This Is the Most Durable Vans Shoe Ever Made, and It’s Probably Not Even Close

The Southern California brand’s original sneaker goes truly “Off the Wall” with one of the toughest materials ever invented.

Close-up of a white Vans sneaker with black pinstripes, black and white laces, and a thick white sole with a black stripe.

By Sean Tirman

Published 5 hours ago

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Nearly 60 years ago, Vans kicked off a journey that would have an indelible impact on the fashion world, helping to catapult skate (and surf) culture into the mainstream.

All these years later, the brand’s first-ever launch, the Style 44, remains one of Vans most recognizable designs. However, you might know it by a different name: the Authentic.

It’s fitting, then, that the sneaker that changed everything would be the platform for a new step (or perhaps giant leap) forward for the brand. Called the OTW by Vans Authentic 44 HT Vibram, this sneaker might be the toughest the brand has ever made by a huge margin.

Pair of white Vans sneakers with black pinstripes, black trim, patterned laces, and white rubber soles. — For the most part, these sneakers look like classic Vans Authentics.

Classic fantastic

You might be wondering how one of the brand’s most old-school silhouettes could be its most durable shoe ever, especially considering how much the brand has been delving into hardcore outdoor hikers and the like. Well, it’s because of how this sneaker was made.

For the first time ever, Vans has employed Dyneema, a synthetic fabric that’s approximately 15 times stronger than steel of the same weight. For reference, this material is typically used in hardcore outdoor gear, like mountaineering packs.

Dyneema is a synthetic fabric that is up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight.

Vans

Of course, strength is just one of the aspects of Dyneema that make it special. Along with that legendary toughness, it’s also incredibly lightweight (far lighter even than the canvas this sneaker typically employs) and naturally waterproof.

Despite the more city-going silhouette, you can see how this new construction makes for an exceptionally robust shoe, even more than the brand’s formidable off-road offerings. But that’s not all it has to offer …

Pair of orange low-top sneakers with yellow soles and pink-black striped heel tabs, viewed from the back. — This take on the Authentic retains is classic skate culture hallmarks.

Way “Off the Wall”

While the silhouette is largely faithful to the original, there are a couple of changes. For instance, this version of the Authentic gets round laces instead of traditional flat ones, which lends a little bit of quirky character to this new edition.

Furthermore, it has a pull tab on the back that isn’t present on standard-issue Authentics. This makes putting the shoe on a much simpler, speedier prospect.

Pair of low-top sneakers with black toe caps, orange sides, pink laces, and yellow soles, one showing the top and the other the sole. — The upper isn’t the only highlight; the sneaker also has a Vibram outsole.

However, apart from the material used for the upper, there’s another major change: the outsole. Instead of a classic vulcanized waffle sole, this sneaker gets a tank-treaded Vibram outsole.

That makes the outsole even grippier on uneven, wet terrain than other Authentics. As a finishing touch, the shoe gets a co-branded leather insole.

Pair of Vans sneakers with orange and black uppers, pink laces, yellow soles, and Dyneema branding on the side. — The sneaker comes in two colorways: “Black on White” and “Black on Solar Orange” (seen here.)

Available now

The OTW by Vans Authentic 44 HT Vibram is now available in both colorways on the brand’s site for $130 apiece. However, it looks to be selling quickly, so get it while you still can.

White Vans sneaker with black pinstripes, black trim, and white sole, featuring "Dyneema" branding on the side.

OTW by Vans Authentic 44 HT Vibram

$130 at Vans

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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