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Deal.ai › Compare

Vans Old Skool Plaid Sneakers vs Nike Air Max 90 Plaid

The Nike Air Max 90 is the better all-around sneaker: visible Air cushioning, a layered mesh and suede upper and a wide fit make it more comfortable for long days and more breathable in warm weather. The Vans Old Skool is the tougher, simpler shoe, with a pig suede body, reinforced toe caps and the waffle outsole that skaters trust. Reviewers and owners of both praise durability, but the Air Max 90 draws more complaints about its bulk and the Vans about its flat, firm ride. Pick the Vans for skate use and clean low-profile looks; pick the Nike for cushioning and everyday comfort.

  • Choose the Vans Old Skool if you want a flat, grippy skate shoe with a durable suede upper and a low-profile look.
  • Choose the Nike Air Max 90 if you want visible Air cushioning, a breathable layered upper and a wider fit for long days on your feet.

Prices

  • Vans Old Skool Plaid Sneakers: $75.00 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Nike Air Max 90 Plaid: $99.00 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Vans Old Skool Plaid Sneakers is $24.00 cheaper than the Nike Air Max 90 Plaid today
Vans
Vans Old Skool Plaid Sneakers

Vans Old Skool Plaid Sneakers

$75.00at AmazonChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Pig suede upper with a plaid lining adds texture
  • Reinforced toe caps resist wear
  • Waffle outsole grips well on and off a board
  • Low-profile shape works with most casual outfits
Cons
  • Firm, flat ride with little cushioning
  • Suede upper gets hot in summer
  • Limited colorway in this plaid version
Nike
Nike Air Max 90 Plaid Sneakers

Nike Air Max 90 Plaid

Nike Air Max 90 Plaid Sneakers

$99.00at AmazonChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Visible Air heel unit softens impact
  • Mesh panels keep feet cooler
  • Wide fit suits broader feet
  • Layered upper gives a richer retro look
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier than the Vans
  • Less board feel for skating
  • Mesh and nubuck show scuffs and creases

What separates them

Vans Old Skool Plaid SneakersNike Air Max 90 Plaid
CushioningFlat vulcanized sole with a thin insole; firm underfootFoam midsole with a visible Air unit in the heel
UpperPig suede with leather sidestripe and plaid textile liningMesh, nubuck, suede and leather layers; plaid accents
BreathabilitySuede upper traps heat; no mesh panelsMesh panels move air; listed as breathable
Board feel and gripWaffle rubber outsole gives strong grip and road feel for skatingRubber outsole is grippier than average but thicker, with less board feel
DurabilityReinforced toe caps and padded collar hold up to abuseLayered upper wears well but mesh can scuff and crease
Fit and widthRuns true to size, medium width, padded collarListed as wide fit; bulkier profile
Weight and bulkLighter, lower to the groundHeavier and taller due to the Air midsole
Style rangeLow-top classic that suits casual and skate wearChunkier retro runner that stands out more

Price history

$109.57$75.00
Nov 5Nov 12
  • Vans Old Skool Plaid Sneakers: lowest $75.00 on Nov 12 at Amazon.
  • Nike Air Max 90 Plaid: lowest $99.00 on Nov 12 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Vans Old Skool Plaid Sneakers

  • Tyler'sNew

    In stock

    $80.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Tyler's
  • VansNew

    In stock

    $105.00+ $8.00 shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Vans
  • Oneness BoutiqueNew

    In stock

    $100.00+ $15.70 shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Oneness Boutique
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $75.00Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 10 stores and price history →

Nike Air Max 90 Plaid

  • Finish LineNew

    In stock

    $115.00Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Finish Line
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $99.00Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • MODA3New

    Availability unknown

    $100.00Checked 3 h ago
    Visit MODA3
  • GOATNew

    Availability unknown

    $127.00Checked 3 h ago
    Visit GOAT

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 16 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecVans Old Skool Plaid SneakersNike Air Max 90 Plaid
colorPlaid ScarabYellow, Black, White, Multicolor
Shoe ClosureLace-Up—
Clothing OccasionCasual—
Shoe CategoryMen's Shoes—
Insole MaterialBest Quality Material—
Shoe Size12—
Size (US)—11, 12, 6.5, 5.5, 9.5, 10.5, 8.5, 8, 9, 11.5, 7…
Series—Nike Air Max 90
Fastening—Laced
Outsole—Rubber
Age Group—Adult
Gender—Female
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecVans Old Skool Plaid SneakersNike Air Max 90 Plaid
Upper Material—Mesh, Nubuck, Suede, Leather
Width—Wide
Midsole—Foam
Department—Men's
Material—Canvas, Genuine Leather, Mesh, Rubber
Fashion Sneaker—Yes
Closure Style—Lace-up
Style—Casual
Type—Sneakers
Breathable—Yes

What reviewers say

Vans Old Skool Plaid Sneakers

Old Skool owners generally rate the shoe for durability and timeless looks, and suede versions draw praise for texture. Common complaints are a stiff, flat sole and sizing that runs long.

What people mention
  • Build qualityPraisedOwners say the reinforced toe and stitched upper hold up over months of wear.
  • ComfortMixedFine for short days, but the flat footbed draws complaints on long walks.
  • SizingCriticisedMany buyers say the Old Skool runs long and recommend sizing down half a size.
  • Suede careCriticisedThe pig suede marks and stains more than canvas and needs protection spray.

Nike Air Max 90 Plaid

Owners of Air Max 90s generally praise the cushioned ride, durable build and retro look. Plaid versions draw comments for standing out, though some find the busy pattern harder to style.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners say the Air heel unit and foam midsole make them comfortable for all-day walking.
  • BuildPraisedThe layered suede, nubuck and leather upper is described as durable and well made.
  • FitMixedSome wearers find the Air Max 90 narrow and size up, while others say it fits true.
  • StyleMixedThe plaid pattern is called eye-catching by some and hard to pair with outfits by others.

Questions and answers

Which is better for skateboarding?
The Vans Old Skool. Its waffle outsole gives better grip and board feel, and the reinforced toe caps take more abuse. The Air Max 90 is a lifestyle shoe with a thicker sole.
Which is more comfortable for all-day wear?
The Nike Air Max 90. The Air unit and foam midsole absorb impact better, and the mesh upper breathes. The Vans is flatter and firmer underfoot.
Which lasts longer?
Both hold up well. The Vans suede and toe caps resist scuffs and wear from skating. The Air Max 90's mesh can crease and scuff, though its sole is durable.
Do they fit the same?
No. The Vans Old Skool runs true to size in a medium width. The Air Max 90 is listed as a wide fit and feels roomier and bulkier, so some shoppers size down.
Is the Air Max 90 worth stepping up to over the Vans?
If cushioning and breathability matter more than board feel, yes. If you skate or want a simple, low-profile shoe, the Vans is the better fit.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best plaid sneakers for everyday wear
Support Type—Stability
Outsole Material—Rubber Outsole