Man, sometimes I really wonder why Vans make their shoes so similar. I think they’re trying to mess with us on purpose—same shape, almost the same vibe, and totally confusing.
Anyway, if you’ve already read the title, you know what’s coming. Today, we’re looking at all the differences between two Vans’ identical twins: the Era and the Authentic.
Stick around, and I’ll clear it all up for you.
Contents
Detailed Review of Vans Era Vs. Authentics
Now, to give you an idea about both of these shoes, I’ve actually planned to review these shoes in terms of upper, soles, comfort, fit, and price.
So, here we go!
Upper
Let’s talk about the uppers—there are a few little differences between the Vans Era and Authentic that are worth pointing out.
First up, the stitching. The Era has extra stitching on both sides, which makes it tougher—great if you’re into skating and need something more durable. The Authentic keeps it simple with less stitching, so it’s more about that clean, classic look.
Then there’s the shape. The Authentic is slimmer, while the Era is a bit thicker and wider. It’s subtle, but you’ll notice it when you look closely or try them on.
The biggest difference most people mention is the ankle padding. The Era has some padding, which makes it better for skateboarding, while the Authentic is just plain—no padding at all.
You’ll also see the Era has a little extra material at the heel for added durability, which the Authentic doesn’t have.
And finally, the tongue. On the Era, the tongue is a bit longer and pops out more, while the Authentic’s tongue is shorter and sometimes barely noticeable. Small detail, but it’s there.
So yeah, both are great—it just depends on what you’re looking for!
Soles
There’s honestly not a huge difference when it comes to the midsoles and outsoles on these two. Both the Era and Authentic have that classic Vans rubber sole.
That said, there’s a slight difference: the sole on the Era feels a little thicker and sturdier, while the Authentic has a thinner, more flexible sole. You might not notice this right away, but once the shoes are broken in, you’ll start to feel it.
Another small thing is the insole. Apparently, the Era’s insole is slightly better than the Authentic’s—or at least that’s what my friends always say.
Personally, I can’t tell much of a difference. Honestly, I think both insoles are pretty bad since they’re so thin.
Related: Vans Ward Review
Comfort
Now, on to the comfort.
When it comes to comfort, it really depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re after something lightweight, breathable, and minimalist, the Authentics are the way to go.
Honestly, they’re kind of like slippers—just slip them on, and you’re good to go. They’re not exactly built for heavy skateboarding, but for beginners or casual wear, they get the job done. Plus, they’re super easy to style with almost anything.
On the other hand, if you need more support and durability—especially for skateboarding—the Era is the better choice.
They’re tougher, provide more protection for your feet, and handle wear and tear better. They have thicker soles, so you can expect more impact absorption. Sure, they might give you some blisters around the ankle at first, but once you break them in, they’re much more comfortable and supportive.
So, there’s one point for each.
Related: Vans Old Skool Vs Ward
Fit
One thing to know about Vans is that they tend to run narrow, which can be an issue if your feet aren’t on the narrow side.
If your feet are even slightly wide, you might want to go up half a size. Between the two, the Era fits a little bigger and wider, so sticking with your usual size should be fine. For the Authentic, it’s better to go half a size up if your feet are on the wider side.
And if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to try them on in-store to find the perfect fit!
Price
Finally, let’s reveal the price.
Good news if you didn’t know—both the Vans Era and Authentic are priced at $55.
However, if you’re thinking of a colorway other than the classic black-and-white, then you’ll have to pay an extra $10 to $15 for either pair.
Final Words: Which One Is Better?
If you’ve been following along, you probably have a good idea of the differences by now, and you might be wondering which one I prefer.
Personally, I’m all about styling, and I just can’t handle the blisters around the ankle, so I tend to stick with my Authentics. There’s also a bit of nostalgia for me—I’ve pretty much grown up wearing these sneakers, so there’s that personal connection.
But, I believe the Era is a better overall choice, if you ask me. They’re more durable, comfortable, and pretty much the same price as the Authentics. Plus, they’ve got the same classic look and can fit with almost any style. Whether you’re heading to school, office, or just grabbing a coffee from Starbucks, the Eras are versatile and dependable.
So yeah, overall, I’d say the Era takes the win here!
And that’s it for today. Hope you find this article interesting.
