Why You Should Wear Vans Skate Classics Shoes

Since the 1960’s Vans has been a staple in the skate community with iconic shoes worn by everyone from Tony Alva to Rowan Zorilla. Vans has gone through different phases over the years but certain models have been a timeless staple throughout their entire run. Vans classics like the Old Skool, Slip-On, Era, and Authentic have been a constant in the brand’s lineup, while Steve Caballero’s legendary Half Cab shoe has served the feet of skateboarders for almost 30 years.

Over time Vans have made some slight changes to these mentioned shoes in order to better fit the needs of skateboarders around the world. Most recently the “Skate Classics” have been introduced to the Vans lineup and are described as “All style on the outside and extra tough on the inside.” At first glance you may not see the difference between a Vans Classic Old Skool and a Skate Classic Old Skool shoe, but luckily we have the scoop on what the Vans Skate Classics are all about and why it’s important to skateboarders around the world.

The first thing to be aware of is Vans has three different styles of shoes that skateboarders usually wear. First, there’s the “Vans Classics” line of shoes, which are your tried and true standard version of favorites like the Old Skool, Slip-On, Era, Authentic, Sk8-Hi, and Half Cab. Second, there’s the “Vans Pro” series, which are pro model shoes that include skate specific features. Lastly, the “Vans Skate Classics” takes the standard classic models of Vans shoes and upgrades them, making a more durable and comfortable skate shoe. Imagine taking Vans’ “greatest hits” and remastering them to a higher quality. That’s what the Vans Skate Classics are set out to do.

All Vans Skate Classics come with Duracap reinforced materials, which consist of rubber underlays that are strategically placed in areas of the shoe that wear down quicker while skating. Vans originally introduced Duracap technology in their Pro shoes, where the standard Vans Classics do not include Duracap underlays. Vans Skate Classics also ultilize a deeper knurl texture on the toe bumpers and a higher sidewall, where the Pro and Classic shoes do not.

The Vans Waffle Outsole is one of the most recognizable features of the brand. Its classic look and functionality has been a staple for decades. All three versions of Vans include the Waffle outsole but only the Vans Skate Classics feature a deeper tread depth. A deeper tread depth means the bottom of your shoes will last longer and will not be as slippery when the shoe begins to wear over time.

A minimalistic look with comfort built in has been one of the many secrets of Vans’ success. If you’re wearing a Vans Classic shoe you’ll notice the traditional insole that’s glued on. While this insole is great for a casual skate session, taking heavy impact in Classics may add some wear to your feet. The Vans Skate Classics up the comfort levels with a PopCush energy return footbed that increases impact protection so you can skate longer with more comfort. Vans Pro shoes vary in insole protection based on the shoe, meaning the insole style may change depending on who's pro shoe you purchase.

Although the traditional Vans Classics and Pro shoes are comfortable, the Skate Classics go above and beyond with a more locked in fit that becomes crucial when skating. Internal heel stiffeners are featured in all Skate Classics, adding an extra layer of stability between the insole and outsole of the shoe. The Skate Classics are also thoughtfully designed with tongue straps, so you can avoid adjusting the tongue of your shoe from being crooked.

Lastly, a premium heel hold is included for certain Vans Skate Classics. This is a new feature for Vans that increases stability in the heel. The heel hold is only available for the Skate Classics version of the Old Skool, Slip-On, Era, and Authentic.

It’s safe to say you can’t go wrong wearing Vans shoes, but the Skate Classics go the extra mile for anyone looking for a premium shoe. The more you know about each style, the easier you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for you.