’s no wonder that Vans immortalised this pioneer model in so many limited special editions and even today, the shoe is experiencing a revival.
Vans Slip-On
1977 was not only the birthyear of the punk movement in England, but also the year in which the Vans Slip-On first saw the light of day. Initially only designed as a link between the surf and skate culture, the practical slip-on quickly became the laid-back casual shoe of the late 70’s. Without the hassle of lacing, you could simply slip the sneaker on after surfing and ride comfortably on your skateboard through the streets. A concept that took off like a rocket!
Vans Sk8-Hi
From the low cut to the high cut, the Vans Sk8-Hi is undeniable! The catchiest silhouette from Vans was introduced in 1978 as “Style 38" and is since then, it’s impossible to imagine a skate park without them. Based on the Old Skool, the Sk8-Hi protects your ankles from injuries and increases the stability of your ride. The tried and tested Waffelcup sole provides a perfect grip, which makes skating with the Sk8-Hi a real pleasure. The double-stitched and reinforced suede ollie area also ensures that this shoe lasts for a long time.
As with all Vans Classic models, the Vans Sk8-Hi has also maintained the same basic design over the years. The only exception is the Vans Mountain Edition. In this case, the Vans Sk8-Hi was converted to the most weather-resistant skating shoe, with a vulcanised lug outsole, water-repellent upper material and warm inner lining to protect you in any weather conditions. So if you’re looking for a skate shoe for the winter, you should take a closer look at the Vans MTE.
As you can see, there is no lack of choice at Vans because, in the last 50 years, they’ve simply put out too many good designs. Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Then we’d advise you to use our Everything About Shoes page as an additional decision-making aid. There, you’ll learn more about the various skate shoe technologies and we’ll also provide you with important tips for care and maintenance.
