Vans Era vs Old Skool: Which is the better shoe? This is a query that sneaker fanatics have asked for decades. Both boots are classic and contain a loyal following, but which one is right for you? This article will contrast the Vans Era and the Vans Old Skool regarding design, comfort, longevity, price, weight, sizing, iconicness, and popularity.
The Vans Era is a versatile skate shoe first launched in 1976. It offers a low-top pattern, cushioned collar, and tongue for additional comfort. The shoe is famous for its simple yet enduring design and is accessible in various colors and designs. On the other side, the Vans Old Skool was initiated in 1977 and provides the iconic side stripe that has become viable with the Vans brand. The shoe has the same low-top pattern as the Era but offers a more considerable sole and a fortified toe cap for extra durability.
Several vital dissimilarities exist to consider regarding selecting between the Vans Era and the Vans Old Skool. The Era is famous for its comfort; on the contrary, the Old Skool is known for its longevity. The Era is a little lighter and more iconic than the Old Skool. However, the Old Skool is the more famous of the two and has a greater stack height and heel drop, which may be desirable for some.
Feature Table: Vans Era Vs Vans Old Skool
| Feature | Vans Era | Vans Old Skool |
| Origin | Introduced in 1976 | Introduced in 1977 |
| Design | Simple, low-top silhouette, canvas upper | Iconic side stripe, canvas and suede upper |
| Comfort | Cushioned tongue and collar, snug insole | Cushioned collar and insole, vulcanized sole |
| Durability | Famous vulcanized sole, canvas upper | Vulcanized sole, reinforced toe cap |
| Price | Generally lower priced | Moderately higher priced |
| Weight (Men’s size 12) | 1.15 pounds | 1.05 pounds |
| Sizing | Generally true to size but may run slightly small | Half a size smaller, go up in size |
| Color Options | Limited colorways, iconic black and white | Various colors and patterns available |
| Popularity | Niche following among skaters, growing popularity in fashion | Iconic status among skaters and fashion-conscious individuals |
| Stack Height & Heel Drop | Similar stack heights, Era has a greater heel drop | Similar stack heights, Old Skool has a smaller heel drop |
Key Takeaways
- The Vans Era and the Vans Old Skool are classic skate shoes with a loyal following.
- The Era is famous for its comfort; on the other hand, the Old Skool is renowned for its durability.
- The selection between the two depends on individual preference and what you plan to use the shoes for.
Vans Era: An Overview
Vans Era is a versatile skate shoe that originated in 1976. It is one of the most famous designs from the Vans Classics collection. The Era is renowned for its simple yet modish pattern, which has endured unchanged since its inception.
Design
The Vans Era provides a deep-top silhouette with a cushioned collar for additional comfort and aid. It has a canvas upper with a welded rubber sole that gives remarkable traction and durability. The shoe also contains a lace-up closure with metal eyelets for a secure fit.
One of the most identifiable attributes of the Era is the Vans logo on the heel. The shoe is obtainable in various colorways, including iconic black and white and more vibrant choices like red, blue, and green.
Functionality
The Vans Era is an iconic shoe that can be used for diverse activities. Its hard-wearing construction and outstanding traction make it a perfect option for skateboarding, while its modish design makes it adaptable for regular wear.
The Era also offers a snug insole with padding and support for all-day wear. Its deep-top design permits a total extent of motion, making it a perfect option for activities requiring agility and flexibility.
Popularity
The Vans Era has been famous for skaters and regular users for over four decades. Its enduring pattern and remarkable functionality have made it dominant in the Vans Classics collection.
In recent years, the Era has also become famous among fashion fanatics, who admire its retro aesthetic and iconicness. The shoe has been featured in various fashion campaigns and associations, cementing its status as a traditional icon.
Vans Old Skool: An Overview
The Vans Old Skool has been an iconic skate shoe in the market since the 1970s. It is one of the most versatile sneakers in the Vans lineup and has been loved by skateboarders and fashion fanatics for decades.
