Vans Knu Skool or Puma Suede XL: which one is better? Let’s find out today.
Vans Knu Skool and Puma Suede XL are two popular sneakers with similar features and designs. Such similarities can make it difficult to decide between the two.
So, if you’re stuck on your decision, read my comparison of these two sneakers.
My comparison covers the design, comfort, fit, durability, colorways, and price of both of these shoes, so you can easily find your perfect pair.
What are you waiting for? Scroll down!
Contents
Vans Knu Skool vs Puma Suede XL: Quick Analysis Table
Before actually diving into the comparison, here is a quick analysis of both sneakers.
Now, let’s get into our detailed comparison.
Design
Vans Knu Skool: Design-wise, it’s a chunky and wide silhouette that gives off a good resemblance to the Vans Old Skool. (Looks sort of like Vans Old Skool on steroids.)
Speaking of its specifics, the upper is made from rough suede. On the upper, there are thick 3D Jazz strips made of leather. In the middle, there’s an extra padded tongue with retro chunky laces.
And at the bottom, there’s a flat rubber waffle outsole that gives the shoe some fairly decent traction.
Puma Suede XL: Just as its name goes, Puma Suede, but XL!
The Puma Suede XL is a chunkier, wider, and goofier version of the classic Puma Suede. This sneaker, like the Vans Knu Skool, evokes the style of early 2000s skateboarding shoes.
The shoes, however, don’t have an old-fashioned feel. Both sneakers feel evenly updated.
Now, let’s look into the details of Suede XL.
The upper is crafted from rich suede. I find this suede to be a bit better than its competitors. The side panel features a thin leather form strip, giving it a very decent look.
In the middle, there’s a ridiculously large tongue with ultra-wide laces. And lastly, the shoe has super flat rubber soles, but I noticed they offer slightly less traction than the Knu Skool.
Related Article: Vans knu skool vs Adidas Campus 00s
Comfort
Vans Knu Skool: I usually prefer Vans Knu Skool for their comfort.
They’re lightweight, have good padding in the collar and tongue, and give off a plush sensation when you put them on. They also circulate air well, so they don’t feel too warm.
And they don’t feel too snug. They offer pretty nice support for walking and skateboarding. For a big jump, the thick sole absorbs most of the impact and doesn’t hurt your feet.
However, there is one major concern: the insole is very, very thin. If you skate for long periods of time, it can cause some discomfort. Otherwise, they’re okay.
Puma Suede XL: Puma Suede XL comes second to Vans Knu Skool in terms of comfort.
It’s also a decent shoe, with cushioned collars for good ankle support and a well-padded tongue that feels plush with each step.
The shoe adapts well for walking and skating, but there are a few concerns. First, it’s very snug, and in my size, it feels too tight. With that, the breathability is also low, so if you’re planning to wear them in warm weather or for more time, you might find them a bit warmer.
Lastly, the insole is not very comfortable. If you skate for more than 2 to 3 hours, your feet will start to get tired and hurt. So, for skating, it might not be the best choice.
Must Read: Vans Knu skool vs old skool
Fit
Vans Knu Skool: When it comes to fitting, Vans Knu Skool goes true-to-size. Many suggest going a size down for such a chunky sneaker model.
However, my recommendation is to always stick to your own size.
Puma Suede XL: Speaking of this shoe, it’s generally true to size. However, if you have wider feet, I recommend going up half a size.
Puma Suede XL, for some people, tends to fit super snug. So, to avoid an overly tight fit, it’s best to size up by half a size.
Durability
Vans Knu Skool: The Vans Knu Skool is a very durable shoe. It’s made from high-quality materials that resist scratches and wear. The dry suede, leather, and inner lining are impressive. After using them for about three months with good maintenance, I hardly see any scratches.
The shoes have strong stitching all over them to keep them in place. And the signature waffle outsole provides a strong grip, making this model a fantastic choice for skating.
Puma Suede XL: Puma Suede XL is also pretty durable. They are well-built and can withstand normal wear.
The Puma Suede XL is also built to handle the demands of skateboarding. It’s tough enough that it won’t easily fall apart, thanks to its durable rubber outsole. This outsole provides excellent traction and wear resistance, making it a reliable choice for skaters.
With that, the shoe also has robust stitching, which enhances both its appearance and its structural integrity. So, overall, the durability of this shoe is impressive.
Also Check: Are Vans Knu skool true to size?
Colorways
Vans Knu Skool: There are approximately 12 colors available on the official website, so there’re plenty of options for Vans Knu Skool.
Puma Suede XL: The Puma Suede XL also comes in a variety of colors, typically around 7 to 10 or even more.
It’s great that both brands offer a good number of colorways. Anyone looking for different options to match their outfits can easily find a color they like.
Prices
Vans Knu Skool: It’s good to know that Vans Knu Skool just costs around $75 for a black or true white colorway. Other than that colorway, Vans Knu Skool cost $80 only.
Puma Suede XL: Puma Suede XL is, however, a tiny bit expensive. It costs $85 for any colorway you choose. The difference isn’t huge, but it’s also not negligible.
Final Words: Which One Is Actually Better?
After evaluating both shoes thoroughly, I found that the Vans Knu Skool generally offers better comfort, design, fit, and overall value compared to the Puma Suede XL. While the Vans Knu Skool does have some significant concerns we’ve discussed, it seems to provide more value to customers in this comparison.
Here’s a quick rundown of everything we discussed earlier.
| Feature | Vans Knu Skool | Puma Suede XL |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Better | Good |
| Design | Stylish and modern | Classic and robust |
| Fit | True to size | True to size; half size up for wide feet |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Traction | Excellent | Good |
| Price | More value for money | Higher priced |
| Best For | Everyday wear, casual style | Skating, regular wear |
| Drawbacks | Extreme Thin Insole | Low breathability Thin insole Gets dirty quickly |
So, in the battle of chunky wide sneakers, I choose the Vans Knu Skool over the Puma Suede XL. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
FAQ
Are Puma Suede XL True to Size?
Yes! In general, the Puma Suede XL fits true to size, but if you have wider feet, I recommend going up half a size.
They tend to fit very snugly on wider feet. I generally don’t have this type of issue, but for those who have wider feet, going half a size up will give you a significantly better fit.
How Much Taller Do Vans Knu Skool Make You?
The heel stack of Vans Knu Skool is around 18 mm, and after doing the calculations, I’d say wearing Vans Knu Skool will give you a height boost of about 0.7 inches. It’s not quite an inch, but let’s just say it’s approximately 1 inch.
So, if you’re 5 feet 10 and a half inches tall, you’ll be around 5 feet 11 inches with these shoes on.
Are Puma Suede XL Comfortable?
Yes! They are comfortable and stylish. With all its extra padding, extra-large tongue, and extra-thick laces, Suede XL strives to give you a satisfying skateboarding experience. And even if you’re not into skating, you can enjoy styling in them or maybe take them for walks.
