If you’re into skating, you’ve probably heard of these two popular styles from Vans; the Vans Knu Skool and the famous Vans Sk8-Hi.
Both are suitable for skating and normal wear, but it’s tough to determine which one is better just by browsing social media.
That’s why, today, I’ll be comparing these two sneakers side by side based on some deciding factors like design, comfort, fit, price, and colorways. I’m sure, it’ll help you decide when one actually better for you.
So, read on to learn more!
Contents
Vans Knu Skool vs. Vans Sk8-Hi: A Detailed Comparison
Before we actually start the whole comparison, here are all the specifics you can check;
| Features | Vans SK8 Hi | Vans Knu Skool |
| Style | Retro, Sporty, Classic | Retro, Classic |
| Top | High Top | Low Top |
| Upper | Canvas, Suede | Suede |
| Outsole | Waffle gum outsole | Waffle gum outsole |
| Tongue padding | Thin | Very thick |
| Closure | Laces | Laces |
| Season | Summer, Fall, and Spring | Summer |
| Price | $75 | $75 |
Design
Vans Knu Skool: As far as the look and design go, Vans Knu Skool are chunky, large low-top sneakers that are reminiscent of the looks and aesthetics of the 1990s.
Originally, it was released in 1998 but got reissued recently, a few months ago, in 2023.
Speaking of its specifics, its upper is made out of high quality suede that is very resistant to nicks and tears.
On the sides, you get to see much broader 3D jazz stripes and the front features a nice round toebox design.
In the middle, there’s this big, puffy tongue that’s heavily padded and cushioned to support your feet during skating. So, if you wear these shoes without socks, the tongue will add a nice, comfortable sensation.
Down at the soles, the shoes feature a thick white rubber midsole with a classic gum outsole. On the inside, the insoles are not particularly padded, and I will say they aren’t up to the modern standard of comfort.
But, the overall appearance feels quite distinctive and really adds a cool retro touch to your outfit. So, if you like chunky sneakers, you definitely need to buy these too.
Vans Sk8-Hi: Originally created in 1976, the Vans Sk8-Hi was previously known as “Style #38.” It’s one of the most high selling sneakers from Vans.
They feature a stylish, minimalist design that honors skateboarding culture.
When it comes to design, the upper part of the shoe is made from canvas material and suede. Despite its thin construction, it’s surprisingly tough and durable. Plus, there’s reinforced toe box stitching at the front, adding to the shoe’s overall durability.
On the sides, you’ll notice the iconic Vans side stripe, which adds to its classic charm. These side stripes are made of leather and differ from the Knu Skool’s side stripe; they’re neither large nor 3D. They are normal.
Moving on to the tongue, it’s long and thin, with no padding on it. Along with that, there’s good long laces that give you better grip compared to Vans Knu Skool.
Finally, there are vulcanized sole constructions. The midsoles are made out of rubber and the outsole is Vans’ signature waffle outsole. These are pretty common Vans sneakers and offer great grip and durability for skateboarding.
Overall, the Vans Sk8-Hi is a superb silhouette for both skating and everyday wear.
Must Check: Vans Knu Skool vs. Vans Authentic
Fit
Vans Knu Skool: Vans Knu Skool: Vans Knu Skool usually fit true to size, offering a snug and comfortable feel—just what everyone desires. While some suggest going half or full size down on social media, based on my personal experience, sticking with your regular size is the way to go. Even with wider feet, it’s been no bother for me.
Vans Sk8-Hi: For the most part, the Vans Sk8-Hi goes true-to-size. They might feel a bit long, though, and you might find a lot of space in the toe box, but by the end of the day, it doesn’t bother much.
Comfort
Vans Knu Skool: In terms of comfort, Vans Knu Skool sneakers really stand out for their wearers. I’ve spent a lot of time in these shoes, and I can say they’re much more comfortable than I expected.
Firstly, their big, chunky design makes it easy to slide my feet in without the hassle of lacing up every time.
Next, I noticed the comfortable cushioning in the tongue and ankle areas. These parts have the most padding, which I think is a good feature for skaters too. And despite all this extra padding, these shoes still offer excellent breathability. They keep your feet from getting sweaty, which is why I enjoy wearing them for casual summer walks.
