Vans might be a skateboarder’s wardrobe must-have, but you don’t have to be tied to the bowl and the pavement to rock a pair of these timeless, classic kicks. Whether you’re a skateboarder or a regular fellow looking for a fresh fit, you can count on Vans. Vans Ward vs. Old Skool, though?
When you’re trying to decide between two similar styles, you need to dig a little deeper.
What’s the history behind Vans Ward sneakers? What fabrics are Old Skools made of? What’s the price-performance ratio when referring to the two best sellers that managed to pique the attention of celebrities, designers, and fashion gurus?
Vans are the most wearable, versatile sneakers out there, there’s no question about that. Smarten up your comfortable loungewear sets with a pair of fresh-out-of-the-box Wards. Keep things casual with an elegant trench coat and a pair of classic, chic Old Skool Vans.
Suit up with a structured set, a simple, white tee, and a pair of your favorite Vans. Whichever route you decide to go with, you’re guaranteed to benefit from a pair of Vans. Which of the two best sellers would be better for you, though? Read more down below!
About Vans
Before we start, we need to talk about the history behind Vans.
Vans have been around for ages and have managed to become quite a huge part of the skateboarding culture. Not to mention that Vans have been a staple of casual attire from the moment they appeared on the scene.
Now, what’s there to know about Vans? Brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren, along with partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia, opened a tiny footwear factory in Anaheim, California on March 16, 1966.
The Van Doren Rubber Company was unique because it was the first of its kind – it manufactured footwear on the premises and sold it to the public right there and then.
The House of Vans became somewhat of an epitome of street style with skateboarders flocking to purchase rough, rugged sneakers with sticky soles. The name Vans came as a result of skaters shortening the name and saying “Let’s go to the Vans store and get some sneakers!”
Vans continued to leave its footprints in the world with the Warped Tour, Vans own music and extreme sports touring festival, becoming the longest-running concert series in America. Vans manufactured numerous styles of sneakers including Vans Authentic, Era, Sk8-Hi, Vans Old Skool, and Vans Ward.
With a myriad of innovative series, projects, and products, it’s safe to say that Vans became one of the most popular, prominent brands in the world. Vans Ward and Vans Old Skool became two of the most sought-after styles.
Vans Ward vs. Old Skool: What’s there to know?
1. History
Everyone’s favorite skateboard sneakers have been around for ages, we’ve brushed over that.
Even though you might think that the history behind the two best sellers means nothing, you don’t know whether you’re going to be swayed one way or the other until you read more about them.
Vans Old Skool sneakers are the OG ones, that’s for sure.
When these bad boys were presented to the public in 1977, everyone saw them as skateboard sneakers. With plenty of padding for comfort, sticky soles to grip onto the skateboard, and a reinforced toe cap, they were perfect for skateboarding.
On top of that, they were unique because Paul Van Doren drew a random doodle initially referred to as the “Jazz Stripe” that became a permanent feature. Vans Ward sneakers arrived forty years after the Old Skool ones and were heavily influenced by their senior counterparts.
On one hand, Vans Ward sneakers featured the signature stripe and the general feel of the Old Skool ones. On the other, they were made with a few tweaks that ensured the ultimate experience for the wearer.
2. Design
Design-wise, we need to talk about the fact that the Vans Old Skool sneakers were the first to feature the signature side stripe.
Whether you’re a Vans enthusiast or someone who appreciates Vans sneakers for the art rather than comfort or support – you might want to get your hands on the Old Skool ones.
Vans Ward sneakers might not be as special as the Old Skool ones, but they’re up there with some of the most sought-after styles, too.
Needless to say, the differences between the two designs are minor – but they’re there. Vans Old Skool sneakers are made with reinforced toe caps, supportive padded collars, and signature rubber waffle outsoles.
Vans Ward sneakers are made with a textured toe bumper, padded collars, cushioned footbeds, textile lining, and vulcanized rubber outsoles. What’s not to adore?
