The History of the Vans Authentic
The Vans Authentic was the shoe that stated it all for Vans. The first product ever produced by the company, the Authentic was originally called the #44 Deck Shoe, and it was released on March 16, 1966, the same day the brand opened its first store in Anaheim, California.
Known as the Van Doren Rubber Company at the time, Vans was unique for manufacturing the shoe on-site and selling them directly to the customer, cutting out the middleman.
The sneaker featured a simple low-top canvas with a thick, vulcanised rubber sole, with a signature waffle sole giving it incredible grip. This made it especially appeal to California’s surfers and skateboarders, who valued its durability and boardfeel as well as its grip.
As the brand gained momentum in the 70s and 80s, the sneaker was renamed to the ‘Authentic’ and became one of Vans’ core offerings, its minimalist design and all-day comfort making it a favourite for collaborations.
Today, the Authentic remains largely unchanged from 1966, though advanced technology like UltraCush insoles have been added. Its versatility, legacy, and timeless design means that it’s still a common sight in skateparks and subcultures.
Vans Authentic: Answering Your Questions
Are Vans Authentic comfortable?
The Vans Authentic is a flexible, lightweight sneaker with a breathable canvas upper, comfortable for casual wear. It lacks arch support and cushioning, so it may not be suitable for extended periods of walking or other activities.
Are Vans Authentic vegan?
Most versions of the Vans Authentic are vegan, with a canvas upper and rubbers soles, however it’s best to check the product description carefully as not all vegan models are labelled clearly.
Are Vans Authentic unisex?
The Vans Authentic is a unisex sneaker, available in both men’s and women’s sizing.
Do Vans Authentic stretch?
The canvas upper of the Vans Authentic will only stretch slightly, so make sure they don’t fit too tightly when trying them on.
Do Vans Authentic fit true to size?
The Vans Authentic fits true to size for most people, but consider sizing up half a size if you have wide feet.
What’s the difference between the Vans Authentic and Era?
Although the Vans Authentic and Vans Era are very similar models, there differ in target group and craftsmanship. The Authentic is considered a casual lifestyle shoe, while the Era is a dedicated skate shoe with extra padding around the ankle and more durable materials.
Are Vans Authentic good for skating?
Vans Authentic can be used for skating, with a grippy waffle sole and flexible construction, but other Vans models including the Era, Old Skool Pro, and Sk8-Hi offer better reinforcement, insoles and padding.
How do I tie my Vans Authentic laces?
For guidance on tying your Authentic laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How can I clean my Vans Authentic?
A Vans Authentic is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can you buy Vans Authentic?
Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the Vans Authentic at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Authentic restocks and new releases!
Notable Vans Authentic Collaborations
Vans Authentic x WTAPS
Japanese brand WTAPS have collaborated with Vans many times on multiple silhouettes, overhauling them with a utilitarian design and classic olive, black, grey and beige tones.
Using materials like heavy canvas, suede, and custom embroidery, the collaborations favour monochrome aesthetics and give Vans’ skate models a more tactical and fashion-forward approach.
Vans Authentic x Fear of God
Fear of God, of designer Jerry Lorenzo, took on the Vans Authentic in a number of collaborations that blended luxury with casualwear. Using Lorenzo’s typical neutral colour palette of cream, black, taupe and off-white, the models used various combinations of suede, leather and canvas for a luxe look.
Their minimal, logo-heavy aesthetic made then a go-to for fashion-conscious consumers who still wanted everyday wearability.
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