How does the Authentic compare with the Vans Era?

The Era is the Authentic with a padded collar and slightly more structure. The Authentic is lighter and closer to the original 1966 design.

Do Vans Authentic run true to size?

Most buyers say yes. The canvas upper is snug at first and stretches slightly with wear, so those between sizes often size up.

Are they good for skateboarding?

Yes for board feel. The waffle outsole grips well, but the thin sole and canvas upper wear faster than Vans' dedicated skate models.

Spot cleaning with mild soap and a brush is safest. Machine washing can shrink the canvas and loosen the glue on the vulcanized sole.

Do they have arch support?

Very little. The footbed is flat, so people with high arches or long days on hard floors often add an insole.

One pair of shoes with laces. No extra insoles or care products are included.

Where is the Vans Authentic Sneakers cheapest?

At 6pm.com, for $22.00, 39% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Vans Authentic Sneakers?

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 10,000 ratings. Buyers like: Can't go wrong with a pair of Vans; Great for everyday casual footwear; Shoes arrived fresh and clean. Common complaints: One pair arrived with mismatched shoelace lengths.

Where can I buy the Vans Authentic Sneakers?

12 stores we checked sell it, including 6pm.com, Vans, Tactics, Macy's, JD Sports.

Vans Authentic Sneakers Price History: $22.00 at 6pm.com

What reviewers say

4.7 / 510,000 ratings

Buyers rate the Authentic very highly, calling it a reliable everyday casual shoe that fits true to size and holds up with wear. Complaints are few and mostly about small quality slips rather than the design.

What people mention

ComfortPraisedOwners call them comfortable for everyday casual wear and say they stay comfortable through long days.
FitPraisedBuyers report the sizing is accurate and the shoe fits as expected.
DurabilityPraisedOwners say the shoes hold up and stay in good shape with regular wear.
Build qualityMixedMost pairs arrive clean and well made, but some buyers report slips such as mismatched shoelace lengths.
CushioningCriticisedThe flat, thin sole gives little padding or arch support compared with cushioned sneakers.

From Tactics

Original Vans style, longest-running in the lineup since '66
Simple low-top, lace-up profile
Vulcanized build for the original look and feel
Light, flexible and breaks in quickly
Original waffle outsole with twice-as-thick soles for durability and board feel
Rubber sidewall with classic foxing stripe

Sizes: 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13
Materials: Canvas upper
Fit: Unpadded, low-profile cuff for a minimalist fit
Sizing: One reviewer said "perfect size"
Returns: Sale products priced in red are final sale: no returns, refunds, or exchanges

About the Vans Authentic Sneakers

The Vans Authentic is a simple low-top, lace-up sneaker. It is the longest-running style in the Vans lineup, dating back to 1966, and keeps the original Vans look.

The upper is canvas, and the shoe has a vulcanized build. It has a rubber sidewall with a classic foxing stripe. The original waffle outsole has soles twice as thick for durability and board feel.

The cuff is unpadded and low-profile for a minimalist fit. The shoe is light and flexible, and it breaks in quickly.