Vans’ Legendary ’70s Sneaker Gets a Cutting-Edge Comfort and Performance Upgrade

Five decades ago, Vans launched the Era, the world’s first skateboarding shoe. Since then, it has remained one of the brand’s most significant, iconic offerings.

While its recent skating-focused revamp was undoubtedly a big deal, especially among sneakerheads and skaters, it has already gotten a retooling that’s even more technical. In fact, the Vans Skate Era WaffleCup Shoe could be the most meaningful update to this classic sneaker since its inception fifty years ago.

Vans

Waffle stompers

If you’ve got keen eyes and a knowledge of sneakers, you might have already noticed something(s) interesting about this new take on the Era, specifically on its underside. And that would be an astute observation, as it’s the outsole that marks the biggest alteration.

While the standard Skate Era has a version of Vans’ classic vulcanized outsole, this one is an abundantly different beast. This sneaker sees the classic vulcanized rubber swapped for Vans’ WaffleCup outsole.

Vans

Per the brand, the WaffleCup is its “most advanced outsole” to date. It’s actually not a complete abandonment of the classic vulcanized outsole, either. Rather, it combines that sole with elements of a cupsole (a type of shoe construction where the entire outsole is a single, sturdy piece of material that “cups” or cradles the upper).

The result is a veritable best of both worlds. You get the reinforced stability and durability of a cupsole with the technical feel and flexibility of a vulcanized sole. These shoes are sure to be longer-lasting, grippier and more secure than their predecessors and contemporary counterparts.

Vans

Kickin’ it old-school

That outsole swap is a big change, but it’s not the only alteration. As mentioned, these are a version of the revamped Skate Era. That means they’re styled like the classic ’70s sneaker, but updated in numerous ways to bring them into the modern era.

They retain several signature elements, like the reinforced upper, metal eyelets and padded collar. They also still have classic suede material on the toe and heel, while the quarter and tongue get swapped for a textured canvas.

Vans

However, they have several more technical quality-of-life and comfort swaps. For instance, these shoes come with a PopCush skate-friendly footbed for additional shock absorption that helps reduce fatigue.

They also have DuraCap reinforcements, designed to help increase durability where you might need it most (largely in spots where griptape wear happens). These sneakers might be the perfect blend of the old- and new-school, and they’re sure to be a big hit with skaters of all ages, as well as sneakerheads.

Vans

Availability and pricing

The Vans Skate Era Wafflecup Shoe is now available on the brand’s site for $75 apiece in three distinct colorways (to start).

Vans

Vans Skate Era WaffleCup Shoe

• $75 at Vans

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