Vans Old Skool

The Vans Old Skool, introduced in 1977, is renowned for debuting Vans’ iconic leather side stripe, originally dubbed the "jazz stripe." Its combination of canvas and suede on the upper, paired with a rugged waffle sole, established it as a staple in skateboarding and streetwear culture. The shoe’s low profile and padded collar offer the grip and comfort essential for skateboarding performance. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Vans Old Skool became a symbol within skate communities, worn by influential skaters who shaped the sport’s identity. This era saw the shoe transition from purely functional footwear to a canvas for creative expression, with limited edition releases and artist collaborations that reflected the evolving street culture around skateboarding.

Sign Up to get access to the latest drops, exclusive products and insider updates.
By entering your email, you agree to receive customized marketing messages from us and our advertising partners. You also acknowledge that this site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and that our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Featured

Latest Stories

'Charms' Vans collection
Sneakers

How to Buy the Chanel-Inspired 'Charms' Vans Sneakers

The 'Charms' Vans Authentic colorways arrive tomorrow.

Victor Deng177 days ago
Vans Old Skool 'Souvenir'
Sneakers

Vans' Sold-Out 'Souvenir' Old Skool Is Restocking on Complex

Here's how to buy the 'Souvenir' Vans Old Skool.

Victor Deng224 days ago
10 Most Hyped Items of 2025
Style

The 10 Most Hyped Items of 2025

From limited collabs to items that sparked entire trends, these are the items that captured the streetwear community’s attention over the past 365 days.

Mike DeStefano226 days ago
Vans Old Skool 'Souvenir.'
Sneakers

Vans Is Having a Moment

Thanks to sneakers like the 'Souvenir' Old Skool and Satoshi Nakamoto collab, Vans is hot in 2025.

Renato Pagnani238 days ago
Vans Old Skool 'Pearlized'
Sneakers

'Pearlized' Vans Old Skool, 'China' Kobe 9, and Other Sneakers Releasing This Week

The 'Pearlized' Vans Old Skool headlines this week's best releases.

Victor Deng248 days ago
Advertisement
'Pearlized' Vans Old Skool
Sneakers

The Viral 'Pearlized' Vans Old Skools Are Coming to Complex

Here's how to buy the 'Pearlized' Vans Old Skool.

Victor Deng254 days ago
CactusCon ComplexCon Sphere
Sneakers

All the Sneaker Launches at ComplexCon 2024 in Las Vegas

Here's a full rundown of what's releasing at the two-day event.

Complex Staff616 days ago
Three close-up images displaying different styles of sneakers: a pink and white sneaker, a gray and red sneaker being worn, and a purple sneaker with blue accents
Style

The Sneakers That Debuted During Paris Fashion Week Men's Spring/Summer 2025

From Comme des Garçon's latest Nikes to ASAP Rocky's Pumas, here are the sneakers that made their debut during Paris Fashion Week Men's SS25.

Mike DeStefano759 days ago
Sneakers

This Vans Collab Is Inspired by Old Las Vegas

Feature's 'Double Down Sinner’s Club' pack drops this weekend.

Victor Deng1081 days ago
Supreme x Swarovski x Vans Old Skool Collection
Sneakers

Supreme Covers Next Vans Collab in Swarovski Crystals

Supreme and Vans are adding Swarovski crystals to their next Old Skool collection dropping in October 2022. Find the official release details here.

Victor Deng1374 days ago
Advertisement
Bape x Vans Sk8-Hi (Pair)
Sneakers

The Second Bape x Vans Collection Releases This Month

After releasing their first collaboration together in Fall '21, Bape and Vans are working together again on Sk8-Hi and Old Skool sneakers. Find out more here.

Riley Jones1619 days ago
Chen Yingjie x Vans Collection
Sneakers

Vans Celebrates the Year of the Tiger With New Collab

Vans has teamed up with renowned Chinese artist Chen Yingjie to deliver a new collection for Lunar New Year and the Year of the Tiger. Click here to learn more.

Victor Deng1634 days ago
Notre x Vans Old Skool 'Tea'
Sneakers

Notre and Vans Have Another Collab Coming Soon

Notre and Vans have a new Old Skool collection with each style inspired by a popular café drink. Click here for a detailed look and the release info.

Victor Deng1641 days ago
Kids of Immigrants x Vans Old Skool
Sneakers

Kids of Immigrants Founders' Upbringing Inspires New Vans Collab

The Los Angeles-based clothing line Kids of Immigrants are dropping a Vans Old Skool collab with the design inspired by its founders' upbringing.

Victor Deng1807 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App