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The Vans Old Skool, known as the Style 36 back then, is one of the brand's most iconic designs. Launched in 1977, it was the first Vans shoe to incorporate the now-famous side stripe. Originally developed as a skate shoe, the Old Skool combined function and form, featuring a padded collar and reinforced toe cap for added comfort and durability. Thanks to its timeless low-top silhouette, the shoes look good with many styles.
Another Ave shoe that became a sneakerhead staple is the Sk8-Hi, which debuted in 1978. This mid-top skate shoe paved the way and was among the first to take the high-top design and add its unique flair. The shoe had the signature jazz stripe, a padded collar for ankle support, and the popular Waffle outsole. As a result, the Vans Sk8-Hi became an excellent option for skateboarders and non-skaters who wanted a stylish and functional shoe.
The Era, which came out in 1976, was a collaborative design created by skateboarders Tony Alva and Bruce Gowers. The shoe's low profile and vibrant colors made it stand out from other Vans models. It also integrated a durable double-stitched upper and the iconic Waffle sole for impeccable grip. The Era has maintained its status over the years as a casual and skate-wear essential.
It is also known as Style #44. These classic shoes feature a low-top design, a simple but attractive lace-up front, and a durable canvas upper. While performance and durability were the main priorities, the Authentics offered a versatile aesthetic to wear for any occasion.
Vans are available in various patterns, including floral, geometric, and checkerboard designs, to elevate the brand's signature aesthetic. While some patterns are seasonal, others, like the classic checkerboard, have become a permanent feature in the Vans collection. Unique features of the patterned shoes are that they allow personal preference when choosing the type of Vans shoes that echo a person's style and creativity.
With the growing popularity of Vans shoes in men, the brand has collaborated with artists, designers, and popular franchises in ways that will incorporate unique designs into their collection. Collaborations with brands like Supreme and popular media franchises like Star Wars have created a shoe that reflects the creativity of such partnerships. Many of these shoes are just collectibles, making limited collabs in exclusive colors or patterns a great business for buyers who are destined to the enthusiast market.
One of the unique variations of Vans shoes is the Slip-On model, which features a simple elastic side for easy wear. In this version, the patterns or prints used are extremely popular among men because of how easy they are to wear. Owing to its stylish nature and practicality, this shoe has become suitable for casual looks and weekends when running errands.
Checkered is one of the most recognizable and iconic patterns in the Vans collection. Old Checkerboard's classic monochrome is simple, while newer color-based variants give the old shoe a fresh vibe. While the Checkered is closely associated with its roots in skate culture, many people love it to add a bit of retro to their wardrobe.
The most traditional style of wearing Vans remains the skate-inspired look. While skate pants are usually baggy, these are paired with fitted or oversized baggy denim flared to showcase the sneakers and their peculiar Waffle outsole. Most people opt for graphic tees or flannel shirts, which are usually in their skater's look. A cap completes the look, making it more functional than fashion, but it is well balanced with folding and tailoring.
Over the years, the streetwear aesthetic has taken over so many styles of Vans shoes, particularly from hip-hop and skater culture. In this style, the sneakers are usually combined with cargo pants or joggers, which are sufficiently loose but not extremely baggy. Sweatshirts and oversized jackets, particularly those with interesting graphics or brand logos, are also used to complement the Old Skools, Eras, or Slip-Ons. This merging of styles makes it all the more interesting because of how the footwear remains a crucial element of every definition of casual elegance.
Vans shoes can also be styled differently to avoid the casual look and create a more polished, smart casual appearance. Using neutral-colored Vans, including whites or grays, one can combine them with slim chinos or tailored shorts for a more refined look. In place of the plain tees, one can wear a polo or a minimalist button-up, thus making the entire feel relaxed but with a touch of class. This style is also appropriate in semi-formal events or even for a nice weekend when one does not want to be too dressy or slouchy.
Vans shoes, especially the older models like the Authentic and Sk8-Hi, can be used to create a retro look inspired by the 70s and 80s. High-waisted jeans or vintage corduroy pants, which are in the old school, match the nostalgia-inspired sneakers perfectly. One can top up the outfit with a simple terry cloth or a windbreaker jacket, completing the feel of the old days without ditching comfort.
The majority of men's Vans shoes are made from the brand's signature durable canvas. This lightweight and breathable material is ideal for its most essential feature, wear and tear, making it ideal for the intended casual or skate use. Canvas can be easily cleaned and maintained, retaining the overall aesthetics of the shoe. Canvas shoes are said to be one of the most versatile shoes that allow people to wear them in a casual environment.
For people who want something more sophisticated and sturdier, Vans makes a lot of its shoes in suede and leather. These premium materials not only enhance the shoe's look but also add a layer of protection to the shoes. Leather and suede require extra care in this context to keep the materials from absorbing water and becoming rough. Nevertheless, leather and suede Vans offer classic appeal with great durability in the long run. It is also worth knowing that the brand uses eco-friendly suede and leather for sustainability.
Vans shoes are popularly known for their signature rubber Waffle outsoles. Rubber is a non-slippery material, and it is used to make the shoes more durable and give maximum grip, hence appropriate for skateboarders and other users. Also, the Waffle designs help in the Resilience and traction processes and in the sizes, which are in the unique styles associated with the brand.
This is because of Vans' focus on durability, especially in footwear designed for skating. Padded collars and reinforced toe caps provide added support and durability where it is most needed. Such features not only enhance durability but increase comfort, thus making it a desirable option for long wear.
This reason is closely associated with the materials used in making Vans shoes and the techniques involved in making them. The shoes have rubber soles with Waffle patterns that provide excellent traction and are highly resistant to wear. In addition, the use of reinforced stitching, rubber toe caps, and quality materials such as leather and suede further makes the shoes very strong. For these reasons, Vans have become popular with skateboarders and casual users who are after durability.
Vans can be appropriately worn for people with slightly wider feet, as the styles incorporate some space in the toe and forefoot area. Vans, specifically the classic models, have a relatively flat, wide-fitting indoor, making them accessible for a variety of foot shapes. While some people with wide feet may need to use wide versions of other shoe designs, most find that Vans provide sufficient room without pinching or causing discomfort.
Although Vans skate shoes are not designed to have as much arch support as other running shoes, they are still partially supportive and suitable for casual skating activities. The original Waffle sole construction gave the feet the flexibility and ground connection needed for skateboarding. Some models feature padded insoles to provide extra support for the arch, but for those requiring more orthotic help, it may be necessary to replace the insole with a custom one.
As a general rule, classic Vans footwear is not waterproof; they are made from breathable canvas and leather. Nonetheless, the company has developed several limited waterproof and weatherproof versions of the slippers over the years. People often use products like water-repellent spray to protect their shoes, which in some instances helps keep them in good shape for a longer time, especially in light rain or moist conditions.
Although the shoes were originally designed for the skateboard community, other people started wearing them for their simple yet attractive designs and comfortable fit. The rise of the streetwear trend in the early 2000s popularized Vans further, as the shoes were seen in various celebrity and fashion looks. Today, it is also extremely popular among groups that are neither skaters nor wearers of athletic shoes due to the ruggedness and adaptability of the shoes.
