Vans Old Skool vs Vans Knu Skool
Get the Old Skool. Far lighter, bendy, breathable, and cheaper. The Knu Skool is the puffy 90s look, heavy and slippery on wet floors.
We may earn a commission from these links.
Which one is for you?
Old Skool
The slim classic look, a light bendy shoe and less money all point to the Old Skool.
Is the Vans Old Skool worth it?Knu Skool
The chunky 90s skate look, wider feet and a pair that takes knocks: that's the Knu Skool.
Is the Vans Knu Skool worth it?Key differences
Weight
Look
Durability
Wet grip
Room at the toes
What owners say
Verified buyers only; every 1–3 star review read by us. How we do this
Old Skool
Most verified owners are happy with the look and the comfort for everyday wear; the main complaint is pairs tearing at the sides or the sole coming unstuck within months.
- Looks great
- Comfortable
- True to size
- Tore at the sides or the sole came unstuck within months
- Stiff, with a hard heel that rubs or blisters
Knu Skool
Nearly all verified owners are happy with the chunky look and comfort; the main complaint is pairs tearing or the sole coming apart within months.
- Looks great
- Comfortable
- Well made
- Tore or came apart within months
Related pages
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-1130, RunRepeat: adidas Samba OG, RunRepeat: adidas Gazelle, RunRepeat: New Balance 530, RunRepeat: New Balance 9060, RunRepeat: Nike Air Force 1 '07, RunRepeat: Reebok Club C 85, RunRepeat: Nike Dunk Low, RunRepeat: New Balance 550, RunRepeat: New Balance 574, RunRepeat: Nike Air Max SC, RunRepeat: Vans Old Skool, RunRepeat: New Balance 2002R, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-NYC, Captain Creps: sizing guides, manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the Old Skool: 4,648 verified buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), read November 2026.
Owner reports for the Knu Skool: 808 verified buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), read November 2026.