Verdict from +100 user reviews
9 reasons to buy
- Most reviewers find the Vans Authentic Platform 2.0 to be a comfortable shoe.
- This kick offers moderate arch support, according to few commenters.
- Some shoe users are delighted about the added height on this iteration of the Vans Authentic sneakers.
- Among the Vans shoes, this model has a fashionable style that is appreciated by the majority of purchasers.
- It is available in various colorways.
- A good number of consumers have deemed the Vans Authentic Platform 2.0 as a great iteration of a classic.
- Few wearers have noticed that they get compliments every time they opt for this shoe.
- Several fashion-savvy users are delighted that this shoe can be paired with almost any casual staple.
- The Vans Authentic Platform 2.0 is available at a budget-friendly price.
2 reasons not to buy
- Most users have disclosed that the platform tends to wear out quicker than expected.
- A handful of male consumers have wished that there were more sizes available for men.
Bottom line
The Vans Authentic Platform 2.0 is an iteration of the brand's first-ever shoe model – the #44 Deck Shoe or known today as the Vans Authentic. The Vans Authentic Platform 2.0 retains everything from its predecessor – from the materials to the silhouette and waffle outsole – except for its height.
As the name implies, this kick utilizes a platform sole that is taller than standard soles, which adds height and a unique aesthetic. This updated retro sneaker offers an old-school vibe with a modern casual twist.
Good to know
The Vans Authentic Platform 2.0 enjoys the same upper construction as its predecessor offering a familiar and consistent fit. It is available in men’s and women’s sizing.
This Authentic’s iteration has a lace-up closure system for an adjustable fit. It has an ample-padded footbed to provide comfort and impact protection. Also, it has a textile lining for a great next-to-skin feel.
The Platform 2.0 version of the Authentic from Vans is a classic with a hint of fashion-forward attitude. Built with a chunkier and higher sole, it injects a unique style to one of the most time-honored pairs that seemingly re-introduce itself to today's newer sneaker fans. It is available in a myriad of colors and prints but its taller height coupled with its unaltered vintage style is what makes this kick a coveted piece to consumers.
This lifestyle sneaker could be worn with almost any casual staple. Men could pair it with jeans, shorts or sweatpants for a laidback day or opt for a pair of chinos and a button-down top for a dressier look. Ladies could match it with skirts, leggings, or dresses for a comfy yet stylish ensemble.
Crafted from Vans' trademark canvas upper, it offers a breathable and sturdy fit that is time-tested and recognizable. But the shoe's highlight is its chunky midsole and relatively taller height. Several users admired the fact that it aids in making them look more statuesque without sacrificing comfort and ease. The signature waffle outsole also displays a Vans trademark and provides an excellent grip.
In 1966 brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren along with their partners Gordon Lee and Serge D'Ella decided to set up a retail business that manufactured casual shoes that they aptly named the Van Doren Rubber Company. The day their retail store debuted in Anaheim California was the same day the Vans #44 Deck Shoes, now known as the Vans Authentic, also released to the public. Three shoe styles were displayed in the store and were priced between US$2.49 and US$4.99.
On that first morning, twelve customers purchased the Vans Authentic shoe, but the company only manufactured the three display shoes without any stock ready to sell. Nonetheless, the consumers were made to choose their preferred style and color and were asked to return later in the afternoon to obtain their purchase. The owners then rushed back to their factory to manufacture the selected shoes. When the customers came back to claim their purchased shoes, the store didn't have cash on hand and made the buyers bring home their pairs and asked to pay the next day, which they all did.
The company has grown since then and has, in fact, remained relevant amidst today's technology-based market. The Vans Authentic shoe likewise endured throughout the years and has been reinterpreted in countless styles. Some of the more notable collaboration releases are with Supreme, Kenzo, Carhartt, Disney, Peanuts, and Star Wars.
Today, the Vans Authentic comes with a boosted iteration called the Vans Authentic Platform 2.0. This kick retained the original version's materials and fit but with a thicker and higher sole. It is available in multiple colorways that would fit any style and taste.
- The materials used in making the Vans Authentic Platform 2.0 are free of any animal products, making it 100% vegan.
- It is also available in leather upper called the Vans Leather Authentic Platform 2.0.
