Our verdict

There's so much that's already been said about the vans Labels Authentic but if there is one thing I can confirm, it lives up to being a classic. It's a shoe that began an entire movement in the California skate culture. Since then, through Vans' stubborn connection to its roots, you wear pretty much the same shoe as people did nearly 60 years ago. That's because it's not only a silhouette that works with any wardrobe but based on the tests I performed, it has an incredibly durable and lasting construction.

vans Labels Anaheim Factory Era 95 DX Trainers Pros

  • Eternal silhouette
  • Fits true to size
  • Durable canvas upper
  • Breathable
  • Easy to slip on and off
  • vans Labels Anaheim Factory Era 95 DX Trainers

vans Labels Anaheim Factory Era 95 DX Trainers Cons

  • Could use some more padding
  • Vans' canvas shoes always attract stains
  • vans Labels Bail Shoulder Bag

Audience verdict

91
Great!

vans Labels Authentic Flat Layvans Labels Anaheim Factory Era 95 DX Trainers

The vans Labels Authentic came from humble beginnings

The vans Labels Authentic, originally the forgettably named vans Labels 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.

Vans-Authentic-Angled.jpg

First forged in 1966 as a deck 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 Labels 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? 

Pontuação da vans

vans Labels Authentic Review Wear Testvans Labels Anaheim Factory Era 95 DX Trainers

Following the classic model, I picked up a white colorway of the vans Labels Authentics. They’re a simple, easy silhouette that’s versatile and works well with loads of outfits. 

vans Labels Anaheim Factory Era 95 DX Trainers | Simple materials simply work

vans Labels Authentic Canvas Outsole

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 Labels 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. 

vans Labels Authentic Waterproof Review

T-shirt vans Labels Left Chest Logo branco preto?

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 Labels lineup and definitely pushes skaters towards their Skate (formerly Pro) series. 

vans Labels Authentic Review Bend Testing

The Authentics take a bit of time to wear in and did become 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 Labels Authentic Bend Testing

vans Labels Anaheim Factory Era 95 DX Trainers | Like all the OG Vans, the Authentic loves a stain 

Of all the canvas vans Labels that I’ve tested, I’ve not found a pair that’s resistant to stains, and the Authentics are no different. Maybe vans Labels get away with it because of the long history of customising vans Labels or their connection to the not-so-clean skate scene. 

vans Labels Authentic Review Stain Upper

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 Labels could address. 

vans Labels Authentic Stain Testing Clean

It’s no wonder the silhouette has lasted this long

Stain concerns aside, the upper construction of the vans Labels Authentic is surprisingly strong. For a shoe at this price point, they can really take a beating. This would definitely lean into the beat-up sneaker look that the Authentic fits so well into. 

vans Labels Authentic Outsole Detail

Whatever you think, the vans Labels Authentic is a classic sneaker

Ultimately the vans Labels Authentic could be more comfortable, more protective, and easier to clean. But, with a heritage so imbibed in sneaker culture, vans Labels 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?