Vans Skate Authentic review

Who should buy the Vans Skate Authentic

The Skate Authentic joins Vans' ever-expanding collection of skateboard-ready kicks. Purchase it if:

• You're looking for a pair that can keep up with your highly mobile lifestyle.
• Sporty semi-loose pants are what you prefer wearing.
• You need sneakers that can stabilize your shaky gait for hours.

Who should NOT buy it

With its extra-padded cuff, the Vans Half Cab is likely to give your Achilles heel a better time than the Skate Authentic. Then there's the Vans Ward—a pair that has no negative reports about shock mitigation. It also comes with a tougher collar.

Supreme comfort for virtually everyone

In terms of comfort, the Skate Authentic is mighty generous, numerous sources say. An experienced skater-slash-vlogger says that, compared with the Era S, "it's more comfortable." "My feet haven't felt uncomfortable while wearing them," says a non-professional reviewer. Yet another individual likens the comfort of the Skate Authentic to "plush clouds."

Here's a potential issue, though: a few sneakerheads said that the Skate Authentic's heel collar has the tendency to dig into the heel. To avoid getting blisters, one reviewer recommends covering the would-be-affected area with a sticky plaster (a.k.a. bandaid).

Vans Skate Authentic: Extraordinary underfoot experience

Stability and support are two of the main draws of the Skate Authentic. Sneaker fans are particularly stoked about the latter. "These are a big hit," says someone who’s on their feet all day. "I wear them all day, and my feet don't fatigue anymore," says another.

Joining these two qualities is the Skate Authentic's tenacity. "I have not had a slip in these," says a hairstylist who steps on hair clippings most of the time. We just wish we could say the same about the shoe's lackluster shock mitigation.

Less is more

Just like the OG model, the Skate Authentic is celebrated by quite a number of sneakerheads for its simplistic beauty. "I wore them with a tux, and they looked fantastic!" one reviewer said. I "absolutely love the design and style of this shoe," said another.

Wanted: A sturdier collar

While not really a deal breaker, the Skate Authentic's collar frays too soon, a couple of gear critics say. It's an issue that will more likely occur among skateboarders who like pulling off tricks that lead to collar abuse. If you're a casual skater or don't skate at all, this shouldn't be a problem.

Be one with the ground in the Skate Authentic

Sensitivity is among the things that rock in the true-to-size Vans Skate Authentic. A footgear vlogger says that "it does give you a lot of board feel."

Gives toes some space

There are those who adore the roominess of the Skate Authentic's toe box. "I can actually wiggle my toes in these," says a professional reviewer.