Vans

Rooted in Southern California skateboarding, Vans makes footwear centred on a handful of classic silhouettes: the Old Skool with its side stripe, the Sk8-Hi high-top, the Authentic, the Era and the checkerboard Slip-On. Most use a vulcanised construction and the brand's waffle-pattern rubber outsole for board grip. For riders, the Vans Skate line adds reinforced uppers and upgraded cushioning, while lifestyle versions come in many colours, prints and collaborations. Vans is owned by VF Corporation and sold through its own stores, online and through skate shops and general footwear retailers. It suits shoppers who want casual, low-profile sneakers or dedicated skate shoes. Standard lifestyle models provide limited cushioning, so buyers who stand or walk for long periods may prefer the more padded variants. Sizing is generally true to size, though width and fit differ between silhouettes.