March 16, 1966, marks a pivotal part of the history of Vans - then known as the Van Doren Rubber Company. It was on that day that founders (and brothers) Paul and Jim Van Doren, along with partners Serge Delia and Gordon Lee, opened their first Vans store and launched the iconic Style #44 deck shoe which is popularly known today as the Vans Authentic. Although designed primarily as a deck shoe, it didn't take that long before early skateboarders during the ‘70s noticed the Vans Authentic's excellent grip and durability - thanks to the now Vans-signature waffle soles and sturdy canvas uppers.
Ten years later, in 1976, Vans collaborated with legendary pro skaters Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta to create the Style #95 or what’s known today as the Vans Era skate shoes. Specifically designed for the sport, the Vans Era was the first signature skate shoe ever created. It was based on the well-received Authentic silhouette, but with a few modifications to better suit skateboarding. It has a rugged upper and grippy vulcanized sole like the #44, and an improved padded collar that makes it more comfortable and skate-friendly.
The Vans Era skate shoes were only available in a two-toned red and navy blue colorway during its initial releases. But that is not the case anymore since these highly-acclaimed skate shoes are now easily accessible with a myriad of colorways and different variations – plain-colored, printed, two-toned, and more.
Popular renditions of Vans Era shoes
Since its inception in 1976, the Vans Era shoes have already received countless renditions that exhibit just minor differences either with the design or by incorporating new technologies for better performance. Despite these upgrades, every Era sneaker version stays true to the original Vans Style #95 – skate-ready, durable, comfortable, and stylish. Below are some of the most known renditions of the iconic Vans Era sneakers.
Vans Era Pro
The Vans Era Pro is an updated version of the Vans Era skate shoes with better cushioning, board feel, and overall comfort. Durability is warranted with its canvas and suede upper, single-wrap foxing tape, and DURACAP reinforcement in high wear areas. The Era Pro also utilizes UltraCush HD sockliners and Pro Vulc Lite construction, which collectively gives not only superior in-shoe comfort but excellent board feel and impact protection as well. Like the original Vans shoe Era, this version has Vans' original waffle outsoles for grip and support.
This rendition of Vans Era shoes is offered in black colorways (“Blackout,” “Black/Charcoal,” “Black Amazon,” and “Black/Tan”) along with other countless colorways such as “Checkerboard,” “Bulgarian Camo,” “Burgundy/Antique,” “Rose Taupe,” and more. Each pair retails for an affordable price of $60.
Collaborations made involving the Vans Era Pro skate shoes:
Independent x Vans Era Pro (2014)
Daniel Lutheran x Vans Era Pro (2014)
Vans x Spitfire Era Pro (2018)
MTV x Vans Era Pro (2016)
What is the difference between the Vans Era Pro and the Vans Era skate shoes? The Vans Era Pro has more padding at the back heel area and insoles than the regular Vans Era. It also has DURACAP reinforcement under the toe bumper, which is lacking in the regular Era model.
Vans Era 59
Another rendition of the Vans unisex Era skate shoes is the Era 59. It is a low-top skate shoe that has become another iconic silhouette and a known name in the skate community. Stylish enough even for off-the-board activities and casual use, the Era 59 flaunts a durable double-stitched canvas upper with metal eyelets, lace-up lacing system, leather heel accent, padded collars, and Vans' signature waffle outsole.
Notable colorways of the Vans Era 59 sneakers:
Vans Era 59 “Native Camo”
Vans Era 59 “Samurai Warrior”
Vans Era 59 “Black/Gum”
Vans Era 59 "Lime Punch"
What is the difference between the Vans Era 59 and the Vans Era skate shoes? One notable difference between the Era 59 and its core model is the leather patch accent on the Achilles part of the heel on the Era 59. Such a feature is lacking in the original Vans Era skate shoes.
Vans C&P Era 59
The low-top Vans C&P Era 59 skate shoes are patterned after the Vans Era 59 shoes with minimal design updates. Most of the Era 59 features are retained, such as the double-stitched canvas upper, padded collar, metal eyelets, and Vans' signature waffle outsole. One main difference, however, is that this version incorporates perforated leather on the tongue and heel patch accent.
