Updated 3 Nov 2026
Is the Vans Old Skool worth it?
Yes — for the look and short days.
It's light, very flexible and breathes well, and the suede and canvas upper is easy to wear with almost anything. The sole is thin and flat, with very little cushioning, so a full day on your feet gets tiring. The outsole wears quickly, and the side of the sole coming unstuck after a few months is the main complaint from unhappy owners. The heel collar can rub at first.
95%of 4,648 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- Light and very bendy
- Breathes well in summer
- Goes with almost anything
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What owners say
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.
Good to know
- Very little cushioning: you feel the ground on long walks.
- The outsole wears down fast, and some owners find the upper tearing or the sole coming unstuck within months.
- The stiff heel collar can rub or blister until it softens.
- Sizing is mixed: more owners find it small or narrow than large.
From 4,648 buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this
What they love
- Looks greatMentioned a lot
- ComfortableMentioned a lot
- True to sizeAlso mentioned
- A timeless classicAlso mentioned
What they complain about
- Tore at the sides or the sole came unstuck within monthsVery rare
- Stiff, with a hard heel that rubs or blistersVery rare
- Runs small or narrowVery rare
Get it if…
- You want the classic skate look for little money.
- You want a light shoe that bends with your foot.
- You'll wear them for a few hours at a time.
Skip it if…
- You walk or stand all day — get the Air Max SC or Gel-1130.
- You want a pair that lasts years of daily wear.
More on the Old Skool
How we reached this verdict
RunRepeat's lab rated it 81/100: very flexible, light at 363 g and breathable, but with low shock absorption, a thin 18.7 mm heel and an outsole that wore quickly. Captain Creps' comparison with the Sk8-Hi says the same: a light everyday classic, not a cushioned one. Otto's verified buyers are mostly happy; the main complaint is the sole coming apart early.
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: Vans Old Skool, Captain Creps: Old Skool vs Sk8-Hi, Vans (specs), 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: New Balance 2002R, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-NYC, Captain Creps: sizing guides, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide