How does the Authentic fit compared with the Era or Old Skool?

The Authentic is the slimmest and flattest of the three, with no padding at the collar. Size up if you have wide feet or wear thick socks.

Does it have arch support?

No. The footbed is flat with light cushioning, so add an insole if you need arch support.

Can you skate in the Vans Authentic?

Yes, but the canvas and laces wear faster than on Vans' skate-specific models. Expect to replace them sooner with regular skating.

One pair of sneakers with the laces already fitted. No extra laces or insoles are included.

Is the Vans Authentic a good buy?

Yes for a simple, flat canvas sneaker that goes with most outfits. Skip it if you need arch support or a shoe for cold, wet weather.

Are these shoes true to size?

Most owners find the medium-width unisex sizing true to size. Those with wide feet or thick socks may want to size up.

What do buyers say about the Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 5 ratings.

Where can I buy the Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape?

2 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Amazon.

Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape

Best price now

CA$59.99at AmazonChecked 3 h ago

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Amazon

Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape

Best price now

CA$59.99at AmazonChecked 3 h ago

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Amazon

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It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Lowest price today: CA$59.99 at Amazon (checked Nov 10, 2026).
Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape

The Vans Authentic is the original Vans low-top: a canvas lace-up on a vulcanized rubber waffle sole, here in the Black Sidewall Gothic Grape colorway. It is a flat, unstructured shoe with contrast stitching and a leather lining, weighing about 10.4 ounces. It suits casual everyday wear and skate-style outfits, and it is simpler and flatter than padded Vans models like the Old Skool. Owners call it a durable, comfortable canvas shoe, though they warn about the flat sole and quick wear on the canvas and laces with hard use.

Best forEveryday casual wearSkate-style and streetwear outfitsWarm-weather wearShoppers who want a simple canvas sneaker

Pros

Classic low-top silhouette that pairs with almost anything
Vulcanized rubber waffle outsole grips well on pavement
Breathable canvas upper with contrast stitching
Leather lining and cushioned footbed add comfort
Unisex sizing and medium width

Cons

Flat sole with little arch support
Canvas and thin sole offer minimal protection in cold or wet weather
Laces and canvas can wear through with heavy skating
No half sizes in some colorways

Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape prices at every store

AmazonNew
Availability unknown
CA$59.99Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
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eBayNew
Availability unknownReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
CA$118.58+ CA$28.22 shippingChecked 3 h ago
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Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape price history

Lowest price we've seen: CA$59.99 on Nov 10 at Amazon. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

Owners of the Vans Authentic generally describe it as a durable, comfortable everyday canvas shoe that looks good with everything. Common complaints are the flat, unsupportive sole and quick wear on the canvas and laces with hard use.

What people mention

ComfortPraisedOwners say the cushioned footbed and leather lining make them comfortable for long days on foot.
Arch supportCriticisedReviewers note the flat sole gives little arch support, which bothers people with high arches.
BuildMixedThe canvas and rubber sole hold up for casual wear, but skaters report the canvas and laces wearing through.
FitPraisedBuyers find the medium-width unisex sizing true to size.
StylePraisedThe low-top silhouette and contrast stitching are called easy to match with most outfits.

Specifications

Width: Width Medium
Department: Unisex
Material: Canvas, Genuine Leather, Rubber
Fashion Sneaker: Yes
Closure Style: Lace-up
Style: Casual
Season: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall

Questions and answers

How does the Authentic fit compared with the Era or Old Skool?: The Authentic is the slimmest and flattest of the three, with no padding at the collar. Size up if you have wide feet or wear thick socks.
Does it have arch support?: No. The footbed is flat with light cushioning, so add an insole if you need arch support.
Can you skate in the Vans Authentic?: Yes, but the canvas and laces wear faster than on Vans' skate-specific models. Expect to replace them sooner with regular skating.
What is in the box?: One pair of sneakers with the laces already fitted. No extra laces or insoles are included.
Is the Vans Authentic a good buy?: Yes for a simple, flat canvas sneaker that goes with most outfits. Skip it if you need arch support or a shoe for cold, wet weather.
Are these shoes true to size?: Most owners find the medium-width unisex sizing true to size. Those with wide feet or thick socks may want to size up.
Where is the Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape cheapest?: At Amazon, for CA$59.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 5 ratings.
Where can I buy the Vans Authentic Black Sidewall Gothic Grape?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Amazon.