Today, we’re checking out the Vans Ward.
These are pretty popular and look a lot like the legendary Vans Old Skool. Some people think it’s a knockoff, but nope—it’s a legit Vans release.
So, for that reason, I’m going to look into this shoe to find out what’s good about it, and are they any better than the legendary Vans Old Skool?
Let’s get started!
Contents
Detailed Review of Vans Ward
Note: Before we hit this review, I’d like to give a big thanks to Standout UK for sending me a pair of Vans Ward to try out.
They’re one of the few stores where I get fast international shipping and a great selection of footwear brands, all at solid discounts. So, if you’re looking for a good deal, definitely check out Standout UK—you won’t regret it.
Alright, back to business.
For this review, I divided things into five categories: design, material, fit, comfort, and cost. Trust me, this’ll help you get a real feel for the shoe quickly and easily.
So, here it is:
Design
Starting off with the design, you’ll notice this low-top sneaker takes heavy inspiration from the Vans Old Skool—kind of like its twin brother.
The sneaker have a classic lace-up front with a canvas tongue that features a bold Vans logo plastered across it, making sure it grabs attention
Along the sides, you’ve got the classic jazz stripe, giving that signature Vans vibe we all know and love.
Overall, it’s not a sneaker that strays far from the Old Skool look. Sure, there are a few subtle differences, but at first glance, you might not even realize it’s not an Old Skool.
Materials
Alright, let’s talk about the materials.
The upper is a blend of canvas and suede, and honestly, it looks pretty clean while feeling durable enough for everyday wear. You’ve got suede on the toe box, canvas in the middle, and then suede again at the back. This mix of materials is a smart choice, helping the shoes hold up well over time.
Now, the laces and tongue are fairly standard. The laces are nothing special, and the tongue is just a basic canvas piece with barely any padding—not exactly plush, but it gets the job done.
Looking at the sides, there’s a leather Jazz stripe and some noticeable extra stitching going on. This is a good sign for durability, especially if you’re skating.
Vans opted for a different stitching pattern with the Ward, and it stands out from the Old Skool’s design. It’s subtle but adds a bit of distinction.
Inside, the shoes are lined with textile material that feels smooth and makes it easy to slip on. The collar, though, is lightly padded and doesn’t make much contact with your feet when wearing them, so don’t expect a lot of cushioning around the ankles.
The insoles feature the classic black Vans insole—nothing too thin or too thick. They’re comfortable for walking, and if you’re skating, they’ll give you a good balance of support.
Moving to the midsole, it’s a pretty chunky one. It feels firm and gives solid cushioning, whether you’re walking or skating.
Lastly, the outsole is sturdy and grippy, with that signature brown color. It has two distinct patterns—diamond-shaped and star-shaped—which work together to provide a wonderful board feel when skating.
So, overall, for the price, the materials are solid. You’re getting a quality build for what you pay!
Fit
When it comes to fitting, these sneakers stay true to size (TTS), just like you’d expect from Vans. I picked up mine in a UK 10, and they fit perfectly—nice and comfortable.
However, if you have wider feet, I’d recommend going half a size up to get a better fit. For those with regular-width feet, you should be good with your usual size, and they’ll fit comfortably without any issues.
Comfort
Now, onto the comfort of this shoe.
The Vans Ward sneakers offer a similar level of comfort to the Old Skool, especially after a short break-in period.
When you wear them, the shoes feel breathable, and the midsole provides a firm step. The outsole also offers good grip.
Inside, the insoles are comfortable and don’t dig into your feet, creating a nice balance for casual wear and light skating. Plus, their shape and style make them easy to pair with a variety of outfits.
They are therefore nice for walking, skating, and styling.
However, there’s room for improvement. The tongue and ankle areas could use more cushioning—these are the spots that really need extra padding for a comfortable walking experience, but the Vans Ward doesn’t provide enough support there.
If Vans improved that, it’d be a perfect 10/10.
Related Article: Reebok Royal Complete Trainer Review
Price
Now, let’s talk about the price.
It’s a good thing this sneaker doesn’t cost a lot. On Standout Store, you can grab a pair for just £58.95, which is around $77.85. Here’s the link to the store.
For under a hundred bucks, I’d say it’s definitely a good option if you’re searching for a good pair of Vans.
Final Thoughts: Are Vans Ward Worth It?
Absolutely, they do!
The Vans Ward sneakers have that iconic Vans Old Skool look, and they’re made with decent materials to ensure both durability and comfort. They may not offer the best cushioning, but when it comes to skating and style, not many sneakers in this price range can beat them.
Compared to Old Skool, both are quite similar, but the Ward’s lower price makes it a smarter investment for those looking to save a bit while still getting that classic style.
If you’re a Vans fan, you should definitely check them out.
And if you’re worried about getting knock-off Wards (there are a lot of fakes on Amazon), check out Standout UK for legit, genuine pairs.
FAQs
Are Vans Ward True-to-Size?
Yes! Vans Ward sneakers fit true to size, so you can confidently order your usual size.
What’s the Difference Between Vans Ward and Vans Old Skool?
There aren’t many differences in design, but the main one is the stitching placement. The Vans Ward has stitching above the jazz stripe, while the Old Skool features stitching on the jazz stripe itself. If you want to dive deeper into the differences, I’ve got a detailed article on that—just click here.
Are Vans Ward Fake?
No, they’re an official release from Vans and not fake.
There are plenty of knock-offs on Amazon and elsewhere, but you can grab authentic pairs at Vans official stores and other legit stores.
