If you’re not Nike or Adidas, you’re probably Vans. One of the most popular brands today, Vans, is the default sneaker for skaters and the alternative scene. While the Vans classic silhouettes are truly timeless, Vans has gone down the road that many shoe brands are experimenting with.
That road, of course, is height enhancing sneakers or platform shoes. Vans have five silhouettes that they’ve placed their platforms on.
- Old Skool Platform (Stackform) Shoes
- Classic Slip-On Vans Stackform Shoe
- Sk8-Hi Tapered Stackform Suede Canvas Shoe
- Knu Stack Shoe
- Authentic Stackform Shoe
Let’s start with…
How The Vans Platform Is Made
Shoe brands from New Balance to Puma, all have their own ways of how they design their platform soles. Vans’ method is very similar to how Adidas makes the soles for their platform trainers.
The Vans shoes platform sole is made entirely of rubber, which makes the Vans heavier. They create the platforms by extending the rubber columns in the outsole. They have the smallest sheet of foam on the heel and a thin, lasting board to keep the feet from pressing too hard against the columns.
While so much rubber makes the platform sneakers heavier, it also gives the shoe a decent amount of durability, which is very important for skate shoes. This would be the perfect design if Vans would choose to add just a bit more foam in between the insole and the columned outsole, as Converse did.
All Vans platforms provide 1.3” of height to the wearer, regardless of the silhouette. This means that the only difference between any of the Vans remains the upper’s design. Previous companies we’ve spoken about have only done platforms women can wear or have height boosting shoes that specifically cater to men. Vans shoes come in both men’s and women’s sizes, making their products even more accessible. You can view their wide selection on their online shop.
Old Skool Platform (Stackform) Shoes
The Old Skool Stackform updates the classic Sidestripe design with a chunkier platform look. This platform shoe updates a beloved classic with its worn fabrics and oversized sidewall that doubles the height.
The Old Skool platform shoe comes in various colourways. Most notably, aside from the original black and white Old Skool, Vans offers a floral upper and a vintage indigo upper for a more unique vibe. Of course, the platform Old Skool trainers come as both low-tops and mid-tops, giving the buyer even more options to choose from.
Classic Slip-On Vans Stackform Shoe
The Vans slip on silhouettes are classics. The checkered black and white colourway is a timeless piece of footwear that has brought many people into the Vans family. Of course, the uppers come in various colours. The slip on shoes are also the most common Vans custom shoes, with hundreds of artists on Etsy making their own colourways.
Considering the heaviness of the sole, this is a particularly good choice for a platform shoe. The tiny uppers give no additional weight to the shoe, which will make them easier to walk in than perhaps a mid-top or heavier upper.
Sk8-Hi Tapered Stackform Suede Canvas Shoe
The classic Sk8-Hi shoes could take the lead in explaining why Vans are still regarded as great sneakers today. Nothing is more immortalising than a celebrity to promote a product, particularly one that is this excellent.
The Vans Sk8-Hi platform trainer may be the most discreet of all the Vans platforms. Maybe this is because of the high-top upper, which manages the proportions of the shoe better. On the other hand, they are also the heaviest of all the Vans platforms because of the high-top upper.
Knu Stack Shoe
Definitely one of the most distinct silhouettes Vans has, platform or not. Like the Ski-Hi, the Knu Stack shoe manages its proportions very well. The bulky upper and chunky laces take some notice away from the platform sole, especially with the black colourway. These are especially popular among Vans women but still have men’s sizes.
This eye-catching shoe features a puffed-up tongue, a 3D-molded Sidestripe, and double the height. Its dramatic style accents combine a throwback classic with the daring trends of today.
Authentic Stackform Shoe
Being a take on the original Vans shoe, the Authentic Stackform is the most down-to-earth platformed silhouette. It’s hard to grasp just how iconic the Vans originals are. Some people even swap out the Oxfords for these on their wedding day, which is a feat only Air Force 1 and Jordan have accomplished in the mainstream.
Now, with the added height, skaters and grooms alike can stand confident among their peers and still rock the classic Vans look.
You can shop for any of these Vans platform sneakers on the official Vans site online store. All of these Vans shoes are extremely affordable and would make a fantastic addition to anyone’s wardrobe. Aside from shoes, their online shop also sells clothing, bags, and skateboarding accessories. Aside from platforms, Vans also has MTE shoes and boots for sale on their online shop, perfect for outdoor activities. Some boots like the Slip-On Snow Boot Vansguard Boot have a very tick gum sole which may also add some extra height, but they are not labeled as a platform shoe.
Aside from the online store, Vans has thousands of physical locations worldwide. There’s usually at least one Vans shop in every city in the UK. These are some of the easiest shoes to find. Still, it may be easier to find a discount when you shop online. We can’t recommend Vans enough; their clothing, boots, shoes and bags are high performance items and are made with love. They even have plenty of select items for kids, meaning everyone is welcome.