3. Performance
We’d argue that Vans sneakers weren’t meant to be performance sneakers, even though some of the styles were designed to appease the skateboarding culture.
Skaters need supportive, protective footwear with durable, rubber outsoles to ensure they’re safe when they’re kitting the skate park.
Vans are great skateboard sneakers because they’re made with a few favorable features that ensure precisely that – both Ward and Old Skool are made with a breathable canvas upper, supportive, padded collars, reinforced toe caps, and sticky soles.
Performance-wise, both Vans’ best-sellers are a great option to consider. Vans sneakers are lifestyle sneakers, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t appropriate for skateboarding, shuffling, or whatever other activity you’re thinking of wearing them for.
4. Comfort and fit
When you’re trying to decide on the winner of the Vans Ward vs. Old Skool battle, chances are you’re going to pay attention to the fit of the sneaker.
Comfortable sneakers are a must-have, wherever you’re planning on wearing them. Contrary to what your company might think, Vans are appropriate workwear – we can agree on that, right? Vans sneakers are comfortable because they’re breathable, flexible, and lightweight.
With or without socks, Vans are one of the comfiest sneakers out there. Both Vans Ward and Wans Old Skool sneakers come with a padded collar and tongue which provide cushioning and support. Both feature a vulcanized rubber sole which gives excellent control and grip.
But Vans Ward sneakers are a little slimmer than Vans Old Skool which means they’re better for wearers with narrow feet. Vans Old Skool sneakers come with a slightly more pronounced design which means they’re great for wearers with wide feet.
5. Support and stability
Vans sneakers are supportive and stable, for the most part. Vans offer great support because they’re made with plenty of padding around the strategic areas.
We’d argue that they’re the ultimate combination of function and style, too. Vans, whether we’re referring to Ward or Old Skool, are excellent for walking because they’re made with sturdy, sticky rubber soles and flexible canvas uppers. We can’t forget that they’re made with non-slip outsoles, too.
Whichever style you decide to go with, we’re sure you’re going to appreciate the amount of support and stability you get. We do need to urge you to go with a wider style on the chance that you need to wear orthotics with your Vans.
6. Breathability
We mentioned beforehand that Vans sneakers are made with lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow airflow – and we weren’t kidding. Both Vans Ward and Vans Old Skool are made with durable canvas and suede uppers that ensure your feet stay happy and healthy throughout the day.
Before you make up your mind, know that they’re made with breathable fabric lining that’s responsible for keeping your feet dry, whether or not you’re wearing socks.
We’d go for a canvas upper rather than a suede one simply because canvas tends to perform better and prevent the interior from heating up too much. Whichever style you decide to go with, canvas sneakers are guaranteed to keep things fun and fresh.
7. Durability
Vans sneakers are high-quality, hard-wearing sneakers that can last you a relatively long time – when you take care of them, clean them, and store them the right way.
Vans might not be your average full-grain leather sneakers that can withstand fire and rain, but they’re excellent sneakers to add to your collection. With proper care and average wear, you can wear your Vans for two or more years without ruining them completely.
When you’re an everyday skater that exposes them to constant friction and scarping, you might need to replace them after a year. Vans do become cooler with signs of wear and tear, but that might not be something you’re on the hunt for.
8. Affordability
Vans are affordable and that’s what makes them popular among younger generations.
Nobody wants to spend too much money on sneakers that need to be replaced after a year or two, right? Needless to say, Vans are worth your money considering they’re almost always priced below $100.
Vans Ward and Vans Old Skool are priced at around $70 at the moment, but you can always wait for a sale to get them for cheaper, too.
Vans Ward vs. Old Skool: Which are the coolest kicks ever?
We’d say that you can’t go wrong with Vans Ward or Vans Old Skool, depending on what you’re searching for.
Vans Wards are slightly more simple and sleek which might be great for someone who’s trying to keep a low profile. Vans Old Skools are more eye-catching because they’ve been around for ages and everyone’s obsessed with them.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck!