Another great feature of these sneakers is their extra thick soles. The soles of the Vans Knu Skool are substantially thicker than most shoes, which adds a bit of weight but is excellent for absorbing impacts from high jumps.
However, what I don’t like is the insole on these sneakers. They are quite thin and are non-removable. This means there’s no way to replace them if needed, which is kind of disappointing.
Lastly, I’d like to mention that these shoes provide a great board feel for skaters and offer excellent traction on the board.
Vans SK-8 Hi: The Vans Sk8-Hi doesn’t disappoint in terms of comfort, either. With their classic construction, these shoes are super breathable and lightweight for everyday wear.
For regular wear and casual skating, they work just fine. Although, I have to admit, they do take some time to break in. When I first got these shoes, they really hurt my feet. But after wearing them for a few days, they became nice and flexible. The break-in period was a bit long, but it was definitely worth it in the end.
As for cushioning, there isn’t much extra padding in these shoes. But, you can get to see padding on the collar, which is nice but if you’re dealing with foot pain like in heels, I’d suggest either skipping this sneaker or getting the ComfyCush model instead.
Next, what I appreciate is that the Sk8-Hi truly rocks at offering ankle support. Being a hi-top sneaker, they offer protection to your ankles and reduce the risk of injuries while performing tricks on the board. I got to say that if you’re transitioning from low-top to hi-top sneakers, you’ll definitely notice the difference in comfort, especially during skating.
And indeed! These sneakers grip the board superbly. You’ll feel how easy it is to control the board with them.
On to the soles: they’re not as thick as Van Knu Skool’s, but they’re sturdy enough to absorb impact. So yeah! You can depend on these sneakers when skating or BMX cycling.
Overall, in my opinion, these are a nice pair of shoes that cost an affordable price and give you strong protection for your feet while actually maintaining style.
Related Article: Vans Knu Skool vs Vans Old Skool
Prices
The prices of both of these shoes aren’t anywhere expensive; they both lie in a nice, affordable price zone. Both Vans Knu Skool and Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers cost just $75.
With such high quality materials and design, I would say these prices are mindblowing if you compare them to other top quality brands.
Colorways
If you’re a guy who wants to try out these sneakers in multiple colors, Vans has got you covered. For both sneakers, they offer a variety of options.
For Vans Knu Skool, there are about 12 colors available, so you can grab a few pairs for yourself. But for the Vans Sk8-Hi, there are only about 7 colors. It’s not as many, especially if you want to match them with different outfits.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
Both of these are great shoes; however, the choice between can become a bit hard. I’ll say go with whatever color suits you best.
The Vans Knu Skool comes with extra padding, so if you’ve got feet that hurt with the normal sneaker, then it can be a great shoe. With that, if you are more particular about matching your outfits, a Van Knu Skool sneaker can be a better option.
On the flip side, the Vans Sk8-Hi are hi top sneakers that care more about your ankle and heel protection. It gives you a nice board feel and grip right away. Plus, it offer some sick colorways too.
So, tell me what you’re getting for yourself.
FAQs
Are Vans Knu Skool Good for Summer?
Yes! You’d be surprised, but Vans Knu Skool is perfect for summer!
Despite its large tongue and ample padding inside, the Knu Skool manages to keep your feet cool and ventilated. There are holes on both sides of the shoe that help with ventilation, so even though they’re chunky, they don’t make your feet sweaty at all.
Are Vans Sk8-Hi Still Popular?
Yep! Vans Sk8-Hi are still quite popular these days. Even after nearly 50 years, the Sk8-Hi is still seen as one of the most iconic skate shoes ever made.
During the 1980s, the Sk8-Hi became a must-have in skate culture, popping up in every skate video and magazine. Then BMX riders realized it was perfect for their tricks like cherry pickers and woopty-doos.
In recent years, the Vans Sk8-Hi has become more popular than ever. It’s been modernized with new colors, materials, and technologies, but its classic design with the jazz stripe remains unchanged.
Are Vans Sk8-Hi Breathable?
Yes! Vans Sk8-His are breathable because of their classic canvas material. It’s tough enough to last long but also thin enough to let air flow through, which is rare for high-top shoes.
So yeah! If you want a nicely breathable shoe, you can consider, Vans Sk8-Hi for yourself.