Design
The Vans Old Skool offers a deep-top silhouette using a canvas and suede upper. It contains the signature Vans side stripe, providing an authoritative look. The shoe is accessible in various colorways, from iconic black and white to striking and bright hues.
Comfort
The Vans Old Skool is famous for its comfort. It has a cushioned collar and insole, which gives padding and support for the feet. The shoe also comprises a vulcanized sole, offering a remarkable grip and board feel.
Durability
The Vans Old Skool is a hard-wearing shoe that can resist the deterioration of skateboarding. It has a fortified toe cap, which aids in shielding the shoe from damage. The shoe also contains double stitching in exclusive areas, contributing to its durability.
Popularity
The Vans Old Skool has endured fame over the years because of its classic pattern and snug fit. It has been used by everyone from skateboarders to musicians to vogue icons. The shoe has also been upgraded with collaborations and restricted edition launches, which have kept it applicable and in demand.
Overall, the Vans Old Skool is an abiding classic that has resisted time. Its amalgamation of style, ease, and longevity has made it a beloved of many.
Design Comparison
Insole
The insole of both Vans Era and Old Skool is glued and non-demountable. Therefore, it is not feasible to restore or clean it separately. The insole of both shoes is comparatively thin and gives minimal arch aid. Both shoes use a similar insole, so there is no dissimilarity between them.
Midsole
The midsole of both Vans Era and Old Skool is designed of a similar material, which is a mushy and stretchable rubber called vulcanized rubber.
The midsole offers padding and impact absorption, making it snug for elongated periods. There is no dissimilarity in the midsole formation between the two shoes.
Outsole
The outsole of both Vans Era and Old Skool utilizes a similar diamond vulcanized rubber outsole. The outsole is long-lasting and gives excellent traction on most surfaces, making it adaptable for skating and other activities.
The only dissimilarity between the two shoes is the design of the outsole. The Vans Era contains a waffle pattern; on the other hand, the Old Skool has a diagonal design.
Upper Design
The upper pattern is where the Vans Era and Old Skool vary the most. The Vans Era contains a deep-cut profile and offers a cushioned tongue and collar, which gives additional padding and support. The upper pattern of the Vans Era is also more slender and has a more voguish look.
On the other side, the Vans Old Skool has a high-cut profile and offers a suede and canvas upper with the classic side stripe. The pattern of the Vans Old Skool is more iconic and retro.
Regarding colorways, the Vans Old Skool has more choices than the Vans Era. The Vans Old Skool is accessible in many distinct colors; however, the Vans Era is only obtainable in plain black and white.
Overall, the pattern comparison between Vans Era and Old Skool shows that they contain several similarities, just as the insole and midsole construction, but vary in the upper pattern and outsole design.
Comfort Comparison
Regarding comfort, both Vans Era and Old Skool sneakers are structured to give a snug fit. However, several differences separate them.
The Vans Era sneakers are more cushioned at the tongue and collar sections, making them more suitable for skating than the Old Skool. The additional cushioning provides extra cushioning and aid, which can aid in absorbing the impact and minimize the possibility of injury during top-impact activities.
Conversely, the Vans Old Skool sneakers contain a more defined and genuine design, which may attract some people. The Old Skool sneakers comprise a massive sole, which can provide extra aid and padding for the feet. However, some individuals may discover the thicker sole less comfortable than the thinner sole of the Era sneakers.
Regarding sizing, the Era and Old Skool sneakers are generally accurate and need little break-in time. This shows that you can wear them straight out of the box without experiencing any discomfort or aches.
Overall, the Vans Era and Old Skool sneakers are snug and perfect for regular wear. However, the Vans Era may be the finer option if you search for a sneaker with additional cushioning and aid. If you prioritize a more defined and genuine pattern, the Vans Old Skool may be the way forward.
Durability Comparison
Concerning durability, both Vans Era and Old Skool are designed with top-quality materials constructed to resist regular deterioration. However, several differences in the formation of these two shoes may influence their overall durability.
