The five iconic vans trainers and how to rock them

   
     Vans have been a classic staple within the skating community for years, but like many iconic fashion pieces, they’ve found a way to slip into the mainstream. In this handy guide, we’ll show you some of the various ways you can make these shoes work for you, no matter what your style is.

Vans Slip Ons

Let’s start with the basic design and one that became the uniform for skater kids around the US. With their iconic shape, versatile look and comfortable finish, they’re the perfect addition to any casual outfit. Grab them in plain, minimalist designs, patterned numbers or the classic checkboard pattern designed by Steve Van Doran. With so many looks on offer, it’s easy to customise the look to suit you.

What to Wear With Vans Slip Ons

The beauty of the Vans slip-on is that they are the model with ease. Easy-going to throw on the last minute rush and essentially easy to dress up and dress down, the slip-on can become an ultimate addition for your wardrobe.

For us at OurBlog, we like to pair our slip-ons with more of a relaxed, yet contemporary look. While the shoe is minimal in design detail keep your outfit consistently the same. For this, when opting for the classic black slip-on take advantage of pairing it with neutral tones for a muted look. To build the look, throw on longline T-shirt and a pair of Levi’s jeans. This outfit is the definition of comfort and evidently easy to layer throughout the colder seasons.

Vans Old Skool

The ‘Old Skool‘ style is a slightly chunkier plimsoll with leather and suede detailing and a thick gum sole. Unlike more casual styles, the Old Skool, with a distinctly retro feel, can be dressed up a little more than most Vans footwear.

Known as the first Vans shoe to feature the iconic side (or ‘jazz’ stripe) that has become so synonymous with the Vans sneaker today. The classic black Old Skool is probably the most iconic model from the Vans archive. A classic for skating and BMX scene it was also adopted by figureheads of punk rock.

What to Wear With Vans Old Skool

Despite its distinct look, there are actually quite a few ways you can style these classic Vans. Its unique style means that whatever you dress it up or down in, you’ll always have a look that stands out from the crowd and will never be boring no matter what you match it with. Easy to partner with a pair of ankle socks, the Old Skool is the staple shoe to the Vans clan.

For a modern look with an extra bit of comfort, dress up your Old Skools with a Yeezy inspired look. Opting for the seasonal favourite the camel overcoat, layer your outfit with a classic grey hoodie and matching joggers. Farah’s classic overcoat, £169, is perfect for this year and the iconic brand’s quality will make sure that you look good. When picking out the joggers, Make sure they have the elastic on the ankle so the trainers sit without being gathered. These Champion joggers, £55, are also perfect for the gym and for completing an outfit.

Vans Sk8-Hi

With a padded collar, thick gum sole and suede detailing, Vans version of the high top – the Sk8-Hi mens  – is great if you are looking for comfort and style. Designed specifically for skaters looking for support and durability, the sneaker made its way into punk rock in the late ’70s – a testament to its classic style and enduring appeal.

Adapted from the ‘Old Skool’ style, the Sk8-Hi  incorporates a thick rubber sole and retro-inspired suede detailing down the side of the shoe. The ankle padding on the high top makes them more of a casual option than the traditional trainer shoe, making them an ideal option for less formal  outings and lazy days.

What to Wear With Vans Sk8-Hi

The easiest way to achieve a casual look with the Sk8-Hi’s is to adapt to more of a Scandinavian look – which is essentially is relaxed yet tailored. We’d recommend this Alpha Industries Parka with some light blue The Idle Man raw hem jeans, priced at a very reasonable £35, to complete this Scandi look. The Parka will see you through those fast approaching winter months and your wardrobe definitely needs a pair of good quality jeans.

Seeing Vans Sk8-Hi being worn is like seeing birds in the sky, they’re everywhere, but to add your own touch then keep the look minimal. These all black Sk8-Hi’s are perfect for winter and festival season meaning they’re a staple in whatever season.

Vans Authentic

The model is named authentic for a reason. Being the staple trainer since day one of Van’s history, the Authentic model is a nostalgic classic pair for any sneakerhead. Worn and praised by surfers and skaters since 1966, it’s still one of the most popular models today.

With its low rise design, visible stitching and rubber classic white sole – the Authentic is easy to curate for any style, essentially making it a timeless shoe to Van’s timeline. The shoe itself has revolutionised through the years and is still going strong in sales today. With an endless list of collaborations under its lace, there is no wonder to why the model is a favourite for Editors at The Idle Man.

What to Wear With Vans Authentic

Due to the authentic’s simplistic look, don’t be afraid to play around with layers and textures. Spruce up your Vans with a classic white Oxford shirt and wide leg chino. Roll up the hems to elevate the low-rise of the trainer, essentially providing a blank space to play around with socks of your choice.

Smarten you outfit further with our Editors favourite, the western jacket. Opting for the suede design creates a variety of textures in your look, perfect for the transitional periods of the year.

Socks to Wear with Vans

To sock or not to sock? That is the question and a tricky one at that. You’re caught in limbo between wanting to embrace the warmer weather and going sock-free but risking serious odour issues, or opting for socks and possibly suffering the same sweaty fate.

Plain and Simple

If wacky socks aren’t for you, don’t be afraid to go for the safety of plain. If you are wanting to create a more premium look we always recommend opting for Leath Vans. Available in every model, leather provides the contemporary edge, perfect to pair with any minimalistic outfit.

Pattern and Vibrant

With the classic Old Skool’s retro look, opting for the right sock shouldn’t leave you too limited. Ideal to pair with shorts, we like to opt for striped designs with colour ways including black or white. Additionally, playing around with vibrant colours creates a nostalgic look, channelling the skate culture of the 1980’s.

Apart from Old Skool, this look is great for other low rise models such as Authentic, Era and Slip-On – sprucing up any pair of shorts.

Alternatively, Customise Your Vans

If wearing your brand-spanking new Vans isn’t enough, don’t be afraid to customise on the blank canvas. Since 1966, Skate and biking culture don’t colour within the lines – especially for their decks or their footwear.

For what makes Vans popular is that they are all about individuality and expression, and they’ve been championed for their wide scope when it comes to prints and colour ways. Since the ’90s, it’s been possible to tweak your Vans sneakers from something as simple and changing the colour of the canvas, to adding patterns to the edge of the gum sole to printing Disney characters onto the shoe.

Alternatively, a DIY approach takes individuality to a whole new level. To make their mark on their sneakers, Van’s devotees have painted, scribbled and tie-dyed their shoes in a bid to inject their own personality and style into their apparel.

You can also try a less permanent take on expression by simply trying out different lacing techniques. There is a range to try out, including diamond, straight lace, ladder and checkerboard to name a few. This can really change up the look of your shoes and add a touch of creativity to an ordinary outfit

There are various other ways to rock a dress on a vans just to mention but a few . one can rock a vans with a Plain shirt as simple as possible a pair of socks a denim jacket or lumba jack .