Vans Checkerboard Era review

Who should buy the Vans Checkerboard Era

This Vans sneaker is a good match for you if:

• You want a shoe with a lace-up closure system for a flexible fit
• You are after a sneaker with a vulcanized outsole for a superior grip
• You prefer a shoe with padded collar and tongue and a die-cut EVA insert for extra comfort and protection

Style of the Vans Checkerboard Era

The Vans Era has different versions but remains stylish and comfortable. Some have a suede leather or canvas upper, or a combination of both. The Vans Era with checkerboard print on the heel cup and toe box areas has a solid color tone on the tongue and lace guard areas, providing an overall distinguishable and unique design. It has double stitching on the vamp for added style and durability.

With a fashion-forward look, the Era with checkerboard print from Vans displays versatility which can quickly match a variety of casual ensembles. There are numerous ways for men to wear this shoe with style. 

Notable Features

Among the striking features of this version of the Vans Era is its tough canvas upper that features the iconic Vans checkerboard pattern. This iconic pattern is printed in different vibrant colorways that are classic enough to match a variety of casual ensembles.

History of the Vans Checkerboard Era

In March 1966, the Van Doren Company was founded by Paul and Jim Van Doren, along with their friends Serge D’Elia and Gordon Lee, in Anaheim, California. Vans has introduced and released a variety of sneakers that became popular with skateboarders and BMXers, among other athletes, because of comfort and style.

One of the brand’s revolutionary shoes is the Vans Era or also known before as Style 95. Released in 1976, the Vans Era was designed by Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. It looks similar to the Vans Authentic, but the Era has a more padded heel collar and tongue, providing better foot protection to skateboarders. The shoes from the Vans Era lineup come in a variety of colorways and prints.

  The checkerboard pattern

One of the most coveted prints, the Checkerboard pattern was initially introduced in the late ‘70s on the Style 48. The Style 48, the classic slip-on with the checkerboard print all over the upper, became a global icon when it was featured in a film called the Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

It was seen rocked by the character of Jeff Spicoli as part of his Southern California uniform, making the Checkerboard Slip-on an international icon. Since then, the Checkerboard pattern has also been used and applied to other Vans silhouettes such as the SK8-Hi, Authentic and Old Skool.

  Era silhouette and checkerboard print fusion

Fusing the Checkerboard pattern and the silhouette then simply comes the low-top Vans Checkerboard Era. It has a sturdy canvas upper and flexible midsole, offering breathability, flexibility, and comfort. It also has a durable and vulcanized rubber outsole for reliable traction. The Vans Checkerboard Era is an epitome of style, comfort, and performance that not only skateboarders can wish for.

For over five decades, the silhouette of the Vans Era also has been used in different collaborative works. Among the retailers, brands, celebrities, and companies that Vans partnered with were Wood Wood, Nonnative, Ray Barbee, Disney, WTAPS, Simple Union, Opening Ceremony, BILLY’S ENT, Kyle Ng, Undercover, A Tribe Called Quest, Fear Of God, Commissary, Brain Dead, Saint Alfred, and SANKUANZ.