Notable colorways of the Vans C&P Era 59 sneakers:
Vans C&P Era 59 “True White/ Black”
Vans C&P Era 59 “Pewter/ Black”
Vans C&P Era 59 “Racing Red/ Black”
Vans C&P Era 59 “Varsity Grey/ True White”
Vans Gold Mono Era
An iconic skate shoe silhouette, the Vans Era, received a monochromatic upgrade through the Vans Gold Monochromatic Era sneakers. This Era rendition is an excellent choice for those looking for a pair of Vans Era shoes in black, as the flawless tonal look of the shoe exemplifies simplicity and versatility in style. The Mono Era is also available in other colorways including red, gray, blue, green, and many more.
Another distinct feature of these Vans Era shoes is the gold metal eyelets giving character to the plain canvas upper. Like other Era versions, these shoes also have a signature waffle rubber outsole, lace closure, and padded collars.
Vans Hiking Era 59
Whoever said that skate shoes couldn't be outdoorsy is proven wrong by the Vans Hiking Era 59 skate shoes. This rendition of the Vans Era sneakers is built for skateboarding but exhibits design features inspired by hiking shoes. The regular flat laces of the Era 59, in particular, have been updated into rounded, rope-like laces that you typically see on hiking shoes. Although these Vans Era gum soles shoes do not go all-out hiking footwear with D-ring eyelets, they still feature ones made of metal material for durability.
Other features of the Vans Hiking Era 59 shoes:
double-stitched canvas upper
leather heel accents
padded collars
vulcanized gum rubber waffle outsole
What is the difference between the Vans Era 59 and the Vans Hiking Era 59 skate shoes? Simple – the Hiking Era 59 is upgraded with rounded, rope-like, two-toned laces and gum rubber soles.
Vans 2-Tone Checker Era
The Vans 2-Tone Checker Era, otherwise known as the 2-Tone Check Era, is an Era rendition with checkerboard print accent on the upper, shadowing the iconic Checkerboard designed Authentic shoe. The two-toned upper of this shoe features solid-colored areas on the toe and heel part, while sidewalls, tongue, and collar are of checkerboard print.
Other features of this rendition of the Vans Era shoes:
canvas upper
Vans signature waffle outsole
padded collar
reinforced metal eyelets
This version of the Vans Era skate shoes is offered in colorways like blue, red, yellow, and more.
Vans Logo Mix Era
Vans updates its unisex Era skate shoes with an all-over Vans logo print through the Vans Logo Mix Era. It shadows the Vans Era shoes with a sturdy canvas upper, reinforced metal eyelets, padded collar, and Vans' waffle outsole. The only difference, however, is that the upper is accentuated with prints. Each pair of these Vans Era skate shoes retails for $55.
Colorways available for the Vans Logo Mix Era:
Vans Logo Mix Era “Tangerine”
Vans Logo Mix Era “Black”
Vans Yacht Club Era 59
The Vans Yacht Club Era 59 remains true to the classic heritage and promising comfort and skate performance of its core model. The sturdy double-stitched upper, reinforced metal eyelets, contrast leather heel patch, padded collars, and signature vulcanized waffle outsole are all retained in this version. Its aesthetic, however, is elevated with fresh and vibrant color combinations inspired by a yacht club.
This limited-edition version of the Era 59 skate shoe silhouette was released as part of the Vans Yacht Club Collection in March 2018. Two other popular models from the skate shoe brand were also included in the collection, namely the Vans Slip-On and the Vans Old Skool.
Other noteworthy Vans Era sneakers
Vans BMX Checkerboard Era
These Vans Era skate shoes dropped in June 2018 in two colorways – True Blue/ Yellow and True Blue Red. Retailing for $55 each pair, the Era BMX Checkerboard dons a sturdy, two-toned canvas upper that sits atop a checkerboard-printed white midsole. Sealing off the look is a gum waffle outsole.
The Vans Era BMX Checkerboard released as part of the Vans BMX Checkerboard Pack, along with another favorite silhouette from the brand – also BMX riders' favorite, the SK8-Hi.
Vans Neon Camo Era
One of the newest renditions of the Vans Era shoes is dubbed as the Vans Neon Camo Era. The classic look of the Era received a loud and vibrant makeover through an all-over print on the upper. This edition comes in an abstract camouflage pattern in a combination of neon pink, blue, orange, green, and yellow colors that could turn heads anywhere. To further accentuate the bright and multi-neon camo look, a classic Vans waffle sole unit in black is added completing the unique aesthetic of these Vans Era skate shoes.