One of the key differences between the two designs is the sole. The Vans Era offers a famous vulcanized sole for its longevity and resistance to wear. This kind of sole is made by heating and squeezing rubber to create a robust, stretchable material that can resist much abuse. On the other hand, the Vans Old Skool contains a waffle sole that is also long-lasting but may not be as durable as the vulcanized sole.
Another factor that can influence the durability of these shoes is the upper component. The Vans Era and Old Skool are designed with popular canvas uppers for strength and longevity. However, the Vans Old Skool also offers suede or leather accents that may be more prone to scuffs and scrapes over time.
Finally, the formation of the shoes also influences their overall durability. The Vans Era has a cushioned collar and tongue that gives extra aid and protection for the foot, which may aid in averting deterioration over time. Conversely, the Vans Old Skool has a more unembellished design that may give less shield for the foot.
Overall, the Vans Era and Old Skool are hard-wearing shoes constructed to resist regular use. However, the vulcanized sole and cushioned collar of the Vans Era may make it moderately more long-lasting than the Vans Old Skool in the long run.
Price Comparison
Concerning price, both Vans Era and Old Skool are comparatively economical compared to other sneaker brands. However, several things could be improved in their pricing.
Vans Era is typically priced lower than Old Skool. The average retail cost of Vans Era is around $55; on the other hand, the average retail cost of Old Skool is around $65. However, the prices may vary based on the shoes’ pattern, material, and size.
It is also worth considering that both Vans Era and Old Skool have distinct versions and associations that can influence their prices. For instance, limited edition Vans Era or Old Skool collaborations with famous brands or artists may have more excellent prices.
Talking about durability and quality, both Vans Era and Old Skool are structured with top-quality materials and are engineered to last. However, some wearers may prefer the pattern and attributes of one model over the other, which can impact their buying decisions.
Weight Comparison
Concerning comparing the Vans Era and Old Skool, weight is a necessary factor to consider. The weight of a shoe can impact the ease and performance of the user. Following is a comparison of the weight of Vans Era and Old Skool:
| Model | Weight (Men’s size 12) |
| Vans Era | 1.15 pounds |
| Vans Old Skool | 1.05 pounds |
As the table shows, Vans Era is moderately more massive than Vans Old Skool. This weight dissimilarity may not be noteworthy to some users, but it can create a difference for others.
It’s obligatory to mention that the weight of Vans shoes can differ based on the style and size. For instance, the Vans Ultrarange Exo weighs approximately 0.63 pounds; on the other hand, the Vans Hi Top Sneakers can weigh up to 2.51 pounds. Therefore, checking the weight of the particular Vans shoe model and size is necessary before hitting the jackpot.
Overall, both Vans Era and Old Skool are feathery and snug shoes. The weight difference between the two designs is unembellished, and it’s unlikely to affect the user’s performance or ease significantly.
Sizing Comparison
Sizing Table For Vans Era
Regarding sizing, Vans Era sneakers are popular for most people to fit true to size. However, some wearers have mentioned running moderately smaller than regular shoe sizing. It is suggested to test them before buying to verify the perfect fit.
Following is a sizing table for Vans Era based on wearer reviews:
| US Size | EU Size | UK Size | Foot Length (inches) |
| 5 | 37 | 4 | 8.9 |
| 6 | 38-39 | 5 | 9.25 |
| 7 | 40 | 6 | 9.63 |
| 8 | 41 | 7 | 10.0 |
| 9 | 42 | 8 | 10.38 |
| 10 | 43 | 9 | 10.75 |
| 11 | 44-45 | 10 | 11.13 |
| 12 | 46 | 11 | 11.5 |
| 13 | 47 | 12 | 11.88 |
Sizing Table For Vans Old Skool
Vans Old Skool sneakers are popular to fit half a size smaller than other Vans designs, just as the Authentic Original and New Balance 574. It is suggested to go half a size up when buying Vans Old Skool sneakers.
