Chunky sneakers are getting a lot of love these days and plenty of people, including me, are looking for more sneakers with thick laces and puffy tongues.
Commonly, in the search, there are chances that you might have seen two shoes with a big profile and 80s retro skater vibes; Vans Knu Skool and Adidas Campus 00s. Both are good sneakers and they share a lot of similarities. So, to find out which one is better than the other, today I’m going to compare both of these shoes side by side.
So, check out this Vans Knu Skool vs. Adidas Campus 00s review, where I’ll evaluate everything from top to bottom to help you make the right choice.
Contents
Vans Knu Skool vs. Adidas Campus 00s: A Detailed Comparison
I have both the Vans Knu Skools and Adidas Campus right beside me, and we’ll be assessing these shoes in terms of design, fit, comfort, durability, prices, and available colorway options.
I’ll share information about each shoe, and you can decide which one you like better. Ready?
Design
First off, out of the box, we got to check the design of the shoes.
Vans Knu Skool: The Van Knu Skools feature a top low shoe design with a bold profile and skater-style details. These sneakers take inspiration from the famous Vans Old Skool sneakers but compared to Old Skool, these shoes are nicely padded and exude a distinctive vibe.
Additionally, they have a big puffy tongue and chunky laces, which look a bit goofy. However, it’s essential to remember that their tongue and chunky laces are what give them their skater vibe.
Moving over, the upper for Vans Knu Skool is built with dry suede. On the upper, you’ll get to see its classic 3D Jazz stripe. This Jazz stripe is pretty thick here and it’s made of white leather.
After that, there’s a signature vulcanized rubber midsole and a classic gum outsole. Overall, it gives a nice retro vibe to the clothing line that you’re going to wear.
Adidas Campus 00s: For Adidas Campus, you get to see a similar low top sneaker design featuring a skated top aesthetic. Again, you get to see a puffy tongue and thick laces.
Moreover, the upper of the sneakers is styled with a super nice suede. On this suede, you can also notice three white stripes on the sides, nicely finished with premium leather. Between these stripes, there are holes for breathability.
On the interior, there’s a white sock liner and white interior, coupled with a black insole. The sneaker has a rubber midsole. And lastly, the shoes feature a gum outsole.
For color, I got these shoes in a black and white colorway, which honestly look very clean and tasteful. There are also many other colorways you can buy.
Related Article: Vans Knu Skool Shoes Review
Fit
Now, let’s check how it’s fitting on both of these shoes.
Vans Knu Skool: Vans Knu Skool gives a comfy fit. They might seem big, making you think of going half a size down, but it’s best to stick to your size.
There’s absolutely no need to change your size; just go with your normal size. Personally, I find my regular size fits just right—maybe a bit snug, but not uncomfortably tight.
So, I’m happy that Vans Knu Skool runs true-to-size for everyone.
Adidas Campus 00s: The Adidas Campus is designed for wider feet, so if you have wide feet, it’s advisable to stick to your true size. In my experience, my normal size feels comfortable and not at all cramped.
However, keep in mind that Adidas Campus sometimes runs big for those with narrower feet. So if you have narrow feet, try going half a size down.
I’ve seen a lot of people talking about how the Adidas Campus tends to run a bit larger, so if you’re facing issues with the fit, getting half a size down can provide a more comfortable fit.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, both shoes vary differently. Let me explain why that is:
Vans Knu Skool: The Vans Knu Skool shoes are pretty comfortable and look nice. They have decent cushioning that gets the job done, and they fit just right. They’re lightweight, so your feet don’t feel heavy at any time.
They’re also pretty great if you want a snug fit but the tongue is so big that it kind of gets hard to tighten them. There’s a problem with tightening them up.
Moving on to the soles, the gum outsole provides good traction, especially for skating. They’re easy to slip on and off with the heel pull, and they’re breathable too.
Midsoles are also thick and good for impact absorption. But there’s a problem with the insoles that are really thin, and sometimes it hurts when I wear them.
Adidas Campus 00s: Compared to Vans Knu Skools, Adidas Campus shoes are a bit more comfortable. On Adidas, you get to see a soft suede upper and comfortable lining.
Along with that, there’s good levels of cushioning—not specifically like the high-performance models, but they’re still comfy. With cushioning, Adidas Campus shoes have a soft fabric lining inside. This makes them my favorite, especially when worn for a long time.
Moving on to the padded insoles, which are my personal favorite because they are soft and supportive.
