90s-style sneakers are making a serious comeback, and everyone seems to be going wild over them. One name that keeps popping up is the Vans Knu Skool. And today, we’re about to check the details of this sneaker and find out what’s so great about it and if it really lives up to the hype.
Stay with me, and let’s take a closer look at the Vans Knu Skool!
Contents
Vans Knu Skool In-depth Review
To have a complete and detailed look at the sneaker, I’ve divided this review into a few categories like design, material, fit, comfort, durability, colorways, and most importantly the current price.
So, let’s jump it.
Design
Let’s start with the design.
The Vans Knu Skool is a low-top sneaker that blends a bit of late ’90s skate culture with modern updates.
At first glance, it clearly takes cues from the iconic Old Skool. However, everything here is way bigger, bolder, and exaggerated. And that’s exactly where the name “Knu Skool” comes from.
Must Read: Why the Heck Are Vans Shoes So Expensive?
Materials
Now, onto the materials.
The upper is made entirely of real suede. A dry suede, to be exact, which can be a bit tough to clean. In here, there’s an oversized 3D-molded jazz stripe in white leather that really pops against the suede.
In the middle, there’s this big, gigantic, spongy tongue for extra plush feel. The laces sit right on top and match the shoe’s bold design—they’re thicker, wider, and flatter than your average laces, made from standard fabric.
As for the soles, you’ve got an all-rubber midsole paired with Vans’ classic waffled outsole. Both are built to be durable and long-lasting.
Fit
If you’ve worn Vans sneakers before, you probably have a good idea of how their sizing works.
Vans shoes always goes narrow. And same happen here as well.
The Knu Skool fits on the narrow side. For those with regular-width feet, these sneakers should run true to size.
However, if your feet are on the wider side, you might run into some issues with the fit. In that case, it’s better to either go for the wider version or size up by half.
Still confused about the fit, check this article.
Comfort
Okay. Now listen a bit closely. (These sneakers fall under the $100 price range, so don’t expect out-of-this-world comfort.)
Comfort-wise, they are fine. The padding is solid as well, especially around the collar, tongue, and sides of the upper. The insole, though, is a bit thin and non-removeable one. I’d definitely love it if we could swap it with a custom one.
Now, on the inside, I’ve got to say the breathability is impressive. All that extra padding and the chunky profile still manage to keep the shoe airy. Even during walks, they don’t feel heavy, which is a nice surprise. (The shoe weighs only 470 grams)
I really appreciate this because, with other shoes, extra cushioning usually means they get heavy or too warm.
So, overall, I love this shoe for its comfort, but it’s not made for long walks or intense workouts. I won’t recommend you to perform such activities in this sneaker. But for styling and casual walks around the block, though, it’s a great choice.
If someone asked me to rate it, I’d give it a straight 7.5 out of 10.
But wait, what about skating? Can it hold up to that? Let’s find out!
Durability
If you’re wondering whether the Knu Skool is good for skating, this section is for you.
The Knu Skool is surprisingly sturdy, especially with its durable suede upper that can handle a decent amount of wear and tear.
It’s not just about the upper, though—the inner lining is tough as well. I’ve been wearing mine for about a year now, and honestly, they’ve held up incredibly well. Minimal signs of damage, if any. So, if you’re looking for a firm and durable sneaker for skating, you can grab this shoe.
Now, let’s talk about the outsole. It’s got that classic grippy Vans feel with the traditional waffle sole, offering excellent traction and a snug board feel—exactly what skaters tend to look for.
While I’m not a skater myself, I understand what makes a good skate shoe, and the Knu Skool seems to check a lot of those boxes.
Must See: Vans Old Skool vs Vans Ward
Colorways
There’s a lot of colorways that you can go with like Black/True White, Sorbet Pastels Pink, Y2K Black/Black, Pop Outsole Purple, Mega Check Green/Marshmallow, and many others.
Check the official website for different colorways.
Price
After all this talk, you might be wondering, “How much do Vans Knu Skools cost?”
Well, the official price is $75 for the Black/White colorway, and $80 for all other color options.
And honestly, that’s a pretty reasonable deal. For less than a 100 bucks, you’re snagging a sneaker that’s stylish, durable, and undeniably authentic. When you compare it to brands like Nike or Adidas, this price point feels like a real advantage.
Best Places to Buy Vans Knu Skool Shoes
Knu Skool are harder to get, especially in bigger sizes. So here are bunch of stores that can you check today for your online purchase.
- Van Shoes (Official website)
- Journeys
- Tillys
- Finish Line
- Foot Locker
- Amazon
- ASOS
You can also explore other relevant websites. However, proceed with caution, as there are many sellers who provide reps instead of the authentic ones.
Don’t know what reps are? Click Here.
Final Thought: Are Vans Knu Shoes Worth It?
Yep! They do! When it comes to quality, durablity, and style, these sneakers truly stand out.
Sure, it might have a few drawbacks in the comfort department, especially with the insole. But honestly, it’s hard to beat the level of quality Vans has put into these shoes. They’re perfect for casual daily wear. That said, if comfort is a priority for you, I’d suggest going for the ComfyCush model since the insoles are more reliable in that one.
Overall, The Knu Skool can be an good choice for you, especially if you’re a guy with an interest in chunky shoes and skaters vibes.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Old School and Knu School?
The most noticeable difference lies in the design profile.
The Old Skool goes with more slimmer and sleeker profile whereas Knu Skool goes completely wide and chunky.
Other than that, there’s differences in the cushioning, fit, price, comfort, and a few material. Check this article for more.
When Did the Knu Skool Vans Come Out?
It was initially introduced as skate shoes in 1998. Then, it production got stopped after a few years. Then a few years back, it made it’s a comeback in Japan in 2015 and experiencing renewed popularity in the United States.
In 2023, they reissued the Knu Skool model officially in their store.
Is Knu Skool Comfortable?
Yes, they are quiet comfy. These shoes are comfortable for walking; they won’t hurt your feet much. I have like mine for a year now and they are quite great in terms of daily wearing.
They fit well, and look amazing with different bunch of outfits. They are well-cushioned from each side for extra comfort, and are durable enough for skating as well.
The outsoles are reliable for daily wear. If you’re looking for sneakers that offer the full package of style, comfort, and affordability, try Vans Knu Skool sneakers.
