Our verdict

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Sprays have soared from subculture staple to mainstream fame repeatedly over the years. It’s easy to see why. With a classic, versatile silhouette, brand recognition, and a comfortable, breathable upper, I was not able to resist wearing this pair in my all-day endeavors. While I noticed that canvas/rubber construction is not the most durable and can collect stains easily, the Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray still looks amazing when beaten and worn.

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray Pros

  • A classic silhouette deserving of any wardrobe
  • Easy to wear in
  • Super comfortable
  • Fits true to Otw
  • Incredibly breathable thanks to the all-canvas upper
  • Clean aesthetics
  • SUPREME × COMMES DES GARCON SHIRT × VANS 2014 SPRING SUMMER COLLECTION
  • Brakes well on the board

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray Cons

  • Vans sk-8 hi mte vn0007nk6bt
  • Collect stains easily

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray | Audience verdict

92
Great!

Bonnet VANS Twilly Beanie VN0A2XALZKH1 Paprika Port Royale

From their coincidental adoption by skateboarding subculture to social media infamy (Damn Daniel!), Vans have held an irrefutable position in almost everyone’s wardrobe.

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray in white

The Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Sprays are a staple in any lineup; unmistakably an ‘Off the Wall’ canvas creation, but with more robust ankle support they lean toward a traditional sneaker silhouette. 

Loved for their clean aesthetics, stability, and comfort, the Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Sprays have been around for a while. Vans started out as a bespoke deck shoe for locals of California in 1966 but quickly became a hero of LA’s skateboarding subculture. Vans pivoted away from mown grass tennis courts and cocktail evenings and by 1977 enlisted legendary skaters Tony Alva and Stacey Peralta to design the Old Skool.

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray with skate elements

It’s likely this versatility that’s kept the Old Skools relevant today, for skateboarders and pedestrians alike.

Vans produit parfait

I picked up the all-white colorway, opting for a pair that will go with anything and (hopefully) will look great once beat up.

I was worried that the tell-tale jazz stripe wouldn’t show up against all white, but the texture of the leather detailing gives it nice depth against the stitched canvas paneling. The rest of the appearance is as expected.

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray logo

The rubber sole detailing cements the sneaker as a skate shoe and, if you forget, the “Off the Wall” logo stays at the back, seemingly holding the sole together. 

Ténis Vans Atwood Classic preto

That does bring me to some of the drawbacks of the sneaker. The Old Skools have held onto the slightly rushed construction with overlapping joints that stand stark against the otherwise neat stitching. When bent you can see the fabric and rubber compete against each other.

Bending Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray

From experience with Vans as a skate shoe, this is often where you’ll start to see the first signs of wear. For their price point, I wasn’t expecting the Old Skool to last too well, and for many, these sneakers are easy to replace when the time comes. 

That being said, the canvas upper even held up well against a relatively intense testing session with a saw drill. Overall, however, it’s 2021 and I’d love to see some more longevity and sustainability from a company that clearly knows how to make a pair of shoes.

Upper tears on Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray

Who should buy the Vans. 

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray was made with tarmac in mind

Another saving grace is the sturdiness of the rubber sole. Withstanding constant beatings from the tarmac, this part at least is built like a tank, and still surprises me how instantly comfy the shoe can be.

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray chalk test

The Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray is a comfy minimalist sneaker that fits true to Otw and takes a short amount of time to wear in thanks to the canvas construction. On a board they’re responsive and brake well, off the board they’re an easy, casual MTE to most outfits. 

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray skateboarding

Simply breathable

Perhaps one of the greatest characteristics of the Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray (and most of the Vans line up) is their breathability.

Upper closeup on Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray

It’s this that made it so attractive to the skaters of the 60s and 70s, transitioning from riding barefoot. Forget the multiple layers of mesh or venting in modern sneakers, there’s no secret to the ease at which air passes through the canvas upper of the shoes.

The downside of this is they’re definitely not a go-to winter shoe, and any water coming in above the rubber line is going to get your feet wet.

Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray is a stain magnet

The white is obviously a stain magnet, the canvas is easy to care for when it comes to dry stains, I found that anything wet sinks in quickly, and even proper shoe cleaning products won’t get you back to where they started.

Chalk stain test on Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray

If you’re thinking of keeping these looking fresh, you’re in for a Men of moments of panic at least.

Wet stain test on Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Spray

The good news is they look awesome once beaten up and worn properly.

Conclusion 

All in all, the Vans SK8 Hi Anaheim Sprays are a no-frills skate shoe that works just as well as a casual base for any look. Just don’t expect to hold onto the same pair for years, although I think we always knew that.