Vans Old Skool

Vans Old Skool at Behind The Pines Amsterdam

The Old Skool was the first Vans to carry the side stripe, in 1977. It was originally drawn by Paul Van Doren as a doodle, which is a decent reminder that the most recognisable things in footwear are rarely the most engineered. Nearly fifty years on it is still the shape most people picture when they hear the brand.

Why it is the one to buy

Of the three classic Vans silhouettes, the Old Skool is the one we recommend most often, and the reason is durability rather than looks.

The suede toe cap and side panels are the difference. Canvas scuffs and eventually splits at the flex point; suede takes that abuse far better. It was added for skaters wearing through shoes in a week, and it means the Old Skool simply lasts longer than an Authentic in normal use.

Everything else is the same classic construction: flat vulcanised sole, no drop, no cushioning stack. Great board feel, very low profile under a trouser hem, and no help at all if you are standing for ten hours.

Winter and the MTE alternative

The canvas panels still soak through, and the flat waffle sole is designed to grip griptape rather than a wet Amsterdam cobble. From October to March this is not the right shoe, and we would rather say that than sell you one.

The MTE range includes weatherproofed Old Skool builds — lugged outsole, warmer lining, GORE-TEX on some models. Same silhouette, actually usable in the wet.

Fit

True to size, slightly narrow through the toe box. The suede panels give less than canvas does, so if the width feels tight it will ease but not by much. Wider feet are generally better served by the MTE versions, which run a touch more generous.

See the broader category in men's sneakers, or our footwear guide if you are weighing shoe types.

Old Skool, Authentic or Sk8-Hi

Same sole, same last, different amounts of shoe.

Authentic — lowest and cleanest, all canvas, least durable.

Old Skool — the middle and the default, suede reinforcement, side stripe.

Sk8-Hi — over the ankle with padding, most coverage. See Sk8-Hi.

Why buy here

We are one of many shops selling this shoe and we are not going to claim otherwise. What we can do is be straight about when it works and when it does not, and stock the weatherproof version for the half of the year when it does not. A shoe that sits in a cupboard from November is not a bargain at any price.

Browse the full Vans collection, the wider Vans sneakers range, or the Vans sale.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Old Skool fit true to size?

Yes, with a slightly narrow toe box. Take your usual size.

Old Skool or Authentic?

Old Skool for durability — the suede toe cap and panels make it last noticeably longer. Authentic if you want the cleanest, most minimal version.

Can I wear them in the rain?

Briefly. The canvas soaks and the sole has little wet grip. For real weather, the MTE version is the one.

How do I clean the suede?

A suede brush and a dedicated cleaner. Avoid soaking them, which stiffens the suede and marks it.

Are they comfortable for long days?

For a normal day, fine. There is no cushioning, so for long periods standing you will want something with a real midsole.

Shop the Vans Old Skool at Behind The Pines Amsterdam

Browse the colourways below. Stock on the classics moves and returns through the year, so if you are after a specific colour and size it is worth asking us — and if you are buying for winter, look at Vans MTE first.