What are the three reasons why Vans’ classic high-cut sneakers “SK8-HI” are so popular?

The Vans SK8-HI (Skate Hi) is a high-cut sneaker for skateboarding. Commonly known as the “Hi-Top” or “Skate-Hi,” this model is counted as a Vans classic along with the Old Skool and Authentic. In this issue, we introduce the birth story and the secret of popularity of the Skate High, loved not only by skaters but also by people all over the world!

Vans, the sneaker brand that supports skaters around the world

Vans is a sneaker brand from the West Coast of the U.S. It was founded on March 16, 1966 in Southern California by founder Paul Van Doren with three partners. The brand name “Vans” comes from the meaning “Van and his friends.” In the beginning, it was a small shoe store that manufactured shoes on the premises and sold them directly there. Although the brand has now established itself as a brand for skaters, it started out not as skate shoes, but as a custom-ordered style with rubber soles as the selling point. The initial model, “#44,” was later named “Authentic,” and it still has fans all over the world as a representative model of Vans.

Find Vans sneakers

Originally, Vans manufactured sneakers for surfers on the West Coast of the U.S., who liked to wear deck shoes that were easy to take off and put on. skaters. In 1976, the ” Era,” based on the authentic, was born. Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, two charismatic skaters at the time, were wearing the Authentic with a reinforced cotton padded cuff. The now-familiar catchphrase ” OFF THE WALL ” was also born in the same year.Then came the Old Skooland Classic Slip-On in 1977, and the SK8-HI in 1978, which are still popular representative models in 2020.

[ Related article ] Introducing the history and classic models of “Vans,” the king of sneakers.

The history and classic models of "Vans," the king of sneakers

Vans has established its name as an icon of subcultures, including surfing, skateboarding, and other side-riding action...