Vans, a legendary name in the world of skateboarding, is celebrating a remarkable milestone. Fifty years ago, they introduced the Era, a shoe that revolutionized the sport and set a new standard for skate footwear. But here's where it gets controversial... some argue that the Authentic, an older model, was the true pioneer. So, let's dive into this debate and explore how Vans is retooling its iconic shoe for a new generation of skaters.
The Era, born in 1976, was specifically designed for skateboarding, making it the world's first shoe tailored to the sport. And now, to mark its 50th anniversary, Vans is giving it a modern makeover. The Vans Skate Era WaffleCup retains its classic shape but packs a punch with contemporary upgrades. It features the brand's WaffleCup vulcanized cupsole, designed to withstand high-impact moves, and is reinforced with PopCush foam and a grippy SickStick rubber outsole. The upper, crafted from suede and nylon, pays homage to the Era's original design, but with added durability.
Three colorways are launching with the Skate Era WaffleCup: a sleek black and white, a rugged black and brown, and a tonal blue, white, and gum combination. Alongside this robust update, the Skate Era itself receives subtle enhancements. It incorporates DuraCap and SickStick technologies, along with a PopCush insole, while staying true to its iconic silhouette. One of the four colorways, a vibrant red, blue, and white combo, is an original from 1976 and is featured in Vans' campaign with Tony Alva.
Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, members of the legendary Z-Boys, collaborated with Vans to design the Era. They were at the forefront of skateboarding's first wave of popularity and understood the need for a shoe that could keep up with the sport's demands. Interestingly, Vans had been making the Authentic as a deck shoe, and its sole design, originally intended for gripping boat surfaces, turned out to be perfect for skateboards before grip tape became standard.
Both the Vans Skate Era WaffleCup and the Skate Era are available now on Vans' website. The WaffleCup retails for $75, while the Skate Era is priced at $65.
So, is the Era truly the world's first skateboarding shoe, or does the Authentic deserve that title? And how do these updated models measure up to the originals? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this iconic brand's legacy and its future innovations.
