The Old Skool is one of Vans' most iconic styles, due to its simple vulcanised look and global appeal. These days, it is not just worn by skaters; it has become synonymous with the California lifestyle look, which has proliferated the wider fashion market in recent years. That said, the Old Skool is still a firm favourite for skateboarders the world over.
The Sk8-Hi, is Vans' most popular high-top silhouette and is possibly the most recognisable high-top skate shoe in the world. With a clean and simple look, this shoe is super versatile and looks great with a wide range of styling options from skinny jeans to loose-cut chinos and shorts. It is this versatility that has made the Sk8-Hi such a go-to choice for so many.
The Vans slip-on is one of the simplest and purest skate shoes ever devised. One of Vans' original silhouettes from the 1970s the slip-on is a slimline vulcanised shoe with a one-piece toe and padding around the collar. A skater favourite and fashion icon, the slip-on is a timeless classic that personifies the Vans look.
Steve Caballero was one of Vans' original pro skateboarders and still rides for this company to this day more than 3 decades later. The Half Cab shoe was born when Cab decided to cut down his "Full Cab" signature shoe to create what many cite as the first iteration of the Vans Half Cab and possibly the first mid-top skate shoe ever. The Half Cab is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and shrugged off changes in fashion over the years, creating a solid and loyal fan base for this unique skate shoe.
The Vans Authentic is viewed by many as the original skate shoe that started it all. Released in 1966, it was adopted by Californian skateboarders and surfers such as Tony Alva and the rest of the Dog Town Crew which gave it immediate appeal in the skate communities through the late '60s and '70s. This rich heritage solidified the Authentic as a global icon that is still loved by skateboarders more than half a century on and has also been embraced by all walks of life, as a go-to plimsole, the world over.
Vans are not just about skateboarding and suffering, they also have firm roots in mountain sports such as snowboarding. It is from this passion that the Vans MTE collection was born. A range of shoes that take classic Vans styles and update them with features like water-proofing, Goretex materials, extra grippy soles and insulation creating products that not only look great but can also endure more extreme and wet conditions like handing out in ski resorts or hiking in the mountains.
One of our most asked-for products is black Vans skate shoes so we decided to put together this collection showcasing all the best options we stock. Black skate shoes are so popular probably due to how wearable they are, they can be skated in or worn casually but also could be worn to school or work. It is this versatility that makes black Vans skate shoes so sought after. Whether you are looking for black high-tops, low-tops or even slip-ons, it is a timeless look and one that we will always have in stock.
Vans was started as a footwear company, but in the decades that they have been making shoes they have also diversified into clothing. They now make a huge range of seasonal apparel that includes but is not limited to, t-shirts, hoodies, trousers, hats and accessories. You will find classic logo designs alongside more graphic-based prints and custom pieces that make for a large and well-rounded collection.
A common misconception with Vans is that they began their footwear company to become the ultimate skate shoe. They did of course start creating shoes in 1966, however, it was the skaters at the time that repurposed Vans (which were originally designed as boat shoes) and used them on their skateboards due to the sticky rubber sole unit as well as their lightweight and breathable canvas upper construction perfectly matching the requirements needed for the early days of skateboarding. However, once Vans noticed this use of their shoes, they quickly pivoted away from their original target market (boat people) and decided to commit themselves to creating skate shoes (for skateboarders).
At the time Vans knew that all the skaters were wearing The Authentic (Style #44), so they took it to Stacey Peralta and Tony Alva, two of the most prominent figures in skateboarding at the and asked them how it could be improved. Following their input, by 1976 the Era (Style #95) was born! Admittedly, the main, if only, addition was that the Era had a padded collar around the ankle, but Vans asked, listened and did exactly what was requested. Shortly after the Era was released, Vans then released the Old Skool (Style #36), Slip-On (Style #98) and the Sk8-Hi (Style #38), thus cementing themselves into the skating scene and making it clear they desired to be at the forefront of skate shoe design. This is something they have managed to do continuously to this day, achieved through their never-ending desire to release improved skate classics, winterised versions of classic models and, of course, brand-new designs such as the Knu Skool.
