Many people often mistake the Vans Old Skool for the Vans Wards.
And frankly, it’s not hard to see why. At a glance, the two look strikingly similar, almost indistinguishable, which leads many to believe they’re essentially the same shoe.
However, subtle yet significant differences set them apart.
And, to help clear up all these differences, I’ve put together this quick and simple guide to help you figure out which shoe model is actually right for you.
Let’s get started!
Contents
Vans Old Skool vs Ward—Which Should You Buy?
To help you clear up all the differences, this review is divided into a few categories like stitching, fit, soles, eyestays, cushioning, and price.
Reading them one by one will help you understand better about both of these shoes. So, let’s start checking each category.
If you are in a hurry watch our video to quickly get information!
Let’s hop into these sections and compare each shoe in the simplest and easiest way possible.
Stitching
The first and foremost difference lies in the stitching of both of these sneakers.
The Old Skool features stitching directly on the jazz stripe, with additional stitching along the sides and reinforced double stitching on the upper for extra durability.
In contrast, the Ward keeps things simpler. Its stitching sits above the jazz stripe, and it lacks the extra stitching you’d find beneath the stripe on the Old Skool.
Also Read: Why the Heck Are Vans Shoes So Expensive?
Eyestays
The next key difference lies in the eyestays.
On the Wards, the eyestays connect at the front, sitting just above the vamp. Meanwhile, the Old Skools are designed with vamps that extend all the way up to the laces.
Additionally, the Old Skools feature right-angled eyestays at the top of the tongue, whereas the Wards go for a softer look with rounded edges.
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Tongues
There’s a small but noticeable difference in the tongues too.
On the Wards, the tongue prominently displays a large Vans logo. In contrast, the Old Skools keep it clean and logo-free on the tongue.
Eyestays
The next key difference lies in the eyestays.
On the Wards, the eyestays connect at the front, sitting just above the vamp. Meanwhile, the Old Skools are designed with vamps that extend all the way up to the laces.
Additionally, the Old Skools feature right-angled eyestays at the top of the tongue, whereas the Wards go for a softer look with rounded edges.
Fit
Vans shoes are known for their narrow fit, and both the Ward and Old Skool follow that trend.
If you have narrow feet, you can stick to your usual size without any issues. But if your feet are on the wider side, it’s best to size up by half, or even a full size, for a more comfortable fit.
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Soles
There are a few more differences when it comes to the soles.
The most obvious one is the insole color. The Wards come with a black insole, while the Old Skool sticks to a clean white one. It’s a small but distinct detail.
Speaking of soles, let’s talk about the outsoles. The Wards gives you a flexible vulcanized rubber outsole, prioritizing comfort and ease of movement. On the other hand, the Old Skool boasts the classic rubber waffle sole, designed for superior grip and traction.
So, while the Ward leans towards comfort, the Old Skool delivers on performance.
Cushioning
When it comes to cushioning, there’s a slight difference between the two.
The Old Skool has thicker padding at the back, along with more substantial ankle support, making it sturdier and a better choice for skaters.
In comparison, the Ward features thinner cushioning and less ankle support, which isn’t ideal for skating but works fine for casual wear.
Overall, both sneakers offer a good level of comfort. However, if you’re planning to skate, the Old Skool is the way to go.
Prices
And finally, we come to the price difference.
To be honest, there is not much to say; both are priced around $70, and you can get one for less at sales.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Old Skool and Ward Vans?
There are a few subtle differences between the two shoe models and those lie in the stitching, soles, eyestays, cushioning, and tongue.
Check the categories above to understand more about the differences.
What Are Ward Vans?
Vans Ward are low-top skate sneakers from Vans shoes. These sneakers feature a canvas or suede upper with a round toe, lace-up closure, padded collar for added comfort, side stripe detail, smooth lining, cushioned insole, and a vulcanized rubber outsole.
Some people may mistake them for fakes, but no! They’re authentic and are made from Vans Officials.
Are Vans Old Skool Still Popular?
Yes! Vans Old Skool sneakers have definitely kept their charm over the years.
They’ve stayed popular for plenty of reasons:
- Their unique style has made them a fashion icon since the beginning.
- The sleek silhouette adds to their timeless appeal.
- They’re incredibly versatile, going with almost anything.
- They offer good comfort, too.
- Plus, they’re easy to find anywhere in the world.
All these reasons have helped the Old Skool stay as popular as it is today.
Last Words—Which One Should You Actually Prefer?
Anyone of them will work just fine. They’re really similar, so honestly, you can’t go wrong with either.
If you’re curious about my personal pick, I’d go with the Vans Old Skool. It just feels a bit sturdier, thanks to the extra stitching and double-stitched areas. I also love the simple tongue with no logos. And let’s not forget the classic rubber waffle sole—it gives such a solid grip.
And it’s just my opinion; don’t take it very seriously. I’ve probably spent more time with the Old Skool, which is why I lean towards them. You should go with whichever one feels right for you!
That’s it for this comparison! Hope you found it helpful!
