Our verdict
The 2022 release of the D3 OG from Osiris is a skate-inspired sneaker that gives kicksters and skaters alike nostalgic vibes with its comeback. Still maintaining the comfort and padding that the original version boasts, these are made more durable with some noticeable changes in materials used and overall construction.
Pros
- Top-tier comfort
- Super well-padded
- Cushy midsole
- Hard-wearing
- Quality materials used
- Nostalgic vibes
- Unique aesthetic
- Vegan
Cons
- Heavy AF
- Pricey
Who should buy the Vans Knu Skool
- Fans of the original release version who want to know what the fuss is all about in this re-release.
- Younger skaters and sneakerheads who want to have a taste of what these felt like on the feet of those who came before them.
- Kicksters who want to experience what ‘cloud-like’ really feels like without sacrificing good looks.
Who shouldn’t buy it
Add a product Osiris Graff, which is a lightweight alternative that sports the same style and comfort. Also, for fans of the chunky skate-inspired vibe who can’t afford to break the piggy bank, the Vans Knu Skool Definite neck-breaker and wallet-denter.
Vans Knu Skool
“There is so much padding,” according to a wearer who was just in love with the comfort that these kicks provide. An expert supported this and commented that “Osiris really killed it” in the padding department of the D3 OG.
Although the insoles were found to be “super thin” by a critic, another argued that the comfy level just “kinda blew [their] mind.”
However, because of so much padding, a wearer suggested going a half-size up as going true-to-size leaves toes with no room left to move.
Soft and fluffy midsole
As for the cushiness of the midsole, an Osiris fan mentioned that compared to the previous release, these are “softer than the original.” An expert supported this by mentioning that the midsole material used is “like a fluffy EVA” which translates to comfier strides.
10/10 durability
Durability is not an issue with the Vans Knu Skool as the overall construction “doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall apart,” as mentioned by an expert. The same expert highlighted the overall construction, from the materials used to the multiple layers of stitching that ensure that the shoe stays together even if they would be used for more rigorous activities.
Add a product
According to a critic, these 567-gram kicks are “giant and a bit heavy!” Confirming this with our database, these skate-inspired low-tops are actually almost 30% heavier than the average of others with the same style.
Soft and fluffy midsole
These skate-inspired kicks not only feel great on the feet, but wearers also love how they look. ‘Rad-looking’, ‘unique’, and ‘ amazing visuals’ are how kicksters describe them. According to a critic, “This is the most perfect choice ever for looking cool.”
However, if looking at the price point, a buyer said that these are “a little expensive.” As we checked our database, these are not only ‘a little expensive’ at its $96 price point, but are actually 25% pricier than other skate-inspired low-tops.
Bring on the nostalgia … or not
Originally, these kicks made their debut in 1999. Many skaters and sneakerheads alike were pumped when they found out that Osiris is releasing a retro-ed version of the D3 OG. Here are a few points where the 2022 version is different from the original release:
- The side rockers have been changed from all plastic to all rubber. This addresses the issue of having these eyelets ripping in the previous version.
- The logo on the tongue is really flimsy. “A piece of junk” was how an expert described this as the original version had a hard gel logo.
- The middle of the sole is now made of a thick rubber piece which makes for added durability. This used to be made of actual plastic.