Following is a sizing table for Vans Old Skool inclined on wearer reviews:
| US Size | EU Size | UK Size | Foot Length (inches) |
| 5.5 | 38 | 4.5 | 8.9 |
| 6 | 38.5 | 5 | 9.25 |
| 6.5 | 39 | 5.5 | 9.38 |
| 7 | 40 | 6 | 9.63 |
| 7.5 | 40.5 | 6.5 | 9.88 |
| 8 | 41 | 7 | 10.0 |
| 8.5 | 42 | 7.5 | 10.38 |
| 9 | 42.5 | 8 | 10.5 |
| 9.5 | 43 | 8.5 | 10.75 |
| 10 | 44 | 9 | 11.0 |
| 10.5 | 44.5 | 9.5 | 11.13 |
| 11 | 45 | 10 | 11.5 |
| 11.5 | 46 | 10.5 | 11.63 |
| 12 | 46.5 | 11 | 11.88 |
| 13 | 47 | 12 | 12.25 |
Versatility Comparison
Regarding versatility, both Vans Era and Vans Old Skool have advantages and disadvantages. However, one may be more iconic than the other based on one’s requirements and likings.
Vans Era
Vans Era is a classic shoe that can be used for different occasions. It is adaptable for skating, regular wear, and even semi-formal events. The shoe’s pattern is simple and iconic, making it comfy to pair with distinct outfits. Furthermore, the Era is accessible in a diversity of colors and prints, giving users more choices to choose from.
One of the Era’s main benefits is its comfort. The shoe is well-cushioned, making it snug to wear for elongated periods. Its deep-top design also allows for finer mobility, making it perfect for activities requiring a lot of movement.
Vans Old Skool
Like the Era, Vans Old Skool is a classic shoe that can be used for distinct occasions. However, its pattern is more authoritative and eye-catching, making it a famous choice among fashion-conscious people. The Old Skool is accessible in a broader extent of colors and designs than the Era, permitting users to express their style more easily.
One of the Old Skool’s advantages is its durability. The shoe’s formation is sturdy and can resist much deterioration, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Furthermore, its massive sole gives good traction, making it adaptable for skiddy surfaces.
Popularity Comparison
Concerning popularity, both Vans Era and Old Skool contain a vast fan base. However, there are several differences in favor among distinct groups of people.
Skaters and streetwear fanatics prioritize the Old Skool because of its iconic and timeless pattern. The Old Skool has been in the industry since 1977 and has maintained itself as a versatile skate shoe. Its fame has only grown over the years and endures a significant choice for skaters and fashion-conscious persons alike.
Conversely, the Era contains a more niche following among skateboarding fanatics. This is because the Era was structured as a skate shoe in the 1970s and has since been upgraded with the latest materials and designs. The Era’s renown among skaters is because of its deep profile and hard-wearing construction, which makes it perfect for skating.
In the case of mainstream popularity, both the Era and Old Skool have attained a lot of grip in recent years. Celebrities and influencers have been seen wearing both shoes, enhancing their visibility and fame. However, the Old Skool has a moderate mainstream popularity edge because of its extended history and classic status.
Overall, the Vans Era and Old Skool are famous shoes with their versatile fan base. While the Old Skool is more prominent among skaters and streetwear fanatics, the Era has a more niche following among skateboarding lovers. In the case of mainstream popularity, both shoes have attained a lot of grip in recent years, but the Old Skool still contains a modern edge due to its classic status.
Stack Height & Heel Drop
Concerning skate shoes, stack height, and heel drop are necessary factors to contemplate. Stack height refers to the massiveness of the shoe’s sole; on the other hand, heel drop is the dissimilarity between the size of the heel and the height of the forefoot.
The Vans Era and Old Skool have the same stack heights, with the Era having a moderately thicker sole. However, the Era comprises a more significant heel drop than the Old Skool, which can influence the feel and performance of the shoe.
