Vans, a shoemaking brand that has lived up to its name for years, was founded by Paul Van Doren in 1966, after working for Randy’s, who was a shoe manufacturer.
The name Vans came as a result of skaters saying “let’s go to vans store and get some shoes,” and so the slang was adopted as its name.
Vans had manufactured different shoe styles including Vans Authentic, Era, Sk8-Hi, Vans old skool and Vans ward. These shoes are under a tight comparison due to their similar features in their street style designs.
One could hardly spot a difference between these two styles of Vans shoes. But not to worry.
In this article, the two styles are appropriately detailed with their features, what they could be used for and which pair of shoes deserves first place in your everyday attire!
Key Differences between Vans Old Skool and Vans Ward
- The end of the eye stays of the Old Skool Vans is stitched under the suede toe box. Whereas in the Ward, the eye stays are extended and stitched over the toebox.
- The Vans Old Skool shoes has stitching under the jazz stripe, while the Vans Ward shoes does not have.
- Near the collar, the hem on the Vans Ward stays above the jazz stripe. Whereas, in the Old Skool Vans, the stitching dips into the jazz stripe.
- Unlike the Old Skool shoes which does not have any tag on the tongue, the Vans Ward has a Vans tag.
- The Vans ward has wide-gapped stitching on the heel, whereas the Old Skool shoes has seams with a narrower gap.
Vans Old Skool
Among the Vans’ 44 deck shoe collection, the Old Skool made its debut as style number 36 in 1977.
The old Skool vans were designed as skating shoes, due to its comfort and firm grip on a skateboard. These Vans skate shoes have leather panels that give you both durability and dimension.
The Old Skool has sewn lines on the upper, a random doodle was drawn by its founder, Paul Van Doren, which was originally referred to as the “Jazz Stripe”.
The Vans brand today is recognized worldwide with the side stripe feature.
This low-top lace-up shoe remains as iconic as ever, with reinforced toe caps, supportive padded tops, and comes with its signature rubber waffle outsoles.
Pros
- It is a classic silhouette that can blend into any wardrobe.
- Hands-down best skating shoes
- You cannot speak of comfort without mentioning the Vans Old Skool.
- The Old Skool fits true to the size of the user.
- The shoe is incredibly breathable, due to all canvas upper design.
- It’s pleasurable to the eyes, and
- They come in different colors
Cons
- There are little details that tell apart a good shoe from a great one, and in the case of the Vans Old Skool.
- The Vans is flat and does not provide and arch support to its user.
- They are short-term shoes, as they do not last for long.
- The sneaker is tough to maintain as stain removal becomes a tasking job, especially with colors you do not want to bleach.
- Old skools are not that very comfortable, as they can scratch at the back of the user’s foot.
Vans Ward
Unlike the Vans’ Old Skool, the Vans Ward does not have extra line stitches on the upper.
Therefore, the Vans Ward comfortable blend of a skateboarder’s shoe and casual presentation.
Vans Wards has a low-profile design, and flexible vulcanized sneaker construct, together with an original waffle outsole for heightened grip.
This design is characterized by a textured toe bumper, padded collar, classic stripe, cushioned insole, textile lining, lace-up closure with metal eyelets, and vulcanized rubber outsole.
Pros
Its blend of style and classic outlook has made it a go-to for individuals, making it an excellent addition to one’s sneaker timeline.
Without leaving an obvious dent on your budget, this kick offers durability, which is also adaptable to diverse situations.
Cons
The only conceivable drawback associated with the Vans Ward is the difficulty attributed to maintaining the white version’s outsoles and also “considered’ a tight fit for those with wide feet due to its narrow toebox.
The price could also be considered high ranging from $36 – $100.
Read Also: 10 Best Socks to Wear with Vans Sneakers
Vans ward Vs Vans old skool – Which one is better?
Factor | Vans Ward | Old Skool |
Ankle Support | Good Support | Better Support |
Comfort | Comfortable after a few wears | Comfortable right out the box |
Tongue Design | Minimalistic | White label with the black logo mark of the brand |
Sole Color | Deep Brown Waffle style | Light Brownish Waffle style |
Seam Arrangement | Stitched over toe box | Stitched under toe box |
Insole Interior | Black | Off-White |
Outsole Interior | Dark Brown | Tan |
Availability | General Retail/Departmental stores | Vans Stores or Vans dealership stores |
Being at a crossroads and not knowing the right choice to make between the Vans Ward and Old Skool?
Well, both designs are amazing but if you are looking for something that keeps a low profile, with a reasonably affordable price tag, then going for the Vans ward is a nice idea.
Want to have that classical feeling of luxury and beauty?
Then the Old Skool has got you covered. It is more recent than the Vans Ward style which is why most users prefer it. So, we can say that Vans Old Skool shoes is superior over the Vans Ward.
Summarily, Vans Ward and Old Skool are amazing designs that have been serving the needs of skaters and mere individuals since inception.
The comfort needs of your feet haven’t been fully met without coming in contact with the Vans series, the perfect day long shoes.
A perfect blend of style, class, and simplicity is what the Vans collection offers. It won’t be a bad idea if you could get these silhouettes in your closet.
Regarding the debate of Vans Ward vs Old Skool, there are no clear winners in our books as both the Old Skool Vans and Vans Ward are clear winners in our books!