Vans Calf Hair Era
The Vans Calf Hair Era dropped in August 2018 as part of the Vans Calf Hair Pack. It released alongside other popular Vans silhouettes such as the Vans SK8-Hi Reissue, Vans Slip-On, and Vans Half Cab. Indeed a one-of-a-kind Era rendition, the shoe flaunts an updated upper in a premium full-grain leather material with leopard print detailing calf hair. Other features of this skate kick include:
double-stitching details on the upper
Vans signature waffle outsole
classic lace-up closure with flat white laces
padded collar
Vans OC Satin Floral OG Era LX
Opening Ceremony, also known as OC, is an American streetwear brand and retailer. One of its collaboration with Vans in 2018 is the "Satin Floral" Collection, which includes the Vans Era sneakers and the Vans Style 93. In this collaboration, both shoes were transformed with a lux treatment.
The Vans OC Satin Floral OG Era LX is the resulting new Vans Era sneakers from this collaboration. It flaunts luxurious satin jacquard upper with floral patterns all-over and a black waffle rubber outsole. Each pair is exclusively available at Opening Ceremony for $95.
Other features of these Vans Era sneakers include:
reinforced metal eyelets
padded collar
signature Vans vulcanized waffle outsole
adjustable lace-up closure
Opening Ceremony x Vans Era LX Corduroy
Vans and Opening Ceremony made another exciting update to highly sought-after Vans Era LX silhouette. Called the Opening Ceremony x Vans Era LX Corduroy or simply Vans Corduroy OG Era Lx, the shoe flaunts a pastel-hued corduroy upper perfect for summer. Two pastel colorways are available, one in pink and another in blue, with each pair retailing for an affordable price of $90. Other features of these Vans Era sneakers include:
white midsole with matching stripe detailing
signature side logo in gold for a luxe look
reinforced metal eyelets
padded collar
signature Vans vulcanized waffle outsole
Vans Era Desert Embellish
Another extraordinary rendition of the classic Era silhouette is the Vans Era Desert Embellish. These Vans Era shoes release in May 2018 as part of the Vans “Desert Embellish” Pack along with two other iconic Vans shoes namely the Old Skool and the Slip-On. The Vans Era Desert Embellish dons a tan upper with tonal laces and cacti and sunset embroidered design accents. Other features include:
durable double-stitched canvas
tonal rounded rope laces
signature Vans vulcanized waffle outsole
padded collar and insoles
reinforced metal eyelets
rubberized artwork on the midsole
Vans Era 59 Bleacher “Black Gum”
The Vans Era 59 Bleacher "Black Gum" is one proof that you can really never go wrong with a classic pair of Era. This modern version features a subdued two-tone look that is nothing but versatile. Its double-stitched canvas upper dons a black color with hints of white on the laces, tongue, metal eyelets, and heel tab. The flexible rubber waffle outsole, on the other hand, comes black gum material. Signature Vans brandings on the sides, heel, and insoles complete the classic look of these Vans Era shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Vans Era skate shoes?
Vans Era, otherwise known as Style #95, is the second shoe produced by California-based company Vans. It was based on the classic Vans Authentic but improved further for skateboarding. Pro skaters
Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta helped design the shoe with features that are suitable for playing the sport.
The Vans Era is also known as the first signature skate shoe, and one of the most distinguished classic style from the brand along with the Authentic, the Old Skool, the Slip-On, and the SK8-Hi.
Where can I buy Vans Era?
Aside from Vans’ official stores, website, and other partner retailers, you can easily buy a pair of Vans Era shoes right here. Just use the search bar and type the specific Vans Era shoe that you’re looking for and you will automatically be redirected to a list of Vans Era sneakers we currently offer. Pricing, colors, sizes, and even user reviews and other relevant shoe information are all included as a guide to your sneaker shopping.
Are there any other ways to lace Vans Era shoes?
The classic look of Vans Era shoes is not complete without its lace-up closure. But there are other ways of lacing these legendary skate shoes to elevate their style further. Aside from the commonly used crisscross lacing, you can also do the bar-lacing technique. Just follow the steps below:
Hold the shoelace and insert each end through the bottom pair of eyelets to form a bar with the laces in an inward direction.
Keep the right shoelace on the right side of the shoe, and the left lace on the left side.
From there, start by working the right lace and insert it underneath through the second eyelet on the same side. Make sure to hide the inner lacing to achieve the look.
Cross the lace over to the other side and insert it downwards into the counterpart eyelet to form the second bar.
Use the lace emerging from step #4. Cross it back to the right side of the shoe and insert it downwards into the third eyelet to form your third bar. Each side of the shoe should have a corresponding lace.