A more significant heel drop can give more padding and aid for the heel, but it can also make the shoe feel less sturdy and less reactive. Conversely, a more profound heel drop can feature a more natural feel and finer control, but it may be less snug for those who require more cushioning.
Some may prioritize the additional cushioning and aid of the Era; on the contrary, others may agree on the more natural feel of the Old Skool. It’s obligatory to test on both shoes and test them out before making a selection. Furthermore, skaters should consider their foot appearance and size, together with the kind of skating they will be doing when selecting between the Vans Era and Old Skool.
What is the difference between the Vans Era and Old Skool?
Vans Era and Old Skool are two of the most famous and classic sneakers from Vans. While both sneakers contain several similarities, they also have some differences that separate them. This part will explore the dissimilarities between the Vans Era and Old Skool.
Design
One of the most noteworthy differences between Vans Era and Old Skool is their pattern. The Vans Era has a plain design, a deep-top silhouette, and a canvas upper.
Conversely, the Vans Old Skool has a more composite structure with a deep-top shape, canvas, suede upper, and signature edge stripe.
Padding
Another essential dissimilarity between Vans Era and Old Skool is the quantity of padding. The Vans Era has more cushioning at the tongue and collar sections than the Old Skool, making it more snug for prolonged use.
Conversely, the Old Skool has less padding, providing a more sleek look.
Colorways
Regarding colorways, the Vans Old Skool provides more choices than the Vans Era. The Old Skool is accessible in various colors, from iconic black and white to striking and vibrant hues. The Vans Era, on the other side, is obtainable in more limited color shades.
Price
Regarding price, both Vans Era and Old Skool are comparatively economical sneakers. However, the Vans Old Skool is typically moderately more costly than the Vans Era because of its more complex pattern and use of standard materials.
While Vans Era and Old Skool contain some similarities, they also have several distinct dissimilarities that make them versatile.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons Of Vans Era
Vans Era is a famous shoe among skateboarders and regular wearers. Following are several pros and cons of the Vans Era:
Pros
- It is more cushioned at the tongue and collar parts than the Old Skool, making it snug for elongated wear.
- It comes in a diversity of colors and patterns
- Hard-wearing and can resist wear and tear
- There is good traction on the sole, making it adaptable for skating
Cons
- It may not be ideal for people with broad feet
- The toe box may be too tight for some people
- The cushioning may make the shoe feel chunky for some users
Pros & Cons Of Old Skool
Old Skool is another renowned shoe from Vans. Following are several pros and cons of the Old Skool:
Pros
- A versatile pattern that has resisted the test of time
- It comes in a diversity of colors and patterns
- Long-lasting and can withstand deterioration
- Good traction on the sole, making it ideal for skating
Cons
- It is less cushioned than the Era, making it less snug for elongated wear
- It may not be perfect for people with extensive feet
- The toe box may be too tight for several individuals
Overall, both the Vans Era and Old Skool contain their pros and cons. So choosing between the two relies on what you’re searching for and where you’ll be wearing these shoes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Vans Era and Old Skool are perfect sneakers that have been in the market for decades. They are both modish and snug and contain a loyal fan base. However, some dissimilarities between the two may make one more desirable than the other for specific individuals.
One of the key differences between the two is the pattern. The Old Skool comprises a more defined and genuine design that has become classic; on the contrary, the Era has a more voguish look. The Old Skool is also available in more color shades than the Era, which may be a point for those who like to have more choices.
Another dissimilarity is the padding. The Era has more cushioning around the tongue and collar, making it more adaptable for skating than the Old Skool. However, some may prioritize the less bulky feel of the Old Skool.
Concerning the outsole and insole, both sneakers utilize the same diamond vulcanized rubber outsole and contain glued insoles. So, there is no efficient difference in traction and support.
Those who prefer an iconic, classic design may prioritize the Old Skool; on the other hand, those who agree on comfort and cushioning may choose the Era. Regardless of your selection, Vans Era and Old Skool are perfect sneakers with style and ease for years.
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