Vans Checkerboard Authentic review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
Verdict from 100+ users
Pros
- Fashionably versatile
- Reels in compliments
- High summer vibe
- Almost a freebie
- Looks better in real life
- Doubles as an office shoe
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Can get smudgy
- Hit-or-miss width




63% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Top 17% most popular sneakers
Comparison to similar sneakers
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Who should buy the Vans Checkerboard Authentic
Built with a chess-tile design, the Checkerboard Authentic is a classy-yet-energetic spin on Vans' iconic low-top silhouette. Add this to your shopping list if:
- You like wearing super-short eighties-style shorts or sand-blasted jeans.
- Extremely cheap sneakers are a priority in your spending life.
- You prefer to start small talks in a pair of summer-ready checkerboard kicks.
Who should NOT buy it
Devoid of negative remarks about color bleeding, the Vans Checkerboard Era is a great alternative to the Checkerboard Authentic. And if you want a pair with a glove-like fit, the Vans Checkerboard Old Skool is for you.
Jives well with your wardrobe
Many say that this sneaker goes with practically everything. It has a color scheme that matches a variety of clothing styles, including those that rock in the summer.
Checkerboard Authentic equals just-right comfort
Many sneakerheads commend the ample comfort the Checkerboard Authentic provides.
Makes most low-priced kicks jealous
Its below-60-dollar minimum suggested retail price (MSRP) is downright remarkable.
More than just for leisure
Whether for office work or hanging out, this sneaker is a doozy.
The Checkerboard Authentic's bleeding upper
When cleaning the sneaker, the dye can sometimes smudge on the white part, leaving the shoe looking messy.
Width might be tricky
One reviewer finds the shoe a hit-or-miss in terms of width. He ordered two pairs in the same size, yet one was too tight and the other very loose.
More stunning IRL
There are those who say that the shoe looks even better in person than in online photos. Its incredible design also earns sneakerheads tons of compliments from family and friends.
Vans Checkerboard Authentic: The story behind
From horse racing to producing shoes, Van Doren's passion for things would continue for decades without stopping. But the most exciting aspect about Van Doren was his knack for creating shoes. Fortunately for us, his shoemaking genes continued to flow through the family tree for generations.
The California-based company started as a custom shoe store in Anaheim, California, way back in 1966. Paul Vandoren, along with his brother and several friends, established the Van Doren Rubber Company, which specialized in the direct selling of shoes. Customers would choose a design of their liking in the morning, then pick it up in the afternoon.
It is rumored that one of the shoes sold during this time was the famous "Authentic" model. The Authentic or the Style #44 was predestined to be a staple sneaker because of its low-profile image, which is quite relevant to this day. It was also made into a canvas shoe, with different iterations through time.