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Vans Old Skool vs New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

Buy the Vans Old Skool if you want the cheaper classic and a flat, board-feel skate shoe. Buy the New Balance 574 if you want more cushioning and a wider fit for all-day walking. The Vans is $52.32 at eBay as of November 6, 2026, against $73.99 at Amazon for the 574, so the Vans saves about $22 at current best prices.

Today the Vans Old Skool costs $21.67 less at its best price.

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Vans
Vans Unisex Old Skool Canvas Sneaker

Vans Old Skool

Vans Unisex Old Skool Canvas Sneaker

4.6(1,985 ratings)
$52.32at eBayVerified
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Choose the Vans Old Skool if you want a low-profile canvas-and-suede skate shoe with a grippy waffle outsole at the lower price.

Pros
  • Lowest current price of the two at $52.32.
  • Higher rating, 4.6 versus 4.3.
  • Durable canvas and suede upper with a grippy waffle outsole.
  • Classic silhouette that works with almost anything.
  • Has dipped to $37.50 in the past week, so deals appear.
Cons
  • Flat sole with little cushioning for long walks.
  • Narrow fit can pinch wider feet.
  • Canvas takes on water and dirt easily.
  • No arch support out of the box.
New Balance
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

4.3(2,108 ratings)
$73.99at AmazonObserved at 11:58 AM
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Choose the New Balance 574 if you want a cushioned, wider-fitting everyday sneaker for long days on your feet.

Pros
  • Foam midsole gives noticeably more cushioning.
  • Wider last suits broader feet and long days standing.
  • More stores stock it, so size and color options are easier to find.
  • Suede and mesh build breathes better than all-canvas.
  • Holds up well as a walking and light-trail shoe.
Cons
  • Costs about $22 more at current best prices.
  • Lower rating, 4.3 versus 4.6.
  • Runs large for some, so sizing takes a guess.
  • Heavier and bulkier than the Old Skool.

What separates them

Vans Old SkoolNew Balance 574 Core Sneakers
Best new price$52.32 at eBay as of November 6, 2026$73.99 at Amazon as of November 6, 2026
Stores pricing it new3 stores5 stores
UpperCanvas and suede with the signature side stripeSuede and mesh panels in a running-style build
Sole and cushioningFlat vulcanized rubber waffle outsole, no midsole cushioningENCAP-style foam midsole with a rubber outsole
Fit and lastNarrow, flat profile; runs true to sizeWider last; many wearers size down half a size
Intended useSkateboarding and casual wearHybrid road/trail walking and everyday wear
Ratings4.6 out of 5 from 1,985 ratings4.3 out of 5 from 2,108 ratings
Price range since early November$37.50 to $75.00$49.97 to $73.99

Price history

$75.00$37.50
Nov 2Nov 6
  • Vans Old Skool: lowest $37.50 on Nov 2 at Zappos.com; $75.00 on Nov 6.
  • New Balance 574 Core Sneakers: lowest $49.97 on Nov 4 at Zappos.com; $73.99 on Nov 6.

Prices at every store

Vans Old Skool

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Jorkar Trading IncReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $50.00+ $8.95 shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by cryptographic (100% positive, 5,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $34.77Free shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by volcan_zapatos (99.9% positive, 8,400 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $52.32Free shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $75.00Free shippingObserved at 11:58 AM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Zappos.comCheck price at Zappos.com
All 3 stores and price history →

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by The Spot ChicagoReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $85.45Free shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • MercariNew

    In stock

    $99.00Observed at 11:58 AM
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $73.99Free shippingObserved at 11:58 AM
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by qnmt-trading (99.5% positive, 9,700 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $82.95Free shippingVerified
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Backcountry.comCheck price at Backcountry.com
  • Macy'sCheck price at Macy's
All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecVans Old SkoolNew Balance 574 Core Sneakers
shoe_sizeMen's 5.5 / Women's 78
colorBlackGray
size7 B(M) US Women / 5.5 D(M) US Men8
actual_colorBlack,White—
shoe_categoryMen's Shoes—
occasionCasual Shoes—
heel_height0 in—
clothing_sizeUS 11.5—
sport_typeCasual Shoes—

What reviewers say

Vans Old Skool

  • 4.6 / 51,985 ratings

Owners rate the Old Skool highly, with 4.6 out of 5 from 1,985 ratings. Most praise the classic look and durability, while some note the stiff, thin sole and a narrow fit.

Pros
  • Timeless look that pairs with most outfits
  • Durable canvas and suede build
  • Good grip from the waffle outsole
  • True-to-size fit for most buyers
Cons
  • Thin sole with little cushioning
  • Stiff out of the box until broken in
  • Narrow fit for wide feet
  • Suede scuffs and needs care

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

  • 4.3 / 52,108 ratings

With 4.3 out of 5 from 2,108 ratings, the 574 Core is generally well liked as a comfortable, durable everyday sneaker. Owners tend to praise the fit and classic look and to note that it runs a bit heavy and stiff at first.

Pros
  • Comfortable for all-day walking
  • True-to-size fit, especially in wide sizes
  • Sturdy build that lasts
  • Timeless gray colorway
Cons
  • Feels stiff out of the box
  • Heavier than expected
  • Less breathable in warm weather

Questions and answers

Which is better for standing all day?
The New Balance 574. Its foam midsole cushions the foot, while the Old Skool has a flat vulcanized sole with almost no padding underfoot.
Which lasts longer?
Both hold up well. The 574's suede and mesh upper and rubber outsole tend to wear longer under daily walking, while the Old Skool's canvas can scuff and stain faster.
Is the 574 worth the extra money?
At $73.99 versus $52.32, you pay about $22 more for cushioning and a wider fit. If you walk or stand a lot, that is worth it. If you want a skate shoe or the lower price, it is not.
Which fits wider feet better?
The 574. It is built on a wider last, and many wearers go down half a size. The Old Skool runs narrow and true to size.
Which is better for skateboarding?
The Old Skool. Its waffle outsole grips the board and the suede overlays resist wear from griptape. The 574 is a walking shoe, not a skate shoe.
Do prices on these drop often?
The Old Skool fell to $37.50 on November 2, 2026, before returning to $75.00 on November 6. The 574 hit $49.97 on November 4. Both move, so it pays to watch the price history.

More comparisons

  • Vans Unisex Old Skool Canvas Sneaker vs adidas Samba OG
  • adidas Samba OG vs New Balance 574 Core Sneakers