Tony Alva
Stacey Peralta
Alongside the roller coaster of the popularity skateboarding experienced throughout the end of the 20th century, Vans were lucky enough to have found themselves wrapped up in various other sub-cultures and lifestyles as well as skating. Surfers, BMX riders and punk bands all saw the classic Vans silhouettes as perfect shoes for those who stick two fingers up at the mainstream and corporate culture. These were the shoes of rebellion. Vans absolutely loved this, even going so far as to put their name to the alternative music festival Vans Warped Tour in 1995, which still tours around the US to this day. In this event, Vans merge all things 'extreme' with skaters, BMX riders, and musicians all rubbing shoulders with each other, all performing for the huge like-minded crowds they pull in each year.
Rolling forward to the 21st century, Vans hasn't slowed down at all. The 2000s seemed to be the time for Vans to decide that skate videos were going to be high up on the agenda for the foreseeable. With over 35 video releases since the year 2000, be it promo vids, tour vids and full-lengths, Vans have made sure they are getting released incredibly regularly. Similar to their commitment to making sure they are at the forefront of skate shoe creation, they ensure that Vans are not only on the feet of as many skaters they can hook up, but they also make sure that their huge team of skateboarders, snowboarders, BMXers and surfers gets out there and films as much as they can. Which, let's face it, is every skater's dream!
Vans Warped Tour
Outside of Vans' core market, during the period 2006 - 2020, Vans achieved the almost impossible feat that is to step out of counter-culture and spreading its wings into mainstream culture and fashion. This was risky because, to take this step, as a company that revels in rebelling against the 'norm', it could have all ended in rejection from their core consumer base. However, Vans pulled it off as they always do and they built the brand into a household name. It was the perfect storm during that time with other like-minded brands experiencing similar ascendance, for example, Supreme and Palace Skateboards. Vans is now an unstoppable behemoth and has the privileged responsibility of being the largest skateboard shoe company on the planet.
Vans FAQ's
Do Vans shoes fit true to size?
Yes, we expect most styles from Vans to fit true to size so advise buying your usual shoe size.
Do Vans shoes come with spare laces?
Unfortunately, there is not a straight answer to this one. Some do, some don't, it depends on the style.
Are Vans shoes waterproof?
Not all Vans shoes are waterproof. In general, our advice is that the skate range is not, but the Vans MTE collection is. Please check the product details of each style where you will find more information.
Can I skate in Vans shoes?
Vans is the original skate shoe and their shoes are designed to be skated in. However, due to their popularity, they have a wide range of fabrications some are more aligned with the fashion market. As such they may not be suitable for skateboarding in. For example, a Vans authentic that has a canvas upper can be skated in, but may not last very long due to the durability of canvas.
Who skates for Vans?
Currently, the Vans skateboard team consists of AVE, Beatrice Domond, Lizzie Armanto, Elijah Berle, Kyle Walker, Breana Geering, Chima Ferguson, Curran Caples, Dick Rizzo, Geoff Rowley, Gilbert Crockett, Pedro Barros, Ronnie Sandoval, Rowan Zorilla, Steve Caballero, Tony Alva and more!
Are Vans the original skate shoe?
Yes. Vans are widely considered the original skate shoe first releasing the Authentic in 1966.
Is Vans a skater owned company?
No, it was bought by VF Corporation in 2004 but maintain strong links to the Van Doran family who originally founded the company.
What is the Vans "waffle sole"?
The waffle sole refers to the Vans proprietary patterned rubber outsole used in all their shoes giving excellent grip, flexibility and board feel.
Do Vans just make skate shoes?
No, Vans make a wide range of shoes, for example, they have a dedicated BMX collection, casual shoes that they call the "Classics" collection and the MTE collection. They have also diversified into clothing and accessories.
