Vans Old Skool

Return the decade of the fashion revolution with the JD Sports Ireland range of Vans Old Skool trainers. Our line-up of retro-era shoes includes loads of variations on the classic sneaker, including dozens of exciting colourways (from plain black to pattern-adorned green) and those with a thick platform sole. Now is the perfect time to find out why the Old Skool is so enduringly popular, with dozens of classic and new styles waiting to be discovered.

When Did Old Skool Vans Come Out?

The Vans Old Skool collection (designed by none other than Paul Van Doren, founder of the company) has been around since 1977, continuing to impress with its subtle low-top silhouette, which epitomises the understated vibe of the era. Avid sneakerheads will immediately recognise the iconic ‘jazz stripe’ on the panelled upper, a simple yet highly recognisable add-on to an already excellent design. In the early days of the line, it was the absence of overly complex visuals that gave the Old Skool its universal appeal; no matter who you were, whether you belonged to the skaters or the concertgoers, nothing was stopping you from grabbing a pen and transforming your shoes into something unique and wholly personal.

What Are the Trainers Made From?

Aiming to be resilient and pleasing on the eye, Old Skool Vans take advantage of tried-and-tested materials: the upper is made from suede and canvas, and rubber comprises the waffle outsoles to provide grip on smooth surfaces. For the shoe’s target audience, a predominant portion of which is skateboarders, the durability afforded by these fit-for-purpose materials (and the addition of padded collars and reinforced toe caps) means that they can go about their day-to-day activities, comfortable in the knowledge that their Vans are up to the task.

All Old Skools are not made equal, though, with some focusing on specific characteristics. For example, the ComfyCush is a variation that fully leans into the idea of maximum comfort, possessing an extra layer of foam in the midsole to make wearers feel, well, comfy. Similarly, those in the skating demographic can enjoy greater control and protection with SICKSTICK soles, DURACAP underlays, and POPCUSH cushioning.