Arguably Vans’ Most Iconic Sneaker Gets a Surprisingly Refined Revision

Founded in 1966, Vans — the quintessential sneaker and Southern California-inspired lifestyle brand — is celebrating a whopper of an anniversary this year (60 years!). And while there’s sure to be a lot of fanfare and celebration, including special releases (like this take on the Authentic, the brand’s first-ever release), it’s another, quieter launch that caught my eye recently.

While not quite as historic as the Authentic, the brand’s Old Skool, with its signature side stripe, is almost certainly its most iconic sneaker release ever. And this one, the Vans Old Skool Potting Soil Brown, takes everything we’ve come to know and love about it and tweaks it ever-so-slightly to add a bit of understated refinement.

Vans

Old-school cool

Overall, the sneaker’s legendary silhouette remains intact. That includes the signature side stripe, which was based on a random doodle once scribbled by the brand’s founder, Paul Van Doren.

Other returning elements include the toe cap, heel cap, padded collar and the same lacing system that skaters and sneakerheads alike have loved for decades.

Even the outsole’s classic sidewalls with their foxing stripe return in this edition, as does the vulcanized rubber outsole with that same instantly recognizable waffle tread pattern that has graced these sneakers since their inception.

As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And these shoes are among the most iconic of all time — not just for Vans, but for the entire sneaker industry. That said, they aren’t without their own unique spin.

Vans

Kickin’ it

As mentioned, probably the single most recognizable part of these sneakers is their doodle-inspired side stripe. However, the one that adorns this particular pair is pretty unusual.

While it retains the same pattern, it isn’t a single piece of contrasting leather, as is typical of the Old Skool. Instead, this one is made from the same material as the rest of the upper, Potting Soil Brown suede. (Alongside canvas, suede is one of the shoe’s signature materials.) And the contrast, instead of a different colored material, is instead provided by a quartet of delicate lines of stitching — the same stitching found across the toe, heel and elsewhere.

Vans

This carefully considered alteration helps elevate and refine the sneaker without compromising its most beloved elements. Yes, these are still the Old Skools people know and love, but they come across a lot more grown-up.

While they’re not quite office-friendly (unless you work in a highly relaxed environment), these are the kinds of sneakers one might wear on a night out, and not just to the skatepark or a punk show. It just goes to show how a few careful, clever alterations can really alter a sneaker’s vibe without losing what made it great to begin with.

Vans

Available now

The Vans Old Skool Potting Soil Brown sneaker is now available on the brand’s site for $75.

Vans

Vans Old Skool Potting Soil Brown

• $75 at Vans

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