Furthermore, unlike Vans Knu Skools, they don’t feel stiff when you wear them for high-impact sports like running or doing intense activities like workouts. Their design is flexible and sophisticated, which makes them good for other sports besides skating.
One small downside is that these shoes feel a bit heavier on your feet, probably because of the denser midsoles they have. But overall, they’re a better choice if you want comfort.
Durability
When you’re getting sneakers, it’s important to think about how strong they are.
Vans Knu Skool: These are skateboarding shoes and are made of dry suede material and leather. These materials can withstand everyday use without showing signs of wear easily.
Just remember to take some care; otherwise, it’ll get scrapes and scratches over time. What I mean to say is that their canvas upper is strong but care is required to make it last a long time.
Furthermore, if you look at the soles, they are thick and can handle a good amount of impact. They are capable of handling street and skateboard use without splitting. So, if you’re in search of good grip and durability in skate shoes at a low price, Vans Knu Skool will be well-suited for you.
Adidas Campus 00s: Adidas Campus 00s, compared to Vans Knu Skools, are made from much better leather and suede materials, like premium suede, waxed canvas, and leather. These materials can endure intense daily routines much better without tearing.
The toe box, heel padding, and outsoles are resistant to wearing off, although they should be spared from rough surfaces.
Moving on, strong stitching lines on the sides add to the durability, while the rubber outsoles provide excellent grip and support. The shoe maintains stability without being overly stiff.
In summary, these sneakers are designed with versatility in mind, making them suitable for various activities.
Prices
After all this talk, you might be wondering, “How much do both shoes cost?” Well, Vans Knu Skools and Adidas Campus 00s are both in the middle price zone. Let’s check the prices.
Vans Knu Skool: The official Vans Knu Skool price tag is $75. If you select colorways other than black or true white, you’ll also see a small price change. Other than the black and white colorway, Vans Knu Skool cost $80 for any size you choose.
Adidas Campus 00s: Adidas Campus 00s are slightly more expensive than Knu Skool and cost $110 for a pair. This price tag remains the same for almost all colorways.
Colorways
If you’re the kind of person who is obsessed with different color options, then, gladly, both Vans Knu Skools and Adidas Campus offer a good amount of colorways.
Both Vans Knu Skools and Adidas Campus have a bunch of options to match your style.
Vans Knu Skool: It comes in a wide range of color options, like Black/True White, Sorbet Pastels Pink, Y2K Black/Black, Pop Outsole Purple, Mega Check Green/Marshmallow and many others.
Adidas Campus 00s: This has classic colors like black and white and also some trendy ones like soft pastels and bright neon colors. So, if you like simple or bold styles, both shoes have different colors for you to pick from.
FAQs
Are Vans Knu Skool Good for Skating?
Yes! They are best for skating; in fact, most Vans shoes are made for this purpose. They are designed with cushioning to protect your feet and provide a stable base when skating. Additionally, the rubber sole provides good traction on any surface.
For Knu Skool specifically, they are also very durable and can withstand heavy use. Additionally, they are lightweight and have a comfortable sole. So yeah! You can wear a pair of Vans Knu Skool sneakers for skating.
Do Adidas Campus 00s Run Big?
Adidas Campus 00s sneakers tend to run big, so it’s important to understand this before buying them. Generally, they stay true to size, but because they have a bulkier profile, people with narrow feet might have some fitting issues.
So, if you find that the sneakers are too roomy, you can try going half or even a full size down for a better fit. With that, checking Adidas’s official size chart can also help you find the right size by matching it with your original foot size.
Do Campus 00s Come With Extra Laces?
Yes! Adidas Campus 00s do come with an extra pack of laces. Inside the box, you can find them. They sit right next to the shoes inside the box. The laces also come with a tag that has instructions on how to tie the shoes.
Final Thoughts: Which One You Should Buy?
From the start, I made you guys the judge, so the final decision of picking is all on you. For me, both shoes are great and look good whenever you wear them.
The Vans Knu Skool sneakers are awesome! They’re great for skateboarders, sneakerheads, and someone who likes taking some strolls. These shoes are super comfy and offer great cushioning for everyone. Plus, they’re really affordable and have a cool retro vibe.
The Adidas Campus 00s are super adaptable. They’re not just for skating—they’re great for all sorts of sports. These shoes have excellent cushioning and a sturdy design that gives your feet awesome support. Plus, the materials are top-notch, although they might come with a slightly higher price tag. But don’t forget the quality you’re getting with them!
So, tell me what you’re going to buy. Is it going to be Vans Knu Skool or Adidas Campus 00s?
