We're back with another Tactics skate shoe review, this time with the Vans Skate Old Skool. First introduced to the world by Vans in 1977, this classic shoe has remained popular for many years.
Like the original, the Vans Skate Old Skool features a low-top silhouette, vulcanized construction, canvas upper, and minimalist design. While designed for skateboarding, the shoe has also become a popular lifestyle staple. Available in countless colorways and collaborations, it's beloved by skateboarders, sneakerheads, and fashion enthusiasts alike.
To see if they hold up, we put our Tactics employee Josh to the test. Josh wore these Vans Old Skools all over Oregon, skating from the Tactics Distribution Center in Eugene to Seek Skateboard Camp at the base of Mt. Hood.
What is the appeal of VANS SKATE OLD SKOOL?
Waffle outsole/grip
DURA CAP
Classic vulcanized outsole
The Vans Skate Old Skool is a great shoe for skateboarding, thanks in part to its unique features that provide excellent grip, durability, and board feel. Josh specifically points to Vans' classic vulcanized sole, waffle outsole, and durable materials.
Outsole Features
One of the key features of the Vans Old Skool is the classic vulcanized sole. This sole is made by heating and bonding the rubber sole to the upper, making it strong, durable, and tear-resistant. This gives the shoe extra durability, as well as excellent grip and flickability.
Next up is the Skate Old Skool's waffle outsole. Vans' signature waffle pattern provides excellent grip on the board, improving control and stability while skating. This waffle pattern is made up of small squares and rectangles, creating a grippy, textured surface.
Additionally, the waffle outsole features Vans' SickStick™ gum rubber formula, which provides superior grip and stickiness. Extensively tested by Vans team riders, this innovative formula delivers optimal performance, durability, cushioning, and impact protection. The combination of SickStick™ and the waffle outsole reduces the chance of slipping off the board and improves grip when landing tricks.
Even after 30 hours of skating, the waffle outsole shows very little wear.
Materials <br>Next, let's talk Duracap. Vans developed Duracap technology to reinforce the toe area of skates to withstand the wear and tear of flip tricks. Duracap provides an extra layer of reinforcement underneath the canvas or suede, significantly extending the life of your skates, protecting your feet from cuts and nicks, and providing economical benefits over time.
Constructed with durable materials like Duracap, a vulcanized sole, and a waffle outsole, the Vans Skate Old Skool is designed to withstand the wear and tear of skateboarding. The upper is a combination of canvas and suede, making it highly resistant to scuffs and tears. This allows the shoe to withstand the wear and tear of skating and protect your feet. The padded collar and PopCush™ footbed absorb shock and provide additional support and cushioning for your feet and ankles.
Overall, Vans' classic vulcanized sole, waffle outsole, and durable materials combination make the Skate Old Skool a reliable, functional skate shoe that offers excellent grip, durability, and board feel—key features that have made this shoe a popular choice for skateboarders for decades.
Concerns about the VANS SKATE OLD SKOOL
Toe box pinching/creasing
Lack of heel flip protection/upper tear
Now, onto the nasty part of the review. Fortunately, I don't have many complaints about Vans, but I'll mention a few minor issues. First, Josh experienced some discomfort during the review. The toe box of the Vans Skate Old Skool creased the top of his foot, causing pinching.
To solve this problem, Josh replaced the new PopCush™ insole with a slightly thinner insole from another Vans shoe. This solution worked, but it shows that Vans needs to address this issue, as it's a problem we've seen in other Vans shoes as well.
Additionally, Josh noted that the canvas upper of the shoe ripped, which is common wear, especially for those who do a lot of heel flips. I wish Vans would consider extending the DuraCap a little further around the entire shoe.
The Skate Old Skool features a simple, refined design. A slight extension of the DuraCap would improve durability and longevity without significantly compromising the design. However, this is a beloved classic shoe, and we're not asking for major changes.
What are the results of this skate shoe review?
Overall, the Vans Skate Old Skool is a classic skate shoe that offers excellent grip, durability, and board feel. Its classic vulcanized sole, waffle outsole, and durable materials are what make it so popular.
DuraCap and SickStick™ technologies further enhance its durability. However, you may need to address issues like pinching and creasing in the toe box, and tearing of the upper due to lack of protection during heel flips. Overall, the Vans Skate Old Skool is an excellent choice for skateboarders and sneaker enthusiasts looking for a reliable and stylish skate shoe.
