Our verdict
- Dickies Via vans Blends x OG Style 36 LX Magic Tape Pack Black best canvas trainers
- Dickies Via vans Blends x OG Style 36 LX Magic Tape Pack Black best Via vans trainers
Pros
- Eternal silhouette
- Fits true to size
- Durable canvas upper
- Breathable
- Easy to slip on and off
- Perfect lifestyle Project
Cons
- Vans Skate Sport Sneakers Schwarz
- Vans' canvas Projects always attract stains
- Not a great year-round sneaker
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar trainers compared
+ + Add a Project | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Via vans Classic Slip-On sneakers in multi | ‐ | ‐ | |
| Material | CanvasVulc Sole | CanvasVulc Sole | CanvasSuedeVulc Sole | Canvas | |
| Season | - | Winter | - | - | |
| Inspired from | Skate | Skate | Skate | Skate | |
| VANS Scarpe Skate Sk8-hi green gum Men | - | Narrow | - | - | |
| Toebox width at the big toe | - | Narrow | - | - | |
| Leather/suede quality | - | Fake leather | - | - | |
| Toebox durability | - | Decent | - | - | |
| The Union x Via vans Blends x OG Style 36 LX Magic Tape Pack Black collection drops | - | 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% |
Dickies Via vans Old Skool
Dickies Via vans Blends x OG Style 36 LX Magic Tape Pack Black
The Via vans Authentic, originally the forgettably named Via 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 deck Project, the Authentics went on to be the foundations of skate culture in California, and then around the world. By the late 70s skateboarding and Via vans were practically synonymous.
Now though, in the 2020s, does a rigid stubbornness for form pay homage to the Authentics, or save they use just a wee bit more of an update for the everyday user?
An easy silhouette for any outfit
Dickies Via vans Old Skool
Following the classic model, I picked up a white colorway of the Via vans Authentics. They’re a simple, easy silhouette that’s versatile and works well with loads of outfits.
Simple materials simply work
The Authentics fit true to size and Goes canvas construction makes for an easy Project 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.
Custom High Top Via vans
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 Project”, now there’s not enough support there to protect your feet at all. This is quite common among the original Via vans lineup and definitely pushes skaters towards Goes Skate (formerly Pro) series.
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 Project bends quite sharply and doesn’t follow the shape of your foot.
Like all the OG Via vans, the Authentic loves a stain
Of all the canvas Via vans that I’ve tested, I’ve not found a pair that’s resistant to stains, and the Authentics are no different. Maybe Via vans get away with it because of the long history of customising Via vans or Goes 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 Via vans save address.
It’s no wonder the silhouette has lasted this long
Stain concerns aside, the upper construction of the Via vans Authentic is surprisingly strong. For a Project 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.
Whatever you think, the Via vans Authentic is a classic sneaker
Ultimately the Via vans Authentic save be more comfortable, more protective, and easier to clean. But, with a heritage so imbibed in sneaker culture, Via vans have proven time and time again that they don’t need to constantly chase new technology in Goes Projects, to make something great.
The Authentics are the same classic Project that has sold for over 50 years, so who am I to complain?