Continue the pattern until you have three pairs of eyelets remaining. Get the lace on the left side and insert it downwards into the next eyelet of the opposite side. Then, do the same for the lace on the right side, but skip one eyelet. Cross each lace over to form two new bars.
Repeat the steps until all bars are complete.
How do I properly clean my pair of Vans Era skate kicks?
Since most Vans Era skate shoes are made of either canvas or suede, it is necessary that you use the right cleaning materials to avoid any form of damage to your shoes.
Those made of canvas upper can be cleaned by using a water and detergent or soap solution and a soft brush.
Gently brush the upper and avoid using bleach as it can cause discoloration.
The laces should be cleaned regularly and separately.
Insoles that are removable can be cleaned separately as well using a soft brush and water and soap solution. You can also use baking soda to eliminate foul odor.
Air dry after cleaning.
For suede Era shoes, you can use a specialty suede cleaner and a brush. Avoid getting them wet as it will damage the material.
For the soles, brushing with soap and water will do.
How to wear Vans Era shoes?
Vans Era, like most Vans sneakers, is a versatile skate shoe that can also be used casually off the board. It can be worn with lots of outfits and complements a variety of styles. Vans Era skate shoes have a low-top construction in a classic, straightforward lace-up design. Because of this, they match well even with a smart-casual outfit despite being more popularly worn with casual getups. Below are some outfit inspirations for the Vans Era shoes:
button-down collared shirt, a cap, and a pair of skinny jeans
layered sweater with a basic tee and denim jeans
plain white shirt paired with distressed jeans
plaid shirt and khaki pants
basic shirt and denim shorts
sweater or an oversized shirt with skinny black jeans
What is the difference between Vans Authentic and Vans Era skate shoes?
The primary difference between the Authentic and the Era is that the latter is more padded around the collar area for additional comfort, support, and protection needed when skateboarding. The Era also has extra padding in the heel and tongue. Its sole is much softer, and the overall profile is slimmer than the Authentic.
Vans is known for its “Off the Wall” slogan. What does it mean?
“Off the Wall” has been Vans’ slogan since the late 1960s when it launched its first-ever signature skateboarding shoe, the Vans Era. The famous statement originated back in the day when skateboarders trick "off the wall" of empty pools. Now, five decades on, Vans carries on with the slogan, until it becomes its essence and identity, and everything that Vans stand for.
How do Vans Era skate shoes fit?
Generally, Vans Era sneakers are true to size but fit slightly tighter than the Vans Authentic primarily because of the extra padding on the inside and collar. Trying a half size up the most often permits wearers a more comfortable fit, but it still varies from one shoe model to another.
Are Vans Era low-tops unisex?
Yes. Most Vans Era shoes are unisex models that are made in men's sizing. So for the ladies, an ideal size to get should be 1.5 sizes down their usual to get an approximate size equivalent. For example, a woman with a size 7 should get a pair of Vans unisex Era skate shoes in size 5 or 5.5.
What are some of the most expensive Vans Era sneakers?
One of the most expensive Vans Era sneakers is the Vans x Fear of God Era 95, which released in 2016. It was part of the Vans x Fear of God (FOG) 50th Anniversary festivities, and now carries a resale value of more or less $1150 a pair considering its highly limited release.
11 best Vans Era sneakers
Vans Primary Check Era
Vans Logo Mix Era
Vans Era Pro
Vans Era
Vans Era 59
Vans ComfyCush Era
Vans BMX Era
Vans Tie Dye Era
Vans OTW Rally Era
Vans Patchwork Era
Vans Color Block Era
Author
Danny McLoughlin
Danny is a sneakerhead turned sneaker industry expert that believes a good outfit begins from the feet up. His aunt currently isn't speaking to him for wearing a pair of kicks at his cousin's wedding. He spends most of his time trying to keep on top of the latest releases, hitting up his contacts and doing what needs to be done to secure his next pickup. Danny has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Washington Post, The Irish Times, Footwear News and the like.
daniel@runrepeat.com
This shoe has recently been added to RunRepeat. There are still not enough reviews for us to assign it a CoreScore.
CoreScore A score from 1 to 100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. The average CoreScore is 78.
More...
€70 €21 Save 70%
€80 €55 Save 31%
€78
€70 €35 Save 50%
€70 €44 Save 37%
€70 €53 Save 24%
€83
€70 €54 Save 23%
€89
