If you were alive in the mid-1980s, you may remember the iconic designs of Vans shoes. Whether you owned a pair yourself or just admired them from afar, Vans shoes were a staple of the decade. But what exactly did Vans shoes look like in 1986? In this article, we’ll take a look back at the classic designs of Vans shoes from 1986 and explore why they remain so popular today.
In 1986, Vans shoes featured a low-top, lace-up design. They had the signature “jazz stripe” on the side, as well as canvas and suede uppers, a signature “waffle” sole, and padded collars. They were available in a variety of colors and prints.
Vans Shoes in 1986
Vans shoes have been around since 1966, when brothers Paul and James Van Doren opened the first store in California. The shoes were a hit with skateboarders and surfers, who appreciated their durability and comfort. By 1986, Vans had grown to become a major footwear brand and their iconic styles were beloved by all.
The Classic Slip-On
The Classic Slip-On was one of the first styles Vans released in the early years and it was an immediate hit. The Slip-On featured a low profile, vulcanized sole, and canvas upper with a checkerboard design. It was the perfect shoe for skateboarding, and it was quickly adopted by all types of athletes.
The Authentic
The Authentic was another classic style released in the late 1970s. The Authentic featured the same vulcanized sole and canvas upper as the Slip-On, but it also had reinforced stitching around the toe and heel. This made the shoe even more durable and long-lasting, and it was a favorite among skateboarders and surfers.
The Era
The Era was introduced in 1986 and it quickly became one of Vans’ most popular styles. The Era featured a padded collar and tongue, as well as a thicker sole than the Slip-On and Authentic. It was the perfect shoe for all types of activities, and it became an instant classic.
The Sk8-Hi
The Sk8-Hi was introduced in 1978, and it was the first Vans shoe to feature a high-top design. The Sk8-Hi featured a thick canvas upper, reinforced stitching, and a vulcanized sole. It was perfect for skateboarders and was quickly adopted by all types of athletes.
The Old Skool
The Old Skool was introduced in 1977 and it quickly became one of Vans’ most iconic styles. The Old Skool featured a canvas upper, reinforced stitching, and a vulcanized sole. It was the perfect shoe for skateboarding, and it was beloved by all types of athletes.
Vans shoes in 1986 were the perfect combination of style and function. They were beloved by skateboarders, surfers, and all types of athletes. The Classic Slip-On, Authentic, Era, Sk8-Hi, and Old Skool were all popular styles that year, and they remain popular today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was the Original Vans Shoe?
The original Vans shoe was the Vans Authentic, which was released in 1966 as the first style of the brand. It was a canvas lace up sneaker with a vulcanized rubber sole. The Authentic was a low-profile sneaker with metal eyelets, and featured the iconic “Off The Wall” logo on the heel.
What Special Features Did Vans Shoes Have in 1986?
In 1986, Vans released a range of special features and design elements that set their shoes apart from other sneaker brands. These included double-stitched uppers, padded collars, and the signature waffle sole. They also released the first Vans Half Cab in 1986, which was a mid-top shoe with a suede upper and rubber sole.
What Colorways Did Vans Shoes Come in During the 1980s?
During the 1980s, Vans shoes came in a range of colorways. These included classic colors such as black, white, navy blue, and red, as well as brighter colors such as pink, yellow, and green. They also released special edition colorways that featured unique designs and patterns.
What Special Collaborations Did Vans Have in 1986?
In 1986, Vans collaborated with the punk rock band the Dead Kennedys to create a special edition “DK” shoe. This was a black and white checkerboard style shoe that featured the band’s logo on the heel. Vans also collaborated with the skateboard company Santa Cruz to create the Santa Cruz x Vans Half Cab, which was released in 1986.
What Distinctive Features Did Vans Shoes Have in 1986?
Vans shoes in 1986 featured some distinctive features that helped make them stand out from other sneaker brands. These included the iconic “Off The Wall” logo on the heel, the double-stitched uppers, and the signature waffle sole. They also featured a low-profile design, metal eyelets, and a padded collar for extra comfort.
How Did Vans Shoes Change Over Time?
Since their release in 1966, Vans shoes have evolved and changed over time. They have released new styles, colorways, and collaborations, and have also implemented new technology into their shoes. For example, in recent years they have released shoes with UltraCush technology, which is designed to provide extra cushioning and support.
To conclude, Vans shoes in 1986 were a popular and timeless fashion accessory for the youth of the time. They had a unique style that set them apart from other shoe brands. The shoes featured a canvas upper with a vulcanized rubber sole and iconic “Off The Wall” logo. Vans shoes have a long history of being popular and have been adapted to fit the changing trends and styles over time. Even after over 30 years, Vans shoes are still a popular choice for those looking for comfort and style.
