Home / Footwear / Sneakers

Vans’ Latest Release Is Perfectly Worn In Without Taking a Step

The original Off the Wall silhouette gets a minimal yet impactful update, thanks to a striking new finish that adds texture without weight.

Pair of black cracked leather Vans sneakers shown from the back on a yellow background.Vans
Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Hayley Helms

Published

·

Updated

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

You either like your shoes clean and pristine, or you like them dirty and lived-in. There is no in-between.

The tension between valuing perfectly patinated shoes and expertly maintained kicks is a well-known phenomenon, but Vans’ latest take on the Authentic may be the one shoe that can appeal to both camps.

The Premium Authentic Shoe features a crackled, overpainted finish that looks worn in before it ever comes out of the box.

White low-top sneaker with black crackle pattern and white rubber sole with black stripe.
Lived-in looks with no wear and tear? Count me in.
Vans

Paint outside the lines

The Premium Authentic Shoe comes in many finishes, but its freshest look is intentionally weathered.

The Overpainted finish, which comes in two contrasting colorways, brings texture and sharp style to Vans’ original sneaker.

Pair of black Vans sneakers with cracked texture, one showing top view and the other showing waffle-pattern sole.
The Overpaint Black/Black variant brings an almost futuristic vibe to the table.
Vans

The Overpainted Blanc de Blanc resembles mudcracks in clay-rich desert soil, bringing extra dimension to the supple suede upper, which replaces traditional canvas.

Pair of white low-top sneakers with black crackle pattern and white laces on a light background.
The suede upper offers a soft, textured feel.
Vans
Black Vans sneaker with cracked leather texture and black rubber sole with white trim.
The darker version’s sheen offers even more depth to the slim sneaker.
Vans

The Overpainted Black/Black is the inversion of its lighter counterpart and adds a reflective sheen to the mix.

The Blanc de Blanc colorway features a white sidewall with black outlining, while the Black/Black variant sports a contrasting black sidewall with white outlining.

Pair of black Vans sneakers with cracked leather texture shown from the back on a light background.
The upgraded insole offers extra comfort underfoot.
Vans

Both versions of the heritage low top style feature a higher sidewall with gloss finish, upgraded footbed, proprietary Sola Foam ADC insole and Vans’ signature outsole.

The cotton laces and metal eyelets complete the minimal-yet-striking package.

Availability and pricing

The Premium Authentic Shoe in Overpaint is available now on Vans’ website, retailing for $90.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

Read More

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

add as a preferred source on google