Verdict from +100 user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- Several of those who have purchased the Vans Old Skool Platform find the thickness of the sole perfect.
- The Vans Old Skool Platform is an excellent spin on the classic Old Skool, one online commenter has observed.
- Compared to the Chuck Taylors, these hold up better mainly because of the thicker sole, one of the testers have said.
- Because of the added height, it exudes a narrower silhouette, which is preferred by a reviewer.
- A couple of buyers think that the platform version is better than the regular sole.
- Few have observed that despite the thick sole, it remains to be lightweight.
- Some users highly appreciate the colorway because it doesn't show up dirt quickly.
3 reasons not to buy
- One wishes that there are extra shoelaces that come with the shoe.
- A high number complain about the shoe falling apart for only a short period of use.
- Many users hope that there are more colorways available for the platform version of the Vans Old Skool.
Bottom line
For a silhouette from Vans that has been prominent for about 40 years, it only proves that the Old Skool can still be a relevant piece, despite being donned in varying colors and profiles. The Old Skool Platform carries the same silhouette as its predecessor.
The thick rubber outsole gives an emphasis this time which proves that thicker is bolder. This slight change not only upgrades the sneaker's style game but also enhances its comfort and durability.
Good to know
Because of its strong background in skateboarding and because of the shoe's heritage as a skate shoe, the Old Skool Vans Platform offers a secure fit with its durable suede and canvas upper. The eight eyelets and the lace-up closure reinforce an adjustable fit.
Favored by the skateboarding community, shoes from the Vans Old Skool line-up seeped into the streets as one of the wardrobe staples appreciated by different age ranges and walks of life. This rendition literally gets a lift with its platform sole. Its thickness is the right amount to make a statement but muted enough to wear daily.
Because the Old Skool Platform from Vans has the same style as its readily identifiable OG, it bears the same versatility and carries the old-school cool vibe. Though the platform soles are highly associated with women, guys can also sport this model without losing their masculinity. Some of the recommended styling suggestions for men and women are as follows:
Vans Old Skool Platform styling for men
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- For a simple look with just an almost unnoticeable twist, pair the Vans Old Skool Platform in black with a white shirt and skinny black jeans.
- Inject a little bit of pizzazz and stay true to its skating heritage by pairing it with shorts, basic tee. High socks are optional.
- Equal the cool retro vibe of the shoe by wearing a tracksuit that matches the shoe. It will highlight the Side Stripe while keeping everything monochromatic.
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Vans Old Skool Platform styling for women
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- Utilitarian may be trendy, but it is also a look that doesn’t go out of style. To achieve the look, the Vans Old Skool Platform sneaker in olive would be best.
- Get the California girl style by matching it with a dress. The breezier the better. Ripped denim shorts will immediately give a beach-ready outfit.
- Athleisure seemingly is not going out of fashion. To attain the stepped-out-of-spin-class look that many celebrities are doing, a cropped jacket, tank top, leggings, and these sneakers are a no-fail combo to try out.
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The classic Sidestripe gets a new spin with the Old Skool Platform. The added feature of additional height is translated to an extra elevation in style and comfort. It is then intensified with a cushioned footbed and padded collar, which pays an ode to its skating heritage. Much like its predecessor, the platform version of the Vans Old Skool has a re-enforced toecap for durability for repeated wear.
Established in 1966, brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren along together with business friends Serge Delia and Gordon Lee constructed the Van Doren Rubber Company in Anaheim California. Distinct from the other shoe shops, Vans’ store model houses both the storefront and the manufacturing. The sticky soles and the rugged profile of their Vans shoes instantly appealed to skateboarders especially on its second model, the Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta creation, the #95 also known as the Era.
Eleven years after the brand's launch, a particular "jazz stripe" was conceptualized from the random doodles of its owner, Paul Van Doren. From his notebook, the emblem was incorporated as part of the shoe design, which, since then, became the Vans “Side Stripe.” Known for previously naming their shoes with numbers, the iconic Vans Old Skool garnered the name Vans #36. Other than its unique style feature, the leather panels, a first of which for the brand was a hit among its fans because of its increased durability. During its initial launch in 1977, the shoe came in three colorways but the Stacy Peralta version, coming in a royal blue number, was the most popular.
From skate parks to urban streets
The 1980s became an era for Old Skool fans to creative. Because of its versatile silhouette, the shoe became the perfect canvas for customizable designs and an outlet to be more creative. It paved the way for the brand to engrave on its DNA that its shoes are an expression of personalities, opening its doors on the customizable feature in 2004.
Vans Old Skool transcended the 1990s as it became famous for different markets from skateboarders, celebrities, and hip-hop enthusiasts. Teaming up for a long-term partnership with Supreme, Vans made a remarkable moment in sneaker history by launching the first collaboration called the '96 Old Skool, one of the most covetable pieces among sneakerheads.
Pushing the boundaries further, the entry of the millennium connoted to being big on the music scene. The growth of the punk scene involved the sneaker into its deep involvement in its culture and a part of the band’s uniform.
Since then the shoe has undergone different reiterations from tweaking its colorway and silhouette. One of the releases is the Vans Old Skool Platform sneaker, which carries the original model’s profile but with a chunkier sole.
- The platform is measured at 1 ½ inch.
- The Vans Old Skool Platform has the signature Waffle outsole for maximum grip.
