Vans Era or Authentic: Which one’s right for you?
Honestly, they look almost identical, the prices are the same, and it’s easy to get confused about which one to go for.
But no worries! Today, we’ll compare both of these sneakers (the Vans Era vs. the Vans Authentic) to help you figure out which one’s the perfect fit for you.
Contents
Detailed Review of Vans Era Vs. Authentics
To tell you all the differences and to find a clear winner, I’ve divided this review into a few categories like upper, soles, comfort, fit, and price.
Just so you can jump to the part that interests you!
Upper
There are a few little differences in here that are worth pointing out.
First up, the stitching. The Era has extra stitching on both sides, which adds durability to the wearer. The Authentic, on the other hand, keeps it simple with less stitching.
After stitching, there’s the overall profile. The Authentic has a bit of a slimmer profile, while the Era goes thicker and wider.
The biggest difference, though, is in ankle padding. The Era offers better padding for around the ankle, whereas 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.
So, even if they have similar feelings, they are different from one another. And it’s up to you what seems good to you.
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.
However, there’s still a minor 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 softer than the Authentic’s—or at least that’s what my friends always say.
Honestly, I think both insoles are pretty much the same and need to be replaced.
Related: Vans Ward Review
Comfort
Now, on to the comfort.
I’d say, 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), then the Eras are the better choice.
They’re made tougher, provide more protection for your feet, and handle wear and tear better. They have thicker soles, so you can expect better impact absorption. Sure, they might take some days to break in, but after that, 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!
Must See: Vans Old Skool vs Vans Knu Skool
Price
Finally, let’s reveal the price.
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?
Well, if you ask me, 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, the 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 comparison interesting.
