Vans Old Skool Sizing: How Do They Fit?

A skateboarding legend, the Vans Old Skool is a model that you can come back to again and again, and never look out of fashion or out of place. Whether you're a skater or not, the Vans Old Skool is a must-have kick for your collection. With a large range of sizes, platformed silhouettes and a whole host of hot collaborative pairs, you and the Vans Old Skool are bound to cross paths at some point. For that moment, you're going to need to know how they fit. Do they come true to size, or do they come a little wider than your average pair of Nikes?

The Vans Old Skool is a classic model, having first hit the market back in 1977. Because of this, the silhouette follows a true-to-size cut, meaning there’s no need to size up or down when purchasing Old Skools. The official advice courtesy of the Californian label states that you should only ever size up by half a size, and that’s if you have exceptionally wide feet. Otherwise, go for your regular shoe size for an assured safe bet.

Originally created for skateboarding, the Vans Old Skool is a sneaker that offers enough comfort and support to endure the high-levels of impact associated with the extreme sport. While they certainly are comfortable, it’s also worth noting that the sneaker was introduced back in the 1970s, and it’s safe to say that technology has advanced a little since then. While it may not stack up against some of the options on the market today, the Old Skool was revolutionary for its time, and still makes for a comfortable wear even today.

The Old Skool is a timeless staple, meaning it’s easy to work into a whole variety of different outfits depending on the scenario. For starters, the model just works seamlessly with summer outfits. Whether that’s with a pair of cargo shorts or a dress, you can’t go wrong with the low-cut sneaker. However, there’s also a lot to be said regarding wearing Vans in the colder months, as they can act as the ideal beater sneaker. Pair them with a loose-fitting trouser or a pair of jeans for a no-nonsense everyday look.

Plenty of style icons have been spotted rocking Vans Old Skools in the wild, and this is no doubt due to how versatile they are. Justin Bieber famously rocked a beige pair of Old Skoosl alongside a matching shorts and T-shirt set from his very own Drewhouse brand, while A$AP ROCKY is renowned for adding a pair of black and white Vans to his more formal outfits, creating an elevated twist on streetwear style.

Vans is no stranger to collaborating with some of the biggest names in the fashion business, and we’re talking about the likes of Supreme, WTAPS, The North Face and so many more. These high-profile team efforts stand strong amongst the Californian label’s roster, alongside efforts endorsed by TV and film, such as releases with Stranger Things, SpongeBob Squarepants and The Simpsons. But after all, it has to be the OG black and white colourway that reigns supreme, sometimes you just can’t beat a classic.

Tried and tested, the Vans Old Skool silhouette is perfectly fine for skateboarding. While they might not have as much cushion as some of the more contemporary models on the market, the Old Skool works perfectly well for those who prefer a little bit more board feel.

Underfoot, you have a classic vulcanised outsole creating a strong and durable bond that is highly resistant to tearing. This means the Old Skool is great for any flip tricks, pairing nicely with the board feel to suit any transition skating.