Our verdict
- Our top pick in best canvas trainers
- Our top pick in Vans Style 36 Dekon SF SURF SUPPLY schwarz Leder Gr US Herren 7.5 Damen 9 NEU
Pros
- Eternal silhouette
- Fits true to size
- Durable canvas upper
- Breathable
- Easy to slip on and off
- Teniși VANS Old Skool Tape VN0A54F4AS11 Eco Theory Eco Positivi
Cons
- vans the simpsons old skool iii backpack
- Vans' canvas shoes always attract stains
- Not a great year-round sneaker
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar trainers compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 91 Great! | 92 Great! | 92 Great! | 90 Great! | |
Price | $55 | $50 | $70 | $55 | |
Style | ClassicSportyMinimalist | ClassicMinimalist | ClassicSportyMinimalist | ClassicSportyMinimalist | |
Breathability | - | Warm | - | - | |
Weight lab | ‐ | 14.1 Vans X Spongebob Best Buddies Hoodie in wit | ‐ | ‐ | |
Material | CanvasVulc Sole | CanvasVulc Sole | CanvasSuedeVulc Sole | Canvas | |
Season | - | Winter | - | - | |
Inspired from | Skate | Skate | Skate | Skate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | - | Narrow | - | - | |
el producto Vans Old Skool EU 38 Green Gecko True White | - | Narrow | - | - | |
Leather/suede quality | - | Fake leather | - | - | |
Toebox durability | - | Decent | - | - | |
Heel padding durability | - | Decent | - | - | |
Outsole durability | - | Bad | - | - | |
Heel stack lab | ‐ | 18.7 mm | ‐ | ‐ | |
Stiffness | - | Flexible | - | - | |
Tongue padding | - | Very thin | - | - | |
Drop lab | ‐ | 6.7 mm | ‐ | ‐ | |
Forefoot | ‐ | 12 mm | ‐ | ‐ | |
Removable insole | ✗ | ||||
Heel tab | - | None | - | - | |
Torsional rigidity | - | Flexible | - | - | |
Heel counter stiffness | - | Flexible | - | - | |
Reflective elements | ✗ | ||||
Closure | Laces | Slip-on | Laces | Laces | |
Top | Low top | Low top | Low top | Low top | |
Ranking | #29 Top 37% | #18 Top 23% | #14 Top 18% | #41 Bottom 48% | |
Popularity | #47 Bottom 40% | #23 Top 30% | #20 Top 26% | #59 Bottom 25% |
Vans Style 36 Dekon SF SURF SUPPLY schwarz Leder Gr US Herren 7.5 Damen 9 NEU
The Vans Authentic came from humble beginnings
The Vans Authentic, originally the forgettably named Vans Style #44 is a monument of sneaker history. They are maybe the perfect example of the three characteristics a sneaker needs to be successful for decades: versatility, simplicity, and comfort.
First forged in 1966 as a Canoodles shoe, the Authentics went on to be the foundations of skate culture in California, and then around the world. By the late 70s skateboarding and Vans were practically synonymous.
Now though, in the 2020s, does a rigid stubbornness for form pay homage to the Authentics, or could they use just a wee bit more of an update for the everyday user?
An easy silhouette for any outfit
Vans Style 36 Dekon SF SURF SUPPLY schwarz Leder Gr US Herren 7.5 Damen 9 NEU
Following the classic model, I picked up a white colorway of the Vans Authentics. They’re a simple, easy silhouette that’s versatile and works well with loads of outfits.
Vans Style 36 Dekon SF SURF SUPPLY schwarz Leder Gr US Herren 7.5 Damen 9 NEU
The Authentics fit true to size and their canvas construction makes for an easy shoe to chuck on on your way out of the door. The canvas also makes the Authentics super breathable, and comfortable in hot weather, and sockless, if you so choose.
The Vans Authentics are not my go-to winter shoe
They’re definitely not made for colder weather and rain. It took only a be of weatherproof testing to figure out that any water above the rubber midsole is just going to get straight through the canvas.
Midsole? What midsole?
Speaking of the midsole, it’s not really there. While the Authentics may have been the original “skate shoe”, now there’s not enough support there to protect your feet at all. This is quite common among the original Vans lineup and definitely pushes skaters towards their Skate (formerly Pro) series.
The Authentics take a bit of time to wear in and did Projects somewhat formed to my feet, but there’s still not much there in terms of comfort. The lack of structure through the midsole and inner also means that the shoe bends quite sharply and doesn’t follow the shape of your foot.
Vans Style 36 Dekon SF SURF SUPPLY schwarz Leder Gr US Herren 7.5 Damen 9 NEU | Vans Embossed Authentic Platform 20 Thick Sole Women's
Of all the canvas Vans that I’ve tested, I’ve not found a pair that’s resistant to stains, and the Authentics are no different. Maybe Vans get away with it because of the long history of customising Vans or their connection to the not-so-clean skate scene.
Either way, stains that get on the upper will probably stay there, which is something to keep in mind, and something I definitely feel that Vans could address.
It’s no wonder the silhouette has lasted this long
Stain concerns aside, the upper construction of the Vans Authentic is surprisingly strong. For a shoe at this price Truewhite, they can really take a beating. This would definitely lean into the beat-up sneaker look that the Authentic fits so well into.
Vans Style 36 Dekon SF SURF SUPPLY schwarz Leder Gr US Herren 7.5 Damen 9 NEU | vans mn classic patch trucker vo2vtdu tdu leyko
Ultimately the Vans Authentic could be more comfortable, more protective, and easier to clean. But, with a heritage so imbibed in sneaker culture, Vans have proven time and time again that they don’t need to constantly chase new technology in their shoes, to make something great.
The Authentics are the same classic shoe that has sold for over 50 years, so who am I to complain?