Vans Old Skool 36
The Vans Old Skool 36 is a modern reimagining of the shoe that started it all. Originally released in 1977 as the Style 36, this was the first Vans silhouette to carry the iconic Sidestripe logo and only the second skate shoe the brand ever made. Today, the Old Skool 36 brings those original proportions back with a shorter toe cap, padded tongue and collar, and a chunkier silhouette that sets it apart from the standard Old Skool. Every pair on Laced is 100% authenticated before it reaches you.
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The Heritage Behind the Vans Old Skool 36
The story of the Old Skool 36 begins in Anaheim, California in 1977. Vans co-founder Paul Van Doren sketched the Sidestripe as an answer to the instantly recognisable logos appearing on athletic footwear at the time, and it first appeared on the Style 36. That same shoe introduced a suede toe cap to the Vans lineup, a breakthrough that gave skateboarders the durability they needed as the sport progressed through the late '70s and '80s. The Old Skool 36 revives that original silhouette rather than the slightly evolved shape of later models, returning to the roots of one of the most influential sneakers ever made.
What Sets the Old Skool 36 Apart
Where the standard Old Skool evolved into a slimmer profile over the decades, the Vans Old Skool 36 keeps the original shorter toe box, padded tongue and collar, and chunkier proportions that defined the 1977 silhouette. The result is a more substantial, structured fit that echoes '90s skate shoe design. Performance editions add PopCush foam insoles for improved impact absorption, Duracap reinforcement in high-wear areas, and SickStick gum rubber outsoles for enhanced grip and durability. The Old Skool 36 fits true to size across the range and can be worn tightly laced for a locked-in feel or loosely for a more relaxed look.
Colourways and Editions
The Vans Old Skool 36 range spans premium, heritage and collaborative editions, each with its own character. Classic black and white remains the most sought-after colourway, while the lineup also includes checkerboard patterns, vintage-inspired tones, and limited prints. Collaborative releases with artists and streetwear labels have pushed the Old Skool 36 into collector territory, making certain pairs highly sought after on the resale market. Whether you prefer a clean everyday pair or a standout limited edition, the breadth of the collection means there is an Old Skool 36 for every taste and rotation.